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These instructions are for the baby sizes of the romper pattern and the pattern itself includes the following instructions as of 2017. If you purchased the baby romper pattern before 2017 or want to make criss-cross straps for the Girls Ruffled Romper pattern, read on.
Criss Cross Straps for your Bubble Romper
You can download a screenshot PDF of these instructions here: Criss Cross Straps
There are only two simple changes necessary for this modification – making straps and adding snaps or buttons as fasteners. You’ll need a scrap of interfacing, and either two 1/2″ diameter buttons or 2 to 4 sets of sew -in or press-in snaps.
Making the Straps
Begin by cutting your pattern pieces as directed, except do not cut the halter ties. Cut 2 straps each 2.75” wide with length as follows: NB: 10.25”, 0-3 months, 11.25”, 3-6 months: 12.25”, 6-12 months: 13.25”, 12-18 months: 14.25, 18-24 months, 15.25”. For girl’s sizes, add about 1” per each size larger.
Fold each strap in half lengthwise with right sides together and sew down one long and one short edge using a ½” seam allowance*. Apply a strip of interfacing about 4” long inside your seamline at the closed end. 
*Finished straps are roughly 7/8” wide. If you like slightly wider straps, use a ¼” seam allowance when sewing the long side of the straps.
Trim across the corner and turn through the unsewn end. Press well and continue with the pattern instructions for attaching the straps and finishing the romper.
Add Snaps or Buttons/Buttonholes
Mark button/snap placement on the back waistband by first being sure the fabric gathers are distributed evenly across the back elastic. Then fold the romper back evenly in half with wrong sides together to find center back and mark the fold.
Without stretching the elastic or the fabric, measure 1.5” to the left and right of center back and mark these points. You may like to place these wider apart or closer together depending on your child, so custom fitting at this point is a good idea if you have the child available.
Set the buttons or sew the snaps through the entire waistband – fabric and elastic – at the marked or desired points. The button will be centered on these marks on the inside; for snaps, the caps will be centered on the outside and sockets (male or female) on the inside. Below shows the view from the inside.
Standard prong snaps should work perfectly for this. You may wish to test your snaps on a scrap of elastic wrapped in a scrap of fabric first. If you find you are having trouble, be sure you are not using non-roll elastic (which is thicker) or use snaps with longer prongs.To set snaps/buttonholes on the straps, cross the straps and fit on the child if possible for the best fit. If the child is not available, set the snaps/sew vertical buttonholes beginning 1.5” from the end of the strap and a second set beginning 1” to 1.5” from the first for adjustability (left photos below). For snaps, set caps on the inside of the strap and the remaining sockets (opposite of the ones you used on the waistband) on the outward-facing side (right photo below).
You can add additional growth snaps/buttonholes if you wish. Happy sewing!
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