How to use lace scraps ?
Even by placing the sewing patterns as best as possible to limit losses, there are still scraps. This is often even more the case with lace...😅
Scraps of fabric are ideal for setting stitches on your machine before starting your sewing project, but what if you still have some left ..!?
Here are some Upcycling ideas that could inspire you to use scraps of lace, and allow you to customize YOUR lingerie even more! 🤗
Are you ready ? Let's go !
1. Create side panels on panties
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Collect scraps of lace. If necessary, cut the scrap in half. Then pin the pieces together at the level of the scallops, right sides together. |
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Come and place the lace on the sewing pattern. When the location of the cut is convenient for you, draw a straight line at the level of the hollows of the teeth of the lace (the hollow part of the scallop). For this tutorial, we have left the seam allowance of 1cm at the thigh. In this way, when we do the finishing of the thigh, the lace yoke will arrive PERFECTLY at the edge 😉 |
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Cut out the pattern at the level of the straight line you have just drawn. |
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Then use it to cut the two lace panels. |
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Place the lace on each side of the front, then make a stretch seam with a Zigzag stitch all along the hollow of the lace. NB: Do not hesitate to make a basting stitch with a long straight stitch before, to keep the two layers of fabric together. |
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You can leave the thickness of the fabric below the lace so that the cutout remains opaque. Or, for a transparency effect, you can cut / trim this thickness of 5 mm from the Zigzag seam 🙂. That's it, your upcycling panty front is ready, all you have to do is refer to your sewing tutorial to follow all the sewing steps 👌 |
2. Create lace shoulder yokes for a bra
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We will start by tracing the pattern of the epaulet. For this, you will need 3 measurements: A/ Desired lace yoke width (here 4cm) B/ Desired lace yoke length on the front x coefficient of gathers (here x1.5) C/ Desired lace yoke length on the back x coefficient of gathers (here x1.5) |
Why apply a coefficient of gathers?
It is important to gather the "shoulder" yoke because the bra strap is elastic. This elastic will naturally relax when worn.
If you do not gather the lace before sewing it on the elastic, it will be stretched to the max on the shoulder and it will not be comfortable or pretty 😅
By gathering the lace, you leave enough length at the level of the strap and the arm circumference for the epaulet to "sit" on your shoulder (super-chic effect guaranteed! 😍)
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Slightly hollow out the ends of the curves in front and back, so that the gathers are not too "puffed" on the shoulder. |
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Add 1 cm of seam allowance, except at the level of the straight line, corresponding to the scallops of the lace. |
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Collect scraps of lace. If necessary, cut the scraps in half. Then pin the pieces together at the level of the scallops, right sides together. |
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Use the sewing pattern you created to cut the two lace cuts. |
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Make gathers at the shoulder curve. Gently pull on the gathering threads at each end to achieve the desired epaulet length. |
For the rest, it all depends on the bra model on which you want to add shoulder yokes:
A/ A bra with attached elastic straps (Cherylada type)
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Position your lace shoulder yoke on the back of your strap. Leave 2 cm of seam allowance on the front part of the strap to be able to sew it on later, and enough length on the back part to sew the rings and strips on. Then, make a 3-point Zigzag seam 1cm wide all along the shoulder yoke. Do not hesitate to make bartacks at the beginning and at the end of the lace yoke. |
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You just have to sew the strap on the bra as indicated in your tutorial, great not !? 😉 |
B/ A bra with continuous straps (Smoothie type)
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Position the gathered shoulder yoke on the armhole of your bra, distributing the gathers. You can simply pin it or make a basting stitch to secure the layers together. |
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Place the elastic armhole in a zigzag stitch, over the two layers of lace. |
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Then, open the armhole seam to fold the elastic inside the bra. Sew the flap seam with a Zigzag stitch, leaving the lace yoke free. |
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And here's the result ! A hyper feminine detail, and Upcycling !! 👌 |
We hope you enjoyed this tutorial and that it inspired you for future creations👙
Do not hesitate to take a look at our "Sewing tips" if you want to learn new techniques.
And of course, if you have any doubts, don't hesitate to contact us:
