Pattern Review: Muna and Broad Waratah, Kapunda and Banksia
Banksia Bralette and Kapunda Undies by Muna and Broad
Written by: Anne
February 2023
You may have seen Moss’ glowing review of the Muna and Broad Dulcie Boxer Briefs. I’m here to add my good vibes to Muna and Broad underwear patterns too. I’m delighted to see so many other sewing pattern designers expanding their size range for larger bodies. I’ve tried some of those patterns like the TATB Iris and Christine Haynes Dune Set. The fit and comfort of those patterns are fine on my larger body but I would say that since Muna and Broad designs for large bodies, the fit on their underwear patterns is more fine tuned.
Since we now offer PDF Pattern Printing at Bolt, I decided to try all of the undies patterns since Muna and Broad is PDF only. First up were the Waratah Undies. This is a mid rise undie with a higher rise in the back. There’s a choice of using picot or fold over elastic and separate pieces for each option. AND there is a period panty option which comes with the pieces already drafted! That gusset piece seems like it would provide a good amount of coverage and you don’t have to guess like other patterns which only offer a tutorial on how to remake the gusset piece for a period panty. I’ve made two regular pairs and they fit great, in my correct size, no adjustments needed. The negative ease is on point and the angled side seams make a huge difference in fit. Some undies patterns have a straight side seam which for me, leaves some bagginess in the side seams if the negative ease is not great either.
See how that side seam angles from waist to hip!
Next, I worked up a few pairs of the Kapunda Undies. These are a high waisted undie pattern. I have to say that I am enjoying high waisted undies more and more. They work better under dresses and since I mostly wear high waisted pants these days, they are perfect. The Kapunda undie has two views and is fun way to use up scraps for that contrasting side panel. Again, the negative ease and angled side seams make a better fit all around.
Striped Iris Knickers with a straight side seam and the Waratah Undies underneath with an angled side seam. Also note the higher rise in back on the Waratah, better bum coverage!
Lastly, I made a matching Banksia Bralette. I don’t wear a ton of bralettes because I have a hard time finding one with enough support. The Banksia is meant for light support and there is even an expansion pattern for a swimsuit top. Within the pattern there are options to use power net as a lining or as a supportive sling. I chose to do both. I can’t really give a fit review since mine is a shop sample. I tried it on at one point during construction and got white deodorant marks all over, so I’m going to have to wait for a final opinion.
The instructions from Muna and Broad are excellent, especially for someone who hasn’t sewn a lot or has hesitations about getting the right fit for a larger body. The drafting and construction are also really good.
I’m eyeing a few other Muna and Broad patterns! Lots of Jackets!!