Watson bralette in rib knit, lined with cotton lycra

I chose to start with lingerie week from Season 4 — an easy entry point for me to kick things off. Plus, I had a custom order for bralettes at the same time, so it felt like the perfect opportunity to see how long it would take me to create a top-quality finish while staying true to the challenge brief. The pattern challenge that week was a soft cup bralette with a two-piece cup and a horizontal seam.

I couldn’t find a pattern that matched that construction exactly, so I gave my customer free range to choose from any of the bralette patterns I already owned. She chose the Watson Bralette with a modified back band, and the Mysa Bralette as a more supportive, fuller-coverage option.

The first pattern I used was the Watson Bralette by Cloth Habit Patterns. I altered the band slightly to form a gothic arch at the front — a small tweak that gives the design a really pretty silhouette and helps the band sit neatly against the body. I also removed the hook-and-eye closure from the back to create a pull-over bralette. This variation makes which makes it an ideal first bra for tweens and teens — simple, soft, and comfortable to wear. The Watson has separate cups which connect into the band to form a deep V front identical to the bra from the show. I used narrow straps with rings and slides to make them adjustable.

Inside of the Watson showing the gothic arch and connection of cups to frame

In the same stretch of sewing, I also made the Mysa Bralette, a free pattern from one of my favourite lingerie designers, LilypaDesigns. This design has a single-piece cup with a dart to create shape. The cups join at the centre front, then attach to the bottom band to form the front panel. The back wings connect directly to the side seams of both the cup and front band, creating a wide, supportive back band finished with a three- or four-row hook-and-eye closure for adjustability and comfort.

This first challenge was such a satisfying start — a reminder of how even subtle design choices (like seam direction or band finish) can completely change the feel of a garment. And, honestly, there’s something so rewarding about sewing pieces that feel as lovely to wear as they do to make.

I have multiple Pinterest boards on the go where I’m saving inspiration, pattern ideas, and fabrics for each project in this challenge — feel free to have a browse:

📌 Pinterest Board Series 4– The Great British Sewing Bee Challenge

If you fall in love with any of the bralettes I make along the way, I’ll be offering custom orders inspired by these projects — so if you see something you like, feel free to drop me a line!

In my shop I have renamed the Watson, Emma in honour of the lovely actress who plays my daughters favourite character in the Harry Potter series.

✂️ Pattern Details

Watson Bralette & Bikini by Cloth Habit

Bra sizes: 30B–30I, 32A–32H, 34AA–34G, 36AA–36F, 38A–38E, 40A–40D

Includes a matching briefs pattern

Fabric: cotton Lycra rib knit from Material Difference, print Chickens of the World by Rebel Challenger

Prints from Rebel Challenger are available from both Material Difference and Spoonflower

Lining plain cotton Lycra from Sew Unique Fabric

Mysa Bralette by LilypaDesigns

Available in cup sizes A–DD, DD–GG, and GG–KK (UK sizing)

Extended band range: 26”–52”

Fabric Cotton Lycra rib know custom printed for me

Lining Army green cotton Lycra from Keffyns Sewing Haven, back band lined with 280gsm power mesh

All findings and elastics available in my habedashery store for those who want to try their hand at either of these patterns.