Friday 30 October 2015

Add a Fake Camisole to an Existing Blouse

I've had this blue blouse for ages. Made from a thin cotton, most probably voile or lawn, it's lightweight and comfortable - perfect for warm weather. Only problem is, the front is a tad too low, meaning I always have to wear a singlet or camisole underneath. That's fine on cool days, but in warm weather, the singlet makes it too hot to wear.

Make a fake camisole for tops with a low neckline. Keeps you modest, yet cool and comfortable at the same time ~ Threading My Way

Browsing Pinterest one day, I came across a clip on camisole. The link went to a roundup of ways to recycle fabric scraps, but no link to the source of the clip on camisole. Nevertheless, I pinned it, thinking this would be the perfect solution for my blue top.


Last week, I was in the mood for knocking over some quick and easy projects. A short amount of sewing time resulting in a pile of finishes making me feel like I've achieved a lot, even if each project only takes minutes. 

Time to look at that pin for making a clip on cami. You don't need to see any photos of me taking measurements in my bra. Ha, ha... there are no photos of this part of the process to see.

Needless to say, the clip on cami was going to sit considerably higher than I wanted. Thinking outside the square...
  • camisoles often have a lace edge
  • I have some eyelet lace in my stash
  • why not just attach a strip of lace to the blouse

And that's what I did.


It literally took a few minutes to sew the lace to the top. All the stitching is hidden underneath the pin tucks. I don't think this method would work without the pin tucks to hide the stitching.
  • cut lace to require length plus hem allowances on each side
  • turn under hems once - fold to the right side of the lace
  • zig zag hems
  • position lace on inside of blouse - right side of lace on wrong side of the blouse
  • hand sew the short ends in place


If I were to do this again, I don't think I'd use eyelet lace...
  1. If you look at the first photo, you can see that in my rush, I didn't centre the lace. It's not bad enough to stop me wearing the top, but it annoys me ever so slightly.
  2. With such a narrow gap, I think lace with a straight edge would have looked better.
  3. The holes in the eyelet lace don't look quite right when there's such a small amount of lace showing.
Maybe one day I will replace the lace. In the meantime, I've already worn the blouse several times.

Make a fake camisole for tops with a low neckline. Keeps you modest, yet cool and comfortable at the same time ~ Threading My Way

While writing this post, I came across several sites that sell clip on camisoles. I have to say, I have never seen them in the shops. Maybe because I've never looked. In most cases they were very cheap. One Australian site I found sells a set of three for $9. That's Aussie dollars, so very cheap. There has to be a gotcha!!! 

For me, though, I'm going to stick to my handmade solution. If the need arises and I need a camisole to cover more, I'll make myself a clip on cami with bits and pieces from my stash.

Have you ever come up with a make do solution - thinking outside the square, and like me, most probably breaking lots of traditional sewing rules?


... Pam


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26 comments:

  1. That's a smart idea, Pam! Saves the trouble of having to wear too layers, especially in this heat!

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  2. This looks great Pam! A nice alternative to wearing an additional blouse underneath. I haven't seen them, but years ago I had what was called a camisole bra. It had a very wide/long lace that was actually attached to the front of the bra. I loved it. I don't have them anymore, but boy were they pretty underneath shirts peaking out at the top.

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  3. I'm not very good at thinking outside of the box - every once in a while, though, I get right outside that box and BOOM - success :D It seems that the older I get, the more I want to try :D

    Pretty little fix - and it's not just practical - it's pretty too :)

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  4. I've added camisoles to several of my shirts too. Looking good Pam!

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  5. These are the times when I appreciate the fact that my shirts could be slit to the waist and nothing would show. I could not create cleavage with I've got if my life depended on it. I just haven't had a need for these kinds of things. That said, what a great solution you've come up with for those that do! I like this idea more than a clip on cuz it will always be right where you need it. I have a tendency to misplace small accessories. Such a quick fix makes it easy to do whatever shirts require the cami-look.

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  6. Wonderfully clever idea, Pam!! I think your shirt and lace front look great on you!! :D

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    1. Thanks, Sheila. Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest.

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  7. I do this all the time, but what I typically make is what we in America call "dickies." I have to do at least three try-on-n-offs but the results are great every time. I stitch a full panel into the right shoulder. It even has neck facing in it and I trim it down into a V. I add snaps into the left shoulder and side of the dickie. I don't like people to see down my top if I bend over, etc. so for just a few dollars and a little effort, I can wear a modest top that have people focusing on me versus my bust!

    I know for certain you've inspired many with your brilliant idea today.

    *hug*
    Kelley~

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  8. Good on you for "making do"! Reminds me of when I travelled to Europe three years ago: I made myself a little "pocket" out of stretch lace that I hooked onto the front of my bra (no pictures either) to keep spare cash away from pickpocketers. Come to think of it, that was actually the first thing that I had sewn in many, many years and it sure wasn't perfect or pretty!

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  9. I have made fake camisoles before. I like the idea of using the eyelet lace.

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  10. Very clever, Pam! I have bought and used those clip ones, and it did not work for me; they are not long enough and pulls up as I move around. Your idea is better!

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  11. you could have used a 2" wide piece of lace and stitched it to the facing edges... wonderful idea!!

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    1. Thanks, Lizzerd. Attaching to a facing is a great idea!. My blouse doesn't have one, so the pin tucks achieved the same purpose. Thanks for stopping by.

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  12. This is such a smart and cute idea. Makes it look like you are wearing 2 pieces instead of one. And that is just fine for some of us who have hot flashes.

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  13. Very good idea!! Easy to make, but great in its effect.
    Thank you for showing this to us.
    Liebe Grüße,
    Sabine

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  14. Great idea, and lighter is better in hot weather.

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  15. Yes, Pam, I discovered the clip-to-your-bra camisoles. They came in black, white and beige. They are a lifesaver, but your idea is more unique and certainly versatile with so much cute wide lace out there. Well done.

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    1. Thanks so much, Aris. I've worn that top so many times now.

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  16. What a great idea! I have a top (very like yours in fact, only a dusky purple) with just this problem, and it has pin tucks! Perfect.

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  17. Yep, I got a couple of those, I think in the old days they used to call it a dicky! No idea but its just a fake front and great in summer! Your idea is even quicker and can be done in 10 minutes so if stuck go for it!

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    1. Took next to no time, Tina. Just Googled dicky - yes, it's a a false shirt front... a new to me term. Thanks.

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  18. wow I learned 2 new things in 5 minutes...faux camisole and shortening sleeves..I am getting on your e-mail today. Thanks

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