LOOK BOOK: Lingerie & Nightwear
This month’s sewing LOOK BOOK is all about Lingerie and Nightwear! Whether you want to learn some new sewing skills and whip up a bra and pants set or snuggle up in some cosy pyjamas, we’ve got it covered. We have also got some great posts coming up about sewing with lingerie fabrics but first we wanted to inspire you with the best lingerie and nightwear sewing patterns out there.
As part of this month’s look book we are running a competition on social media. The first name picked out of the hat will win £40 to spend at WeaverDee.com. If you are inspired to make lingerie or nightwear, check out all their lingerie supplies and fabric ranges. Please head over to Facebook, Twitteror Instagramto find out more.
Disclaimer: this is not a sponsored post.
The Boylston Bra by Orange Lingerie is a popular pattern, check out the review from member @missmaddysews here. In sizes ranging from 30A to 40DD, this balcony style bra pattern is very versatile allowing many variations to create your own custom foam, standard cut-and-sew bra or bikini top. It also has wide tapered fabric straps and you can make it using satin, lycra or silk fabrics.
The Lili Bra and Rose pantiesset by Ohhh Lulu is great for beginners because you can sew the garments in lightweight woven fabrics such as charmeuse, satin or even quilting cotton. It’s also possible to sew them in stretch knits too. This pattern set gives you the opportunity to personalise your underwear by adding lace or colour blocking, like the sample above. If you are a vintage fan, the Lili bra has this type of styling (fitting 34″ – 43″ bust), removing the need to add the complexities of wires and wadding. The fuller Rose panties have a cross over detail at the hips, fitting 33″ – 42″.
The Bra and Camisoleset from Jalie Patterns includes a wireless bra pattern with adjustment straps and U-shaped back. There is also a camisole version with a light support shelf bra, again with adjustable straps. Both garments can be adapted for nursing too. Suggested fabric is knit (with 70% stretch) and the pattern is available in 17 sizes.
The Racer Bra back and pantiespattern set from Ohhh Lulu is for the more experienced sewist and offers two variations, a bralette option with adjustable straps or a lace racer-back design. Elasticated around the under bust, the Scarlett Bra is a pull on style with v-neckline. This is a stretch knits only pattern so jersey, stretch velvet and stretch lace would all work well. The Nora panties also offer various style options, sewn in three different designs: bikini with adjustable sides, bikini with ribbon ties or a thong.
The Named ClothingLane slip is a simple classic design. It is tight fitting, backless and has thin shoulder straps. Perfect to be worn under a fitted dress. Although the pattern is knee length it can be shortened depending on what outfit you are making it for. Choose a thin, smooth and elastic fabric for this one.
The Colette Cinnamon slipdress also comes with a camisole version. It is gathered at the bust with double straps and can be sewn up quickly with just six pattern pieces. Make with silk, crepe, voile or lawn fabrics.
The Butterick 6031 slip also comes with a camisole and briefs pattern version, it is a glamorous and vintage inspired nightwear set. Make with two way stretch knits such as a lightweight jersey. Add your own personal touches with lace trims and bow details.
The Tilly and the ButtonsFifi camisole and shorts set is the perfect make for a pyjama party! Practice sewing with fabric cut on the bias to create binding detail and also learn how to sew french seams. The camisole has soft pleated cups and princess seamed back bodice whereas the shorts have a elasticated waist and curved hems. Make with a lightweight cotton such as lawn or voile or something slinkier like satin or silk.
Gather Kits Buchanan dressing gownis the ultimate pattern in lounging attire. A relaxed design style it comes in three sizes. It has 3/4 length sleeves and you can customise yours with a contrasting neckband, cuffs and sash tie. Make it short or floor length, there are also two pocket variations, patch or in-seam.
The Carolyn Pyjamasby Closet Case Files have been really popular, with versions appearing on lots of sewing blogs. Heather describes them as having been designed for ‘chic lounging’ and they certainly deliver on the design detail. Modern but with classic style designs, there is a notched collar, breast pocket and three sleeve options. There are also three trouser options, straight legged, full length with cuff or shorts. All three have an elasticised waist and faux fly front detail. Piping is used throughout the three versions allowing you to add a pop of colour to your make. Sew with cotton, flannel or satin.
The Simplicity 1502 pyjama setcomes with seven pattern making options, making this the pyjama set for all occasions! Included are full length trousers and shorts, both with an elastic waist. There are also four nightshirt and top options, all which have a single pleat front bodice detail. Customise you makes with buttons, ribbons or lace. Make with flannel, cotton or silk.
This Butterick 5932 sleepwear set includes patterns for a camisole, dress, top, shorts and trousers. The shorts and trousers have an elasticated waist and the camisole top (pictured above) is fitted at the bust with shoulders straps and an elasticated back bodice. The pullover dress has long sleeves and the other top option is a buttoned front pyjama shirt. Make with lightweight woven fabrics such as cotton lawn, silk or satin or stable knit fabrics.
Not wanting to leave out our male sewists (or perhaps you have someone to sew them for), here are a selection of the best nightwear picks for men.
These pyjama pantsfrom 5 out of 4 patterns are suitable for all the family. Options include regular and low rise and the design also features side seam pockets, elasticated waist and options for capris, shorts and pants. This pattern is FREE when you join the 5 out of 4 patterns Facebook group here. Make in cotton, flannel, knit or fleece fabrics.
Next up for men we have these Oak Street boxer shortsfrom Greenstyle Creations. A quick make and perfect for beginners, also ideal for using up scraps in your stash. Make using knit or woven fabrics, the pattern comes with options for an encased or exposed elasticated waist and in sizes S to XXXL.
Finally we have these Comox trunksfrom menswear pattern company Thread Theory. These form-fitting shorts are designed for comfort so there is no centre back seam but they are designed with a reinforced inseam gusset and shaped front. These shorts really are short and this is to create a streamlined silhouette so they are great for play sports and getting active outdoors. Another great scrap busting project but this time for the more experienced sewist, the perfect pattern to use up your stretch knits.
