Another self-drafted plunge bra! I want something smooth to be worn under T-shirt, so no pretty lace this time. The fabric is lycra in black with purple dots.
Since I don’t have much space between the breasts, I find that a plunge bra with its lowered center front is comfortable. I also found that I have flared rib, that is why I like gothic arc on center front because it releases some pressure from the band.
Drafting my own bra is great as I can include all the features that I love. This plunge bra has:
- three piece cups
- plunge style
- very narrow bridge (about the width of the channeling under the cups)
- gothic arch on center front seam
- back strap extension
This is also my first time dyeing my own notions. It was not as difficult as I thought! I used RIT powder multi purpose dye and vinegar. I think the purple looks quite fine. Let’s see how they stand several washing later.
Here’s a closer look at the center front. You can see how it ‘dipped’ upwards, and the elastics are overlapped on the inside.
I should have managed the thread tension better. The purple thread is not supposed to be seen from the outside.
And here’s the bra on me! Quite happy with the result although as usual I feel that some things can be done better. The upper cup is a bit too low on the side so next time I will make it higher.
The panties is made with my favorite low rider panties pattern by Merckwaerdigh. This low rider panties only need very little fabric and they are not too skimpy when worn. They are finished with foldover elastic dyed in purple.
Making bra is quite addictive! I find it amusing that I have spent so many hours measuring and re-measuring my breasts to find the perfect shape bra for them. And each time there is always something new that I found. I don’t think I knew anything about the space between my breasts, the shape and the asymmetry of my breasts, before I learned to make my own bra!
Patterns:
- Bra pattern is self-drafted.
- Panties pattern is Merckwaerdigh low rider panty (PDF), size S.
7 Comments
I really appreciate all the detail you provide regarding the making of these beautiful pieces. I enjoy creating lingerie as well, and find your posts quite informative as well as inspiring! Thank you!
Awesome! Your bra making skills are grea and they always look lovely! But how did you draft the bra? Now that’s the question!
I read Patternmaking for Underwear Design by Kristina Shin and The Bra-makers manual 2 By Beverly Johnson :)
Can I ask you whether you think it’s worth taking apart a bra and and sewing it back together to adjust the fit? I have some pretty bras in good condition, but since finishing breastfeeding they are just way too big. They’re Japanese bras and I think they would be hard to alter simply, without taking them apart.
If you really like the bra and wouldn’t mind spending the time, then of course it will be worth it. Altering the band is quite simple, altering cups is more difficult and the underwire might need to be changed to something smaller – depending on how much the breasts has changed. However, I personally don’t have the patience for such thing, and would prefer just making a new bra altogether :)
You have the best lingerie wardrobe of anyone in the entire world!
I love you’re bra making posts:) it’s such an inspiration. Thanx to you I made my first bra with maya pattern.
Beautiful set :)