WELCOME TO BRA WEEK! This week and next, the Autostraddle writers and some special guests will be giving you the scoop on over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders and otherwise-inclined chest-covering situations — fashion, history, feelings and so much more.

Kaitlyn and I decided to take a stab at making our own bras (of different styles and functions!) and showing you how it’s done. Let’s get to it!

Kaitlyn’s Sports Bra

Sports bras are one of those things that I know I need but feel silly spending a lot of money on. I wear them two or three times a week, primarily during activities where I end up covered in sweat, and I feel like the big bucks should be reserved for sexy lingerie or the perfect supportive, comfortable day-to-day bra. Making a sports bra out of old workout leggings, on the other hand, requires spending little-to-no money, and provides the added benefit of clearing things I never wear out of my dresser.

The key to this DIY is finding a pair of leggings with a waistband just a little smaller than your bra band size. Measure your bra band size directly under your breasts, making sure to hold the measuring tape horizontal all the way around your torso. The elastic waistband of your leggings will stretch, so I’d say that ideal size is an inch or two smaller than your bra band. (If your bra band is 32 inches, for example, you’ll want a waistband around 30 inches, depending on the stretchiness of the elastic.) You want the band to stay firm and do most of the heavy lifting, but not be so tight as to cut off circulation.

Supplies Needed:
+ An old pair of leggings
+ measuring tape
+ needle
+ thread
+ scissors
+ pins
+ a pencil or marker
+ a sports bra you like as a guide
+ foam pads from an old bathing suit (if you want extra coverage)

Step 1: Turn your leggings inside out and upside down and lay the sports bra even with the bottom of the waistband. You can use wither the front or the back of the leggings for the front of the bra, depending on your bust size; larger busts may benefit from the extra fabric in back. Trace loosely around the rest of the bra, adding a half-inch seam allowance. Cut off the legs and remove the guide bra.

Step 2: Cut out the pattern for your new bra. The most difficult part of this for me was the neckline, because I had to eyeball how much of the extra crotch fabric to cut out before I could lay it out flat and trace the real neckline. If you’re nervous about this, just cut right along the inseam, which will go more or less down the center. After you’ve cut it open and laid everything flat, you can adjust your neckline as needed.

Step 3: Hem the fabric all the way around by folding it in and sewing shut. I hand-sewed a back stitch because it creates a strong seam and a nice straight line on the exposed side, but whatever you prefer will work. This would have taken about a quarter of the time with a sewing machine, so if you have one, congratulations/a pox on you.

Step 4: Take your foam pads and pin them to the inside of the front of the bra. You can either eyeball the placement or hold it up to your chest to measure, but you’ll want to sew the bottom of the pad directly to the hem of the waistband if possible to keep the thread from showing through. I didn’t sew the top of the pad at all, but you can certainly do that if you want them a little more secure.

Step 5: Turn the bra right side out and put it on so you can measure the shoulder straps. Mark the line with pins, then take it off and sew the straps together. Trim any extra fabric or loose threads, and you’re all done!

Chelsey’s Wireless Lace Bra on next page

Chelsey’s Wireless Lace Bra

Bras can be super expensive! I’ve been wanting to try making my own for a long time, because it is kind of ridiculous how much money I’ve spent on them in the past. This is my first bra attempt, and hopefully they will get better with more practice! I think this one is pretty simple to make, offers pretty good coverage and is cute! Here we go!

Supplies Needed:
+ Lace fabric (I got 1/2 a yard, but it was WAY too much. 1/3 would probably work nicely)
+ A solid, opaque fabric of your choice
+ Thread
+ Pins
+ 1″ knit elastic
+ Grosgrain ribbon in any color you choose (for the straps)
+ Hooks and eyes (size 2)

Step 1: Measure the elastic around the underside of your bust. Cut a piece that is about 2 inches longer than that in order to leave room for the hook and eye clasp.

Step 2: Cut a paper bag in order to make a pattern. (Note: Your cat will probably be attracted to the sound of crinkling paper and lay down on your supplies for a bit, don’t be deterred.)

Step 3: Using a bra that fits you well and the elastic you cut as a guide, draw half the bra on the paper. Be sure the cup will allow enough coverage, and make a dotted line, in order to leave room for the stitches. Cut around the dotted line.

Step 4: Fold the lace fabric in half and pin the half bra pattern to both sides of the fabric. Repeat this step with the lining fabric as well.

Step 5: Pin the lace cut out to the lining cut out, inside out so that when you stitch them together, you can turn them inside out and the stitches won’t show.

Step 6: Sew along the top only, leaving the bottom open so you can turn it inside out!

Step 7: Measure a piece of the lining fabric that is 4 inches wide and as long as the piece of elastic. This piece will cover the elastic.

Step 8: Use the 4 inch piece of lining and wrap it around the elastic piece. Pin all of the layers together, with the unsewn bottom of the top piece tucked behind the elastic.

Step 9: Using a sewing machine, stitch across the top of the elastic, connecting all the pieces together. At this point in the process, my super old sewing machine decided to stop working, so I hand stitched these all together.

Step 10: Fold over the edge and stitch it together to make an end. Then attach the hooks and eyes so they adjoin on the ends.

Step 11: Measure the grosgrain ribbon on your shoulders against the strapless bra you’ve constructed. Stitch those to the shoulder and back by hand or using a machine if yours is feeling helpful!

Voila!

Header by Rory Midhani

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