Thread: How do you make your straps?

Hi ladies,

When it comes to bra straps, how do you do it? Do you get rid of the straps the bra comes with, and do them from scratch?? I guess what I'm asking is a tutorial on how to make bra straps... LOL... any ideas??

When I am making a bra, or adding additional straps to a bra, I generally take two layers of gros grain ribbon and either a decorative ribbon or fabric which matches the bra and belt, stitch them all together and then decorate. I generally go with the rule of 2.5 yards if I am doing the entire bra.

There are a few exceptions. DinaLydia (aka the Costume Goddess) suggests going ahead and covering the existing elastic straps with decorative ribbon, etc., but making sure that the ribbon isn't too much longer than your back measurement. Not explaining it well, But this makes sure that it isn't too stretchy. I have done this and seen it done on some of my vintage costumes. The results have been mixed. The biggest problem seems to be the effects of sweat in relation to long term wear. But this is true on all costumes.

{{{HUGS}}}

{{{HUGS}}}

i use the gros-grain ribbon method too.

another technique i use a lot is to make a 2-3 layer denim strap and cover it with the costume fabric. then sew it- either by hand with carpet thread or with a machine using a denim needle and carpet thread - securely to the bra. sew it more times over than you think you will need. better safe than sorry.

i never use the existing straps that come on a bra because i don't like stretch in the straps. i like my costume bras "built like iron", but some dancers prefer a bit of stretch in the straps, so its personal taste.

do you have plans to replace the back hooks as well. i recommend making the back strap overlap and using a strong trouser hook or two for closure and velcro the overlap to prevent the hooks wiggling open.

hope this helps. good luck!

I use a good stiff interfacing or tailoring fabric. I'll fold it over several times until I get what feels like the appropriate thickness and stiffness, then I'll baste stitch it together, then cover it with whatever fabric I covered the bra with. That is for the neck strap for a halter, or if I do shoulder straps.

The straps that go around the body, I used to make that part of the bra with interfacing or tailoring fabric too, but lately I've just been using a semi thick non roll elastic, covering it with matching fabric and adding a hook and snap. I know it wont last as long, but it hugs my body like a dream and I think I can live with the fact it will have to be replaced someday.

You can also go the between route and make it with interfacing so it's stiff, then put elastic in a thread casing on the inside to get that little bit of hug.

I also use the gros-grain ribbon for the neck straps. I double it up.

For the side straps (I've only done one), I used this heavy-duty outdoor canvas and then I layered thick interfacing on top of that. From there, I fused a thinner interfacing onto the fabric because I used a 4-way stretch fabric and I didn't want to stretch it over the strap form.

Here are some pics.




PS It should also be known that my Great Loop was my pattern for the side straps.

Over the shoulder: 1/2" Grosgrain ribbon, single layer, covered with a bias 'sleeve' made of the fashion fabric that i want to show on the outside.

On the sides: several options. I often make an entirely new side, reinforced with thick interfacing and buckram but with a small amount of stretch (1/2 - 1") at the side for breathing room.

I used doubled grosgrain covered with fabric, but after the first wearing, the straps are basically crushed everywhere but the cup-to-shoulder distance. All the rest are squished. Should I not be concerned about how homely this looks? My straps cross in back, go through some fabric loops on the back/sides of the bra, and then tie.

I think they're ugly; no one that I've asked thinks so. I have a fleshy torso and a big bust, so they have to be tight, obviously ... I dunno

Wow -thank you! Everyone's been very helpful!

I've used the costume goddess technique (covering the existing bra straps) but now I want to do something more "professional"

If I make a costume from a repurposed bra, I make sure to replace the straps so it looks like a costume and not just sparkly underwear. I take a strip of fabric lined with heavy duty iron-on interfacing and fold it into a little tube with the edges hidden inside. I iron it, and then sew it down. (You could technically make a tube and then turn it right side out, but it’s just easier to sew it from the outside.)

we use the extreem from fredericks.the middle conecting piece is not elastic , so you do not have to re set the cups..we cut the back off. re strap with satin or velvet over grosgrain.

Originally Posted by nadyasidhe

I used doubled grosgrain covered with fabric, but after the first wearing, the straps are basically crushed everywhere but the cup-to-shoulder distance. All the rest are squished. Should I not be concerned about how homely this looks? My straps cross in back, go through some fabric loops on the back/sides of the bra, and then tie.

The grosgrain looks flat when the ends are fixed. Once you start twisting them around through loops and a tie, they would tend to twist. You can try putting something stiff between the two layers of doubled grosgrain, but you then run into the problem of how to tie a stiff strap. Maybe reinforce the grosgrain to the point just before it goes through the loops?

I have noticed that with most tribal bras which tie as discribed, they are made of rolled velvet or satin cording. You might want to check into that at least with the part of the straps which actually thread through and tie.

{{{HUGS}}}

For halter straps, I do a combo of what has been mentioned above.

I always remove the existing straps. I use a double layer of canvas (similar to denim) which is what I use for the side straps/band and for the belt. At the end of one of the halter straps, I attach a piece of elastic that is the same width as the strap (1 inch or so) and about 2 inches long. This strap gets the hook. I have found it still keeps everything snug, but with a tiny bit of give.

I usually use double layer of Grosgrain ribbon, layers stitched together. Sometimes I add interfacing to one side. Then I stitch the fabric over, embellish, and line.

Sometimes I used interfaced strong fabric as the base.

For shoulder/neck straps: Grosgrain ribbon user here. I get a generous width, usually at least 1 1/2" -- wider if I want wider strap look -- and fold it in half lengthwise to double it up; it's alot easier to double up than it is to sew two lengths one on top of the other! I cover with the project fabric and decorate then, as Sabrinadancer describes so well, do everything in my power to be sure no strap ever comes loose!

For back straps, I do something very similar to Andalee-Oriental (post #5), except I use only sew-in interfacing. Depending upon the traits of the fabric, I might use a light/medium interfacing or a rather heavy one, or some other material to keep the shape, especially when using stretchy fabric. (With stretchy fabric, you have to be careful to not stretch it while putting everything together.)

For both shoulder/neck straps and for back straps, I use trouser hooks and eyes and big snaps. I've been considering using velcro in place of the snaps; might do that with my next project. Or maybe a combination. We'll just have to see!

Deborah