What's Underneath It All? The Bra and Panty Sewing Pattern Reviews!

After 2 years of sewing-my-wardrobe and dabbling in the random pair of underwear and bralettes through pattern testing, I decided to just DO IT more recently on my own accord. 

Husband also hates my years old Lululemon sports bras - the comfortable bras I discovered after having a hate on with my La Senza wired and non wired bras.  

He DOESN'T UNDERSTAND THIS FEELING:

So not only am I on the search for a comfortable supportive bra, but one I can wear all day and night, and not really care that I have it on.  

Being alluring would be helpful too - then Husband would approve and stop making fun of my undergarments. 

Honestly - they aren't too difficult - just follow each step of the instructions, and each bra and panty you make will just get easier. 

Nora Knickers - Daydream Patterns

I made these from an old stretch cotton work shirt and lace from some random Ebay store. The lining I already had from my stash. 

My fold over elastic is from In the Pink Room - a fabulous notions store from Nova Scotia. 

The panties were quite simple to assemble, and I love the lace detailing. It's also a great scrap buster. 

For wearability, they don't ride up or move throughout the day, I can Yoga in them, and the gusset it the perfect comfortable size for me. 

I would use a super stretchier lace next time as they are about 1/4" tight on my hips (maybe that's just me, as I made them about 6 months ago), but otherwise, the part that matters (down under) is awesome. 

2) Mama Victoria and Bridgette Bralette

I think these were the second Bra and Panties I sewed up - again, with that Ebay random stretch lace. 

Reading the sewing instructions also got me into the habit of sewing my stretch clothes with a proper stretch stitch.  I only  have a sewing machine (no serger or coverstitch machine). 

I blogged about the Mama Victoria (Panties) and Mama Bridgette (Bralettes) in a previous post - you can read up about them there. 

I still have to make these again for the perfect fit - and after my recent experience, I feel I will perfect the bras. 

I'm wearing my Victoria Panties today, and honestly I feel like I'm wearing nothing, and haven't had to adjust. 

For me, that's a winner.  I even plan on practicing my T25 Workout and Yin Yoga later on tonight in them. 

They're just that comfortable. 

I prefer the Full Back Bridgette (comfort), whereas Husband prefers the Cross Back Bridgette (sexier). I also have Tech neck and have worked in front of a computer for the last 16 years, so any strain on my shoulders and neck is annoying.

3) Lovesick Bra - George + Ginger 

  

Ok, I lied.  THIS was my first bra. 

I made it from fun two way stretch cotton lycra (the Gnomes) and super stretchy lightweight cotton lycra (stripes) - both scrap bits and bobs (unsure where I purchased the fabric from). 

It was fairly straight forward to put together, and I was able to adjust the straps so they fit without falling off. 

I did find the fit quite tight along the armpits and the band, despite measuring myself first - so I am pretty sure this one ended up in the "place we don't speak of."  

I will reattempt this pattern again now that I have my lingerie sewing skills on, and likely measure myself more accurately at this point in my sewing game. 

It's a FREE pattern if you join the George + Ginger Group - just look under the Files section. 

4) Primrose Panties - Bella Sunshine Designs

Bella Sunshine Designs was brewing a baby for awhile, but now they are back - and their first pattern release was the Primrose Panties Pattern!  

I blogged about them here. 

After a few months, they are another pair of panties - more generic and less sexy - that I feel nekkid in all day long.  No adjustments required all-day-long!

I made both the hipster and regular versions. 

You can totally scrap bust these two by colour blocking the front or back panels. 

 

5) Lucky Bra - Rad Patterns

I absolutely love the twist in this bra.  This is another early sew for me, so the fit was a bit tight around the band and straps - I will definitely size up and try another round

6) Thondlewear - Stitch Upon a Time Patterns

These were VERY simple to make - with straightforward directions and multiple options for leg and waist bands. 

This was my first attempt with fold over elastic, and I used an old t-shirt and thin hoodie for the fabrics.   

I found my lack of proper stretch sewing with the fold over elastic made this a bit wonky on me, and I do have to adjust them down under for proper comfort.  

But thongs are definitely a personal feel - the wrong fabric or fit, and they are just not happening. 

So these are another pair I'll make again now that I have a vast amount of fabric and sewing skill knowledge vs 2 years ago. 

Lighter stretchier fabric, and maybe even lace for a no-feel thong!

Scrundies - Hipster Style - Stitch Upon A Time

These were my second attempt, with some random Fabricland clearance stretchy rayon fabric and scrap two way stretch Cotton Lycra (Gnomes).

Honestly, the stretch in these fabrics together is perfect!  

The fit is spot on and the instructions are very easy to follow - even for a beginner.  

I now realize why I prefer bands over fold over elastic:

- it's easier to sew on

- More forgiving for stretch

- Doesn't accentuate any muffin top or leave marks on my skin after a long day. 

- Doesn't dig into crevices

- Great scrap buster 

7) Greta Thong and Lana Bra - Made for Mermaids

Sorry for baring my behind, lumps, and bumps. But I'm a real woman. And no longer a size 0 (as I was 20 years ago).

As soon as I saw the recent sew-a-long for this set, I bit the bullet and found a few bits and bobs for lingerie sewing from Libelle Sewing, Trimmings & Supplies, and a store going out of business on Etsy. 

My lovely soft double brushed polyester fabric is from Water Tower Textiles - and  is SOOOOO soft - definitely the perfect fabric choice for this mid waisted Greta Thong. 

I used stretch lace that I had already for the bindings on both the Lana bra and the Greta. 

With this combo, the panties sewed up quickly and easily. And I barely notice they are there when on - bam!  I finally perfected sizing and fabric types to use with panties!  

I did sew up the higher waisted Greta, and although comfortable, I think the double brushed polyester is MUCH more comfortable in the nether regions than Cotton Lycra is. I also prefer where the mid height thong hits my hips - it's more flattering.

For the Lana bra, I did have to cut a good inch off either side of the back, and the front is wonky underneath the bust (it has a big bubble of fabric)....BUT apparently after the Lana's February release, they already had a MAJOR update to the pattern with dozens of sizing combos, and an entire blog indicating how to choose your proper sizing. 

I have one cut up on my table waiting to be made, so I'll use my newly printed pattern pieces to see if I can reuse that fabric, or will just have a wonky bra before I have the perfect bra. 

I can wear it all day and evening while relaxing, can work out in it (foam padding - from an old repurposed bra), and I don't adjust it all day long.  Honestly, the most comfortable non-sports bra I have ever worn. 

I will NEVER go store bought again!  

8) Mary Ribbon Cinch Hipster Panties from Oooh Lulu Patterns AND Havana Bralette from Evie La Luve 

I fell in love with both of these patterns when I saw them. I believe they both had a sale at the same time - and I was trying to expand my lingerie as per Husband's request. 

He even offered to buy me more feminine undergarments....but for $40-$60 for something that I like and looks nice...I can make quite a few pieces for the price of one ill-fitting store bought version. 

In comes the Havana and Cinch Hipsters!

 

The bralette doesn't have padding (I'm sure you could add it), but the seams lie in such a place that it isn't necessary. Nothing pokes out where it shouldn't. 

I used a nice piece of lycra spandex for the top, along with lace and a LOT of lingerie straps from Libelle Sewing. 

I just LOVE the way this bra feels while on - and I adore the multi straps - it's so different, sexy, and because the straps are adjustable - no squishing of skin because of tightness.

And oops - I was SO excited with the panties that I didn't realize the sizing was too small for my 44" hips. *sigh* 

So, as it goes up to 42", I just guessed at the size increase on the pattern, and cut it out a size larger.  And they fit like a nice glove now. 

I LOVE the cinching and ribbon touches. 

And Husband was quite excited with my not-store-bought attire. 

BAM.

So sew up some new lingerie that ACTUALLY fits and makes you feel good no matter what, and tell me how you did, what your favourite part was, and if you flaunted your stuff to someone you love (your dog, cat, parrot, husband) - someone who appreciates and loves you. 

***I sew for the passion, fun, and confidence it gives me. Affiliate links have been used, but I only promote what I believe in and adore *** 

Sewing Pattern Review: Made for Mermaids Lounge & Lace Collection

Ooh La La!

When the Made for Mermaids Mama Bridgette Bralette and Mama Victoria came out, I was stoked to start making my own undergarments. And ones that Husband would like!

I don't hold the Mama part of the name against them, despite not being a mother - not having kids hasn't been made part of the inclusivity club yet - c'est la vie!

Finding lace fabric at a decent price as a bit of a task. For the metres required for each garment, and at anywhere from $5-$9 a metre, no wonder they charge so much in stores for lacey undergarments! 

I used my sleuthy skills and found a seller on Ebay.ca who had random packages of finished stretch lace in multiple metres at a steal of a price. 

I took the chance, spent $60 on 20 metres of lace, and was pleasantly surprised when it arrived. It was soft, nice enough colours, and enough for 1-2 panties and a bra per colour. Yay! 

The Mama Victoria - Cheekies and Thong:

You have two options:
- Cheekies
- Thongs

These honestly took less than half an hour a pair - including cutting -they are SO simple to sew up.

My first pair I used stretch velvet and some random stretch frilly elastic I had on hand. They are a bit small, despite going by the measurements on the pattern. 

Still wearable, but I reprinted the pattern in the next size up for a more favourable size for my next 4 pairs.

I used scrap swimwear lining I had on hand for the lining part (no one wants lace in their nether regions!), and everything sewed together without any issues. 

The instructions were easy to follow, and I love the way both pairs fit.

The thong doesn't ride anywhere it ought not to, and I don't even remember I'm wearing them when they're on. They don't dig into my hips or belly either - yay!

I have no need to buy underwear again - when I can make them!  They don't cut in, and I can colour block and use scraps if need be.

From fabric vs lace, they feel equally divin.

Mama Bridgette Bralette & Nightie

I didn't splurge enough for a nightie, but I did for a matching bra for every two panties! 

There are 3 back options:
- Racerback
- Cross Back
- Full Back

I have a lot of neck and shoulder pain, so try to avoid anything that will put more pressure on that area.

That being said, I did make one of each back type to see how they felt.

The instructions are detailed and easy to follow - and the PDF even includes links to video instructions, which are SO helpful! 

Full Back

Racerback

The first two bras, I once again went by measurements taken that night, and the bra just felt too tight with a lot of pressure.

So I sized up for the third one for a comfortable fit.

My only issue (other than the sizing) is that there wasn't a tutorial for how to insert a bra cup. So I'll do that next time, as currently they just sit outside the bra so I don't show the world how cold it is.

Learning curves!

The Raceback and Cross Back options aren't too bad, but I can wear them for an hour before the pressure is too much - plus to wear clothes over them without anyone seeing the neck portion of the bras is pretty difficult.

So they are purely sexy-time bras.

The Full back is perfect. 

I can wear clothes over it without the straps showing, and it holds my decent busom without me falling out or feeling unsupported.

I really need to make more time to make more though, as Husband complains about my Lululemon Sports Bras (SOOOO comfy too). I only have the one Full Back Bridgette made so far that fits, so after a wear, in the wash it goes and out comes the sports bra! 

So it's comparably as comfy as my Lulu sports bras. That says a lot, as I love them.

So take the challenge and sew some undergarments. I recommend sizing up and using "not coveted" fabric for your first go to ensure the fit is proper before digging into fabric you would cry if it didn't work out.