This collection of maternity sewing patterns offers easy tutorials on how to create maternity clothes from existing items in your closet. The pattern hack allows you to turn any sewing pattern into a maternity-friendly design. Comfort is key during pregnancy, as it takes its toll on your body. Two popular maternity fashion hacks involve using an old T-shirt to create a pregnancy belly band and making a maternity pants extender with elastic hair. The best FREE maternity sewing patterns for dresses, tops, shorts, pants, and more are available. To make the elastic hair, start with jeans and a T-shirt, cut the top off just below the armholes, and unsew the bottom of the back belt loops using a sewing machine.
📹 How To Sew A Maternity and Postpartum Dress (Easy DIY)
I’ve been wanting to sew some clothes for postpartum, nursing, and the end of pregnancy and this simple dress tutorial fits the …
What material is best for maternity clothes?
Natural fabrics like cotton, modal, and bamboo are ideal for maternity clothing due to their softness and ability to regulate body temperature. Avoid “wrinkle-free” or “permanent press” clothes, which contain formaldehyde and can be harmful to pregnant women and their babies. Synthetics like polyester can transfer heat to the skin. Investing in quality maternity clothes is crucial as they can be damaged in the wash and lose their shape after laundering. Choosing quality over quantity is essential for a comfortable pregnancy experience.
Why are maternity clothes so expensive?
Maternity clothes are generally more expensive than ordinary everyday clothing due to their specific target audience, which includes mothers who will wear them during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or both. Not all pregnant moms wear maternity clothes during their pregnancy, leading to a smaller volume of items produced. The higher the volume of one style of clothing, the lower the price per garment. Maternity wear is specialized, with not all pattern makers or CMT factories capable of producing specialized garments.
Manufacturing in South Africa is challenging for maternity wear brands due to the lack of local CMT factories capable of producing the required quality and smaller quantities. Importing maternity wear can also be costly due to high shipping costs, exchange rates, high import duties, and quantities purchased. This also applies to boutique clothing brands that don’t supply the masses.
To make the right maternity clothing purchase, consider buying items that will last longer than just a few months and look for quality items that can be worn for both pregnancy and breastfeeding or post-partum. Brands like Lonzi and Bean offer maternity dresses and tops with breastfeeding panels for discreet breastfeeding and flattering appearances. Quality and longevity are key when it comes to making the right maternity clothing purchases.
How to dress during pregnancy without maternity clothes?
Many people, including celebrities, wear non-maternity clothes during pregnancy. Before buying new items, consider incorporating items from your existing wardrobe into a capsule maternity wardrobe. Comfort is crucial for pregnant moms, so avoid items with scratchy sequins, annoying tags, or stiff structured material. Some of the best non-maternity clothes for pregnancy include oversized button-down shirts, empire-waist dresses, waterfall cardigans, and stretchy pants or skirts with a smock waist.
Button-down tops are versatile and can be worn until your belly starts to pop, providing easy nursing or pumping access. A cardigan with an open-front design allows for easy slip-on or off during extreme temperature changes during pregnancy. These versatile garments are perfect for navigating the unpredictable changes in temperature during pregnancy.
Can you turn regular pants into maternity pants?
In order to convert the pants, it is necessary to rip them up in order to achieve a more comfortable fit without any discomfort to the abdomen. Should one wish to effect a complete conversion, it is necessary to remove the existing waistband and add a new one situated a few inches lower. The new band should have a gentle curve that may cut through the front pockets, while the rear pockets should remain intact.
How are maternity clothes made?
In the US, popular clothing brands have made everyday wear for pregnant women fashionable and accessible. Most maternity clothing is made with Lycra and elastic for stretch and growth, with a thick stretchy waistband for pants and billowing tops for the belly. As more women become pregnant when they marry, some manufacturers of maternity clothing and bridal gowns have begun producing wedding dresses that fit pregnant women.
The U. S. military initially discharged women who became pregnant, but in the late 1970s, the military changed its policy regarding pregnancy to keep women in an all-volunteer armed forces. Between 1978 and 1980, the armed forces began issuing military maternity outfits to maintain morale. Museum expert Bethanee Bemis wrote about her experience working on the Armed Forces History Collections at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in 2011.
How to make regular clothes into maternity?
Maternity fashion can be transformed into stylish outfits by using regular clothes, such as making a pregnancy belly band, using a hair tie to make a maternity pants extender, turning jeans into maternity jeans, buying bra extenders to extend the lifespan of bras, and adding leggings to dress. These DIY ideas can be done before the second trimester, when maternity clothes are needed. Other ideas include turning dresses into maternity tunics, transforming old maxi skirts into empire-waist ones, or borrowing new clothes from your partner.
Despite the cost of a new wardrobe, transforming items into stylish maternity outfits can be a cost-effective way to save money on maternity clothes. Here are eight maternity fashion hacks that moms-to-be love, along with seven ways to save money on maternity clothes.
How to dress when pregnant without maternity clothes?
Many people, including celebrities, wear non-maternity clothes during pregnancy. Before buying new items, consider incorporating items from your existing wardrobe into a capsule maternity wardrobe. Comfort is crucial for pregnant moms, so avoid items with scratchy sequins, annoying tags, or stiff structured material. Some of the best non-maternity clothes for pregnancy include oversized button-down shirts, empire-waist dresses, waterfall cardigans, and stretchy pants or skirts with a smock waist.
Button-down tops are versatile and can be worn until your belly starts to pop, providing easy nursing or pumping access. A cardigan with an open-front design allows for easy slip-on or off during extreme temperature changes during pregnancy. These versatile garments are perfect for navigating the unpredictable changes in temperature during pregnancy.
Which fabric is best for pregnancy?
During pregnancy, it is recommended to select garments crafted from soft, breathable, and natural fabrics such as cotton and bamboo, which offer both comfort and flexibility to accommodate the changing body. It is advisable to avoid synthetic materials such as polyester, which have the potential to trap heat and moisture. To reduce expenditure on maternity attire, it is advisable to invest in versatile fundamental items and flexible, adaptable designs that can be worn throughout the duration of the pregnancy.
Which fabric is best for pregnant ladies?
During pregnancy, prioritize comfort by choosing stretchy or relaxed-fit clothes, lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, and avoid tight clothing. Invest in maternity clothes that cater to your needs, buy good-supporting bras, and wear firm, good-fitting shoes. Consider using a belly band or a maternity bra to support your growing belly and distribute weight evenly. Maternity bras are made from stretchy fabric to accommodate changing sizes and have wider straps to distribute weight more evenly. Avoid using polyester or tight clothing, and invest in maternity clothes that cater to your needs.
How many months pregnant do you start wearing maternity clothes?
Pregnancy clothes should be purchased around 12-16 weeks into the second trimester, depending on the pregnancy. However, some women may need to buy maternity clothes earlier or later depending on their pregnancy type. Seven signs to buy maternity clothes include tight clothes, difficulty in sitting, standing, or bending over, unable to button or zip up pants, pants putting pressure on the tummy, tops riding up, shirt pulling too tightly across the chest, tight or uncomfortable bras, band or straps digging into the skin, and overflowing cups. Factors influencing the timing of buying maternity clothes during pregnancy include pregnancy stage, body type, and the need for support and comfort.
What clothing style should be avoided during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the outfit you wear significantly impacts your overall well-being. It’s essential to choose loose-fitting clothing for comfort, lighter-weight fabrics for warmth, and avoid tight belts, bras, girdles, slacks, garters, and knee socks. Choose a suitable bra that supports your breasts and buy a nursing bra if breastfeeding is planned. Wear shoes with medium or low heels for firm support and a good fit, and avoid high heels to avoid accidents or back pain. Remember to choose clothing that fits well and provides good support.
📹 Hand Made Maternity Wardrobe | Let’s Plan!
I’ve been keeping a secret! Come along as we plan a hand made maternity wardrobe! I am in desperate need of a better fitting …
🌐 My website: katherinesewing.com 🛍 Sewing supplies I recommend: bit.ly/sewsupplies 💇 Hair care products I recommend: bit.ly/hairsupplies 📖 “Victorian Custom Corset-Making” Course: bit.ly/corsetcourse ☕ Buy me a coffee: bit.ly/katherinecoffee ✉ Contact me: [email protected]
I lost my first pregnancy a couple months back, and we are trying for another go, so my aim right now is to make an entirely maternity-compatible wardrobe. This article is really soothing for me. It’s nice to hear from someone who has gone through multiple pregnancies and post-partum periods in those clothes and worn them between pregnancies, as well. It also is comforting to just have an abiding awareness that pregnancy is not a singular thing, but can come and go and come again. We had been trying for a year and about to get a bunch of fertility tests when we found out that I was pregnant. The way I see it, the baby was a blessing, even if it was a blessing we’d have preferred to have in our lives much, much longer. So, my overall mindset is more hopeful than hurt. But it has still been sometimes jarring, in looking at maternity resources, to listen to people who treat their own (usually first) pregnancy as a singular monumentous event — a sort of implicit all-or-nothing. I wasn’t sure how this article would land with me. The fact that you have been pregnant before and are again gives a sort of pervasively cyclical feeling to the process, and so I find it not only easy to listen to and enjoy your perspective and your experience, but actually found it quite heartening. It is one thing to know that I have many more opportunities ahead of me, but it’s quite another to feel that it is natural and normal to become pregnant again. I’m so glad I chose to watch this. Thank you. 💗
Part of what got me into sewing my own clothes was that maternity clothing didn’t have enough room for my big belly! And then I couldn’t find nursing clothing that I liked. I’m pregnant with #3 and have sewn several maternity dresses and almost an entire nursing wardrobe of zipper front vintage style dresses. It is very rewarding, but also a necessity because I couldn’t find something store bought that I am completely comfortable in.
Congratulations! I love the idea of a handmade wardrobe, but have been putting it off because I am heavier than I would ideally like to be still. However, you making your clothes adjustable and seeing how lovely that 1950s dress works with a pregnant belly, which mine is not, but still… the idea of putting the time in to hand sewing, only to not fit clothes as I lose weight, has been holding me back. But you have really started the wheels turning with this article!! So, thank you for the inspiration. I have a fair bit that has piled up suddenly, so will be working on the “sand” time management moments to get myself caught up. But, this might really mean that I can spend the time making things that will also fit when I am thinner. And, possibly also encourage the current progress… so thank you! And again, congratulations!
Congrats!!!!! You are so beautiful with child. I am pregnant with my first and due any day now! I have loved wearing my woven loose, flowy, long hand made dresses. They worked great in the summer and they have been great in the fall with more layers underneath. I love making my own dresses and plan to make more to accommodate breastfeeding. I LOVE that 50s shirt dress of yours and want to make a nightgown like yours too!!! You have been such an inspiration to me during this pregnancy. You’ve inspired me to belly bind with a bengkung bind after I give birth and to make my own wool diaper covers! You’ve also reinspired me to take better care of my hair! I wish you all the best with your 5th pregnancy! How exciting❤
Oooh Katherine!!!! Many, many congratulations on this most exciting news! I hope and pray that your pregnancy will be without any problems, and will be a fuflilling and enjoyable process for both you and your husband, and for your other children, too. Also, I hope you don’t suffer any post-partum hair loss after all your brilliant efforts with your hair. Most interesting what you said about 18th century clothing being adjustable for pregnancy and non-pregnancy. The same applies to ethnic clothes – many people in the Third World cannot afford a separate wardrobe for when they are pregnant. I wear a lot of ethnic clothes – all the trousers and skirts are very roomy, and have elasticated/drawstring waists and the dresses have ties at the back so they are adjustable. I have never had a child but over the years I gained a lot of weight, which over the past few years I have lost. All my ethnic clothes have fitted me throughout these years. Like you, I have clothes that are many years old and several of them have been mended, as I am very fond of them and don’t want to part with them. I think modern maternity clothes are frankly very unattractive. Until seeing this article I wasn’t aware of just how much maternity clothing has changed, and in my opinion, not for the better. They may show off the bump but they are most unflattering and unfeminine. I love your idea of wearing the vintage styles which are much more feminine and beautiful! There is something much more modest about them, as well, which adds to their femininity.
I’m so happy I found your website! I have been wearing hand made 50s style dresses since high school and had always wanted to do 18th century stuff but when I got married and started having kids I was devastated that nothing I had made fit anymore and that I thought I couldn’t do historic stuff till I was done having kids. You have revived all that for me! So glad to see more mamas in this space. 18 weeks pregnant with my second baby and currently working on my own pair of maternity stays!!
This was so refreshing! I made a lot of my own maternity clothes with my pregnancies. I found sewing the most useful in making nursing friendly clothes. A lot of my attempts were whack jobs but I got by! Pregnancy is a very important time to feel pretty but not draw a lot of undesired attention especially if you have several other children in tow. I was always happy I was pregnant but when the 4th 5th and 6th came along people commented. They can’t help it. That said, Congratulations!! Look forward to more articles on sewing the goods up!
Hare Krishna 🙏 I was very skinny back in the 80s and 90s, when I had my 3 pregnancies. The fashion back then was NOT to have skin tight clothing. Unfortunately the maternity shops all had frumpy clothes. So when I found, in my second pregnancy, a silk kaften WITH a front YOKE, and strings UNDER the fabric to tie behind the waist, I knew it was perfect. The front YOKE was doubled (lined) and the fabric was gathered and sewn into it, to cover the belly. The rest of the garment was a classic kaftan style. The two strings ran from the front YOKE to tight behind the back. Another Kaftan I found (all in the Asian Bazaar in Johannesburg) had two holes around high waist height. The simple rope with bells, so cute, ran through these holes and pinned the kaftan to my body. In retrospect, a quick run on the sewing machine and I could of added front pleats to that second Kaftan. Now I am post menopausal and have a large belly and much more body fat. I have been trying different suggestions from YT on how to make long dresses. Thank you for the idea on regency period styles. Blessing to you and your family for 2023. 🌼 🌸 🌻 🌹
Congratulations! Thanks for everything you share. I am using rhassoul clay shampoo because of your articles, and I am so happy with the results. Shampoo was the thing I struggled to get purely natural that worked with my hair so I’m very grateful to you. Much love and blessings to you and your growing family x
I LOVE the embroidered dress you are wearing in this article! I wavered between wanting to show off my belly, and wanting to be discreet about it. People love to comment on pregnant bodies for some reason, or ask personal questions in public, and I just want to escape that towards the end of pregnancy, especially. Discreet clothing is a great option to have (and linen stuff was so wonderful during my Summer pregnancy). I can’t wait to see how the pintucked green dress comes out, and I enjoyed the closet tour!
Congratulations, Katherine! Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I’m a mom of 4 and have sewn or had my mom sew the majority of my maternity clothing. I have found a few maternity tops that I’ve gotten a lot of wear from, but mostly I find modern maternity wear very uncomfortable. Incidentally, the worst tops in this category I’ve had came from Thyme maternity in Calgary. They were very long tunic type tees, but were so tight I never could wear them except as undershirts. That was twelve years ago this Christmas! My youngest was born in May and I’ve depended heavily on Catherine’s Choice dress pattern by Baker Lane because it is also breastfeeding friendly and is very comfortable. I also adapted a few late nineties maternity dresses for extended use, but I’ve not tried drafting my own patterns much, so thanks for the inspiration. Best wishes as you grow another lovely baby!
Congratulations!! So excited for you! I’m in the home stretch with my fourth, and I agree with you SO much on your rant about modern maternity clothing. I feel like each pregnancy I get a little closer to having my maternity wardrobe actually looking the way I want. Praying for you to have a blessed pregnancy!
Love that you’re a Mama of 5! I’m expecting my sixth and just discovered MSM. I’m trying to grow and retain my bra length hair. I usually have a huge shed after pregnancy and my hair is not thick to begin with. Did you take MSM throughout any of your pregnancies? Not looking for medical advice here. Just whether or not you did yourself. Of course there are all kinds of cautions and warnings not to take it… but my doctor will encourage any pharmaceutical she deems necessary and they’re ALL “perfectly safe” in pregnancy…. (big eye roll). I generally stay away from taking pharmaceuticals but something natural I’ll consider. Many pregnancies close together hasn’t done my hair any favours…. 🙁 Thanks so much for your time and your website – so glad I found it! We have so much in common. Cheers!
Congratulations! Wonderful topic, I feel the same way as you do after I started making my own clothes and when I am expecting (37 weeks now!) I feel like its such a downgrade to go back. I wear a more ’40-50’s style and I love M7129 for skirts during pregnancy, it is a wrap circle skirt (you probably don’t really need a pattern but it is one I learned to sew with so I still use mine). I feel so much better wearing one of those, so much more myself even if everything else is modern because if you take a modern t shirt + cropped cardigan + wrap circle skirt = pretty good vintage-y look for minimal effort! To me the most uncomfortable part of modern clothes is the pants/leggings etc (besides bras…). Next I am going to try to make some more maternity friendly tops (Even though i am at the tail end, I don’t think this will be my last pregnancy). I am thinking of using a peasant style blouse and just making it more generous and longer, also considering taking a spencer from regency and making it to be used like a blouse. I am still a novice so IDK if I can manage dresses yet. I have yet to successfully sew one. I also really, really want some vintage undergarments. I have tried tp but not managed to make some of those successfully either. I really want to try your bra tutorial next too, and also vintage French knickers to match! The kind that look like a circle skirt almost, they just look like they would be a million times more comfortable than my modern undergarments!
Love the info. on 18th century clothing pertaining to maternity vs everyday wear….what the hell were we thinking when it comes to clothing for women these days….I have always thought clothing should be more practical and comfortable, yet still stylish…..the “skin tight” maternity clothing these days is absolutely “horrid”…..I would be so embarrassed wearing something like that, even if I were in my 20’s or 30’s again…..I wish I had the patients and brains to want to learn to sew…..sooo I will live vicariously through you and your website …..great article btw….and linen is the “dreamiest” fabric ever…..winter or summer….