Struggling to Make Vintage Knickers | 1930s Underwear Vlog
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- In which I attempt to make some vintage underwear, a 1930s bra and French knickers set. It was .... challenging.
Whoever thought I'd have so much trouble with some vintage knickers? But all in all I really enjoyed the challenge of making some 1930s underwear.
This was only my second time making a bra and although it went better than the first time I still made some mistakes. The French knickers, or tap pants as they are also known, were much more successful and I especially like the lace addition around the hem.
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The sewing pattern: Simplicity 8510
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The lace: www.sewingches...
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So wise. "...you gotta use the good stuff." Love your honest and humble sharing. Thank you for encouraging me by being yourself.
Thank you for your kind words 😊
I don’t understand why there isn’t more noise about 30’s/40’s underwear. It’s glorious. 😁
I agree! I'm so glad I got stuck in and tried to make my own I want it ALL! 💚
Gotta use the good stuff! I'm so guilty of hoarding the "special" materials, tools, things until I don't even know I have them.
What makes sense to me is attaching the straps and the elastic when you bag line it, since it would secure everything down and the edges would be all finished when you turn it out
That sounds like a great idea!
Retro Claude i now know sewing logic YAY
I was thinking the same thing.
I want to make these. The set seems to be really comfortable.
This was so fun to find. I really enjoyed you explaining the lace and the zig zag on them to get them in place. Thank you! I'm a new sewer and I love how you break things down as you sew them. Thank you~ Kimberly
I love your vintage sewing makes 😍Love the 1930s underwear!
It must feel nice to have it to wear with vintage outfits.
It’s great to challenge yourself in bite sizes, keeps sewing fresh and exciting! And always remember there a not only one right way to sew a thing, there are many ways. 😊
I’m looking forward to the 1940s set as well! 👀
Exactly! Sewing should be fun and there is more than one way to do things. 💚
I have that same Simplicity 8510 pattern, and was also very thrown off by the directions for the bra! I gave up on it. The mock-up I made of the knickers was pretty good, though. You've inspired me to dig that pattern back out again to give it another go! The lace on the knickers you made is gorgeous!
Thanks! I'm so glad you want to give this pattern another go 💚
One thing that helps me with organization at my studio is to have "bins" with all the bits for each project. I use the boxes you sometimes get tangerines in ! (Free & recycling! )
Also, listened to "Every tool is a hammer" by Adam Savage (recommend!) & he talked about having a "Visual Cocophany", I believe is how he phrased it. He has to SEE things. Which is kind of how my brain works as well. Which is why the little tangerine crates work, I can still SEE what's in them, but keeps things together.....
Now back to your video ! ;) And I like how you say you "can't afford " things as I also have financial constraints ! ;)
I have a basket! Very similar idea and I have to see things otherwise they disappear. Times are tough and I was brought up to be thrifty. Sewing means I can still have nice things for a fraction of the price and I have fun! Win win all round 😁
New sewer here. Every time I watch new projects and problem sewing. I think I learn something. Every time I start new project I think the tutorials (I’ve watched) help me problem solve Thanks
You are so talented and knowledgeable. Of course you’re also gorgeous (with or without makeup), I would watch your videos if you looked like a slug.
I really like your videos because they’re honest and informative and I feel like we also get to know a bit about who you are. Your realness is so relatable! ❤️
I really like the pieces you made. I also like the dress you are wearing.
But I have to say - that seam in between the legs on your knickers is nothing like invisible!
As you are working on your fiddly bits I too am working on mine. Not only is it my first put together pdf pattern it’s my first garment. With a repurposed bed sheet as the mock up fabric. The best choice? Probably not. Am I having so much fun puting in pleats and darts? Absolutely! I love watching your videos while I hand stitch!
I have that pattern and if I ever actually do it, I can try to avoid the same mistake you made on the bra. I would have been confused, too
I wish we could have seen more of the knicker construction at the beginning 😢
I'm so happy to see someone make this pattern! I also had issues with the right/left of the bra construction and that weird gaping(I thought this was because of my larger bust, but it seems it's just the nature of this garment?) which put me off from even attempting the tap pants, but seeing your lovely set makes me want to try again!
Oh! It's so reassuring to know that it's not just me! 💚
@@RetroClaude I'm late to it, and I don't think it would work on this finished one without being a dirty fix, but if you ever do it again, you could put a dart in there to take it in. I've seen that on some extants and pictures, and I have _just_ realised I might want to do it on my own self-drafted one. I think it might have something to do with bust volume on top, too, because my bust is fuller on the bottom than on top...
love your channel, love your little obsessions
The bra stretching out on the upper edge of the cup - that seam runs along the cross grain of the fabric and therefore will always stretch. Some type of tape to hold it, or clear flat elastic to pull it back into shape is needed.
I have this pattern. Now I feel ready to attempt it.
Adorable I have the pattern and your video is very helpful
Hiya I know this was ages ago but I just found you! I had to make a bra like that for a play, but the wearer was a 16DD. Erk. I built it over a plain modern bra so she had support. I had trouble finding the fabric and ended up with a rose pink silk charmeuse and something incredibly similar to yours, and layered them. Managed to work some lace into it, which helped with hiding the underbra. What a drama! Times like this that having a dressmaker's dummy is useful! BTW I LOVE LOVE LOVE this set. Love your insert work, what a gorgeous lace
This was an enjoyable watch! As my degree has now resumed at full pace, all I'm working on is mending things and adding pockets to my kirtle as those are pleasant to do during my online lectures. Next semester I have my more chill classes, so maybe I'll finally get to my long-planned Edwardian blouse then :) Looking forward to seeing more 1930s from you - I feel like this decade doesn't get enough love!
All the best with your studies! And sewing during online lectures sounds amazing! 💚
@@RetroClaude It is SOOO much better than spending 90mins on a bus each way in rush hour traffic to sit in an environment where I can't stim and have to mask hardcore and therefore don't take much in! Plus my lectures this semester are about getting inspired more than things I can take notes on :) I'm just so into stitching during lectures that I'm shouting to the whole world how great online uni is!
I find that usually when patterns refer to left and right they mean what is the left and right of the garment when it is worn.
That's what I thought, but then the diagram threw me off. Oh well I still managed to make it work 😂
This is so helpful I’m making this same patter for a 1930’s chorus girls outfit and the yoke and placket were driving me nuts! Ur version turned out so pretty
I love your outfit at the start of the video. My list of projects to make is growing.
Aha! I have a video where I make that dress if you're interested th-cam.com/video/P8F3jLhyWSg/w-d-xo.html
@@RetroClaude Cheers. I'll take a look.
Love,love,love,,!
I wonder if ribbon trim was so popular to gather in the gaping and hide all the flaws. It seems it would be easier to make it slightly bigger and take it down than to make it bigger after it's cut. It could cover the seams if a thicker single layer was used. I'm sure they used leftover materials much of the time.
so cute, my grandmother loved that color, and own many pairs of knickers which were similar to those.
Is it just me who gets the audio slightly earlier than the footage in in many parts of the video
I need to get this pattern soon! When you showed the zig zag stitch you used to attach the lace... WOW!! Great job! I hope your back gets better soon!
Thanks very much! It has thankfully gone back to its usual state of just a little bit painful. Hopefully I can keep it like that 💚
Wonderful watching this as I start my set of 1930s underthings. These turned out lovely!
Thank you, and good luck with yours! 💚
That lace insertion!! ❤️❤️
I’m sorry to hear about your back. My granddaughter has the same problem with her back. She had corrective surgery when she was 12, but her back continues to try to curve. She is now in her thirties and has a great deal of pain. A heat pad or a ice pack will often provide relief, if your medications aren’t helping.
You've just reminded me I have a plug in heat pack somewhere in a cupboard thank you! All the best to your granddaughter 💚
Oh! It looks good and I adore the colour! I've never tried making underwear... yet. I just got my first proper sewing machine (after borrowing my MILs). I just finished making a few more face masks on it and some matching scrunchies. Next up is working through the darning/repair pile.
I am working on a coat and, trust me, in comparison your buttonholes are awesome.
Oooh, that is a scrumptious fabric! And the finished look is lovely
Came here through your video on sewing and disability video (lots of useful stuff) with CoCoVid (late but getting through them). I saw you were doing 30's clothes and 30's is a style that interests me. I am new to sewing and a "sometime later" project is 20s-30s long knickers. Anyway, thank you for showing the mistakes! And, your completed project looks fantasic!
Thank you! So glad you've found my videos! More 30s stuff will be coming in the new year so stay tuned! 💚
I'm currently trying to do some crop top style tops from the simplicity pattern and having a hard time with it I only started sewing aug23 and made my first clothing item Jan/Feb 24 a corset so very new and I've been making my daughters prom dress as well. But coming into the warmer weather my daughter wants some summer stuff so I'm branching out to make more of a range it's a 1426 pattern I'm doing atm
I'm working on a goth/punk version of the Korean hanbok. My choice of fabrics are cotton and of a sugar skull print on black, purple tie and black bodice with black and hot pink striped sleeves. Sleeves are from the early Josean period, dated to the 1390's.
This sounds amazing!
Thank you for posting this!! I've been wanting to make this pattern for a while now but it is i n t i m i d a t i n g so this is very very helpful.
Thank you! I'm glad I can help 💚
They turned out lovely, I’ve been sitting on this pattern for so long but haven’t made them, not sure why. That blush/rose pink fabric is 🤩🤩.
I hope you give it a go! The knickers especially are a delight to wear I feel very glamorous 😊
I just finished my second mock up of a 1930s soft cup... Soft cup is so very misleading, it doesn't fit perfectly but it's already my favorite bra! I'm almost done with my first mock up for the accompanying tap pants, and I'm planning my adjustments already. I've also cut out my third bra and started in on that. I can't wait to graduate from quilting cotton to linen, and then recycled saree silk! I prefer to stick to more natural fibers.
I might just look for that Pattern and try it out!! Thank You for the video, you are Amazing!!
So elegant and pretty. I am always sad I am too big to wear that style of knicker (just bunches up in the crotch terribly) otherwise I'd make it all.
Oh and my brain still hurts from that pattern!
Going by your description, you're making the stride too short. Measure the front and back seams on the pattern, then measure yourself from belly button, between your legs and then up to your waist plus 4 inches. I'm really long on the stride and always have to lengthen those pieces in order to get anything that fits.
@@athenathegreatandpowerful6365 Thanks! I'll give it a go, although I fear it has more to do with 'chub rub' and my thighs eating anything that remotely comes near shorts.
oh I love your version. This is in my make pile.
Hi there. I am Colette and I live in Canada. You’re 1930’s lingerie turned out well I think. I have an actual vintage slip/ bra pattern from the ‘30’s or ‘40’s from my grandma. I have been afraid to use it. But after watching this video I feel like I am going to add it to my list of things to attempt this winter when it’s too cold to go outside and likely in lockdown ... currently I am trying to complete all my unfinished projects. Good luck in your Halloween make can’t wait to see it :)
I know your comment is really old by now, but I was wondering if you ever got around to trying out the pattern? And if you'd be open to share it/it's name?
They turned out really cute!
I have made the bottoms of these twice. I am a beginner, and the button holes were a pain for me the first time. The buttons don’t particularly like to stay in them either. On my second pair I decided to completely sew up one side and only use one button on the other. Fiddling with too many buttons in the restroom is not my idea of fun. I do want to make more of these though as they are really cute. I doubt I will ever make the bra as it would do nothing for me. I need something with support.
Great idea with the buttons, I may try that one the next time I make these 💚
I'm making this now and getting a gape in the bra too. I also attached the straps when sewing the bra and lining together. Great video with tips!
I've just ordered this pattern and then found your video. I already have some ideas how I'm going to hack it....
Great project , love your choice of fabric and the 30s style. I love all your 'design choices'. Makes me feel fine about mine :) and who knows the difference if you don't tell? I actually do double top stitching on lots of my makes because I love plain fabric so it stands out very well.
Thanks so much for sharing your sewing. Cheers!
Simply lovely!
I empathise quite a bit with wanting things to all fit the same vibe. a separate set of underthings for high-glamour and conservative make-do styles is far from the wildest thing i've considered for getting dressed up. theres a difficult balance between "anything worth doing is worth doing badly" and "why make something that you aren't happy with" but we have to walk it anyway, don't we?
making an 1980s skirt, and it's my first time doing a mockup, because I have no idea how the pieces go together 😅and also I had to add about 2 cm to each seam to get my size, so I need to test out that as well
I hope it goes smoothly for you 💚
Amazing, you are so good !
Hi I have that pattern as all but still didn,t use it yet.Thank you
Loved the video. Turned out really well !!!! Looks so pretty !!!
I am not sure I'ld attempt the bra, but maybe would try those "bloomers"! :) Yes for Halloween video ! ;)
I am working on making underwear right now!!
I sew pretty much all the panties I wear on a day to day basis.. I‘ve sewn chemises, bloomers and corsets.. but never a bra before. It just doesn‘t seem a good investment of spoons to me.. I‘m a 42I/J bra size and I‘d love a bullet bra. I just have never seen a pattern go up to that size before and just thinking about all the grading and adjusting I‘d have to do exhausts me.
I agree save sewing spoons for garments that you are going to enjoy sewing AND wearing 💚
I am just making a nightgown for my daughter right now, but I have Edwardian underwear in the works and an Edwardian skirt. I have made one pair of French drawers and a couple of chemises. I like the chemises, but the French drawers... not so much. The split crotch is useful, but it tends to give me a wedgie that I really don't want. So, I am looking at making 1930's and 40's style French knickers because they don't have a split crotch, which might help with the uncomfortable wedgies.
Thanks. Just about to make them. I've noticed that slim hips are a thing on many older patterns. Will be careful to adjust?
Please do a how to video on making this, I've been looking for a bra that doesn't use elastic all the way around. And no buttons on the knickers. Oh yes, I'm not an experienced sewer.
This colour is spot-on for vintage undies and this set is stunning. The lace might be a huge pain, but as far as I'm concerned, it was worth it! Skipping the lace near the crotch is a good call. The directions are a bit wonky but what you did makes perfect sense to me and it looks good, so as long as it's comfy, I say it's perfect.
How plausible do you think it would be to insert some kind of modesty cup? Or would it be easier to interline the bra?
I've made the Vera Venus French Knickers - three times. The first was in 100% viscose and I didn't modify the pattern at all; these are very sheer and soft, but the crotch seam just isn't right for my body and they often give me a wedgie. (The crotch seam on many vintage French knicker patterns have a very gentle curve at both front and back and I suspect they would all be wedgie-prone.)
The second ones were in a 55%/45% linen/rayon and I added both width and length. Turns out I went overboard: they're knee-length (I was going for mid-thigh,) and I had to ease the whole thing into the waistband. They're comfy and wonderful for hot weather, but they suffer from the same wedgie issue.
For the third pair, I scooped out the back crotch seam and added width to the inner thighs, along with a zip placket and a pocket. The body is made of quilting cotton, and where the lace is on yours, I added a thin band of poly crepe. I will tell you this: Do NOT put poly crepe in areas prone to sweating! It turns to sandpaper! It's softened up with repeated washings but I still don't wear these in very hot weather. This pair is the least wedgie-prone, but still isn't perfect; I suspect I need to add a little bit to the back length.
I've also made the Va-Voom Vintage bullet bra pattern. It went together ok but is definitely not the right size for me and I'd like to try it again with some modifications. I love the support and lift I get with this bra (I'm a busty individual,) and it doesn't even have underwires! I think the key to a stable, French-style closure is wide elastic, but that will take more experimenting.
Hi. I'm working on learning how to make clothing for myself. I progressed from pajamas to a more fitted wrapped skirt.
While the pattern said easy I found that I struggled with measuring myself properly and getting the pattern modified to match me. And then modifying the pattern because none of the markings on the waistband were correct in the pattern. There was a 2 inch different in the measurements in some places.
I learned a lot but I still have no idea how to measure myself or how to compare the measurements to the pattern properly.
Sorry that is a long winded explaination of my current project but I would like to know more about how to measure me I guess.
Thank you for your videos they are lovely.
Look up videos on taking your measurements. One of your problems might be that when you measure yourself the measurement is a bit distorted from the position in which you stand when measure yourself vs when someone else does it. There are some tricks that can help but it might be worth having someone you trust do an extensive set of measurements so you have them as a reference for when you are sewing. A list of more than just the standard set can be googled but it should include things like back width, bust to waist, neck to waist, inseam...ect. Having these will give you some reference and the more you work with them the better you will get at using them. I also recommend pinning the tissue part of the pattern together and carefully trying it on then if it is sized odd you will have some warning. Also look on the pattern envelope for the finished garment measurements. Often times patterns are made with 1-3 inches of extra in them so they have a comfortable amount of wearing ease in them. Knowing this may have you changing the size you cut so it fits closer to what you want.
Lastly if you can manage it, having a dressform padded out to your shape and size can really transform your ability to sew for yourself. If you prefer to make one you can get a customizable printable pattern for your measurements and shape, however you have to provide a pole. There are several youtubers who have made them recently. There are a couple of types of forms and I would research some videos of them before choosing what you want if you decide it is worth the investment.
Sorry for the novel but I have gone through this same issue so I thought I'd share what I learned along the way.
I just realized I never actually said the name of the company that can make you a pattern. It's call bootstrap.
@@crystal8160 thanks I will take some of these steps for sure!
I'm glad I could help. It really stinks to spend all that time making something that doesn't fit the way you want. Currently I'm still trying to learn how to measure all the pattern pieces and do the math but...you know, math. Lol
@@crystal8160 I agree math is hard! Especially at 9pm! I will be more careful next time before I start. And measure everything
Loved this video! It was so helpful to see your process for problem solving when the pattern instructions are challenging.
I'm working on my first project with a vintage pattern - a hostess dress (Simplicity 3306)! I'm super excited and at the mock-up stage. Your vid on working with vintage patterns was super helpful!
Yay! I'm so glad I could help 💚
Im working on a few winter skirts and I need to make a slip and some bras. Im not a fan of modern bras lol
Then I can recommend this one for sure! 💚
@@RetroClaude im going to look for it in my size forsure
I also made a pair of panties/shorts from this pattern, and i also found the button holes to be a pain, I really would like to get rid of a layer for the next pair I would like to make, any idea for that?
This is so gorgeous! I love the fabric and especially the colour! I’ve got this pattern in my ‘to make’ pile and have some dusty rose silk for it. I think I’m gonna have to do a mock up first as I’ve definitely underestimated its complexity... Do you have any recommendations for finding vintage inspired fabrics? X
I would say look for viscose or rayon. It began to be widely used from the 1920s onwards. It has the drape of silk but is a fraction of the cost. I hope that helps 💚
Also I look at fashion plates and illustrations from the time for colour inspiration!
Yay! I just made these, and I’m about to watch your video. On mine, for some reason the opening below the buttons is so big☹️ I’m wondering if it’s because they’re “panties” and not shorts?
Mine is quite big too. I think it is for errrrrr 'ease of dressing'. Lots of buttons on knickers I imagine would be very annoying.
My Mother called that colour cheap ladies pink Not sure if she meant the knickers or the ladies were cheap :)
Lovely job ! I wanted to buy the same pattern, but I need to do a FBA on all the patterns and I was wondering if that would be possible with this pattern, what do you think? All patterns are for a B cup size and I wear F ( 36F/ 80F)
I think it would be possible but there is no side dart on the pattern so it may look a little unusual. I would also recommend a more stable fabric if you want any support. My bra is mostly decorative and I'm only a C cup!
@@RetroClaude thank you for your answer, I do love the pattern and the knickers in particular, i will try it anyway, first in cotton and if the pattern works in silk, but even if it is not supportive enough , it will be lovely to wear it at home from time to time, sewing greetings Wilhelmina 💋
Every time I think I can get away doing curved seams without tacking them first, I regret it.
I agree, I never regret tacking something. Even if it does take a bit longer.
Would love a video of knitting vintage lingerie, especially bra, I'm planning to try it at some point ;) You've already knitted a vintage bikini top, so is it possible you could make one? Just an idea. :)
Oooh possibly, I have a crochet pattern for a bra so I may try that instead ☺️
xXX👍👍👍
Wth is that wannabe bra supposed to do?!? I feel so bad for large breasted women back then, omg! How did they do anything strenuous w so little support? 🙁
Having worn it a few times I can say it is mostly decorative! Those poor vintage women! I certainly won't be wearing it everyday
As you are working on your fiddly bits I too am working on mine. Not only is it my first put together pdf pattern it’s my first garment. With a repurposed bed sheet as the mock up fabric. The best choice? Probably not. Am I having so much fun puting in pleats and darts? Absolutely! I love watching your videos while I hand stitch!
xXX👍👍👍