if you want a sewn one, we use the kimono shirt pattern from NIN Pattern set #1, lengthening it to the needed size. We measured from the shoulder seam of the shirt to the hem of the shirt and added just about that much to the length of the shirt to make the gown.
We also add 1 inch to both sides of the center front in order to widen the front and have the gown overlap instead of just meeting in the center. We put velcro on in 3-4 places for closure. You could even sew up the center front seem from the lengthened hem a few inches but leave plenty of the center front open in order to easily dress the baby.
The NIN pattern is for a large preemie but if you enlarge it 10% it fits a 7 to 8 pound baby. Enlarging it 15%, it fits an 8-9 pound baby.
We also put ribbing around the neckline to soften the neckline around the baby's neck. The hospitals have commented that just hemming the neckline by turning it under and top stitching sometimes scratches the baby's skin.
If this is confusing, I can try to send you a sketch of what I mean.
Posted on Feb 15, 2006, 10:08 PM from IP address 69.243.190.119