How to make a camisole

1. Materials & tools

Materials (adult cami)

• Fabric (jersey/interlock knit, satin or linen) — about 110 cm wide × 140 cm
• Bias binding or ribbing for the neckline and armholes

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Adult clothes” → “Camisole” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter bust, length, neckline and the strap width/length. Adjust the straps when worn.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Front and back
   Place the center edge on the fold and cut one of each.
2. Straps
   Cut 4 strap pieces (two layers per strap).
3. Finish the edges
   Zigzag or serge the seam-allowance edges.

4. Sewing

4-1. Sew the sides

1. Place front and back right sides together and sew both side seams; press.

4-2. Finish neckline and armholes

1. Bind the neckline and armhole (side) edges with bias binding, or roll a narrow hem and topstitch.

4-3. Make the straps

1. Sew each pair of strap pieces right sides together along the long edge, turn and press. Make two straps.

4-4. Attach the straps

1. Try the top on to set the strap length, then sew the straps to the front neckline and back top.
2. Baste and check the position before final stitching.

4-5. Hem the bottom

1. Double-fold and press the hem and topstitch 2–3 mm from the edge.

5. Tips & variations

• Layering piece: make it in jersey to wear under sheer tops.
• Adjustable straps: add sliders for adjustable length.
• Dressy version: satin or cupro makes an elegant cami.