How to Make a Lab Coat for Kids

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Things You'll Need

  • Large white T-shirt, several sizes too big

  • Yardstick

  • Black fabric paint

  • White cotton fabric, 4 by 8 1/2 inches

  • Iron

  • Sewing pins

  • Needle

  • White thread

  • Sewing machine

Let your imagination soar while wearing your own lab coat.
Image Credit: Michael Greenberg/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Any child can look like he's got all the answers when wearing his own homemade lab coat. Create an easy lab coat from an oversized white T-shirt, a little fabric paint and a small piece of cotton fabric. This lab coat is useful for costume wear, birthday parties or theater needs.

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Easy Lab Coat

Step 1

Lay a large white T-shirt onto a flat surface.

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Step 2

Draw a line with the black fabric paint across one side of the T-shirt neckband. The line should be 2 inches right of center and drawn at a 45-degree angle. Make sure that the line extends 4 inches from the edge of the neckband. The end of the line should be pointed toward the sleeve portion of the shirt.

Step 3

Draw a straight line with the black fabric paint from the end of the 45-degree angle line that extends straight down to the hem of the T-shirt. Use a yardstick as a straightedge so your line will stay straight. This line gives the illusion of two pieces of fabric – one on top the other.

Step 4

Measure the faux button placement and mark the locations with fabric paint. Place two dots beneath the 45-degree angle line. The marks should be roughly 1 1/2 inches apart. Add more dots to the left of the straight line every 1 1/2 inches until you reach the bottom hem. The dots should be evenly spaced and in a straight line like they are stacked on top of each other with a slight space between.

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Step 5

Paint large buttons over the dots with more black fabric paint. Let the painted buttons dry.

Easy Pocket

Step 1

Create a pocket. Use a piece of white cotton fabric, 4 inches by 8 1/2 inches big. Fold the white cotton fabric in half lengthwise – right sides together.

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Step 2

Sew the fabric to itself along three sides. Trim the corners so they are rounded. Turn the fabric right side out.

Step 3

Smooth the fabric down and iron flat.

Step 4

Turn down the unfinished edge. Iron the edge and tack it in place with a few stitches.

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Step 5

Pin the pocket to the left side of the shirt. Make sure that the turned-down edge is at the bottom of the pocket and between the pocket and T-shirt.

Step 6

Sew the sides and bottom of the pocket to the T-shirt.

Tip

Instead of using faux buttons, hand stitch large black buttons to the front of the T-shirt.

Add a red bow tie to the neckband area for a more formal scientist look.

Paint a pocket onto the front of the T-shirt instead of sewing on a fabric pocket.

Add a name tag or a badge to personalize the lab coat. You can paint a badge onto the coat with fabric paint or clip a handmade badge onto the pocket area.

Don't forget accessories. If you don't have access to a real or play stethoscope, paint one around the shoulders of the lab coat, if desired.

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