
Charity sewing: for the Angel Babies (Free Pattern)
Recently I posted about a special sewing project, and mentioned that I was cutting up a vintage wedding dress to make a sash. I promised to explain why I was disassembling the wedding gown, so here goes. A lovely heartfelt project that is sweeping the country, is to sew “angel gowns”: tiny outfits for parents to dress their babies who won’t be coming home from the hospital. If this is something that interests you, there is a list of websites for charity-sewing groups that you can join, at the end of this post.
The most popular item being sewn (literally thousands have been made and donated) is a back-opening “angel gown”, and for the tinier babes a simple “bunting wrap” blanket. Some nurses prefer a “cocoon” wrap for the very fragile newborns, whose skin may be too tender for putting on any type of clothes, and this is what I will show you today (my next post will be about making angel gowns). Then cocoon is embellished on the outside, cozy-soft inside, with a tiny blanket attached inside and a resting pillow:
Pinterest link: https://www.pinterest.com/7pinedesign/free-sewing-patterns/
This design originated with Keira’s Adelaide wrap which is a combination of Jen’s Tri-Fold bunting and Shirley’s Annie Blanket. The pattern is an extension of the Adelaide, expanded the pattern into multiple sizes. You can open it here (right click and open in new window): PDFCocoon2016
You can then either download or print by clicking on this tab in the upper right corner of the new window:
Please note that all of these patterns, or items made using this pattern, are not to be sold. They are to be used / made solely for the purpose of bereavement support, whether for your own angel or to donate to a hospital or bereavement organization. If you wish to share this pattern, please share the link to this tutorial.
The first step in making angel gowns or angel cocoons, is to cut up a donated wedding dress. The idea of transforming a sentimental but no longer used dress, and giving it second life as the only thing that a special child will ever wear….this appealing to both brides and sewists. I didn’t have a dress to cut up so I bought one at a local thrift shop.
To make the cocoon you will also need:
- poly-fleece: 1/2 yard
- lightweight fusible interfacing: 1/4 yard
- 1/8″ satin ribbon: 2 yards
- thread and needle, scissors, sewing machine
Cutting out: there are 4 pattern pieces:
- main body of the cocoon: cut (on fold) 1 of dress fabric, 1 of fleece, 1 of interfacing
- inside “blanket”: cut (on fold) 1 of fleece
- inside “pillow cover”: cut 2 of fleece and 2 of lining fabric
- inside “pillow stuffing”: cut 3 or 4 (depending on fabric thickness) of fleece
Cut the main Cocoon Body piece from the wedding dress skirt, and add lace or trim details from the bodice or sleeves. Sometimes you can find a decorative part of the skirt and use that: slide the pattern piece under the fabric to place the motif where it will best show when the cocoon is finished and closed, then fold the fabric and place the pattern piece so that the center-back is on the fold:
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Interface the cocoon body piece to give it more structure (you can skip this step if the fabric has plenty of “body” such as brocade or slipper-satin):
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If there is no decorative motif on the skirt fabric, you can un-stitch one from elsewhere on the dress, and applique it to the Cocoon Body outer fabric. The easiest way to un-stitch is to use a “Third Hand” clamp on your cutting table, so that you can use one hand for holding the fabric taught and the other hand for your seam-ripper:
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It’s also helpful to use a razor-sharp seam-ripper (I know, this seam-ripper looks quite dangerous, but since it requires no force at all, it is actually safer than a dull one….same concept as kitchen knives: sharp ones are safer):
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Applique the decor to the cocoon body using a small zig-zag stitch, being careful to avoid any pearls or sequins (alternatively, you can use Fabri-Tac liquid adhesive):
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After cutting out, interfacing, and decorating the Cocoon Body, unfold it to cut a matching piece of poly-fleece, and then cut 3 or 4 pieces of Pillow Stuffing also from the fleece:
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Also in fleece you will cut: 1 piece (on fabric fold) for the Blanket, and 2 pieces for the Pillow Cover. Cut 2 more pieces of the Pillow Cover, this time from a smooth fabric which will make it easier to stuff later (I used fabric from the dress lining):
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Next cut 2 yards of 1/8″ satin ribbon into 8 pieces at 9″ each, and heat-seal the ends to prevent unraveling, using a candle or lighter:
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Now to sew them all together:
Blanket: pin 2 ribbon ends to the inside of the blanket, about 1/2″ from the fold, then fold the fabric down over the ribbon, right sides are together, so that the ribbons are enclosed, now stitch along the 2 long edges with a 1/4″ seam (leaving the bottom open), turn inside-out:
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Cocoon Body: fold the dress-fabric piece in half along center-back, right sides together, and stitch the “hood” closed with a 1/4″ seam. Do the same for the fleece Cocoon Body lining. Turn both pieces inside-out, and press lightly at low-temperature:
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Pin the Blanket to the right side of the fleece Cocoon Body along the bottom edge,centering the blanket, then stitch together with a 1/4″ seam:
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Pin 2 ribbons to the outside of the decorated Cocoon Body piece, near upper and lower edges (these will tie the cocoon closed when finished):
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Pin the Cocoon Body fleece lining to the Cocoon Body outer piece, right sides together, enclosing the ribbon ties and the blanket. Stitch around the edge with a 1/4″ seam allowance, starting and stopping at the edges of the Inner Blanket, removing pins as you stitch. Trim seam allowance and clip off corners:
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Flip inside out: sometimes a chop-stick helps to get the corners pushed out completely. Press edges lightly at cool temperature. Tuck in the seam allowance where the Inner Blanket is attached, pin down, and edge-stitch all around perimeter of cocoon:
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Hand-stitch the rest of the ribbon ties. Inside, fold up the blanket and mark the spots halfway up the height of the cocoon (4 1/2″ up for 9″ cocoon, 5 1/2″ up for 11″ cocoon, etc), stitch ties onto cocoon body fleece at each side of the blanket:
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Outside, fold the cocoon closed and pin the last 2 ribbons to the outside cocoon body , matching top and bottom placement of the previous ribbons. Hand-stitch the ribbons in place:
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Last step is to make the Pillow:
Pillow Cover: pin together, with 2 layers of fleece inside and 2 layers of satin outside. Stitch around outer edge with a 1/4″ seam allowance, leaving bottom straight edge open. Flip inside out (satin will now be on the inside, which will make stuffing easier):
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Pillow Stuffing: Pin together all of the layers, machine baste, and slip into Pillow Cover (a chopstick makes this easier!), hand slip-stitch closed:
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Now put it all together. Place Pillow inside Cocoon, fold up the Blanket, tie little bows:
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Close up Cocoon sides and tie the last bows, and you are finished!
If you are interested in joining a charity sewing group that makes angel gowns, wraps, and buntings, you can do a web-search using “angel gown” and the name of your state or country. Each group has their own policies and hospital connections, so it is important to find out that information before sewing! In my next post, I will explain how to make a basic angel gown that is used by “most” of these groups:
In the U.S.:
- https://newbornsinneed.org (throughout the United States)
- http://angeloutfitters.blogspot.com/ (throughout the United States)
- http://www.carewear.org/ (throughout the United States)
- http://www.threadsoflove.org/ (throughout the United States)
- http://www.angelgowns.chauglie.com/ (Washington State)
- http://www.thepreemieproject.com/ (Iowa)
- http://mikaylasgrace.com/ (Wisconsin)
- http://www.nicuhelpinghands.org/(Texas)
- http://www.marymadelineproject.org/ (Nebraska)
- http://www.littleangelgowns.org/(Indiana)
- http://www.touchinglittlelives.org/ (Ohio)
- http://www.angelrobesalabama.org/ (Alabama)
In Australia:
- http://angelgownsaustralia.org.au/
In Canada:
- http://angeldressescanada.com/
- Manitoba Angel Dresses
- http://www.manitobaangeldresses.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/ManitobaAngelDresses/
In the U.K:
- http://needleshooksangelsandpreemies.com/
Happy Easter!
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51 Comments
Shirley Hill
I so love this Idea . Im Native i make cradel board. We use creadel boards also for our angels . I m going to make this for our community. Thank you .
[email protected]
Shirley, you are so very welcome! Blessings on your communities little angel babies…and their sweet mamas.
Rosie Mendez
I had heard of the angel dresses, but never the bunting. My great niece was miscarried at just 22 weeks gestation on Valentines Day 2017. I saw your bunting and decided our little angel needed to have this special bunting. I was able to make it from her grandmothers old wedding gown which made it that much more special. Thank you for sharing this pattern.
[email protected]
Oh that is heartbreaking…my thoughts are with you and your family. I’m glad that you were able to help her process grief with such a special gift. Blessings on your sweet angel.
Melissa johnson
How can I get one of these?
[email protected]
Are you looking for the pattern? If the link doesn’t print for you, let me know and I can print the pattern here and send it to you (I just need your mailing address)
Elaine hunefeld
I can’t seem to get the patterns to download. My email address is [email protected]. Thank you for this beautiful pattern
[email protected]
HI Elaine, I’ve emailed you the link to this pattern….ou may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the file. If it doesn’t work please let me know because I can print the pattern here and mail to you by USPS
Carlene
I have a wedding gown to give to you if you want it. I know how to sew but can’t make the burial gowns without crying while I’m doing it plus I crochet hats and blankets for the NICU if you want to text me your address I will send you the gown at no cost to you my number is 412-378-8670
sheryl Hall
I’m having trouble printing this pattern.. can this be emailed??
Thank You
Sheryl
Patti
I printed this precious pattern for angel babies. I work at a local hospital and we have a great need for these, Thank you so much for the free pattern. Patti
[email protected]
Patti, you are so very welcome! Best wishes to you and your sewing group, I hope that you find making these creative and uplifting. Regards, Janet
[email protected]
Hi Sheryl, I can print the patterns and send them to you, would that help? Just send me an email ([email protected]) with your mailing address. Best regards, Janet
[email protected]
Hi Carlene! That is so very generous of you! There is a group local to you that you may want to try first (https://www.facebook.com/Littlest-Angels-Inc-747922971950525/) however if they are not in need of gowns I am always thrilled to have them, and will keep you posted on what I make. My shipping address is: Janet Vandermeulen, 7 Pine Street, Newburyport MA 01950
Barbara Mavencamp
I have made a number of Angel Gowns and Bereavement Cocoons and haven’t been able to find a place to donate them – can you help? I have pictures to send.
[email protected]
First I would try your local hospital NICU unit, they often have a volunteer coordinator who can advise you of their needs. If you don’t live near any such facility, the Star Legacy Foundation is a group that distributes angel gowns all across the United States. You can contact [email protected] for the mailing address.
Joan Demetrioff
I finally found the instructions to this cocoon and a complete tutorial as well. I am one of the admins from the Manitoba Angel Dresses. From our seamstresses thank you for this page. We would appreciate if you could add us to your site under Canada. At present we have a Facebook page under our name.
[email protected]
Absolutely Joan, I have just updated the post with a link to your Facebook group. I noticed on your FB banner that your group currently has enough dresses to dissemble, and I find the same to be true for many groups. There are often posts asking members to temporarily stop taking in additional wedding gowns…is it easier to find gown donors than seamstresses? Just curious….Best regards, Janet
Sheila Crowder
How do you know what sizes each one fits. Thank you.
[email protected]
Generally NICU departments choose bunting size by weight. The largest size 15″ is for infants around 4 lbs, size 13″ for weight 3 lbs, size 11″ for weight 2 lbs, size 9″ for weight 1 lb.
Shannon Grist
I have been looking for a project to honor my own little angel. Thank You for publishing this pattern. It will be a part of my journey to healing.
Patricia Scheufler
I’m anxious to become a sewing specialist for the angel babies.
[email protected]
I hope that you find it as rewarding as I do!
Diane Monkman
Hello, Diane here from Manitoba Angel Dresses, I’m one of the admins for the program. We have made a changes to our program our new Facebook site is https://www.facebook.com/ManitobaAngelDresses/ and our new website is http://www.manitobaangeldresses.com The addresses listed above is our old site which we have moved to secret so people will have problems gaining access.
Our volunteers have adopted the use of the 7 pine design patterns and tutorials. Thank you for allowing the groups access to use the patterns.
Kayde Hoefs
I want to try and sew for the angel babies. It would be great for any help
Marylou Ferreira
Thank you for sharing. I would love your patterns as I’m wanting to make these for our local hospital. I have an angel & I feel she’s pushing me to do this for other mom’s. Unable to get them to print. Please send to my to my e-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
Hi Marylou, I have sent the pattern as an email attachment…if you have any difficulty opening the file or printing it please let me know your mailing address and I can print/mail to you!
[email protected]
Hi Kayde! Are you able to print the pattern? Do you have any questions? Please let me know if you need assistance! Best regards, Janet
[email protected]
Thanks for the update Diane, I have changed the links on the posts for the cocoon and the angel gown. Best regards, Janet
[email protected]
Bless your sweet angel babe, Shannon. I hope that sewing little dresses brings you some comfort. Best regards, Janet
Betty
Would you have a pattern for a boys vest and a bonnet? I can not find one anywhere
[email protected]
Hi Betty, I have both in the works, I promise you!
Linda Mead
I really want to make the winged angel gown, but I keep messing up on the sleeves. Is there sewing instructions for this gown? I found the pattern on the internet but no instructions on how to put it together.
Susan Becker
Good morning,
I would love the patterns to both the burial gown and bunting mailed to me as I have no way to print it.
Susan Becker
66635 Spider Lake Road
Iron River, Wisconsin
54847
How do I find a hospital in my area to distribute the gowns
I am a grandmother of a angel, Lily who passed 10 years ago, December 25, 2008
And received one of these beautiful gowns,
It made a huge difference in the grieving
For my son and daughter in law
I recently retired and would like to give back
Thank you so much
Susan Becker
[email protected]
Hi Susan, Sorry for the late reply, I’m sending patterns to you today in memory of your sweet Lily. “Sweet Send Aways” is an angel gown sewing group in Wisconsin, affiliated with Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. They have a Faceboook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/1471714896378542/ where you can volunteer to be a seamstress. Here’s a link to some more information: https://medium.com/@childrenshospitalwi/sweet-send-aways-helps-grieving-families-say-goodbye-b1e431790308
[email protected]
Hi Linda, the instructions for sewing the angel gown are here: https://7pinedesign.com/charity-sewing-how-to-make-angel-gowns
The tutorial includes links to You Tube videos that are helpful in understanding the tricky sleeve part!
Sue cox
Thank you so much for the free pattern, I live in Australia Queensland , my craft group and I are going to make these for our local hospital, already making angel gowns, but thought this pattern would be ideal for the poor babies that are just too small for angel gowns , thank you x
[email protected]
You are so very welcome! Yes the tiniest of babes can sometimes be too fragile to dress….bless their sweet little hearts.
Denice Ornelaz-Perez
Can flannel be used on the inside or is the fleece to provide more body? Thank you for your generosity in sharing your patterns!
[email protected]
You are so welcome! Yes flannel would work well, I would double-layer it to provide the body needed to hold the shape and provide support.
Janet McWilliams
angel gowns & suits patterns for hospital & funeral homes, for preemies of different sizes
Thank You
Michelle
Is there a site that I can download printed instructions on making the angel gowns and boys vest? I do not always have the availability to view it and a hard copy would be very helpful.
And that you for the information and tutorials on Pinterest, it made the assembly process much easier.
Cheri Counard
Could you possibly send me the patterns. I have no way to print them out. I have a group of ladies to help me cut and sew but we have no patterns. I would like to get them and make several copies for the ladies to use. We are planning on starting up a group to sew once a month at a local quilt shop that would like to make this a service project. Any direction to get this started locally would be a great help. In the past I have sent the gowns I made to other groups. We would like to do more and keep it local to cut down on shipping cost. My address is 2801 Oslo Dr. Green Bay, Wisconsin 54311. If you could send me the patterns that would help greatly.
Leann Walker
We lost a Great Granddaughter years back. I made her a gown then and have always wanted to do something for other sleeping babies. My heart goes out for families with such a loss.
Janet McWilliams
bereavement patterns
[email protected]
Did you need a copy of the pattern? You can send me an email at: [email protected] I can print and mail to you.
[email protected]
It’s completely heartbreaking, isn’t it? My cousin lost a baby girl shortly after birth….she had twins and the son survived but not the daughter. When her son turned 18 he got a tattoo in memory of his twin that he never met. It’s not something you can ever get over.
[email protected]
I’m sorry, I don’t have a file for instructions at the moment, but I will put it on my list for the future!
[email protected]
I will put them in the mail tomorrow!
[email protected]
Did you need patterns? If you send me an email with your mailing address I can print and send to you. My email is: [email protected]
[email protected]
You can download printed instructions for making the angel gown from this post : https://7pinedesign.com/angel-gown-update
This is the file: (it does require Adobe Reader): https://7pinedesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/2017AngelGownPrintableInstructionsPDF.pdf
I don’t have printable instructions for the vest yet but I will put that on my list!