• Handmade clothing for children can be as simple or as extravagant as you want.babies clothes image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
  
  Handmade clothing for children can be as extravagant as ruffled, lacy party dresses and pint-size tuxedos, or as simple as old pillowcase rompers designed to get muddy, covered with paint and generally filthy, depending on your needs and your sewing skill level. One of the best and easiest things about handmade clothing for children is the ability to customize everything to create unique pieces, even if that only entails adding ribbons, buttons or other small embellishments. So get creative!
  
  

Dressy Clothing

• Dressy clothing for children is often more difficult to sew yourself, unless you're at least an intermediate-level sewer (or have access to someone who will teach you as you go). Additionally, it's easier to use a pattern for these items and simply add embellishments to personalize them. Party dresses tend to be more traditional "little girl" dresses with flouncy skirts, petticoats and ruffles, but many of the "adult"-style formal dress patterns are simpler for those with limited sewing experience, as are boys' tuxedo or suit patterns. When choosing fabric for dressy clothes, consider that patterns and darker colors may be less likely to show spots or spills. Taffeta, chintz, velvet and similar fabrics are popular choices that can handle the wear and tear of children better than satins or silks can.
  
  

Play Clothes

• Handmade play clothes for children are often the easiest to make and afford you the most cost-cutting options, since you can use a greater variety of fabrics. Cotton broadcloths and jersey knits are good choices because they tend to be the most durable. Simple dresses and one-piece jumpsuits are popular for younger children, while older children may prefer short sets or track suits. Consider using existing favorite play clothes as a pattern or model.
  
  

Repurposing

• You can also make children's clothing by repurposing other items. You can give new life to tablecloths, old sheets and blankets, old towels and such by using them to create play clothes for kids, and depending on the size of the child and the size of the item, you may be able to make several pieces from one. Old pillowcases make excellent rompers for toddlers and small children, or you can simply re-size adult clothing to fit your child, although this may require more than beginning sewing skills, depending on the cut and style of the clothing.