Balloon sleeve t-shirt for babies – NUAGE MINI

Level: intermediate

The sleeves are gathered at the head and bicep in order to get this balloon shape. This pattern is made to be sewn with an overlocker but it can also be sewn with only a usual sewing machine. Knowing how to use a double needle is a plus. Find my top tips on how to sew knit fabrics at: www.camimade.com/tips-to-sew-knits.

A glossary is available on the website at www.camimade.com/glossary. 

Measurements table (cm inches)

Finished garment measurements (cm inches)

*Length at the centre front between the neckline and the hem

Model measurements

Chest 47cm (18 1/2″)  – 79cm tall (2’7″). I made all the samples in size 18months.

Suggested fabrics (m yards)

Light to medium weight stretch knit fabrics like cotton jersey, with 40-50% elasticity (10cm of fabric goes up to 14-15cm when stretched). Prefer a fabric with a good recovery rate (that recovers its initial shape after being stretched).

• for a 150cm / 60″ wide fabric: 50cm / 1/2 yd (all sizes)
• for a 115cm / 45″ wide fabric: 50cm / 1/2 yd (3 to 9months) or 65cm / 3/4 yd (12 to 36months)

Samples shown in the pictures

I made both t-shirt in an organic cotton jersey from Stoff & Stil.

Notions

• – A twin needle for jersey and a jersey needle for your sewing machine;
• – Interfacting to reinforce the shoulders;
• – 2 snap fasteners;
• – Woven bias tape of approx. 15-20cm x 2.5cm / 6-8″ x 1″ for the inner neckline finish;
• – For the long sleeve version only: a transparent elastic tape, 6mm / 1/4″ wide, for the bicep area.