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

Sizes 2-20

Sizes 18-34

The Valedictorian Bow Tie and Suspenders are designed for an adult and are fully adjustable.

Recommended Fabrics

We recommend light- to medium-weight wovens: cottons like broadcloth, chambray, poplin, sateen, shirting, and lightweight twill; linen and linen blends; lightweight wool suitings; brocade; or silk/wool blends.

The bow tie and suspenders are a great way to use scraps from other projects!

Stretch wovens are possible, but knit fabrics are not recommended.

Notions & Supplies

SUSPENDERS WITH LEATHER LOOPS

• Fabric for the suspenders
• Small piece of leather
• Thread to match your fabric and leather
• Light-weight fusible interfacing (woven, weft, or tricot types)
• 6-inch (15.2 cm) of 1-inch-wide (2.5 cm) regular elastic
• Two 1-inch-wide (2.5 cm) adjustable slide ratched hardware
• Three 1-inch-wide (2.5 cm) rectangular buckle rings
• Three leather suspender loops
• Six 3/4-inch (1.9 cm) flat buttons
• Fabric glue, temporary adhesive, or sewing clips

SUSPENDERS WITH METAL CLIPS

• Fabric for the suspenders
• Small piece of leather
• Thread to match your fabric and leather
• Light-weight fusible interfacing (woven, weft, or tricot types)
• 6-inch (15.2 cm) of 1-inch-wide (2.5 cm) regular elastic
• Two 1-inch-wide (2.5 cm) adjustable slide ratched hardware
• Three 1-inch-wide (2.5 cm) suspender clips
• Fabric glue, temporary adhesive, or sewing clips

TRADITIONAL BOW TIE

• Fabric for the bow tie
• Thread to match
• Light-weight fusible interfacing (woven, weft, or tricot types)

ADJUSTABLE BOW TIE

• Fabric for the bow tie
• Thread to match
• Light-weight fusible interfacing (woven, weft, or tricot types)
• Adjustable cravat or bow tie hardware
• 1 yard (0.9 m) of 1/2-inch-wide (1.3 cm) regular elastic

Coming soon!

Gertie is wearing the Valedictorian Bow Tie and Suspender set with a Patsy Blouse (with Mutton Sleeve expansion) and a plaid wool Charm School Uniform 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 Glamour Circle member, you will receive one vintage-inspired sewing pattern (with a companion sew-along video) on the first of the month, plus a second sewing pattern or Vintage by Gertie magazine issue every single month around the 15th. And you join the most creative and fun sewing community around!

Specific benefits at the Glamour Circle tier include:

• A vintage-inspired sewing pattern on the first day of every month
• A companion sew-along tutorial video for that pattern
• In addition to the monthly pattern, you’ll receive 8 additional patterns or digital projects throughout the year
• Four issues of Vintage by Gertie, our fashion, sewing, and lifestyle magazine
• Access to the entire archive of Glamour 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 Glamour Circle archive, click here and filter for “Pattern Availability = All Glamour 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.