Hi my dears,
I love warm seasons and beautiful days. The air scented with flowers and biking around from one place to another. Life is beautiful!! ❤
Today I bring you one of my first trials in bra making. Bras can be a challenge. Could you imagine making your own bras? There are so many advantages to this skill. However, it may be scary at first since they require the appropriate structure to provide support to our body, especially if you have a “large” bust (>B or a C cup).
The first time I made a bra I followed an online sew-along. The resulting alien was pretty terrible… The seams were bulky and the fit was off. I was so discouraged, but I learned a lesson: to make a bra I needed the right materials and instruction. Although my first attempt was unsuccessful, I did learn about what to look for in a well fitting bra. I realized none of my bras fitted properly!! I realized that the bra size I required was not available in the majority of the stores and that I would have to visit a specialty bra store to find one that fulfilled my new fit expectations. Once I found the store and the model I was truly happy with, I stuck exclusively to that one. The next issue was that the bras that fitted properly were pretty expensive and only available in white, nude and black. What about the happiness of color-loving full busted women???
It wasn’t until Beverly Johnson, the Fairy Bra Mother and owner of Bra makers supplies, started to teach in Craftsy and her wisdom and instruction became available world-wide that I jumped on the opportunity of making my own bra. She has a couple of classes on the platform: one in bra construction and fit and another in bra design techniques.
I signed up for the class and purchased the kit from her website which included the pattern (which goes up to a size 48 H) and materials (with all the different fabrics, elastics and closures you need). I also got some more kits to make other bras in beautiful colors.
Today I bring you a self-made bra I’m proud of. I created it using the pattern above in size 42 E with no pattern modifications. I decided to make it in lavender (lilac) with a pop of pink, because who doesn’t like pink?
Although the fit is not perfect, I believe it is pretty good for a first trial to the pattern. The band is a bit tight and I added an extension to wear it more comfortably throughout the day. Next time I will cut a one size bigger band size.
I would also love to try Andie’s suggestions on how to clone my favourite ready to wear bra pattern. We’ll see how that goes.
What do you think? Do you like it? Do you have a full bust? Do you have trouble finding bras that fit well and you like? Have you tried making your own bras? Did you know about these resources? Would you dare to try?
❤ M
mexicanpink 
Monse that is amazing!! I strongly believe that you are wonder woman 🙂
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Hahaha!! Thanks my darling! 🙂 I should make a swimsiut inspired on her!
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Oh nicely done, and you look amazing in that color combo! Now I want a lavender / pink bra set!!! I’m a G cup and have sewn a few bras for myself and numerous bras for my B cup niece. Bra Maker’s Supply Shelley pattern is my favorite, it fits me well and is very supportive. The only change I’ve made is to slightly de-pointify the cups. Orange Lingerie’s Marlborough (which has such a beautifully rounded cup profile) is my go-to pattern for my niece, alas it isn’t available in my cup size. Dang!
Bra making is addictive, as I’m sure you’ve discovered :D! Yeah, I think you should definitely make a swimsuit — a good swimsuit for a busty gal is as difficult to find as a good fitting bra — and I’m sure that I’ll be coveting any suit you make.
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Thanks Ginny, it’s true, it is a shame that many other lingerey pattern designers don’t make bras for larger sizes. They would have a much greater market for them since we have so much trouble finding our size!!
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Wow wow wow! Beautifully done, you really amaze me. I haven’t made a bra yet but I want to. Suggestion (two actually)- don’t go for a larger band yet since they stretch. Also, I think you may need a larger cup, since the bridge isn’t flat against your breaststroke. I am no expert, but after decades of wearing incorrectly sized bras I’ve become a little obsessed about fit… and I wear a 40 H!!! I really hope you don’t mind my suggestion- you are really talented my dear!
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Hi Splendidcakes!! 🙂
You’re right! the cup is not completely flat against my chest. I’ll follow your suggestion on going one larger cup size. 😉
Thanks for your comment! 😉
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HA HA- I meant breastbone!
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No worries!! It’s also called the chest, isn’t it??
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The breastbone is the bone you feel if you press your fingertips in between your breasts. Chest is a more general term- it can refer to breasts, I.e. “she’s got a big chest” or “that guy has a hairy chest” 😀 or “I’m having a chest X-Ray because of…” The last two would include the rib cage area. More or less 😀 .
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Great! Thanks for clarifying! 🙂
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So lovely! This Craftsy class and pattern are both on my to-do list. Thank you for posting modeled shots–it’s been very hard for me to get a good sense of how this pattern fits someone with a larger bust, so your pictures are incredibly helpful!
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Hi Anna,
I’m glad that the modeled pictures are useful!
Althoug this is out of my comfort zone, I think I can get good profit if I learn to do it right. The class was tremendously useful.
M
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Yes, thanks for modeling- you look great as always.
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I like it! I looove pink! And purple! 🙂 And I can tell you the exact same story 😀 My first bras where disasters but I found out that I wore the wrong bra size and had a totally other that wasn’t available in stores either. And that despite that fact that I definitely don’t have a full bust 😉 The problem with me is, that I need a 30 band and you don’t get that here in Germany! I also had an eye on that craftsy class! Might be that you gave me enough motivation to try again, this time with that craftsy class! So thank you! 🙂
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Hi my darling,
It’s interesting how commercially available RTW bras out of the range for so many people! I never thought there would be people in the smaller range that would have troubles.
I strongly recommend the class. Beverly goes into detail even specifying the stitch length and width that you should use at each step.
All best,
M
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Kickass that you’ve posted pictures. I just got bra fitted for the first time last week (at Macy’s, probably wrong since they had me keep my shirt and NON right fitting bra on) and I see I fall into the top end of a size range, but I’ve been wanting to learn to make my own bras, and I love this review, so I think I’ll look into this!
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Awesome Gibby! I’m glad this is useful! 🙂 lete know if you have any questions.
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Montse what a bra! I love it! I’m tempted to make my own, but I’m afraid I would get full of bra sewing stuff and the end result will be expensive. If you don’t mind: How much did you “invest” in your bra adventure?
As I said before your pictures and modeling are fantastic! Me encanta tu actitud!!!!
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Hola Raquel, ya te contesto. Solo necesito hacer una busqueda rapida. Dame un par de dias! 😉
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Hola Raquel,
Here goes my recommendation:
1) Wait until the Craftsy courses are in special. You should be able to pay ~20 USD for the craftsy class with Beverly.
2) If you are full busted, you can invest in one of the bramakers supplies kits. The kit that includes the pattern, the fabrics and elastics and the underwires is currently priced ~40 USD (plus shipping). This is a one time investment since for the next garments you will already have the pattern.
3) They also sell kits which include the fabrics and the elastics ONLY. Those are currenlty priced are priced $22 USD (plus shipping). I don’t need to buy underwires since I recycle them from my old bras. I also recycle the hooks and eyes and the rings that hold the straps.
The time you invest in making a bra may vary, but in my particular case, working a few hours (~2-3) a day on it, I spent 2 days. This really depends on you.
Therefore, the initial investment would be around $60 USD for the instruction and materials. The future cost of each bra would be ~$22 USD.
I hope this helps.
Suerte! 🙂
M
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Thank you Montse for all your tips!!! You know what is the best one? The recycling all your pieces from old bras!!!!! Gracias mil!!!
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LOVE this bra! Even though you feel you need to tweak it, it still fits better than most RTW. I’m teetering towards making my own bras and this is definitely helping me take the plunge. I love that you can buy the kit with everything you need.
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That’s right! It does feet better than most RTW. I definitely recommend to try the kit is very good quality and in combination with the class you are surely on your way for a great first-bra experience. I’m hoping to get it perfect with my next version. We’ll see how it goes. 😉
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Just discovered your blog via the Curvy Sewing Collective Flickr group. Your bra looks awesome, and you look super happy and confident in all your shots. I’m inspired to make my own!
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Awesome Nicole! 🙂
Welcome to the blog, I hope that my posts can inspire and motivate you. I definitely recommend trying bra-making! Its a great experience and skill.
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Looks gorgeous! Keep up the great work, you’re almost there. A 44E will probably do it for you. I’ve been sewing bras for over 12 yrs and love the fitting challenges and satisfaction of making beautiful and comfortable, supportive bras. Back then I needed a 42G, now a 34H or thereabouts. I started with Lee Ann Burgess’s “Making Beautiful Bras” book by cloning bras and building my own cups from paper surgical tape mold of the breast. I also recommend the Bravo 2 bra, from Bravobellabras.com and Needlenook Fabrics. It’s fantastic for fit and comfort. And I love the fitting video from BravoBellabras. There are so many more resources available now! I enjoyed Beverly’s on-line classes, too.
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Hi L,
Thanks for your comments! I didn’t know about the BravoBella resource. It is so nice to know that someone there is at least one more provider with large sizes.I might give it a try! 🙂
I have cut and started assembling a 44F of this same “Classic” bra. I also drafted a power bar for it. I would appreciate your comments once I post my result.
Thanks again! 😉
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I am eager to see it! I have done 7 versions of the Shelley, with its built-in power bar, but never got it to fit as well as the Bravo on my body – so good that there is more than one pattern for larger busts!
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Awesome! I’ll give it a try! 🙂 I already got the pattern! 😉
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How did I not comment before?! Your bra is so gorgeous and you look fabulous in it! I can’t wait to see other versions and I hope you try to clone a bra, too! 😀
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Hi my darling, I got the pattern of my favorite already! ! Wish me luck!! Im a tad scared because the RTW pattern is so much smaller than the Classic bre pattern pieces. It will hopefully work out well!!
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Good luck!! I can’t wait to hear the results. 😀
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I think you did a fabulous job! I am just about to cut into my kit and make my first Pin Up bra using the craftsy class. I have made two others from other patterns which are okay but now I can see the difference in the fabric I am excited to get a fabulous bra, too!
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Sweet! I think the combo of the kit and the class are perfect for a successful start! Good luck Annette! 🙂
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Good luck Annette! I would love to see what you make! 🙂
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Hi,
I love your blog! I recently made a list of bloggers who sew bras, in order to make them easier to find. You can find it at http://iammsfrizzle.blogspot.com/2014/10/bra-sewing-bloggers-by-size.html I hope you don’t mind being on it, please let me know if you want to be removed.
Thank you,
Maren Geroux
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Hi Maren,
No problem! Thanks for letting me know about it so I can also visit and use it as my resource. 🙂
M
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Welcome to MexicanPink! 🙂
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