
How to Mash Up the Dakota Dolman Sweater and Grow-With-Me Romper: A Fun, Easy Sewing Hack!
Are you ready to level up your sewing game and create a one-of-a-kind outfit for your little one? In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to mash up the Dakota Dolman Sweater pattern with the free Grow-With-Me Romper pattern! It’s a simple, fun, and totally customizable project that’s perfect for babies and toddlers—plus, it’s super comfy and practical.
Why You’ll Love This Mash-Up:
- Unique Style: Blend the cozy fit of the Dakota Dolman with the playful features of the Grow-With-Me Romper.
- Stretchy & Comfortable: Great for everyday wear, especially for growing kids.
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.n

Let’s dive into this easy step-by-step guide on how to create a mash-up romper that’s equal parts adorable and functional!
What You’ll Need:
- The Dakota Pattern
- The Grow-with-me Romper Pattern
- Matching Thread
- Sewing Machine
- Fabric with at least 70% stretch (find what I used here)
Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing the Dakota Dolman + Grow-With-Me Romper
Step 1: Cut Out Both Patterns in the Same Size
Start by choosing the right size for your project. I used the 12-18 month size for both the Dakota Dolman Sweater and the Grow-With-Me Romper. Make sure you have your patterns cut or projected and ready to go!

Step 2: Match the Armscyes & Fold Lines
To create a seamless mash-up, place the bottoms of the armscyes from both patterns on top of each other. Make sure to align the center or fold lines on both pieces. This will help ensure a balanced design.

Step 3: Trace Your New Pattern
On a fresh sheet of tracing paper, carefully trace around the overlapped patterns. Smooth out the side seams to create a continuous, polished shape for your romper. This is your new hybrid pattern!

Step 4: Cut Out Your Pattern Pieces
Once your new pattern is traced, cut out the following pieces from your fabric:
- Your new romper pattern
- 1 Dakota neckband
- 2 Dakota sleeves
- 2 Dakota cuffs
- 2 Grow-With-Me romper leg cuffs
Step 5: Cut Your Fabric
Use your pattern pieces to cut your fabric. It’s crucial to choose fabric with at least 70% stretch for this project. For the neckband, pick a fabric with even more stretch and excellent recovery since your little one will need to get into the romper through the neck hole.

Step 6: Assemble the Romper
Place the two main romper pieces right sides together and sew along the following seams:
- Shoulder seams
- Side seams
- Inseam

Step 7: Add Sleeves, Cuffs, and Neckband
Now it’s time to attach the Dakota Dolman sleeves, cuffs, and neckband. Follow the instructions from the Dakota Dolman Sweater pattern for these steps. Don’t forget to sew the Grow-With-Me romper leg cuffs as directed in that pattern too!

Step 8: Check the Neckline Fit
Try the romper on your little one! If the neck hole feels too small, no worries—it’s an easy fix. Simply widen the neckline slightly and cut a new neckband that’s around 85-90% of the neckline width. This will give your romper the perfect fit!
Pro Tips for a Successful Sewing Project:
- Stretch Fabrics: Always check the stretch percentage of your fabric! The stretchier, the better, especially for neckbands.
- Tracing Paper: Don’t skip the tracing step! It helps you create a smoother, more polished final piece.
- Neckline Adjustments: Don’t be afraid to tweak the neckline until it’s just right. Every fabric behaves differently, so adjustments are sometimes necessary.
Conclusion: Create Your Own Dakota Dolman + Grow-With-Me Romper Combo!
Now you’ve got a fun, customized romper that’s perfect for active babies and toddlers. Whether you’re sewing for your own child or creating a special handmade gift, this mash-up will surely be a hit. Plus, it’s a great way to mix and match your favorite patterns to make something completely new.
Find this fabric at Phany Création


