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lining a camisole for modesty

MtnBoy | Posted in General Sewing Info on

I’m trying to figure out how to make or line a ready made knit camisole for modesty. I have a major show-thru problem.

Can’t wear bras due to a chronic skin problem at the area where the band hits; also can’t wear a fitted cami with spandex. I usually wear a somewhat loose cotton ribbed cami or tank. I’m a small B cup.

I do have a major show-thru problem, though. Really embarrassing at my age. I think if I can line and interline just the show-thru area of a cami it’ll work under all my clothes.

I try to wear thick 2-pocket shirts a lot, but can’t always do that.

Any ideas?

Replies

  1. Ralphetta | | #1

    Could you just buy 2 of the same cami, maybe one a size smaller?  Then rip one apart at the sides and fasten it under the front of the other.  Maybe you could use the back to line another one.  I'm suggesting this because they would be compatible and drape better than two different fabrics might.  It's just a thought.

    1. MtnBoy | | #3

      Hmmm...I'm thinking about your ideas. I have comfortable cotton rib knit tank undershirts. Maybe sew 2 together (fronts only, like those double-front tees I saw in rtw last year or so). Then use interlining of my choice(experiment with it). But, just need the interlining in the bra front area, where a bra would normally be, and I'm not sure how to shape its outlines or attach it. My skin is usually happier with non-synthetics. Could use some sort of thick cotton flannel. How would that work? Other thoughts?

      1. mimi | | #4

        You could just line it with another layer of the top fabirc, or a fabric of similar weight.  Just lining the front would give you the coverage you need, without giving you too much bulk.

        Can you recommend any good fabric stores in Atlanta?  My daughter lives there now, with my old sewing machine :)

        mimi

        1. MtnBoy | | #6

          Good idea about the half-front lining; Atlanta's heat is miserable in summer.As to fabric shops, the long time favorite here, with good prices as well, is Gail K Fabrics, at 2215 Cheshire Bridge Rd., Atlanta. Ph: 404-982-0366. Go without children, and with plenty of time because fabrics are mostly stacked on bolts and the staff can find you ANYTHING (but you can't without their help).There are only a handful of other really good fashion fabric stores and they come and go. See if Buckhead Fabric Salon is still in business at 3655 Roswell Rd; Ph 404-484-9424.For others to try to see what she likes go to http://www.atlantaataglance.com/list_fabricshops.htm.Lots of home dec fabric stores and I don't do that kind of sewing so can't recommend any.

      2. MaryinColorado | | #5

        I think the cotton flannel would shrink differently and maybe cause puckering as it doesn't stretch.  I'd stick with a cotton knit or interlock unless the top itself is woven.  I think you could get away with a half front underlining instead of a full length lining. 

        Another idea might be to get that cotton knit that comes in a tube like for turtlenecks and cuffs, and make tube type tops out of it.  I used this for the lower part of a halter top, then I made the chest part out of a swimsuit pattern and sewed them togeather.  It might be called sweatshirt binding, can't remember. No elastic or polyester, all cotton.

        1. MtnBoy | | #7

          Oh yeah, thanks for the tip on the cotton flannel. It would pucker just like in a quilt.I know the sweatshirt binding you're talking about and can obtain it at fabric shops here. I'm also thinking now about cotton fleece, hard to find, because it has some built-in stretch, too.

  2. MaryinColorado | | #2

    If you are making them, you could interline the front or upper front with fusible knit lining.  The one I use is made by Palmer Pletsch.  Also, if you can find a soft cotton knit that is close to your skin color, it would be less likely to show through on any fabric. 

    Another thought is to buy a sportsbra that feels right, take it home and rip it apart to use a pattern to make of a fabric you can tolerate.  Or how about buying some of those cotton or silk cami's or undershirts and cutting them down? 

    Can you tolerate clear elastic straps or ribbons?  You could replace the straps or make them interchangeable on tops to wear underneath.  Mary

    1. fabricholic | | #8

      On Tyra's modeling show, she suggested always having a nude color bra. I think the nude color knit lining would hide most see through problems.

  3. user-51823 | | #9

    check out http://www.brazabra.comis the show-thru a texture or a color problem, or both? i agree with adding an inside front layer out of tricot or cotton jersey, best if in a shade close to your skin tone.

    1. MtnBoy | | #10

      Hmm...In trying to be tasteful, I've succeeded in being unclear about my problem. So, if I can say this here, the show-thru problem is very prominent nipples.I've tried all the nipple covers on the market and they either irritate my skin, or pop off.So, there's the problem, plain as day!

      1. solosmocker | | #11

        A good tight tube top can smash them pretty well. Don't ask how I know. So I would go with the knit tube top thing in a nude color if you can find that color. I think the trick is to make it fairly snug. It would kind of give the uniboob effect. Good luck and keep us posted.

      2. user-51823 | | #12

        lol- it's obviously the nips, but sometimes the garment looks smooth but fabric is sheer enough that the color difference is all that shows. other times, the fabric is opaque enough, but the "texture" pops out.
        this can make a difference in what you choose to underline with.
        i find that plain nylon hose, either nude sheer or opaque color support hose, cut as needed and layered if needed, can provide a strong support that helps keep the lightweight summery feel. you don't want your camisole to be heavy and thick-- it defeats the purpose of the camisole look.

        1. Josefly | | #13

          I never thought of using nylon stockings as lining or any other way in a garment! Any tips on sewing them? What else do you use them for?Could they be used as stays across the inside front of trousers - you know, as pocket stays, attached to the pocket lining and then to the center front, near the fly?I have loads of old stockings and panty-hose, and the only use I've found for them is in the garden, cut into strips and used as ties for staking up plants.

          Edited 4/16/2007 4:53 pm ET by Josefly

          1. user-51823 | | #14

            they aren't the prettiest thing, but very versatile. they are great as a nearly invisible form upon which to "build" costumes and other clothing that needs to appear delicate while having support and strength. fact is, for this camisole, a special undergarment could be made by making a tube top from 2 hose (cut out both whole thighs between knee and hip, cut each once vertically to open, sew both pieces together at sides). this nylon is strong enough to smooth out nip profile (unless extremely cold!). if it doesn't want to stay up on it's own, add snaps to fasten to the garment inside top front

          2. Josefly | | #16

            You've opened my eyes...I can't wait to see what other ideas come up for nylon stockings.

        2. MtnBoy | | #15

          Well, Duh, as the kids say. I didn't get the "texture" thing and I thought I wasn't being clear. I'll experiment with the hosiery, esp. support hose, layered. Layers of normal fabric won't take care of it. When I could wear a bra I had to wear a padded one. I never could wear a sheer fabric.Thanks for your help.

          1. user-51823 | | #17

            LOL- i was trying to be discreet too, and we totally missed each other!
            if you require padding, then consider making the nylon tube i described and stitching in some of those molded semi-rigid cups that you can buy on the notions aisle in fabric stores. you may need to add straps, but you can make them out of something comfortable (possibly dye elastic as wide as will go under the camisole straps). don't use the nylon for straps; as you know, when pulled, it recededs into a tight rope.

  4. Ralphetta | | #18

    You mentioned that the bra band was the problem.  If the cup area is not a problem maybe you could do as I have previously suggested on another thread and cut a bra at the sides and then sew it to the cami at the side seams.  That's what i do for backless , strapless dresses and it's fast and gives a better fit than just those cup things you by in notions.  In my case I just use old bras that I save when the backs get worn out.  (Cheap..the magic word.) You wouldn't have the uniboob look.

    1. user-51823 | | #19

      that's a great suggestion. i forgot that the author of this tread said she was a small b cup. i have tried that for myself, but at D (especially a lower D at age 51!), it just tugs the front of the garment and makes me feel slpooy. but it's perfect for A, B and even some C cups.

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