2025 Children's Sewing Roundup: Inspiration for Your 2026 Projects

In today’s post, I’m taking a look back at everything I made for children in 2025. My goal is to give you a little bit of sewing inspiration and encourage you to try some of these garments yourself in the coming year. While most of these pieces are currently with my granddaughters, I’ve included photos and details on the patterns and fabrics I used for each. As always you can listen to the video or read through the post.

1. The "Snowballs" Flannel Top - Winter Sewing Inspiration for Children

We kicked off January with a project inspired by my granddaughter’s love for the book Snowballs by Lois Ehlert. I made her a little snowman top using the Rosebud Pattern by Pink Holly Bush Designs.

While the Rosebud is originally designed for knits, I adapted it for a woven flannel from my stash. You can read how to adjust the Rosebud pattern for wovens in this post. I applied a sweet snowman applique (a design from Classic Sewing magazine) to the front. She absolutely loved wearing this while reading her favorite book!

2. Easter Style: The Bunny Jacket & Dress - Spring Sewing Inspiration for Children.

For Easter, my granddaughter wore a July Flowers dress I had made years ago. (There is a complete Sew-Along for every aspect of the July Flowers dress that you can find here.) To keep her warm in the unpredictable Illinois spring, I sewed a matching Bunny Jacket.

• Pattern: A Gail Doane pattern from the book So Cute Couture (also known as Cute as a Button).

• Fabric: Pink piqué lined with a pink check, both from my stash.

• Pro Tip: Piqué is beautiful but wrinkles easily! Keep that in mind if the garment won’t be ironed regularly.

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3. Heirloom Sewing: A Turtle Johnny for Augie

I love making a smocked garment for each new grand-niece or nephew. For my nephew Augie, I smocked a Turtle Johnny. His parents love turtles, so this smocked design was the perfect personalized gift. Smocking plate is Turtles' Trek.

4. Introducing the "Buttercup" Pattern

Throughout 2025, I spent a lot of time developing the newest Pink Holly Bush pattern: Buttercup. This pattern features a dropped waist and is incredibly versatile for both knit and woven fabrics.

• The Butterfly Dress: I made a simple, short sleeved knit version for my granddaughter to wear to daycare. It’s quick to sew and easy to wear.

  
  

  

• Matching Sister Sets: Here is some fall sewing inspiration for children. I made coordinating sets for my two granddaughters. One set featured a fun animal print knit, and another used cozy flannel for the cooler fall months. The baby dresses are Rosebud.

  
  

  

5. A Special Welcome: The Petite Coming Home Dress

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In September, my second granddaughter was born. Because she arrived a little early, I needed a petite-sized pattern. I chose a design from Berry Hill Heirlooms. Even with a petite pattern, I did a few custom alterations to the width and sides to ensure it fit her perfectly for her trip home.

6. Practical Gifts: Doll Clothes and Art Smocks

Grandchildren aren't the only ones who need new outfits!

• Bitty Baby Clothes: My daughter mentioned that outfit that came with my granddaughter's baby doll were too hard for a three-year-old to manage. I found a great pattern on Etsy, used Velcro fastenings and made several outfits so my granddaughter can dress her doll all by herself.

  
  

  

• Wipeable Art Smock: My daughter also wanted an art smock for my granddaughter. I used an Oliver + S pattern to make an art smock using plastic-covered fabric from KnitFabric.com. It’s machine washable (just don't put it in the dryer!) and perfect for messy play.

  
  

7. The Christmas Finale: Polar Bears

I finished the year with holiday dresses featuring a beautiful smocked Polar Bear design by Laura Jenkins Thompson. Fabric is a beautiful Robert Kaufman Flannel.

• Older Granddaughter: Used the "Lee" pattern by Children's Corner.

• Younger Granddaughter: Since she wasn't yet in a standard 6-month size, I modified the "Reagan" pattern from Primrose Designs, drafting my own skirts and placket to create a matching look.

  
  

Looking Ahead to 2026

I hope these projects inspire you to pick up your needle and thread this year! If you want to stay updated on my latest designs, be sure to subscribe to the weekly newsletter for ongoing sewing inspiration!