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Aug 22, 2017
So I got into sewing my own bras after nearly a years search for a bra that fits. After a few trials, I decided to clone my favorite RTW bra - Comexim Honey. OMG! It fits. Yay!! If you are having a difficult time getting ABTF, this is another avenue to explore. All you need is a bit of sewing experience (or no sewing experience with a bit of moxy), a few hours and you can make your own bras tailored to your unique body. Not to mention the creative aspect and OMG, the SAVINGS (after the initial trials).
Sewing Bras - Copying My Favorite RTW bra!
It's finally finished! This gorgeous blue and purple bra got put on the back bur
https://multifariousmommy.blogspot.com/2017/08/sewing-bras-copying-my-favorit...
Filed under Bras ups and downs
26 comments
So what was your material cost outlay for one bra do you think?
I worry that at my size range it's not cost effective.
Where do you get materials? Esp foam?
Like a lot of things, the initial cost is higher than subsequent ones. You can buy bra kits (fabrics and elastics, rings, clasp, etc) for around $30. Those who are smaller may be able to squeeze 2 bras out of one kit. If you are on the larger cup size, it'll be enough for one.
A bra pattern can cost from $9 (digital download - one size only like Merckwaerdigh) to $20 (paper pattern w/ multiple sizes like Pin-Up Girls). I do recommend getting a pattern with EXCELLENT instructions (like the Pin-Up Girls) for a first timer though.
I spent around $50 for a kit and bra pattern initially. If you buy fabrics and notions (elastics, hooks, etc) separately and in larger volume - say enough for 6 bras, its a lot cheaper than the kits. Not to mention, you only have to pay for the pattern once. Cost per bra depends on materials used. Foam vs lace, silk vs satin, etc. In general, its less than $20 for me but depends on your size as well. Also, for the same reason the ladies at ABTF recommend unlined bras, your first bra SHOULD be an unlined bra as it is ALOT easier to assess fit. Once you have a bra pattern that fits, use whatever materials you want (foam, tulle, lace, etc) to make subsequent ones.
You can purchase bra making materials online - most fabric stores will NOT carry the materials you need and/or very limited selection.
Personally, bra making has been very rewarding. No one else will be as motivated as you to get the perfect fit and no one else will benefit as much as you. The amount of money you save is pretty significant as well given the average bra at Nordstrom's is $70 and for those in the larger sizes, you can forget finding stuff on sale. Even if your costs were double mine - (lets say you are triple my cup size), its still less than $40 a bra.
In theory, once you have a bra pattern that fits, you can augment that pattern to just about any style you want. Including strapless! OMG, a strapless bra that fits. Can you imagine?
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