Hello! Heather from All Things Katy! here to share with you how to add a simple bra strap holder to one of Made for Mermaids Mama pattern, The Mama Lea Tunic, Dress and Romper. The bra strap holder will ensure that your dress stays in place while still keeping the nice, deep back scoop of the Mama Lea Tunic, Dress and Romper. This is a great alternative to the back band option already included in the pattern. No wardrobe malfunctions, here ;-).
The Mama Lea Tunic, Dress and Romper PDF sewing pattern is a sweet, simple dolman style dress/romper that is easy to sew (no set-in sleeves!), yet still fun and easy to wear. It can be dressed up or dressed down. It’s the perfect #momiform! (Plus, there is a matching girl’s Lea Dress and Romper PDF sewing pattern, too! Mommy and Me- how fun!)
Here is what you are going need to add bra strap holders to your Mama Lea Tunic, Dress and Romper:
Bra Strap Holder Supplies
–Mama Lea Tunic, Dress and Romper. (Be sure to have your Mama Lea Tunic, Dress and Romper already sewn up before you proceed with the bra strap holder).
-4″ of 1/4″ wide elastic (cut into 2x 2″ pieces) **Alternatively, you could easily use scraps of bias tape or small pieces of ribbon for the strap.**
-2x pairs of Sew-on Snaps. (Something like this)
-Needle and thread
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Like all of Made for Mermaids women’s patterns, the Lea is drafted for the average 5′-5″ tall woman. I am only 5′-0″ tall. Therefore, I typically have to adjust patterns to perfectly fit my petite frame. That’ why we sew- right? To be able to get the best possible fit and feel confident in the clothes that we wear (and sew!)!
For a point of reference, this Mama Lea was a size purple, mini length, rolled sleeves and bodice pocket. I took 1 1/2″ out of the skirt length and 1/2″ out of the bodice length. I took the length out of the middle of the pattern pieces- where the pages overlap. (As a general rule of thumb, it is suggested that you take/add 1/2″ for every inch you are under/over 5′-5″.)
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When adding the bra strap holder, please note that all work will be done on the INSIDE of your already-sewn Lea Dress. All sewing will occur on the shoulder seam ONLY and none of the bra strap holder should be visible on the outside of the dress.
- First, take one of your 2″ long pieces of elastic. Lay it on one of the shoulder seams, as close to the neck opening, as possible. Sew the elastic to the shoulder seam, furthest from the neck opening. Make sure that the elastic is secure. I used my sewing machine for this step but you can easily sew it in by hand. **I heat-sealed the ends of my elastic by “kissing” the elastic ends with a lighter.**
2. Next, hand sew the female part of the snap close on the shoulder seam, close the neck opening. The female part of the snap should line up with the un-sewn end of the elastic sewn in the previous step.
3. Then, hand sew the male part of the snap onto the un-sewn end of elastic sewn in the first step. Be sure that the male and female snaps line up!
Repeat steps 1-3 for the other shoulder seam.
Once you put your dress on, simply slip a bra strap into the bra strap holder on each side, snap and *voila!* With the help of the bra strap holder, everything stays in place and you’re ready to go!
Slip bra strap holder under bra…
…snap…
…and you’re ready to go!
Now, go forth and conquer your world, Mama!!
**By day, Heather works outside of the home as an interior designer. By night, she’s a one-woman sewing machine powerhouse. 😉 She blogs about family, sewing and everything in between over at All Things Katy!**
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