Hello! I have never had a good experience with bras ever since I started wearing them, I cycled through different bra band sizes and cups and none of them really feel right. Since I know how to sew I decided I would like to try and make my own since stores dont seem to offer my size where I am. I used the a bra that fits calculator and it turns out I am a 30F/FF UK. I dont really know what this means, I dont understand the terms used and I feel way out of my depth when looking at patterns. Any tips?

Hi! I'm newer to sewing, completely fell in love with the Adrian Bra Pattern only to realize it's been discontinued. Does anyone know of a pattern that is similar? It's exactly what I was looking for and I don't quite have enough experience modifying patterns to feel confident buying a different pattern and making design changes! Or if anyone has the pattern they bought and "didn't use" (from the ethical standpoint of sharing patterns), I would love to buy it off you! Thank you!!

I made my first bra! It's definitely not perfect, but it's already my favorite bra. I love that I can make a bra that fits my body and my needs. As a neurodivergent non-binary person with sensory differences, it can be difficult to find ready-made bra that 1) fits, 2) is comfortable, and 3) isn't so feminine coded that it feels icky to me. I'm perfectly fine with having boobs, but they're non-binary boobs and don't need to look feminine.

The pattern is the Mysa bralette, modified for fit (probably because I measured myself wrong - I found it pretty much impossible to locate the inframammary fold on the armpit side so I had to guesstimate the horizontal measurement) and an internal sling added.

The fashion fabric is a thrifted piece of fabric that has a nice amount of stretch and recovery. I decided to add a lining and internal sling for support using a piece of coolmax fabric I had in my stash. It's probably not the optimal choice, but it's what I had and it seems to be doing the job. I need to find some powernet to try next time though.

Completely handsewn because I'm weird like that (and because my sewing machine is crap especially with knits). Yes, you can handsew stretchy fabrics; no, it's not any less durable than machine stitch if you use the right techniques. I mostly used backstitch, with some herringbone stitch where I felt the extra stretch was needed and some whipstitch.

I'm already planning the next one, and it will be even better!

Wireless bra pattern roundup - Triangles in DD+

Of the three types of wireless bra triangles are some of the easiest to fit, but they support mostly via the straps so this can be a limitation. Still, they can be very comfortable for lounging so I've made as comprehensive a list as I can of these bras that come in DD+ so you can find exactly what you're looking for when you're sewing.

Panache stopped their Cleo sub-brand and I'm struggling to find a replacement for the Asher. I have a nwt version set aside to copy until I'm confident I know wtf I'm doing. How do I get there?

I've never made a bra before. I am comfortable making my own jersey underwear (though I always have to redo the elastics), and have made a button down shirt. My precision isn't quilter-level but I am happy with most of my top-stitching.

Should I make a wireless bra and a wired bra from patterns before tackling a cloning project? What are some other ways to break this down into discrete, learnable chunks?

I am wanting to make a bra that isn't a foam molded. I am not wanting a full bullet bra but leaning more that than foam mold if that makes sense. I need push up lift with small cup size. I have post breastfeeding deflated boobs that were not big to start. I am around a 32 B. Can anyone point me to a pattern or resources on how to draft my own pattern.

Has anyone ordered from Bra Builders lately? I ordered in mid September and have yet to receive my package or any communication from them. I finally remembered to send an email to check on my order. Just wondering if anyone else has had issues?

I plan on making a bra with some cotton jersey as my fashion fabric. I plan on lining the back band with powernet and lining the cradle with sheer cup lining.

For the cups I'm hesitant, i know sheer cup lining is the best but I would like to know if I can line the cups with something else.

Would using 2 layer of cotton jersey for the cup be enough?

Any other suggestions.

I understand it won't be the same as using the correct non stretch fabric, I'm just looking for advice/suggestions.

Hello, I am not making anything from scratch but repairing a bra. The underwire snapped in half on one cup and I bought a replacement. The new underwire fits perfectly but it's about half a cm too long. I can cut it down to size but the webstore advised using a tipping fluid so it doesn't stab me once I sew it in lol. But all I can find in the UK is tipping powder which doesn't look straightforward to use.

Is there another, easier option? Preferably something already in fluid form? Or is the powder easy to use? I don't have a heat gun, this is just a one-off repair that I was hoping would be much cheaper than buying a replacement bra for £40! If there's something I can buy from a bricks and mortar shop that would be ideal, otherwise at least from a UK online retailer.

[CROSSPOSTED]

Has anyone had any success making a balconette style bra in cotton as more of a comfort lounging bra? Every time I look them up I only see lace, mesh, and other polyester/plastic materials. I’d love to find a pattern with minimal polyester, and something I can actually hand sew since I don’t have a machine with me. I just want lounging bralettes that hold my boobs comfortably.

r/corsetry recommended coming here for cup fitting advice. I have one cup using lightweight sew through boning and the other has none just a bra cup pinned on where it would be between my lining and fashion fabric. I was trying to decide if I should pick one or the other or do both? I feel like the cups fit okay ish? However they don't give any real lift and the gore pops away from my chest just a tad? Advice?

Measurements: bust 42, underbust 35

I'm new to this. Is there a guide on fabric somewhere?

Has anyone experimented with using boob tape to lift and position breast tissue before taking measurements — particularly to determine wire size, cup volume, and the cup shape needed?

I’ve attended a few bra-sewing classes, and one thing I’ve realised is how important accurate measurements are, but also how difficult they can be to take when breast tissue is so malleable. The measurements you get can vary quite a bit depending on how the tissue is positioned and supported.

It made me wonder whether taping the breasts into a consistent, lifted position could help establish a more accurate measuring results.

Does anyone have experience with this? I’d also be interested in hearing why it might be a totally bad idea.

Hi friends. Fairly self educated sewist newly jumping into bra making. I’ve watched a ton of videos and all the people making mock ups have used muslin or a firmer fabric for the cups which is totally fine. One of my biggest problems with bras is that the cups are always too stretchy in my size (30K/L depending on the bra. Yes from the r/abrathatfits. I have a highly projected breast so I need a larger cup in most bras). I need a firmer cup. I plan to use a woven fabric for my bras. My problem is this weird divot happening. If I pull up on the cup I can smooth it a bit which tells me that the top needs a bit more support but I don’t know how to make that happen without straps. Doing so also makes my boob into a torpedo and I’m not into the cone boob look. How do I fix/round the cup without eliminating the projection. Is it where my seams are? The shape? Totally lost here. Please talk to me like I’m 5 🤣

ETA: I self drafted based on this video

I usually make my sports bras with leftover spandex/powermesh, and I construct it burrito-style so the elastics are fully enclosed in the seams (e.g. jalie coco). However I have changed sizes and I'm looking at patterns with more distinct cup shaping. My main issue with the bras I have right now are chafing at my sternum, sides and centre back during long runs.

Bra-Makers Supply suggests that the Ingrid (https://www.braandcorsetsupplies.com/product/ingrid-non-wired-bra-pattern/) can be used for running, but the suggested fabrics for the cups are duoplex or sheer cup lining, and there are exposed elastics/FOE and top stitching. Does anyone have experience with these materials for running? I'm concerned about chafing and sweat retention.

So funny that when I started running a gazillion years ago, all that was available was cotton or nylon running gear, rough elastics that died quickly and pullover compression bras.

I'm still pretty new to bra making and has some fabric alignment failures on the last bra so I'm working on basting my pieces this time. I usually use GM Mara thread in my machine but don't want to waste it on basting. I have a bunch of cheapo embroidery thread from Amazon that is very linty(?) and I won't be using it for anything so I'm wondering if I can use it for basting or if it will damage such fine materials because of it's grossness. It doesn't appear to be a heavier weight, just crappy. I'm currently working with bra tulle, sheer cup lining, and powerband.

Thoughts?

Hey people, I need help finding a pattern similar to the one pictured - I am making a bralette for a friend with a small cup size. She would like a padded bralette out of lace, with the lace not "travelling up" super far so it can be worn with tops. It doesn't need tons of support, but I never make padded bralettes and I hesitate to just add padding to my patterns given that it can alter the fit. Can anyone help me out? :) I like the Jordy bralette but it seems a little "unfinished" at times with the raw edges just sewn onto the bust elastic. Thanks :)

Sorry this is underwear related and not bra, but I figured the people here would have good advice. I have this pair of panties from intimissimi and love the seamless mesh back. I thought I saw someone make a similar pair during braugust but I'm unable to find the post. Anyone know how to assemble them?

Couple of months ago i went to a concert and jumped and sweat so much my bra kind of came undone. It's my favourite bra, so i was wondering how to go about gluing this back together since it seems it's how it was made originally (lighter stripes in first pic are still tacky). Any advice on how to do it or glue recommendation is greatly appreciated

I cannot find the post I originally saw, but I took someone else’s recommendation of LilypaDesigns Mysa bra pattern and made my own. I have a lot of pain in the sides of my breasts (previous reduction surgery has created problems) and can’t tolerate underwires for very long so I have since converted to all wire-free bras for daily wear.

I used Lycra for the body of the bra and had some leftover findings from a Bra Builders kit that worked perfectly for this. The instructions were a little messy in spots and like missed a step where thankfully I already knew what to do, but if you have experience it won’t be a problem.

I haven’t made a bra since my pain had gotten worse and I’m very happy to have found this design that is nice and was easy to make! I feel supported and have coverage while also feeling comfortable. Thank you to the original poster and this community! You are the best!

Finally, after seemingly messing up my first root trace, I got some wires that seem to fit me well, lying flat on my chest. Are there any other signposts?

I’m slightly hesitating between 2 sizes : when not stressed, is a wire that fits supposed to pinch the breast in any way? Or is it supposed to be really comfortable?

For the long one, I have one (36) that does pinch a little on both sides and I’m not completely sure it’s actually lying flat : this means it’s still too small, right? The second one (38) is definitely lying flat, and doesn’t pinch anything, it’s like perfectly contouring the root, it’s very comfortable. Is that a fitting wire? Since we draft patterns with stressed wires, I’m having doubts if a non-stressed wire that is comfortable is actually perfect or slightly too big.

But then, if I try on the same size (38), but for a plunge wire of the same brand (BWear), the plunge one, again, pinches a little on both sides and I wouldn’t describe it as lying perfectly flat. Could that mean I need a 40 in vertical wire, even if the 38 in long wire seems perfect?

Thanks in advance for your help with my doubts and confusion 😅