If a loved one has died, the funeral director will often ask you to provide the clothes they’re going to wear in their casket or coffin. This can be an incredibly hard thing to do, particularly for infants or young children who have passed away, as they’re often dressed in small, special outfits. These outfits can be a comfort to families, especially when they’re mourning their loss, and it is important that the clothes are of high quality.
In the past, families were able to use their own clothing for the occasion, however, this isn’t always possible now. Most of the time, a garment will need to be specially made for the burial or cremation process. These outfits will need to be made in natural fibres, and will need to be free of elastic waistbands, nylon threads, synthetic linings, buttons and plastic zips. These outfits are often made by charities who specialise in the manufacture of bereavement gowns, and can be bought from a range of online catalogs.
Many of these gowns are similar to Christening or Baptismal dresses, and they come in a variety of sizes and colours. These types of gowns are often very expensive, and they can be difficult for some families to afford. For this reason, some charities also make their own clothing for funerals and crematoriums, which is usually much more affordable. These gowns are often very simple, and they may be made from either linen or cotton.
It’s possible to sew your own gowns for a baby funeral, and there are a number of patterns available to help with this. There are many different size options, so it’s important to choose the right pattern for your needs. For small babies, a plain, white, short gown with long sleeves will probably be the best option. This type of dress can be used for a memorial service, or as the baby’s final outfit, and it can be kept by their parents as a keepsake.
Some people also like to knit their own outfits for a funeral, which can be a very moving and personal activity. There are various knitting patterns available online, including some that are designed specifically for infants, so you’re sure to find something that suits your style and size requirements.
When deciding what to wear at a funeral, it’s important to consider your loved one’s style in life. Did they prefer casual clothes, or did they enjoy dressing up? You should also think about the style of the funeral itself – for example, if your loved one wants an open casket funeral, you might want to consider whether their clothes will be suitable.
For more information about making a bereavement gown, or for other resources about funerals and grieving, please see the following links. We’d also love to hear from you if you have any questions about this article, or if you’d like to share your own sewing project with us! Please contact us via email for more information.