Pattern and Instructions: The Gina Bustier
Va va voom! The sexy Gina Bustier was named after Gina Lollobrigida, an Italian actress, photographer, politician, and artist known as “The Most Beautiful Woman in the World.”
Perfect for summer, this boned bodice can be worn as a top, either ending at the waist or cropped to show a little skin. It has a power mesh back for comfort and a snug fit.
Gina is a standalone pattern, but you can easily draft or adjust a skirt pattern to go with it! A gathered skirt with a scalloped edge looks amazing.
This pattern uses sophisticated techniques like underlining and encasing the seams for a clean couture finish, so you’ll be able to add to your sewing skills as you channel your inner Gina.
I paired my linen hydrangea Gina with last month's Elsa Culottes for a vacation-in-Sicily vibe. Susie is darling in a white eyelet Gina-gathered skirt combo and daring in a vibrant red bustier.
You'll find the tiled file (for printing at home on A4 or letter size sheets and taping together) and the A0 file (for printing at a copy shop like ThePlottedPattern.com or PDFPlotting.com). Please note that we now have two size blocks, so make sure to download the correct files for the size you're making. If you have any questions about which size to sew, don't forget to read our blog post with all the details!
Don’t forget to watch the companion tutorial video and then share your makes with the hashtags #charmpatterns and #ginabustier!
xoxo,
Gertie
P.S. We love creating this content exclusively for you, so please do not share it elsewhere (including Pinterest or other sites). Thank you so much for being a patron!!!
Comments (85)
I dont understand the bust options. Do I pick the one that says my cup on it ?
Has anyone tried to make this strapless? I'd love to turn this into a longline bra and foundation piece
I’m just now trying to make this in size 22 cup size H and the first step of matching the lower cups by their notches…. They don’t match up….any help?
I also had an issue with the 22 H when I tried it last year and just came back to see if there was a revised pattern before I tried again….guess I’ll make a toile and try to correct it myself if it’s still there….
Has anyone used this as a bikini / tankini pattern? Do we think it could work in a swimwear?
Question, would it work as a light bra and could the zip be moved to the front... mobility issues looking for a nice comfortable easy to put on wire free if possible. This looks like it could be my answer
interested in this response too as i too have mobility issues and would love a nice bra that does up at the front
Just made my first Muslin for this pattern and I love it! For the more experienced sewists here, what are your thoughts on lengthening it a bit more?
Size #5 Invisible Separating Zipper, 7" Length, Seafoam Green, Bias Bespoke Brand https://a.co/d/bwzuP57 These ones are 7” invisible separating. Many other 5-7” separating zips available on Amazon as well
Where is everyone finding the short separating zippers? Brownie points if it's in the EU.
I just cut the zipper on the bottom and sew a line across the bottom to stop the zipper head. Like this: https://www.vickymyerscreations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/BAEE50B1-E19C-415A-B0AD-466566CCCE4D-1440x1327.jpeg
What would be a good replacement for fusible fleece? I live in Mexico and we do not have that where I live.
I'm thinking cut and sew bra foam would work just as well
oh my gosh honestly just even as a long-line bra, yes please! I might try attaching flutter sleeves to the straps to be more of a pretty princess ✨ I might also try a different seam finishing like hand felling the seams to just the lining - I know lingerie-look is the intended style, but I think that I might feel a little self-conscious wearing something so very lingerie-ish, and I think that the top-stitched seams add to that quite a bit.
I am afraid it looks like a bra to me and, at my age, it would look just that! I might make it as a bra though as the full length and boning appeals to me. It will look fabulous as an outer garment on younger ladies.
I’m having faux leather thoughts… would it work? Substituting the elastic for some sort of piping, maybe?
As someone who has trouble NOT buying vintage fabric when I find it, I'm so excited to have a pattern for a top that uses less than one yard of fabric!
Beautiful xxx
Gertie delivers me a perfect birthday month pattern yet again!!! Can’t wait to make one of each version
I think now it’s maybe also time to go deeper into lingerie, such as longline bras or even vintage corselets! You’re SO talented 💕💕💕
Gertie!!!😍😍😍 This pattern is stunning and so so so gorgeous = a dream comes true and after watching the video, I really think I could do it!
I need this in every color. 😍😍Thank you! My dream. If we could get a wide brimmed summer hat pattern for the extra pattern I’d be all set!
OMG Susie!!!!!! You look amazing!!! Love your lipstick color~~~
Could you use wool felt in place of the fusible fleece? I feel like since fleece is synthetic it might be a little hot for the summer heat.
Instead of wool felt, I’d say try a fusible woven cotton interfacing and see how you like it.
That white dress is absolutely GORGEOUS!! As Joan Kirk said she was remaking her sundress, I too will make a undress version! I'm hoping this will work well with a simple circle skirt!
Elastic just rubs me the wrong way, literally. Could we finish the hems with bias tape?
I’m going to need like 10 of these. Plus thinking ahead for Halloween, I will also need a dress version out of a fun Halloween print. 🪡👗🖤
Screaming over that white sundress
This is amazing!!
Yess!!!
I am violently excited about this!
well - I really should know better... but I saw the first photo (in email and insta) and went.. "meh. Not for me. That's ok - I got lot's of other things to sew right now..." Than I came here and saw the full length version that's Susie's wearing and I OMG! OMG! OMG! DREAM TOP!!! (may even try to to hack some underwires into it... That white dress!!!
This looks really good coz it looks structured, so like a bra, can't wait to try it.
I’m remaking the sundress, I had a kid!
Ooooooh, the options with the Gina! Was thinking last night that I want a casual over sized, wide legged trouser suit in linen for this summer but couldn't picture the top I wanted - this is perfect 👌
Can it be used as a swimsuit top?
I think it depends on what you're looking for in a swimsuit top! It's not meant to be made in stretch fabric (aside from the back panel) so that would really limit your swimwear fabric choices.
This is fantastic. I'm thinking it would look very sassy in matte black pleather for an evening look! 😀 Thanks Gertie! 💕
O. M. G. This is stunning! You gals look gorgeous and this pattern 🔥🔥🔥 Also thank y’all so much for linking The Plotted Pattern, it means so much to me! ❤️
Can this be used as a brassiere and worn underneath another top?
It wasn't intended to be a bra but it does offer light support, so depending on your requirements it may work for you!
I made a similar one in the '80's and was looking for a pattern to make one for wearing under a sheer blouse. Perfect timing!
Omg I was right 😭😭😍😍😍 I've been waiting for a pattern like this forever!!
Omg, you read my mind! I had this exact style plus the Elsa Culottes for a perfect Barbie outfit!!!!
My immediate thought was that this reminds me of Margot Robbie’s recent pink gingham Prada outfit!
Love love love!! I am imagining this to go with the lamour skirt as a separate. All the Hawaiian feels!
I cannot wait to make this! Finally a summer outfit with proper support! 🙂
I have been looking for a pattern like this for MONTHS! Thank you so much! My sewjo is on her way back to my house as we speak. 😁
It’s like you took a peek at my summer clothing wishlist!!!
Love this so much! I'm very keen on the dress version. I haven't watched the video yet, and the answer is probably in the video, but I'm wondering how it works when you add a woven gathered skirt to the back stretch panel of the bodice? Is it necessary to stretch the power mesh panel as you attach the skirt?
Good question! Yes, you can stretch the power net slightly as you sew it to the skirt to retain stretch in the waist.
Long. Line. Bra. YES!!!!!!!!!!!! Now all we need is a full-length slip.
My thoughts exactly!
Ooh Lala and Va Va Voom all rolled in one gorgeous bustier!!
Soooo obsessed 😍
Just got a brand new Janome so looking forward to firing it up and making this beauty!!
OMG yesss!!! I have been dying for a pattern like this. ❤️❤️❤️ I'm also thinking about what modifications would be needed to make this a bra, I dislike my store bought ones. 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
Soooo good! My mind is already trying to turn this into a bra... 🤣😍
Same!
Is Susie's white dress Wanda? The skirt doesn't look like a pencil skirt.
Whoops! Fixed that. It's a simple gathered skirt.
YEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!!
Eeeeek! 😍
Gorgeous! I am just about to make the Landis Bodice - so this is changing my mind!
My greatest sewing dream has come true! 🤩🫠🫠🫠
PERFECTION 😍😍😍
Yesss!!!! 🙌🏻
This is stunning omg!
It looks so cute!! Could I just use the fashion fabric on the back in stead of the mesh?
You can but it will change the fit so you may need to adjust the pattern by letting out the seams a bit!
Susie's white dress is lovely. It could ma lovely Boho bridal dress.
Love it!❤️
Hehe, where was this pattern when I was attempting to make these as a teenager? 😉
OMG, this EXACTLY what I have dreamed of making once I find a pattern that fits my G/H bust. I'm so exited! <3
Ok, I wanna scream and cry! I freakin LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!! Girtie, you’re amazing!! Thank you so much!!!
Yes!!!! Now I just need time to sew.
I am in love!
I love it, I love it, I love it!!!!
Oh, I am SO in love!
Just a Gina OBSESSED WITH THIS 😭😍
Soooo cuteee!
Whaaat ❤️🤩
Exactly the kind of pattern i wanted I havent liked the last few but this is something i always wanted as store bought dont fit my bust
Thank you so much, Gertie! I am beyond thrilled <3