Not sure which size range to choose? Learn more about our two size ranges here.

Sizes 2-20

Sizes 18-34

The Carmen Bodice is fitted at the waist, with comfortable ease in the bust. The cap sleeves sit just off the shoulder and the pattern includes an optional shoulder drape, which can appear like a scarf when wrapped around the head or neck.

The pattern is designed to fit with between 11/2 and 21/4 inches (in) (3.8 to 5.7 cm) of ease in the bust and 1/2 to 3/4 in (1.3 to 1.9 cm) of ease at the waist.

Recommended Fabrics

We recommend light- to medium-weight wovens with drape: wool crepe, double crepe, and gabardine; rayon challis or crepe; Tencel twill, silk twill, crepe de chine, or 4-ply crepe; and linen and linen blends.

For the lining, we recommend: the same fabric as the outer bodice for a self-lined garment, or any of the fabrics listed above. If sewing a bodice with a shoulder drape, the lining will be visible on the underside of the drape.

Knits are not recommended for this design.

Notions & Supplies

• Fabric for the bodice
• Fabric for the lining
• Thread to match
• 1¼-inch-wide (3.2 cm) fusible tricot stay tape to stabilize the zipper opening and neckline (alternatively, cut a strip from a scrap of fusible knit interfacing yardage)
• 18-inch invisible zipper (shorten as needed)

Coming soon!

The companion sew-along video is exclusive to Sewing Circle members and it is available on Patreon.

The photos show Gertie and Susie wearing Carmen Bodices paired with the Carmen Skirt overlay (over a Boardwalk Slim Skirt). Gertie’s lavender lace dress is the Carmen Bodice (without the shoulder drape) paired with the Camille Skirt.

Measure yourself around your upper bust (under your armpits and above your breasts, without a bra on), the fullest part of your bust (while wearing your preferred bra), the smallest part of your waist, and the fullest part of your hips (this is likely around the fullest part of your butt). Make sure to hold the measuring tape snugly and parallel to the ground. Compare your body measurements to the size chart.

Find your upper bust measurement on the size chart to find your garment size, and then scan down the cup sizes in that garment size column to find your cup size. For instance, a 37-inch upper bust will make you a size 10, and a 39-inch full bust means you need a B cup. Don’t worry if your waist doesn’t match the size 10 column’s measurement of 32 inches; you can grade the waist in or out as needed. It is most important to choose a size to fit your upper bust and cup size, as the waist is easier to adjust up or down.

Sewing pattern sizes are very different from ready-to-wear garments and bra sizes, so be sure to work with your measurements when choosing a size.

Charm’s 2-20 size range is designed for a body with an hourglass shape. Our 18-34 size range is designed for a body with less waist definition.

Still not sure which size range to choose? Learn more about our two size ranges here.

If you have never used a PDF pattern before, this short video is full of tips: How to Use A PDF Pattern.

It will show you how to choose which PDF format to use, how to print just your size(s), and how to easily assemble and cut out your pattern pieces.

We offer digital patterns in two formats: letter-sized PDFs to print at home and A0 sized PDFs to print at a copy shop. In the US, we highly recommend printing A0 files with The Plotted Pattern. Outside of the US, these printers have been recommended.

When you join us as a Sewing Circle member, you will receive one vintage-inspired sewing pattern a month (with a companion sew-along video) and join the most creative and fun sewing community around!

Specific benefits at the Sewing Circle tier include:

• A vintage-inspired sewing pattern on the first day of every month
• A companion sew-along tutorial video for the pattern
• Access to the entire archive of Sewing Circle patterns and videos!
• A monthly live Crowdcast with Gertie where she shares the history and inspiration behind that month’s pattern
• Access to our community hub on Discord to post your projects, ask for advice, and chat with other members
• One Charm Pattern for free randomly every calendar year (Gertie’s choice)

To view all of the patterns in the Sewing Circle archive, click here and filter for “Pattern Availability = All Sewing Circle Patterns.”

Yes, absolutely! Unlike other monthly sewing memberships, when you are a Charm patron, you get access to the entire archive of sewing patterns available to your tier.

To view all of the membership patterns available at each tier, click here and filter for “Pattern Availability.”

Click here to join the membership on Patreon. There is no long term commitment required, and you can cancel at any time.