Thread: bra bases...costuming help

so I am working on my coin bra....and am now working on making the side strap pieces....so my question is....do I cover them with fabric first, then attach them to the bra ..or do I attach them first and then cover the bra/side straps all at once?

does this make sense?? LOL

I have done it both ways. I like it better when I attach the side pieces first and then use one piece of fabric to cover both cups and sides. It's a smoother look to it.

thanks...that is what I was thinking....but it is harder to do it like that? do you attache the sides to the inside or outside of the cup? right now I have it pinned on the inside, but afraid to do anything else...LOL

I always attach the sides to the inside of the cups. That'll all be covered by a lining, so it should be no problem.

Cut a big rectangle of fabric a few inches longer than you'll need to cover the bra from end to end. The height of the rectangle should be roughly double the height of the bra. Center the fabric on the bra and pin it to the center part between the cups. Start smoothing and pinning the fabric along the tops of the cups. You'll need to make a dart or two along the bottom of the cups. Sometimes two small darts will look better than one large one. The just continue to smooth out and pin the fabric to the bra. Once you're satisfied with the way the fabric is on the bra, you can trim away the excess fabric. Sometimes it will take me more than one try to get the fabric on right. Be careful not to pull the fabric too tight anywhere so you don't distort the cups.

The other reason I like using one piece is that I feel it gives the bra more structural support. I get paranoid about my stitches coming loose on connecting parts. It has never happened, but I can't seem to shake the paranoia.

Thanks Shahla...that is VERY helpful!!

You're most welcome. Good luck with your project.

I prefer to complete each section of a bra top separately and then put them together, because my weight has tended to fluctuate and that kind of construction makes it much, much easier to adjust the fit. That also makes it easier to sell the bedlah later if you want to, if it's put together in a way that's more adjustable. These things might not matter in your case. Just something to consider.
Rosette

I hope to do a criss-cross in back. I bought grosgrain ribbon, but should I just make them from the fabric I'm covering with? or cover the grosgrain with the fabric.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Nadya, cover the grosgrain with the fabric. They'll be much sturdier that way.

Groovy! Thanks!

I got my bra all reinforced straps added and covered...just waiting on hubby to drill the wholes in all my coins...LOL