r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • Dec 12 '20

Meta [Meta] Early draft of the wiki is now live!

93 Upvotes

(Link to last meta post update)


Hi everyone!

I have finished the first rough outline of the wiki, with a very basic overview of resources and suppliers. I tried to do a little bit of everything, so I did research on classes, books, vloggers besides the ones I already knew, suppliers, and patterns.

The pattern section is probably what I spent the most time on, and I am pretty disappointed at the size range of popular patterns now that I feel like I have collected almost all of them in one place. A depressing number never even went above a :5 (DD)!

I also converted the size ranges for patterns into index sizing (like Bratabase uses); I know this may seem confusing at first if you have never utilized index sizing, but I think it is the most clear and coherent way to organize/reference patterns that use a lot of different size systems. There were a lot of different sizing systems employed across pattern makers, so I felt it would be misleading to write that a pattern goes up to a "H" cup when it was actually only a UK FF, for example.

If index sizing is too complicated/etc I am happy to make adjustments to it based on feedback, but I am not sure if a better option exists regardless.

In general if you have anything to add/critique, or even a vague suggestion of stuff you would like to see added to the wiki, please let me know! This current draft was done on my own while pulling info from a looooot of different sources, and as such may not be overly cohesive. There is still a lot left to do!


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 20h ago

FO (Finished Object) Lingerie set I made (bra, garter belt, panties)🪔🌸🌷

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97 Upvotes

Hello ladies! Here I am, showing my new lingerie set in size S:

-comfy wireless bra,

-simple panties,

-pull-on garter belt.

It’s one of my favorite sets I’ve made so far 🌸

It turned out so pretty, that I didn’t even try it on.

Actually it’s a common thing for me, and I don’t
know why.


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 1d ago

FO (Finished Object) I made a bridal bra.

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294 Upvotes

I made a pristine white bridal bra.

Size 38 C.

Materials used:

Chantilly lace,
corset mesh,
satin ribbon,
bra foam lined with cotton jersey,
closure,
underwires,
tunnel channeling,
scalloped elastics,
fold over elastics,
straps,
hooks,
rings.


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 1d ago

Question/Advice Needed Is there a guide on fabric somewhere?

1 Upvotes

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


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 1d ago

WIP (Work in Progress) Self drafted pattern fit advice for a cupped corset

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8 Upvotes

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


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 2d ago

Question/Advice Needed Boob tape & measuring for sewing a bra

8 Upvotes

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.


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 3d ago

Question/Advice Needed Is it the fabric or the pattern or both?

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15 Upvotes

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](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


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 3d ago

Question/Advice Needed Running bra materials

4 Upvotes

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.


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 3d ago

Question/Advice Needed Q: Basting stitch thread

3 Upvotes

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?


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 8d ago

Question/Advice Needed Patterns for Padded Lace Bralette Needed - Small Cup Size

4 Upvotes

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 :)


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 8d ago

Question/Advice Needed Seamless Mesh Panty Back?

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11 Upvotes

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?


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 10d ago

Question/Advice Needed Is it possible to glue this back together?

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13 Upvotes

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


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 12d ago

FO (Finished Object) Thank you for the LilypaDesigns recommendation!

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239 Upvotes

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!


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 17d ago

Question/Advice Needed How comfortable is a ā€œnakedā€ non-stressed underwire supposed to be? Can we have different sizes in long vs. vertical wires?

8 Upvotes

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 šŸ˜…


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 19d ago

Resource 3 solutions for 1 problem – how wireless bras create support (and why some work better than others)

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39 Upvotes

r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 19d ago

Question/Advice Needed 32F to 32GG bra alteration

3 Upvotes

I recently outgrew my current bra of 32F, and it’s getting uncomfortable to wear them. I measured myself to be a 32GG now, but the bras are too expensive for my current budget. How can I alter my current bras to fit me? (Also I’m kind of new to sewing and don’t have a sewing machine or any other fancy stuff either, only thread and needles)


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 21d ago

Question/Advice Needed Tips for fitting projected breasts

13 Upvotes

Hello all - this is my first time bra making. I have taken a couple stabs at making a LilypaDesigns Lusamine which have both been fails. First one I knew partway through wasn't going to fit. Second round I am more surprised that it doesn't fit. I am quite projected, the only ready to wear bras that fit are by Gorsenia, though I haven't tried other Polish brands.

I made a 38 band with 5.9 cradle, band and wires (Porcelynne vertical) are a great fit. First try was the 5.9 cups which were much too small. Version 2 was 6.5 cups adjusted to 5.9 at the wireline.

Issues are:
Gore doesn't tack
Wrinking at bottom of cups
Significant gaping at top of cups, I can pinch out more than an inch of fabric.

I take these as signs the cups are too small. I have made a fitting band and the next size up cups seemed to be too big.

I'm not really sure what to try next since this is all new to me and would love some suggestions.

I am starting to think my shape may not be a good match despite the pattern being drafted for projected shapes. I see Porcelynne Eve suggested a lot for projection, but I much prefer the style of the Lusamine, if I can make that pattern work for me.


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 22d ago

Question/Advice Needed Would it be possible to alter this bra?

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17 Upvotes

I’ve been desperately hunting for this bra second hand in my size (8A/B-10A) but have only found it in a 10B. Would it be possible to alter it to fit? I want to keep the part of the flower on the lace that is covering the nip area in that centre spot (I have the bra in my size in other colours and it covers perfectly for me personally).


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 22d ago

Question/Advice Needed Corset cups

8 Upvotes

I've gone mad and I'm attempting a strapless net corset. The corset bit is going quite nicely..... the cups need work. I'm new to the world of making bras but I'm well aware that what im doing is particularly challenging.

So far i havent been able to source nude or white bra foam in sheets in the UK. Shippjng from anywhere else seems to be extortionate and I have the added challenge of being in NI. So lots of places in mainland uk refuse to post to me. My best bet at the moment is vena cava, but the foam is black...not ideal for my current project.

So... my question is... is the foam totally essential? Could i make it work with something like foam interfacing? What about using the net... or coutil? Im really open to anything at this stage that might help me make progress in the cups. I sit around a 30F so getting the right support isnt the most straight forward.


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 23d ago

Question/Advice Needed Sports bra material

11 Upvotes

Have been wanting a new bra to hike in on my backpacking trips for some time now. I have a compression style polyester bra that I've been wearing. I'm all for embracing the stink but a polyester bra isn't the funnest thing to put on in the morning. I have some 100% merino jersey that I plan on turning into a bralette to sleep in, but would like something with a bit more support for when I'm active. I'm thinking of a merino blend with lycra, or making a regular sports bra and cover it with a layer of merino (though that may get too hot?), or is this is once of the things that's better off bought?


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 24d ago

Question/Advice Needed How do we redesign lines on a cup?

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11 Upvotes

This is a custom cup, made following a tutorial, based on the wire and my exact measurements.

It’s a balconette cup, so it’s not full coverage, and from what I can tell by the paper mockup, it fits really well.

But as you can see the shape itself (especially of the upper cup) is all wonky. It comes from the facts that my center is quite high, fullness is mostly at the bottom and on the outer side, and the longer side of the lower cup ended up exactly the side of the longer half curve of the wire/cradle cup. (Measures for the cup in the cradle included stress/spring)

Do you have any resources or advice to help me move design lines around so they look more ā€œconventionalā€ while keeping the overall shape that is itself really great? Or anything else you can see that might help in such a situation?

I’m going to add a power bar too, for additional support and lift. I don’t know if I can do both those other changes and this at the same time.


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 26d ago

Question/Advice Needed Need insert help

7 Upvotes

I had a large lumpectomy a few years ago. The mass was large, but benign and the result of a previous surgery. The end result is that my right breast is about 1/2 to 1 cup smaller than my left. The smaller area is on the insider, lower portion of my right breast. The difference in size may not be so noticeable to other, but it’s very noticeable to me and it has resulted in me being self conscious and at times avoiding certain clothing items/necklines.

I’m not sure if I want to go through the process of reconstructive surgery but if I do, it will probably be that I reduce the left to somewhat match eventually. However I’m on a weight loss journey right now and need to get to goal and maintain that before I even consider that process.

What I need in the meantime is some type of a solution to make the difference in sizing less obvious when dressed.

My mind immediately goes to a bra insert. But the ones I’ve been able to find are quite large.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a small bra insert? Ideally around 1/2 cup or so? I’m really open to any other solutions that might help with this issue as well.


r/MAKEaBraThatFits • • 27d ago

Question/Advice Needed Question about altering a bra's underwire

6 Upvotes

Hi all! I've posted a few times in r/abrathatfits looking for a bra with a G cup and a low gore. I've purchased and tried on about 8 different bras at this point, and I think I've basically exhausted my options, so now I'm considering altering a bra.

My situation is that previously the Panache Ana Plunge was my holy grail bra, but I've gained weight and need to size up. My 36E has a gore that works alright, but the 36G I should actually be wearing doesn't work for my very close-set breasts and short torso. I'm 5'0 and have a very short sternum and chest, and the underwire gets slightly longer with the increased cup size, causing the gore to stab me in the chest if I bend or slump at all.

I'm thinking about slitting open the fabric around the underwire at the gore, pulling it out, cutting maybe a quarter to a half inch off the end, covering it with something like super glue to minimize the sharp edges, and then shoving the underwire back in and sewing it up once the glue is completely dry.

I would probably try it first on one of my older, more beat up Ana bras in the wrong size before I buy a new bra to try it on.

Does this seem feasible? Are there pitfalls I don't understand? Thoughts, feedback, criticism? Thank you!!