Where to find a bustier/bralet pattern?
I'm making a dress that requires me to have a bustier-style top. Does anyone know how to make one, if not find a pattern for one? It is crucial that it fits well and that I can still wear a bra underneath.
Here is a picture of what the finished product should look like:
http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2091711&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=bralet&pageSize=20
thanks!
To sew a bra such as that one you will need to follow a commercial sewing pattern. Bras are surprisingly complex in construction and engineering, that's why they are so expensive for such a tiny time of underwear.
Kwik Sew has a good selection of undergarment patterns: http://www.kwiksew.com/catalog/cat_thumbs.cfm?End=25&Start=1&Cat=Misses&Level=Lingerie&QL=MissLingerie Kwik sew patterns have clear easy to follw instruction sheets designed for all levels of sewers, from beginners to pros.
This site is superlative for having everything you will need to make a well fitting professional looking bra. They have patterns, fabrics, notions elastics padding and all inclusive kits. http://bramakerssupply.com/site2009/cart/shopdisplaycategories.asp I've bought a couple of their kits at the last sewing and needlework show and took a couple of the classes at the same show, Lots of fun!
If you don't want to buy a pattern and you want to wing it on your own then you need Pauline's excellent free on line bra lessons available here: http://www.andsewitis.net/braclass/class_start.html
If you are going for a fashion garment that has the shape, appearance and structure of the bralet in your picture then make it the same way as the bra, and only cut the outermost layer from your fashion fabric. If the fabric isn't a stretch fabric, then you can cheat by cutting the fashion fabric on the bias grain
http://sewing.about.com/od/beginner1/p/fabricgrain.htm
http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingglossaryae/g/bias.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bias_(textile)
Cutting on the bias will turn your no-stretch woven into a stretchy fabric.
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