Mini Review ~ Watson bra and bikini

Here is the first in what will be an on-going series of mini reviews.

Because no two people are built the same, patterns (and particularly very close fitting patterns like bras) that work well for some don't work so well for others.  So these reviews aren't going to be based on 'what an amazing/or not so amazing fit such and such a pattern is.'  These reviews are going to be more like box tickers.  So if you find yourself reading through, and the pattern I'm discussing is 'ticking your boxes' then you'll know you may want to explore it further.

Watson Bra and Bikini ~ made in The Hepburn kit

It's easy to make a matching set with the Watson.  Both a bra and bikini brief are included in this pattern and both require approx. a 75% stretch, knit fabric.  This pattern is a great place to start as a beginner!

Mini Review 

The Bra:

• Pattern designer: Cloth Habit
• Bra type: Soft cup bra (no underwires) with a short or longline bra band
• Skill level: Beginner 
• Size range: 30B-30I, 32A-32H, 34AA-34G, 36AA-36F, 38A-38E, 40A-40D
• Shape range: For a wide variety of shapes
• Time frame: A quick sew

The Bikini:

• Pattern Designer: Cloth Habit
• Bra Type: Hipster style bikini
• Skill Level: Beginner 
• Size Range: XS - XL
• Time frame: A very quick sew

Value for money 

Not a bad price - 'basic' bra style but it does include briefs

Clear Instructions 

Very clearly written, understandable for beginners and the stitch setting information is a useful guideline plus there is additional information on the Cloth Habit website

Accurate materials list 

Accurate without being excessive, quantities are based only on the larger sizes.  For both bra and bikini combined, the recommended main fabric quantity is .5m however, I think if you measure in the smaller half of the sizes then you could cut both out of a fat quarter / 75cm x 50cm.

Clear fabric recommendations 

Fabric options and stretch percentages listed

Matching set potential 

With both bra and bikini patterns included and both using the same fabric, it's very easy to make a matching set

Variation possibilities 

Overlays could be used but there are minimal pattern pieces so not many style changes can be made without pattern manipulation

Invisible panty line 

Nah, I have quite a few Watson briefs and have to be careful what outfit I choose to wear with them.  The leg lines are finished the whole way around with elastic so do cut in - not in a way that is uncomfortable just in a way that shows through outer layers.