camisole sewing patterns

Camisole Sewing Patterns -Easy Cami Drafting Tutorial

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8 August 2024

In this post, you will learn how to create your dream camisole sewing patterns .

Welcome to my ultimate camisole sewing patterns tutorial, perfect for advanced beginners and seasoned sewists in sewing experience alike! Whether you’re looking to create a strappy top, a luxurious everyday top, or a versatile layering piece, my step-by-step guide has you covered. This tutorial includes detailed instructions, tips and tricks, and a video that demonstrates how to create a stunning camisole pattern, which can be adapted to make a top or dress with different neckline options. With the ability to modify the pattern according to length, size, and fit, you’ll have a new pattern in your sewing arsenal that offers endless creative possibilities.

Ready camisole sewing patterns ready to use

To learn how to draft not just camisoles but any garment pattern, start with this complete pattern drafting guide.

Camisole dress sewn from camisole sewing pattern

What is Camisole

Camisole fashion illustration

A camisole, commonly referred to as a cami, is a piece of women’s apparel. This sleeveless and often with straight neckline undergarment usually extends from the chest to the waist, providing coverage for the upper body, and it can also come in the form of camisole dresses.

Camisole top sewn from camisole sewing pattern

Tools and Materials for Pattern Drafting

To draft a top pattern, you’ll need a variety of tools and materials to ensure precision and ease during the process. Here’s a list of essential items you should have:

Pattern making tools needed to draw camisole sewing patterns

These materials and tools will help you create a precise and professional-looking camisole paper patterns. 

Measurements you Need for Camisole Sewing Patterns Drafting

Accurate measurements are super important for drafting a pattern.

Tools and materials you need for measuring yourself
  • A measuring tape
  • A notebook and a pencil
  • A mirror
  • A friend or a helper (optional, but recommended)
To make a camisole sewing patterns , you need to measure your :
  • Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest.
A mannequin with measuring tape around bust part.
  • Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, where your belly button is.

measuring waist showed on navy blue mannequin
  • Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips, below your waist.

measuring hips showed on a navy blue mannequin
  • Top length : Measure from above bust to waist

Lenght measurement needed for drawing camisole sewing patterns
  • Dress length : Meausre from above bust to ankle
Lenght measurement needed for drawing camisole sewing patterns

Best Fabric Choice for Sewing Camisole Tops and Dresses

fabrics choices for sewing camisole tops or dresses
  • Cotton Jersey: Ideal for camisole tops and dresses due to its softness, breathability, and stretch, making it perfect for everyday wear and providing a comfortable fit.
  • Rayon Challis: A lightweight, drapey fabric that adds a luxurious feel to your camisole. Its smooth texture and beautiful drape make it excellent for creating a flowy, elegant look.
  • Crepe de Chine: This fabric offers a slightly textured surface and a lovely drape, making it suitable for creating more formal or dressy camisole tops and dresses.
  • Knit Fabrics: These fabrics, such as rib knit, are stretchy and comfortable, providing a snug fit that is great for athletic top, sommar camisole and yoga top. The stretchy nature ensures ease of movement and a perfect fit.
  • Cotton Lawn: A lightweight, crisp fabric that is easy to sew and perfect for summer camisoles. It provides a structured look while remaining breathable and comfortable.
  • Lower Weight Fabric: Fabrics with a lower weight are ideal for camisole tops and dresses as they offer a delicate, airy feel, making them perfect for layering pieces or luxurious tops.

These are fabric requirements , each of these fabrics offers unique qualities that enhance the comfort, fit, and style of your camisole, ensuring you achieve the desired look and feel for any occasion.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Drafting a Basic Cami Pattern

Drawing the Front of the Dress or Top

From Above Bust to Waistline:
 Drawing a vertical line from the top of the bust to the waistline
  • Draw a vertical line from the top of the bust to the waistline.
  • Mark the neckline and armhole depth.
  • Add your bust measurements plus 1-2 cm (0.39-0.79 inches) for ease.
  • Connect and round the lines for a smooth shape.
marking the neckline and armhole depth
Drawing Bust Dart:
 Marking the center of the bust and bust point
  • Mark the center of the bust and the bust point.
  • Connect the bust point to the chosen dart width.
  • Choose the bust dart width based on size:
    • A-Small B: 3 cm (1.18 inches)
    • B, C, D: 5 cm (1.96 inches)
    • D-DD: 7 cm (2.7 inches)
  • Connect the bust dart width to the bust points.

Here you can see how to make modifications larger busts.

connecting the bust point to the chosen dart width based on size, and connecting the dart width to the bust points.
Optional:
 Subtracting 1 cm in the armhole for a better fit.
  • In the armhole, subtract 1 cm (0.39 inches) for a better fit.
Dress or Top Length Drawing:
Measuring from above the bust to the desired length
  • Measure from above the bust to the desired length. Example: 90 cm (35 inches).
drawing the hemline, and connecting it to the waistline with a smooth finish for camisole sewing patterns
  • Draw the hemline and connect it to the waistline, rounding the hemline for a smooth finish.
Drawing and rounding hemline on camisole pattern

Drawing the Back of the Dress or Top

Drawing the back of the dress similarly to the front, adding 0.5 cm at the bust line for a better fit.
  • Draw the back of the dress in the same way as the front.
  • At the bust line, add 0.5 cm (0.19 inches) for a better fit.
Drawing Dress or Top Back Lenght
  • Use same measurements if it comes to length as on front.
drawing camisole top back lenght
  • Round the hemline.
Drawing and rounding hemline on camisole sewing  pattern
Ready
ready camisole sewing patterns

Watch the Video Tutorial

Be sure to watch my YouTube video where I show you detailed description how to create camisole sewing patterns. I’ll walk you through the process of customizing the design to fit your unique style. Come along as I illustrate every step of making your stylish camisole top or dress!

You can watch the video here.

Make sure to give a thumbs up, leave a comment, and hit that subscribe button on my channel to get more sewing tutorials. Don’t forget to share your results with this top sewing pattern with me on Instagram or Facebook. I’m really excited to see what you come up with!

Ready Camisole Sewing Patterns !

Congratulations on completing your camisole sewing project! I hope you enjoyed following my detailed instructions and found the tips and tricks helpful. Don’t forget to check out my accompanying youtube videos for a visual guide to the pattern-making process. Remember, this fantastic pattern can be adapted in numerous ways to create a variety of tops and dresses, making it a valuable addition to your collection of sewing patterns.

Share your creations with me and fellow sewists on social media channels. I’m excited to see the beautiful colors, fabric choices, and unique modifications you come up with. For more sewing inspiration and free sewing pattern, explore my website, sewing blogs and sign up formy newsletter to stay updated on new patterns, exclusive offers, and sewing tips. Thank you for choosing my camisole sewing wonderful pattern tutorial, and happy sewing!

In this post, you have learned how to self draft your dream camisole sewing patterns .

This post has affiliate links * Affiliate Link. This means that if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive a small percentage of your purchase (at no extra cost to you).

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I create sewing patterns, refashion projects, and practical tutorials designed to make sewing feel less intimidating and more creative. Most of what you see here starts with something I wanted to wear, remake, or figure out for myself, then I turn the process into a tutorial you can try too.

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