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*** In order to complete this hack you will need to purchase a copy of the Mama Bridgette bralette pattern from the Made for Mermaids website. This post explains the adjustments I made to the pattern construction but will not contain pattern pieces or full construction techniques.***
Ya’ll this is by the far the most exciting thing I have sewn in quite a long time!
Now don’t get me wrong, I love most of my projects but not that long ago I made a fully reversible mama Bridgette bikini top that is holding the top spot in my heart right now and…. I am going to share with you how to make your very own! I ranted about how much I love this pattern back when it released and it needed only a few simple construction changes to be fully reversible and feature two of the amazing fabrics that I used in my #pheeswimweek2018 swimwear capsule I shared earlier this week so really I just HAAADDDD to do it right?!?! Right! Now I could keep gushing about it for hours but we both know that’s not why you’re here so lets just jump right in to the explanation, yeah?!
First off you will need to cut your pattern pieces out as instructed in the pattern instructions, cutting each piece as instructed from two different fabrics, as if you were going to make two totally separate bralettes. I chose to make a 1 piece racer back adjustment as well to minimize bulk which is optional but that I would HIGHLY recommend. Through out the pictures below you will also notice I used a third layer of fabric, power mesh, that I included to make the suit more supportive. Again this is totally optional, but recommended. Please keep in mind this is a very bare-bones tutorial and I am assuming you have good working knowledge of how to assemble the bralette already, and have found a good fit and done the necessary adjustments you personally need with the Mama Bridgette pattern (basically I am assuming the first Bridgette you ever make isn’t this hacked version).
For reference, I am going to refer to the leaf print fabric as “fabric 1” and the white fabric as “fabric two”, assign each of your fabrics a number and follow along that way for ease!
If you choose not to go a 1 piece back hack, sew your back pieces from fabric 1 together as instructed and then repeat with your back pieces from fabric 2. Lay your fabric 2 back piece right side up with the fabric 2 strap pieces wrong side up on top and facing down into the back pieces. On top of the fabric two strap pieces. Layer the fabric 1 strap pieces right side up and finish by laying your fabric 1 back piece right side down directly on top of the fabric 2 back piece. the shoulder seam should now. Sew your shoulder seam, catching all four layers of fabric before slipping right side out. the seam should be fully enclosed, top stitch in pace if desired.
Apply fold over elastic along each outside edge, encasing all layers of fabric, and along the neckline. Set aside
Assemble the cups as stated in the pattern instructions. Flip right side out and ensure the correct sides of all four pieces of each cup is facing out before applying fold over elastic to the upper/sides of each cup, encasing all layers of fabric. Overlap and baste your cups in place as instructed in the pattern.
Sandwich the raw edge of your racer back piece in between your back upper band pieces, aligning the top of the back band’s center point and the center point of the racer back piece. Place your upper back band pieces right sides together with the racer back piece in the middle and sew along the top.
Flip your sewn back piece open so both back pieces are right side up and fabric 1 is closer to you. Place your cup piece, fabric 1 side down, and align the top of your cup side seam with the edges of your back piece. Fold the other section of the back piece down over your cups and baste in place. flip right side out and check to make sure your cups reach the top of the seam. Flip back right side in and and sew the side seams. When finished the side seam should be totally enclosed.
Apply the waist band as instructed in the pattern. Finish the bottom raw edge of the waist band with FOE.
Place one finished edge along the upper edge of each each, being sure to match fabrics and zig zag stitch in place. and you’re done, yay!
See it really isn’t that much more work to make the Bridgette fully reversible but it is so amazing to be able to have a two-for-one swimsuit. Okay maybe it’s a little confusing… but do it once and the second one will be so easy, promise! Happy Sewing!
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