A Little Personal Update ✨
I still can’t believe my baby boy just turned two. When my first son Max was born, sewing became my therapy, my creative outlet, and the reason this Sew for Max blog exists.
But after having my second son in 2023 (plus juggling family life and part-time work), my sewing machine and overlocker just sat there collecting dust. Every time I walked past them, I swear they whispered:
“Come on… start pedaling!”
As much as sewing helped me breathe through the chaos before, once I fell out of the rhythm, it was surprisingly hard to start again. The mental load of raising two young boys was… heavy. Even when life looked calm on the outside.
When my baby’s second birthday approached, I finally felt a little breathing space — and the spark came back. Picking fabric at the local shop, printing the pattern, watching the pieces come together… How did I ever forget this joy?
Why I Chose the Charlie Dungarees Pattern
I instantly loved this pattern because:
- It includes both dungarees and a pinafore for one price!
- The fit is oversized (perfect for growing toddlers)
- The style is modern and unisex
- It works beautifully as a handmade gift
I decided to sew the dungarees for my boy and the pinafore for our family friend who is also turning two. Matching birthday outfits? Yes please! 🥰
So let’s go through the basic details that you might want to all know about first.
About the Charlie Dungarees & Pinafore Pattern
Pattern Details
- Designer: Easily Made Patterns
- Pattern Name: Charlie Dungarees & Pinafore
- Sizes: 12 Months – 14 Years
- Size I Sewed: 2 – 3 years (for my 2-year-old, 90cm / 11.5kg)
- Format: The PDF comes in A0, A4/Letter and Project format
- Features: Oversized side pockets and adjustable straps
- Instructions: PDF guide and YouTube sew-along video
- Sewing Level: This pattern is beginner-friendly with enough details to feel rewarding.
Purchasing and downloading were straightforward. The instructions are clear, with lots of helpful photos. I loved that the seam allowance is already included (1cm). The YouTube sew-along video was handy for visual learners like me.
fabric Choice - Cotton Drill
I used just 2 m of cotton drill fabric from #spotlightstores which gave structure without feeling heavy and it topstitched beautifully. Cotton Drill is durable, strong, and easy to work with so it’s great option for beginner sewist. I managed to sew both the dungarees and the pinafore with leftovers. The original pattern recommends about 1.5 yards for this size, so depending on fabric width, you may be able to squeeze out more than two pieces too!
Other good options:
- Corduroy
- Denim (light to mid-weight)
- Linen blends
- Chambray
If you’re sewing for summer, try breathable linen!
Fit and Design for Toddler
On my 2-year-old (90 cm, still wears nappies):
- The oversized fit looks adorable and comfortable.
- The length was slightly long, but folding once gave the perfect look.
- Crotch height felt a little snug for active, nappy-wearing toddlers.
Next time, I’ll lower the crotch slightly for easier movement.
The pinafore skirt fit our friend perfectly, though it reached just below the knee. If you want more mobility:
👉 Try a larger hem so you can let it out later
👉 Consider shortening slightly for active play
The BEST Feature
The big, stylish side pockets. They’re unique, practical, and honestly make the whole design pop. Kids love pockets — especially big treasure-collecting ones!
Accessories
I used snap buttons on the straps — quick to install and toddler-friendly. Buttons or buckles would also work if you prefer an adjustable fit.
Would I Sew It Again?
Definitely. It’s stylish, practical, unisex, and suitable for gifting. I can see myself making lightweight versions for summer and cosy cord ones for winter layering.
Tips if You’re Making This Pattern
- Lower the crotch slightly for nappies
- Add a deeper hem on the pinafore to extend wear time
- Topstitch with longer stitches for clean lines
- Pre-wash fabrics to avoid shrinkage
Final Thoughts
Sewing this again reminded me why I started in the first place — the quiet joy, the creativity, the feeling of making something special for the little people we love. If you’ve stepped away from your machine, I hope this inspires you to press the pedal again.