Can you make your own bras? I realize I'm still a beginner to sewing, but bras drive me crazy. They're expensive, and I have so much trouble getting one that works. Is there a way to make my own underwire bra? That way I could adjust it to what I need where I need it. If not, how do you make more support in the bottom part of the bra, and keep yourself in when you bend over to do work?
By Bonnie from Spokane, WA
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I cannot imagine making your own bras and I do sew. If you are falling out of you bra when you bend over, you need a bigger cup size. I recommend you go to a dept. store and get a bra fitting to get an idea of how a well fitting bra is supposed to look and feel. Or go to a store like Kohl's and try on lots of styles and sizes to see what looks and feels better. Good bras do not have to be expensive.
Several years ago one of the pattern companies had actual bra patterns. I don't know if they were underwire or not. I don't think so as back then underwire bras weren't around.
Bra's can indeed be a great BIG pain in the rear (to find the correct fit)! But once you DO find a name-brand that really does fit, usually many bra's from that brand will fit you. For me, I like the "Jockey" brand... But, it's not uncommon for me to have to try on 10 bras to get one that will actually fit me! (kinda like bathing suits) ...As for the price, you can find some great name-brand bras on sale for half-off at department stores, but Walmart has great bras all the time at wonderful prices & always a large selection. But my favorite place to buy name-brand bras is the liquidator store, "Big Lots". I found that the bra's there cost less than the bra inserts you'd buy at the fabric store to make a bra. When I need a bra insert for a halter dress or a bathing suit that I'm designing I'll buy a new bra at Big Lots instead of buying the more expensive bathing suit inserts at the Fabric Store!
As far as making your own bra, you'd be better off cannibalizing old bras instead of making a brand new one. If you have one breast smaller than the other (as most people do) it's far easier to pad the smaller side than to shrink down that bra-cup! Of course making your own bra CAN be done, but unless you're a VERY experienced sewer, you'll never be able to come up with a great fitting (& looking) underwire bra for a good price! I recommend you start with a bra that fits pretty good then modify it. If you didn't need an underwire bra then it would be easier to make your own bra. In fact making a sports bra is as simple as pie. All you need is some 2-way stretch fabric & another sports bra to turn inside out & copy the pattern from. But as far as making a good underwire bra from scratch, you'd be better off going to Walmart or combing the thrift stores for one you really like!
* One of these days when you see a half-off sale on bras advertised at a GOOD department store go in & have one of their professional bra-fitters help fit you. They will teach you how to buy a great fitting bra! These gals do this for a living & it cost nothing extra for their help. I recommend every woman go in for a short session with a professional bra-fitter when they're in their teens or 20's. Once you do, you'll never be uncomfortable again!
Thanks for all the tips--they were all helpful. I think until I'm a little better at sewing, I'll modify what I have. I did find two websites about bra-making/lingerie--bramakerssupply.com/
I did some checking and I misspelled the name of the pattern company. It is Kwik Sew. They also have pattern for an underwire bra.
Re the WalMart bras; I used to buy a Bali minimizer bra that I loved, in Kohls. Then they stopped having them. I even contacted Bali; I was told that model was not being manufactured any more.
Then while I was looking at bras for my daughter in Wal Mart, I noticed a familiar picture on a JMS (Just My Size) bra box. I couldn't believe it...took it out of the box to check..it was the exact bra I had been buying by Bali...now made under a different name. It even had the same style number as it had when it was Bali! (Bali had apparently sold them the line).
Now I buy all my bras in Wal Mart for $12 each! Lesson: don't get hung up on a name! I'll bet the same few companies are making all the bras for department stores and discount stores too!
I don't make my own bras but I have some info which might be useful. Since I started getting older I have a lot of trouble with my upper back, what with my D cups and the weight of them. I started wearing posture bras which I bought at Mervyn's. When they left Houston I looked and looked but couldn't find them and what I had was really ragged. I finally went to amazon.com and did a site search and found them at several prices.
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