Using Thread Chains To Keep Bra Straps In Place

A few years ago we talked about our love of thread chains in the studio and how useful they are when you want to keep two layers of fabric together loosely. Today we'll show you how we use thread chains to keep bra straps in place under sleeveless garments like our Alder Shirtdress, Hadley Top, Farrow Dress, or Willow Tank Dress.

To get started grab a sleeveless top, a spool of thread, a snap, a pair of scissors, and a sewing needle. In this example we're using a Willow Tank.

Cut a piece of thread about arms length, thread your needle, tie a knot, and trim your ends.

We like to start our thread chains about 1/4 inch in from the armhole edge using the seam finish to hide our anchoring knot. Insert your threaded needle under your seam finish and pull your thread through.

Create a second stitch by inserting your needle through the underside of the fold of your seam finish being careful not to stitch through the front of the fabric. Pull your thread part of the way through leaving a medium sized loop which you'll use to construct your thread chain.

Grab your thread tail and begin to gently start to pull it through your loop. Keep pressure on the bottom piece of thread as you pull. Your original loop will begin to tighten and form a knot, and you'll be left with a new loop.

This new loop is what you'll work with to repeat the previous steps. As the knots form your thread chain will begin to lengthen.

Continue repeating the looping process until your chain is long enough to reach to the other side of the strap, or about a 1/4" from the edge.

Grab one piece of your snap and pull your needle and thread through a hole on the side. Pass through the hole a few times to securely attach the thread chain to the snap. Once the thread chain is attached tie a knot and trim your thread ends.

Sew the other side of your snap in place around a 1/4 inch from the opposite armhole edge. Make sure to sew the snap onto your garment with the correct side facing up so that your thread chain snap is able to fasten.

Repeat this process on your other sleeve and you're all set.When you're ready to wear your garment unsnap your thread chain, slide it underneath your bra strap, and snap it back in place. These take us less than 15 minutes from start to finish which makes for a quick and satisfying project.