Stretch Knit Bandeau with Silicone-Grip Elastic
The bandeau is on trend, whether worn as a top or under garments with very open necklines or armholes. It’s stretchy, has silicone to keep it from slipping, and includes a pattern.
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Create a made-to-measure stretch-knit bandeau with a gathered front and a shorter back panel. Silicone-grip elastic supports the upper edge, while regular elastic finishes the lower edge.
Wear it as a top or as a visible layer beneath dresses, overalls, and tops with wide necklines or armholes.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Take the measurements needed to draft both panels.
- Adjust the proportions for your preferred fit and gathering.
- Stretch and sew narrow elastic for the center-front gather.
- Gather the front side edges to match the back.
- Apply silicone-grip elastic with zigzag stitching.
- Sew a lower casing and insert regular elastic.
Fabric and elastic
Use knit or another stretch fabric. The design combines narrow elastic for the center gather, regular elastic at the lower edge, and 2 cm silicone-grip elastic at the top.
Make it your own
Vary the front gathering, shorten the back panel, or keep the front and back more rectangular. Each choice changes the bandeau’s fit and fullness.
See the Baby Doll panties tutorial for more practice sewing elastic.
The batwing jacket tutorial demonstrates another fabric-gathering method.
Made-to-measure fit
The PDF drafts the bandeau from chest, front-width, and desired-height measurements. For its 96 cm chest example, the front is 45 x 25 cm and the back is 32 x 18 cm.
The class includes a sewing video and a downloadable measurement worksheet with drafting calculations, sample dimensions, and material guidance.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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