red dress and accessories

ANKARA STYLES FOR KIDS: 5 TRENDY AND COMFORTABLE DESIGNS

Welcome! In this post, we’ll be exploring some of the most trendy and comfortable Ankara styles for kids. Known for its vibrant colors, bold patterns, and rich cultural heritage, Ankara (also called African print) has become a global favorite. It’s not just for adults—kids can rock these stunning designs too! If you’re a parent looking to dress your child in both stylish and comfortable outfits, Ankara is an excellent choice. Join us as we dive into the top 5 Ankara styles for kids that are perfect for any occasion.

ANKARA DRESSES FOR KIDS

Ankara dresses are a popular choice for kids, offering a range of styles from playful short flared dresses to elegant long gowns. These dresses are perfect for special occasions such as birthdays, church services, or family gatherings. What makes Ankara dresses ideal for kids is their versatility. They can be designed with sleeves or be sleeveless, adorned with frills or kept simple, and embellished with fun details like bows or ruffles.

  • A-Line Ankara Dress: A timeless classic, the A-line dress is shaped like the letter “A,” flaring out from the waist. This style is comfortable for kids, offering freedom of movement with a loose fit. It can be paired with sandals or sneakers, making it suitable for both casual and semi-formal events.
  • Ankara Ball Gown: For a more formal occasion, an Ankara ball gown is perfect for making your little one feel like royalty. With a fitted bodice and a flared skirt, this full-length dress is ideal for weddings, birthday parties, and other elegant affairs. Add a matching hairband or bow for a complete princess look.

ANKARA SHIRTS AND SHORTS SETS FOR BOYS

For active boys, Ankara shirts and shorts sets are a great option. Comfortable and easy to wear, these sets typically feature a short-sleeved shirt paired with matching or contrasting shorts.

  • Ankara Button-Up Shirts: These shirts combine a classic button-up design with vibrant Ankara prints. They can be paired with plain shorts, jeans, or even matching Ankara pants for a coordinated look. Perfect for family outings, school events, or casual weekend fun.
  • Ankara Shorts: Lightweight and breathable, Ankara shorts are ideal for warmer weather. Comfortable and stylish, they can be paired with a plain T-shirt or tank top for a relaxed look. Mix and match prints for a unique style that reflects your child’s personality.

ANKARA JUMPSUITS AND ROMPERS

Jumpsuits and rompers are not only trendy but practical for kids. Easy to wear and comfortable, these one-piece outfits are great for both boys and girls.

  • Ankara Jumpsuits for Girls: Perfect for adventurous girls, Ankara jumpsuits come in various styles such as sleeveless, short-sleeved, or long-sleeved. With options like off-shoulder or halter neck designs, they offer flexibility and comfort. Pair them with sandals or sneakers for a cute and casual look.
  • Ankara Rompers for Babies: For younger kids or babies, Ankara rompers are a fantastic choice. They are easy to put on and provide maximum comfort, often featuring snap buttons for quick diaper changes. Ideal for everyday wear, playdates, or family gatherings.

ANKARA JACKETS AND HOODIES

Ankara jackets and hoodies are perfect for adding an extra layer of style and warmth during cooler months or as fashionable outerwear.

  • Ankara Bomber Jackets: Trendy and lightweight, Ankara bomber jackets are perfect for layering over a T-shirt or dress. The vibrant prints make them stand out, adding a unique twist to a classic design. They’re great for school, outings, or family trips.
  • Ankara Hoodies: For a cozy, casual look, Ankara hoodies are a great choice. Comfortable and warm, they can be paired with jeans, leggings, or matching jogger sets for a coordinated outfit.

ANKARA ACCESSORIES

Sometimes, all it takes to elevate an outfit is a stylish Ankara accessory. These small details add personality without overwhelming the look.

  • Ankara Hairbands and Bows: Perfect for adding a pop of color to your child’s hair, Ankara hairbands and bows are fun and easy to wear. They can transform a simple outfit into something lively and unique.
  • Ankara Shoes: Yes, even shoes can be made from Ankara fabric! Ankara shoes are stylish, comfortable, and come in various styles such as sandals, ballet flats, or sneakers. They can be paired with simple dresses or shorts to let the shoes take center stage.

WHY CHOOSE ANKARA FOR KIDS?

Ankara fabric is not only beautiful but also durable and comfortable. Made from 100% cotton, it is breathable and perfect for all weather conditions. Ankara is easy to maintain and can withstand the wear and tear of active kids. Additionally, its versatility makes it ideal for various occasions, whether casual or formal. Whether you choose a full Ankara outfit or just accessories, there’s something for every child.

HOW TO CARE FOR ANKARA CLOTHES FOR KIDS

To ensure your child’s Ankara clothes remain vibrant and fresh, follow these care tips:

  • Hand Wash with Mild Detergent: To prevent fading, hand wash Ankara clothes with a mild detergent. If using a washing machine, opt for the gentle cycle.
  • Dry in Shade: Always dry Ankara clothes in the shade to preserve the brightness of the colors. Direct sunlight can cause the fabric to fade over time.
  • Iron on Low Heat: To keep your Ankara clothes wrinkle-free, iron them on low heat. Always iron the clothes on the wrong side of the fabric to prevent damage.

CONCLUSION

Ankara styles for kids offer a fantastic way for parents to dress their children in stylish and comfortable outfits. From vibrant dresses and shirts to playful jumpsuits and accessories, the options are endless. Not only is the fabric beautiful and eye-catching, but it’s also durable and versatile, making it ideal for active kids. Whether you’re dressing them up for a special occasion or just adding a fun touch to their everyday wardrobe, Ankara styles will keep your child looking their best. Embrace these trendy Ankara designs and watch your little ones shine!

SEW A BARBIE MOVIE GINGHAM DOLL DRESS

The new Barbie Movie has taken the world by storm, bringing a wave of pink everywhere! The costume designs are a dazzling display of fabulousness with a strong vintage vibe, which I absolutely adore. Drawing inspiration directly from Barbie’s iconic wardrobe, the outfits in the movie are truly unforgettable. Rather than splurging on the movie dolls (though we couldn’t resist picking up the Pink Western Barbie), I’ve decided to get creative and hack together some sewing patterns to recreate a few of the iconic looks, starting with my favorite—the pink gingham dress. Follow along with this tutorial to sew your very own Barbie Movie-inspired gingham doll dress!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

  • Pink gingham fabric with small squares (4-5mm or 1/8”)
  • Matching pink or white thread
  • Approximately 30cm of matching gingham ribbons in both 5mm and 1cm widths (for straps and belt)
  • A pink gingham ribbon bow (or create one using the 5mm ribbon)
  • White netting or tulle for the underskirt
  • Pearl seed beads (for the belt and necklace)
  • Jewelry headpin (for threading beads onto to create the buckle)
  • 2 poppers or snaps
  • Beading elastic for the necklace
  • Fray check or fray stop liquid

How to Make the Dress

Step 1: Make the Bodice
To create the bodice, start by downloading the pattern here:

[Barbie Movie Dress Bodice Pattern Download]

Cut out the paper pattern pieces and pin them onto your fabric. The fabric should be folded, with the front bodice piece cut on the fold. Pin the back panel pattern to the fabric and cut through both layers. Be sure to align the checks so they are vertical.

Using a removable fabric marker or fabric pencil, mark the positions of the bodice darts (the triangle shapes) on both the front and back panels. Apply fray check or fray stop liquid to all raw edges—gingham tends to fray quite a bit, so this will help prevent that and eliminate the need to finish the seams.

Next, sew the darts on the front and back bodice panels. To do this, fold the fabric right sides together and sew from the point of the triangle to the fabric edge. This will shape the bodice properly. Press the seams flat once sewn.

Step 2: Make the Skirt
For the skirt, I used the 10th Anniversary Medium Girl pattern from Requiem Art Designs, which is free with the purchase of another pattern. I also picked up the Country Classic Summer Dress pattern, as it has a similar vintage Barbie Movie vibe. I haven’t tried that one yet—my project list is just too long! I did attempt to figure out how to calculate box pleats, but eventually gave up!

You can find the pattern on Etsy when you buy another one.

The pattern piece you’ll need is called the 1-Piece Skirt. Cut the fabric accordingly, and make sure to mark the locations for the pleats, as this is an important step.

Apply fray stop or fray check to the raw edges of the skirt. Next, press a hem at the bottom of the skirt and topstitch it in place.

For the pleats, sew them together, but only stitch about 0.5cm down from the top. Repeat this for each pleat.

Once all the pleats are sewn, press them flat.

Step 3: Make an underskirt

Cut a piece of tulle or netting to match the depth of your hemmed skirt and twice the width. Sew two rows of gathering stitches along the top edge. Gently pull the threads to gather the tulle until it matches the width of the bodice.

Step 4: Attach the skirt to the bodice

Place the bodice on top of the skirt, right sides together, with the bodice facing down. Tack the pieces together by hand. If there’s any excess fabric in the skirt width, trim both sides evenly to ensure a neat fit.

Pin the gathered underskirt to the skirt (so it’s on the inside) and sew through all three layers to attach the skirts to the bodice. Press the bodice up.

Step 5: Finishing off

Fold the dress in half lengthwise and sew the back seam, stopping about 2cm below the waistline. Next, sew the poppers or snaps at the top of the bodice and at the waistline. Before attaching each popper or snap, fold the fabric that will be on top inwards. For a snug fit, mark where the other half of the popper or snap should go before sewing it in place.

Cut two lengths of thin ribbon and seal the ends with a flame (adults only) or fray stop. Place the ribbons on the front bodice, marking their desired position. Hand sew the ribbons onto the front. Repeat the same process for the back bodice.

Step 5: Accessories

Cut two lengths of thin ribbon and seal the ends with a flame (adults only) or fray stop. Place the ribbons on the front bodice, marking their desired position. Hand sew the ribbons onto the front. Repeat the same process for the back bodice.

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