Mama Sommer has just released and is a great warm weather staple! One of the first things I think about when I go to get dressed is how easily I can nurse in it, which unfortunately is harder than it sounds. So today I’m going to show you an easy Mama Sommer nursing hack to add those fancy nursing clasps . In this tutorial I used Strap Style C and purchased my nursing clasps (1/2″) on Amazon.

Here we go!

Step 1: Assemble the bodice as directed in the Mama Sommer pattern until step (7) Do NOT attach your skirt yet!*

Note: Depending on your height you may want to add an additional inch to your front neckline binding piece as this will become your straps and will be slightly shortened when attached to your clasps.

Step 2: Thread the strap binding through the bottom of the female clasp starting from the front so the strap hangs down in the back.
Clip and sew your strap so that the clasp is now attached to the bodice . I used a zig-zag stitch but any stretch stitch will work.

Now here’s the painful part, you know that beautiful (imperfections and all) binding you just made? I want you to cut it. Yep I said it, huge party foul I know but trust me I’ll show you it will all be worth it!

Cut your strap just at the attached clasp so that you now have a a free strap piece and your front bodice has a secure nursing clasp.

Okay! Your female clasp end should now be fully attached to the bodice front and free from the rest of your strap. (Be sure to repeat on your other side)

Step 3: (optional) Strap anchor
The strap anchor is preference, you can get away without it but be warned there’s a chance your strap will fall back behind you and good luck holding a nursling while awkwardly fishing for your strap 😉

To make your strap anchor simply take your binding piece (any piece) and use that as your width measurement.
Cut a piece of fabric the length from your female clasp down to the bottom of your front bodice. (Adding .5 inches for seam allowance)
You can keep your edges raw but I ran mine through the serger just for kicks.

Press and fold the top of your anchor piece just like you are making more binding.

You are going to fold and edgestitch just the first 1.5-2 inches or so of this piece just so there is a clean Piece to attach into the bottom portion of the male nursing clasp.

Thread your anchor through the bottom portion of your male clasp and stitch using your favorite stretch stitch. The raw edge of the anchor piece should be clipped to the bottom of your front bodice so you can catch it into the seam when attaching the skirt.

(almost there I promise!)

Step 4: Attach one end of your single strap binding to the back of your bodice as instructed in the pattern.
Now take the other end of your strap binding and thread it into the top of the male piece of your nursing clasp (front to back ).

Step 5: Clip the male clasp piece into the female piece and try on your bodice to measure the strap length. Adjust as necessary and finish the strap by securing with a stretch stitch and cutting off any excess with scissors.

Now you can finish assembling as instructed in the pattern to attach your skirt.

And there it is, your very own Mama Sommer with functional nursing clasps! Be sure to share your pictures in the group.

 

Courtney is a coffee-fueled mama of two who enjoys sewing and learning new techniques when she isn’t occupied running her small business and playing on her farm.