Of Bjd Fashion: Lingerie for Dolls? Bra and Underwear Tutorial

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As mentioned yesterday, Anna made various socks and tights for a few of us dolls. 

However, it became apparent (thanks to Usagi) that some other sort of doll clothes were made which we will discuss today.

But first, Yuki must leave the room at once.  Only ladies should be present.

Anyway, although I myself first arrived at Anna’s doorstep with appropriate undergarments, not all ball jointed dolls are as fortunate.  Usagi and Misako are such dolls, so it became necessary for Anna to make these…

Bras and underwear, perfectly sized for msd or 1/4 sized ball jointed dolls. 

And as with the socks and tights yesterday, Anna has created patterns and a tutorial for these most essential articles of doll clothing.

Let the sewing begin.

Bras and Underwear for MSD and YOSD Bjds Tutorial

Materials:

• T-shirt or knit fabric
• Pattern
• Lace
• Thin elastic (for underpants)
• Safety pin (for elastic)
• Thread
• Basic sewing supplies
• Soft Velcro, snaps, or hook and eye (for bra)
• Ribbon and other embellishments (optional)
• A doll

Here is the pattern.  Although I am making sets of bras and panties for MSD sized ball jointed dolls, the pattern does include Yosd sized underpants because they need undies too. 

The patterns were based on Misako and Sakura’s measurements which are found on the doll’s profile page.  However, these pieces should be easy to fit to dolls of varying measurements.

The Bra

First cut 4 pieces from the pattern, two for each “cup”.  You may find it helpful to mark with a pencil the top and center part of the pieces.  Otherwise, it’s easy to mix up the sides.

Pin the pieces with right sides together and sew around leaving the bottom side open.  Repeat for the other “cup”.

Turn each one right side out.  If you wish, you can top stitch along the edge of only the “center” sides.  You will see why later.

Sew a running stitch along the bottom and pull to gather, this will give it the right shape (check out my doll dress video tutorial for an demonstration of gathering). 

Adjust it to fit your doll before tying off.  The bustier your doll, the more gathering you may need to do.

Measure your doll from just under her bust in front to about the same spot on her back, then cut two strips of lace. 

These will be the bra straps.  Don’t worry about making them too long as they will be trimmed later.

Pin the “straps” along the sides of the cups and sew in place.

Measure your doll around her chest under her bust and add 1 inch (2.5 cm.), then use this measurement to cut another strip of lace.  This will be the band for the bra.

Pin the cups on the center of the lace and try this on your doll before sewing them in place.

To finish the band, hem the ends of the lace.

Then sew on your choice of Velcro, snaps or hooks.  I chose this soft Velcro because it isn’t as bulky and can be cut to the size I need. 

Be sure to try the bra on your doll before finishing this step.

To finish the straps, put the bra on your doll inside out and carefully pin the straps where you want them.  Remove the bra and sew the straps in place, trim off any excess lace.

Now the bra is ready to be worn by your favorite doll.

Doesn’t it look great?  Now it just needs some matching undies.

The Underpants

Cut one piece from you pattern and fold and pin the edges as shown.  Then sew to hem the leg openings.

Pin and sew the side seam on one side only.  The other side will be done later.

Double fold the top edge and pin.  This will be the waistband.

You can also pin on some lace before you sew, but this is optional.

After sewing, cut a piece of elastic as long as your doll’s waist and thread it through with a safety pin.  Just like with the tights tutorial from yesterday.

If you are sewing this with a sewing machine, you can also try sewing the elastic on to the fabric with a zig-zag stitch, stretch the fabric as you go.

After adding the elastic, all you have to do is pin and sew that other side seam.

And now you’re done!

And we have a complete set.  This one was made for Misako.

It’s trimmed with lace giving it a simple but sweet look.

(Anna, is it absolutely necessary to show the undergarments worn?)

(Yes Hikaru, our readers need to see the finished product in detail.  Plus, Misako has a gorgeous figure that’s worth showing off a little.  Anyway, isn’t this exactly why you kicked Yuki out of the room?)

(Well, it isn’t appropriate for him to see a lady's undergarments.)

(True, but you did hurt his feelings.  You should apologize to him later.)

(…I suppose you do have a point…)

This second set was made for Usagi.  I used ribbon for the straps and added ribbon bows to the bra and panties.  I used a decorative elastic on the underpants, they’re sewn on with a sewing machine.

Usagi has a smaller bust than Misako, so I didn’t have to gather the cups as much to fit.

You can use all kinds of different laces and trims for these.  And if you used different fabrics, you could even make doll swimwear instead of underwear.

Have fun making cute bras and/or undies for your dolls.

End of Tutorial

Our dear young ladies at last have suitable undergarments.  Now if only Misako had some suitable clothing to wear over them.  She has been wearing the “new doll” dress far too long.  When will Anna sew her a lovely new outfit?  I suppose only time will tell.

Until then, be at peace my dear readers.