Bra

Bra
A bra is a bit more advanced project, but it's not as hard as you might think, and by no means out of the reach of someone with moderate sewing skills. If you're willing to put in a little time on adjusting the pattern, you can end up with a bra that fits you exactly, which all too few commercial ones can do!
 
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Step 1Tools and materials

Tools and materials
Materials:

  • fabric with at least a side-to-side stretch
  • asymmetrical lingerie elastic for edging
  • strap elastic
  • underwires
  • hooks & eyes
  • a little knit interfacing
  • optionally, stretch lace for decoration
  • optionally, ribbon for decorative bows
  • optionally, plastic hardware for adjusting the straps - but I leave this out b/c I can make the straps the exact right length without need for adjustments!

You can buy underwires in some fabric stores or online, but if you have some old bras that need to be tossed out, reclaim the underwires from them first. Do your best to get an underwire of the correct size (hold it up under your breast and check that it fits snugly but without poking into your breast). They can be bent a little bit but they're actually made of flat metal in a U shape, not round wire, so as to hold shape better.
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20 comments
Jan 27, 2012. 1:28 PMtvonmute says:
Holy mother of god I have been looking everywhere for this. badasscrafts.tumblr.com
Mar 29, 2011. 2:41 PMdvenable says:
Thanks for this I can wait to get started.
Jun 18, 2010. 11:12 AMthedeem0n says:
Who's the Model for this bra & the matching panties?!? because I would like her to uh, Marry Me...
Feb 24, 2011. 3:30 PMheartlessangel7 says:
Don't be lame. She was kind enough to model for us.
Mar 12, 2010. 2:35 PMsmilet1na says:
so excited to start working on my bra :) thanks for this helpful instructable!
Sep 14, 2009. 9:56 AMMissChiff says:
I have that same fabric! I've been wondering what to do with it. . .
Sep 10, 2009. 10:59 PMMax California says:
Thankyou! I've been meaning to try it myself, but it's a little intimidating! Thanks for your steps!
Sep 8, 2009. 7:44 AMbutterflycookies says:
me likey
Sep 7, 2009. 1:16 PMscouttster says:
Ok, I'll be the 1st to say it.. Nice rack! Pretty good instrutable as well - good job.
Sep 4, 2009. 5:50 AMknitnzu says:
OMG, this is FABULOUS!!! I spend thousands of dollars every year buying bras in the search for yet one more that will fit well and be comfortable (There's one wacoal that is perfecto for me). I have resorted to keeping a spreadsheet of all the styles I've tried and returned. But this! I will definitely be trying it. I keep saying I need a personal tailor because shopping off the rack makes me feel like a freak of nature. THANKS!
Sep 3, 2009. 9:12 PMtink1272 says:
Thank you for this. I am so sick of the plain paddy bras that are out now. This will help make a pretty bra that FITS. I am an in between size, so this is awesome. Thanks so much, I can't wait to get started!
Sep 3, 2009. 10:35 AMmoxiepurple says:
Thank you, you are awesome! I've been wanting to see this process for a while now. I've been wanting to try to make a bra, and am thinking of trying out a flat plastic buckle. Like some of these, link.
Sep 2, 2009. 8:42 PMkulsum75 says:
Thanks for such a detail project it really helped me,thanks!!!!!!!!!!
Sep 2, 2009. 7:19 AMGoodhart says:
This would sure be a help for my wife, who has difficulty finding just the right size
Sep 2, 2009. 7:24 AMGoodhart says:
It looks like this info found at this ible would be helpful too.
Sep 1, 2009. 5:56 PMcanida says:
Awesome. I totally need to do this - they just don't sell enough bras made with pirate-themed fabric. ;)
Sep 1, 2009. 6:47 PMLithium Rain says:
/seconded
Sep 2, 2009. 6:55 AMfrollard says:
When I end up with a sewing machine I'll be all over this!
Sep 1, 2009. 6:47 PMLithium Rain says:
Okay, spill - how d'you get underlines in image notes?? Oh, fantastic bra btw. :D
Sep 1, 2009. 6:38 PMjessyratfink says:
Wow! It looks so good and fits really well! :D I really, really need to make some undies.

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