DIY Lace Camiband

Even though many women love to shop, I believe there are not many of us who love to shop for jeans.  There are so many shapes, sizes and styles of pants that never seem to quite fit all our shapes and sizes. Generally I end up settling on low rise jeans, but then I am limited to long t-shirts.  What about all those other cute t-shirts I come across that aren't long?  I would love to wear those too.  Solution:  DIY Lace  Camiband.

This camiband does not have a "one-size fits all" pattern.  It has a "your size fits you" pattern.  So basically you are going to make your own camiband pattern from your favorite pair of shorts or pants - those ones that fit you perfectly through the hips and lower waist.

Camiband Pattern

Supplies:

1-2 yards Stretch lace (Very important that it is stretchy)
Newspaper
Scissors
Matching thread
Sewing Machine

Take a large sheet of newspaper and spread it out on a flat surface.  Place the pair of shorts (or pants) over the newspaper.  Draw a line on the newspaper (around the shorts, about 2" wider than the shorts) beginning at the low hips.  Following the natural flow of the shorts, continue drawing up past the low waist, about 4".   The total length of the camiband should be about 12" tall.  Basically, from the belly button down to the low hips.  We are creating this to fit, so if you want your camiband to go lower, just keep following the shorts line down to the length you want.

Cut out the pattern.  Just to make sure it fits, place the paper pattern on and see if it is the correct length and size.  Remember, the pattern is about 1- 1 1/2" longer and wider to allow for sewing the seams.

Ok, now it's time to cut out the lace.  It is very important to have purchased stretch lace.  This camiband is designed to have a little stretch so it can be put on over your head.  In order to get the best stretch, the pattern also needs to be cut on the bias.  The bias is from the top corner of the fabric to the opposite bottom corner.  When you pull from those two corners the fabric has the best stretch.  So, lay the pattern caddy-cornered on the fabric.  Then cut-out two pieces from the same pattern.

In the photo you will notice that after I put the newspaper pattern up to my hips I decided I wanted to add another 1" to my pattern.

Now, take the two pieces and sew them together at the sides with a 1/2" seam.  There should now be just one continuous piece.  Slide it on to see if it fits.  If it is too large, simply sew in the seam again, just a tiny bit to each side at a time.  Do not take it all in at one side, or it will end up lopsided.  Do the same tiny amount to each side.  If the camiband is too high, simply cut off about 1/2" to 1" of the whole top.  Remember we want this to be high enough so that no skin is showing when we bend over.  Once it fits perfectly, hem the top and bottom with a tiny hem.  It's done!

Enjoy!!




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