Proceed to follow the instructions as written in the pattern tutorial. Remove carefully taking care to not scratch yourself with the pins.įinally, zig-zag in between the pins the 2-3″ you pinned off. I found it easier to get off without poking my eyes out by pinning it so the tip of the pin is facing down instead of up as pictured. Pin your cups to the lining across 2-3″ of the top curve of your cups. This allows you to make small adjustments to get your lining exactly where you want it. We are almost finished attaching our bra, but we have one more important step! This is different than the regular bra cup assembly in the original Bahama Mama pattern. The bra band will be buckled between the swim lining and the swimsuit itself. Please note that when you will be wearing your finished suit, the bra cups will be directly touching your chest. Stitch side seams at regular seam allowance, stitch top shoulder seams at regular seam allowance. I then placed the back shelf lining on top of the bra (layered top to bottom: front shelf piece, bra, back shelf piece). I basted the bra band to the front shelf lining first at the side seams where we pinned. This will be more or less true depending on your cup size. You will see that the lining puckers in the middle because the width of the bra is narrower (and the band is more elastic) than the actual lining. (It is important that you pin low enough that you can still apply the bands without accidentally stitching the cup). I pinned it to the lining about 1″ down from the underarm seam. I pinned my band about an inch away from the cups. Pin your bra band to the lining side seams. Don’t worry – just follow these steps carefully and when you try it on, the lining will stretch appropriately over your bust line. It is going to pull your lining in when you pin it. A bra band is very elastic with great recovery. This is the step where you are just going to have to trust me and elasticity. Zig-zag stitch or serge across the top of the bra cup so your bra’s layers stick together. Third, round out the tip of your cups with sharp scissors. Also remove any bling, rosettes, metal, etc., that is sometimes used to embellish bras. Second, trim away straps at the top of the cups and the back of the band. If you are concerned about this, you can purchase swim bras elsewhere online for this hack.* A regular bra may not hold up as well as your swim fabric. *Please remember, swimwear is specially treated to hold up to chlorine, saltwater, etc. I chose one that fit well and was supportive but did not have any foam padding in it (I didn’t want to have to wring myself out every time I got out of the pool). I made this particular hack three times using underwire bras size 34 D.įirst, we start with an old bra. This method should work with MANY women’s swimsuit patterns that already include a shelf lining. So with the designer’s permission, I am sharing my tutorial steps to add a REAL bra to the lining of the Bahama Mama Peplum Tankini. However, did you know that a properly fitted bra carries its support in the back band? I knew that without some extra back band support, I would not get the best fit that I’ve been looking for. ![]() The support was better than most of my RTW swimsuits since the cups were in the right location and the suit was the correct size. After I sewed the bra cups to the lining as instructed in the excellent, clear tutorial, I tried it on. I originally purchased the Dritz Gel Bra Cups in my size and started sewing the lining. If I find a suit with perfect support, it usually doesn’t fit well elsewhere. If I’m lucky enough to find a suit tall enough for me, it lacks support. I am 5’10” and thanks to four nursing kiddos, have some extra curves. ![]() I have lived a life of ill-fitting swimsuits. It also meant that I would need to share my swimsuit creation with the sewing world – this challenged both my sewing skills and my confidence! My last attempt the previous year at sewing a swimsuit for my middle daughter did not go very well. When I saw the call for testers for the Bahama Mama Peplum Tankini and Bikini Bottoms, I felt challenged to sign up. I have been testing sewing patterns for about a year now. ![]() I will share more about my new suit on Friday (4/1) since today I want to share my special bra hack for all the ladies eager to sew theirs up right away! I am happy to report that testing the new Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop Bahama Mama Peplum Tankini and High Rise Bikini Bottoms went very well, and I ended up with a suit I love for a day at the pool, the lake, or just heading to the splash pad with my kids. Since the pattern released today (3/31) I can finally share my pictures and a special hack I made to make it perfect for me! ![]() As you heard on Tuesday with my Swimsuit Sewing Tricks and Tips for Beginners post, I made myself a fabulous swimsuit last week.
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