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Peaches and cream

Here’s my second go at that bralette that caused so much woe.

This time I used a thicker cotton jersey in a peach color and repurposed the hardware. It’s getting much better, though I still think there are tweaks I’d make if I do make it again. I think I need a bit more fullness in the cup, I’d probably slightly adjust the neckline curve, and maybe play around with the three-step zigzag a little more. I felt the zigzag tended to stretch out the elastic and fabric, for some reason.

I believe in having more than one pair of matching bottoms to go with each bra you own, if you’re into the whole matchy-matchy thing. Which I am. So I made two for this set. The panties were made from Kwik Sew 2100, but next time I’ll just draft my own. I added a bit of venise lace that I had in my stash to those.

I also tea-stained the venise lace, as well as the back clasp on the bra. Both were bright white, whereas my picot elastic was cream. It’s hard to tell here, but the tea stain worked perfectly!

I also wanted some cute tap pants, so I dug out my Nutmeg pattern. Of course, Nutmeg is not designed for knits, so I did have to fiddle around with it quite a lot. I think I ended up cutting a size 0 at the side seams, but could have gone even smaller.

I was inspired by the lace inset tutorial Rachel did for Nutmeg a while back, so I did my own variation with vintage lace. It was really easy. I just used a satin stitch to create some triangle-shaped appliques out of a wide band of lace, cut them out, zigzagged them onto the edge, then trimmed away the knit fabric beneath.

Do you like sewing with knits? I have to admit, I’ve always found it a bit of a pain. The fabric inserts so many extra variables, and that can be frustrating. But I do love wearing them!

Sarai Mitnick

Founder

Sarai started Colette back in 2009. She believes the primary role of a business should be to help people. She loves good books, sewing with wool, her charming cats, working in her garden, and eating salsa.

Comments

Sarah

August 23, 2012 #

So pretty and feminine! I admit to being terrified of sewing undergarments but I love to see others’ results. I have embraced a love of sewing with knits – with a serger it’s so simple! Knit dresses are one of my favourite winter garments.

KMC

August 23, 2012 #

Your lingerie set is lovely and the idea is inspiring. I would love it if you elaborated on sewing on elastic. I’ve had the same problem sewing directly on elastic (as opposed to a casing). If it’s going to stretch while it’s being sewn, then how much shorter should I go? How could I avoid the stretching out all together? Just some ideas for you to consider:).

Rebecca

August 23, 2012 #

Knits are a pain, but it would be brilliant if you made a pattern for a bra similar to this. It gets people into making lingerie without needing too many extra bits (wires etc), but still produces something supportive and thus actually useful.

Jane W.

August 23, 2012 #

Sarai, I salute you! They look both lovely and comfortable.

Christine

August 23, 2012 #

I love these – especially the bralette which would be perfect for me – maybe a new challenge for the winter

gabriel ratchet

August 23, 2012 #

love it. if you do create the pattern for which clamor has been resounding, how about a front close variation on the theme?

Amanda

August 23, 2012 #

These look lovely – kudos! I agree, sewing with knits has so many variables, and me having so little experience sewing them that I find it a bit of a pain too… but they ARE so comfortable, and I think because of that I’m not gonna give up on them just yet – I’d like to get as comfortable sewing with them as I am wearing them :)

Jess

August 23, 2012 #

So cute!

I LOVE sewing with knits! They require few to no fitting devices and are much more forgiving when it comes to fit than wovens. If a knit garment is a bit tight, it’s just more form fitting; if a woven garment is a bit tight, it’s uncomfortable. It can take a bit to actually start enjoying sewing with them, (and sergers help ease any pain) since they behave some much differently that wovens when cutting and sewing, but they’re so great once you’re accustomed!

maddie

August 23, 2012 #

This is much better than your first try. No holes! I feel like with knits, there is a learning curve. It’s mostly about learning how to handle the fabric – how to “baby” it just right.

Tasha @ Stale Bread into French Toast

August 23, 2012 #

I’ve had some knit fabric struggles this week myself! But I’m getting over it, I just made a pair of undies from my favorite pattern, to prove that my machine and I CAN do a job with knits, which we can!

IreneDAdler

August 23, 2012 #

I fell in love with your bralette design from the previous post, and this one is just as amazing :) Is there any chance you would provide a pattern for your design when you’ve finalized it? This type of bralette is exactly what I need! I’m pretty flat-chested so I don’t need a lot of structural support and all the thick padding and wires in conventional bras feel so constricting. I really love the crossover seams in the front — provides shaping and visual interest :) If you made a pattern for this bralette, I would totally buy it!

Lisa S.

August 23, 2012 #

Ugh! I try to avoid sewing with knits at all costs. I’ve always had trouble with the process. Hmmmm…perhaps a Collette Tutorial would be appropriate!

lee lee

August 23, 2012 #

Do you need a serger to make this? Any special tips for a new to sewing knits sewer? Perhaps a tutorial would really help. I love the touch of lace.

Ginger

August 23, 2012 #

Love your set, it looks so comfy.
I always feel old fashioned when I admit to enjoying sewing wovens better than knits. I do sew knits but give a cotton woven any day. I think it may stem from not being able to find good knits locally and having hit or miss luck ordering knits on line.

Kelly

August 23, 2012 #

Lovely! I really like the lace on the shorts!

Ro

August 28, 2012 #

I think you did superb job, I love these. but can a gal with a
C or D cup be able to make a bra. I am not heavy just big on top.
thanks

LLBB

August 28, 2012 #

I love sewing with knits! some trial and error is usually in order, but not really too much more so than anything else.
I love using fun prints, as well as solid colors with interesting style lines to create something fun and versatile to wear.

Heather

August 28, 2012 #

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this bra! And I’m wanting to start making my bras. I love wearing knits, and sew knits, altho I prefer sewing cottons. A serger makes a huge difference in sewing knits more easily/pleasantly. Love your patterns and am hoping you will turn this bra into a pattern.

Chris

August 29, 2012 #

I am just starting to sew with knit fabrics, after taking a class at Stone Mountain and Daughter, a wonderful local, independent fabric store . The first thing I made came out way too big, and when I took it in, i didn’t try it on again:too small ! So I’m trying again with a nice cotton/rayon/lycra knit that’s a bit thicker. I’m really motivated to learn, because so much of what i wear is knit. Mostly dresses, which can be pricey to buy retail.