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!

Step 1: 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.

Comments

[georgy.k.zhukov]

Wow

[cat.isabel]

Amazing, I appreciate the great detail in this instructable! I actually understand ALL of what needs to be done, and what a great quality finished item!

[Mauigerbil]

Could you use push-up pads inside of them? I found push-up pads made for swimsuits at target and figured the concept was the same, but that you would have to put fabric liners on the inside. Thanks! Bras can be SO expensive these days. I saw a single bra at Victoria's Secret going for 60$! As I have a big box full of fabric of all sorts, I can make a bra for about a quarter as the box was $5. On a separate note, I recognize the fabric from your panty tutorial! Stay awesomesauce! 

Maui 

[ashleydollmeow]

Wonderful! Where did you get that effing cute pirate fabric?!

[BettyRed17]

What a genius idea Korlee! Brilliant!

[Korlee]

To make a pattern and not to cut the original, there's a easy way of using masking tape. I made a pare of jeans (I couldn't really lose that my "only" pare, so I had to) like this... Whit something as small as this, it's easy: Tape the desired area (cut the unwanted peaces out) in both peaces and tear it off. You could use it as it is, but I taped it to patter-paper (?). Cut out and compare if the pattern is the same... Alter if needed :)

Very nice and useful instructable!

[tvonmute]

Holy mother of god I have been looking everywhere for this. badasscrafts.tumblr.com

[dvenable]

Thanks for this I can wait to get started.

[thedeem0n]

Who's the Model for this bra & the matching panties?!? because I would like her to uh, Marry Me...

[heartlessangel7]

Don't be lame. She was kind enough to model for us.

[smilet1na]

so excited to start working on my bra :) thanks for this helpful instructable!

[MissChiff]

I have that same fabric! I've been wondering what to do with it. . .

[Max California]

Thankyou! I've been meaning to try it myself, but it's a little intimidating! Thanks for your steps!

[butterflycookies]

me likey

[scouttster]

Ok, I'll be the 1st to say it.. Nice rack! Pretty good instrutable as well - good job.

[knitnzu]

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!

[tink1272]

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!

[moxiepurple]

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.

[kulsum75]

Thanks for such a detail project it really helped me,thanks!!!!!!!!!!

[Goodhart]

This would sure be a help for my wife, who has difficulty finding just the right size

[Goodhart]

It looks like this info found at this ible would be helpful too.

[canida]

Awesome. I totally need to do this - they just don't sell enough bras made with pirate-themed fabric. ;)

[Lithium Rain]

/seconded

[frollard]

When I end up with a sewing machine I'll be all over this!

[Lithium Rain]

Okay, spill - how d'you get underlines in image notes?? Oh, fantastic bra btw. :D

[jessyratfink]

Wow! It looks so good and fits really well! :D I really, really need to make some undies.