A two-piece set in thick cotton corduroy is warm, durable and ideal for children in winter. The top and the trousers each have pockets, and the trousers have an elastic waist. These notes explain the details that make such a set practical and comfortable.

Pocket position

Mark the pockets carefully on both the right and left, and avoid placing them too low, otherwise the child has to bend over to reach them. If they are too high, they are also awkward. The best approach is to measure from clothes the child already wears comfortably, because the right height changes with the size and the model.

Waist elastic

The elastic shrinks by about 5% when it is ironed, so allow for another 5% in the wash. Do not use very hard elastic. Choose a soft one that does not mark the child’s skin. Use clear (silicone) elastic at the seam joints, otherwise the seams can burst.

You can make the set in one colour or in two different colours for the top and the bottom. Extra side pockets are optional, but they should not sit too low either, because the child would have to bend down to put a hand in the pocket.

The height of the waist elastic channel is optional. The higher it is, the more seam allowance you need to give. Divide the elastic and the waistband into at least four equal parts and pin them together so the gathers are even all round.

For general tips on cutting and pressing the fabric, see our corduroy sewing guide.