Today we went hiking and got sun-kissed. Being outside in the warmth made me excited all over again about the impending summer and all of the fun that we have in the outdoors. Texas is blissfully hot, and most days we try to get away with as light and little clothing as possible and appropriate (this Texas Summer Dress is one of my go-tos!) I imagine Plum will spend most of her days this summer in something like this darling cross back baby romper. It’s minimal and well-fitting, with just enough fun design detail to make it look intentional and baby-chic. 
I picked this little swatch of the new Cotton+Steel fabric up when I was at QuiltCon a few weeks ago. It’s part of their new line (which is all gorgeous) and I had less than half a yard, but it was just the perfect size to use for a cross back romper.
This is the third of my one pattern four ways project. Unlike the others, which only require the download and printing of the diaper cover pattern (here) then following of my modification instructions, this pattern fusion requires the download the add-on pattern I created that you can download and print for free RIGHT HERE. Once you have them both printed, read on to get the full instructions for creating this delightful summer look.
For this romper you will need:
1/2 yard of fabric
1.5 yard of 1/2″ elastic
1 yard of 3/4″ twill tape or ribbon
Print both patterns and line them up as written. Then align the bodice pattern pieces with the diaper cover pieces as shown in the illustration and written in the pattern. Make sure that the fold for the patterns is along the same edge for both the bodice add on as well as the diaper cover. Choose your size and cut around the entire outline of each piece. Cut the leg elastic and waistband elastic as written in the diaper cover pattern. You will use the same lengths here.
With right sides together, sew along the side seams and crotch of the romper.
Fold the leg openings and the bodice edge under 1/4″ then 1/2″ and stitch along the inside fold, leaving 1″ open to thread the elastic through. Alternatively, serge the edges, then fold them under 1/2″.
Mark to either side of the center back about 1″ below the elastic casing and create two button holes for the twill tape to thread through.
Thread the elastic through the leg openings and sew together, then stitch the casings closed. 
Thread the waistband elastic through the bodice casing, stitching into the side seams with a bar zig zag stitch 1 1/2 from the top edge. This top will become the casing for the twill tape, so you want it to remain flat on the edges.
Fold the top edge under 1/2″ and then 1″ and stitch down to create the twill tape casing. Thread the twill tape through the casing, cross it in the back and thread it through each button hole.
You have the option of trying the romper on the child and deciding the proper strap length depending on what size of bow you would like to make. Here I left enough for a simple knot. In this version, it has a full bow. When in doubt, or if making one for a gift, leave the straps long so there is plenty of length for adjusting.
Nothing better than chubby baby thighs in rompers. I die. You’re welcome!
