Breastfeeding clothes are made up of two layers. The bottom layer has nursing openings. The top layer conceals the nursing openings and provides privacy during breastfeeding. To access the nursing openings, you'll have to either lift or push aside the top layer.
You probably won't wear this to church, but it definitely makes a comfy nursing shirt for lounging around the house.
What You'll Need:
- 2 T-shirts, not too tight. Ideally, they should be about the same size. If one is markedly larger than the other, make the larger T-shirt the top layer
- scissors
- ballpen
Instructions:
- Decide which shirt will be the top layer and the bottom layer. The top layer is seen outside. The bottom layer is the piece that will have breastfeeding access. Only the bottom 2 inches or so of the bottom layer will seen.
- Put on the bottom layer. Using the ballpen, mark where your nipples are.
- Take the bottom layer off. Cut the nursing openings. You can cut two vertical slits going over the marks you made in Step 2. Depending on the size of your breasts, these vertical slits should be at least 4 inches long. After making the vertical slits, cut the sleeves off right along where the sleeve is sewn onto the shirt. Another way to make nursing openings is by cutting large armholes. Cut down from the shoulders, right above the marks you made in Step 2. Go down toward the mark and then curve gently towards the armpit, about 1 inch below the mark.
- Cut the neckline off from the bottom layer by cutting along the neck cuff.
- Try the bottom layer on. Turn the top layer inside-own and put it on. Decide how long you want the top layer to be, marking the length with the ballpen. To make it easy to lift, the top layer should be at least 1 inch shorter than the bottom layer. Make sure the top layer is long enough to hide the nursing openings! Take the top layer off. Cut the hem off from the top layer, following the mark you made.
- Wear the top layer and bottom layer together and make minor adjustments, as needed.
That's it! You don't need to finish the edges of the shirts because they will not ravel.
Sewing Options
If you do sew, you might wish to do the following to give the shirts a more finished look and make them even easier to use:
- Finish the edges of the bottom layer, including the edges of the slits or enlarged armholes.
- Finish the hem of the top layer.
- Secure the shoulders of the two layers together by matching them up and stitch-in-the-ditch at the shoulder seams.
Moving Forward
If you're ready for more adventures in making your own breastfeeding clothes, check these out:
- Sew Your Own Breastfeeding Clothes
- Turn RTW Into Breastfeeding Clothes
- Turn Regular Patterns Into Breastfeeding Clothes
With a little creativity, you can make your own T-shirt for breastfeeding. Using materials you already have at home, this breastfeeding shirt is practically free. The best part is, it is comfortable, convenient, and you can proudly say, "I made it myself!"
