Thread: Extending a bra band - best method?

Just got a bra belt set I'm nuts about, and it fits everywhere perfectly but the bra band is about 1/2 inch too tight. I moved the hook to the very end and it's wearable now comfort-wise, but if I check the rear view mirror my back flesh looks a little pinched still. Anyone know of a good method for A) extending the back band a little, best materials to use etc and B) best way to cover the extension with sequins, supposing that I can match the color?

Any suggestions would be most appreciated!!!

Does the costume come with a headband? If so ts quite easy to fix. If it does not you will need to look for a similar fabric and decor. Soanyways once you have that you need a combo of interfacing, denim or light weight binder and your fabric to make it sturdy. double sided irn on interface is best as it requires no sewing and IT LASTS! After you fuse it together, cut out the shape, cover with fabric, decorate and voila! It takes quite a bit of time and precision/skill so if your a good seamstress it should be no prob. If your not a sewer then you need someone skilled to do it for you. I have done it before and the headband always makes life much easier.

Thanks so much jordon!! No headband, but I'm pretty handy/crafty and can usually improvise what I need, just needed some hints for making it sturdy.

If it came with armbands & anklets maybe you could give up one for the cause :0

I wish that were the case, but it looks like I'll be going from scratch.

Since you need only a small extension, perhaps you could find a large rhinestone or crystal brooch that coordinates with your costume to sew onto the piece you make and cover with matching fabric. The extension will be in the center of the back, right? So that might look good and you wouldn't have to do a lot of beading yourself.

Th other question is what kind of bra is it? Is the an Egytpian / Turkish made costume or a self made? Many times with the self mades, there is extra under the lining.

If not, Dunyah's suggestion is also good.

And lastly, do you have any costumes which can be cannibalized and would match? Ihave had to do this before with a one shoulder gown.

{{{HUGS}}}

Because you only need a bit of extra length, I'd use a double layer of grosgrain ribbon covered with fabric in as close a match to the costume as possible, then hide the extension under a beaded or jeweled applique, and maybe a tassel or bit of fringe.

I once used a short piece of black 1" wide elastic & decorated with a splash of strung sequins, but it really depends on the color and design of the costume.

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions (and hugs)! It's this awesome Topkapi I just got from a fellow Bhuzzer:Attachment 15759 With all of the advice I've gotten I'm sure I'll be able to work it out. Must scrounge through my other costumes to see if I can cannibalize anything. I just need a little bit more room.

I love the colors! Is that a band of purple sequin material between the cups? Purples can be hard to match but maybe you can find something really close to it at the fabric store.

Hi nitewinds - me too, I'm wild about this color scheme. It is purple sequins at the base of the costume. Interestingly enough, the bra band part where the hooks go in back is just heavy cotton fabric, no sequins, so I'm hoping to find maybe something velvet-ey to cover the whole section with to hide the connection. Easier to sew hooks onto it that way anyway.

PS the applique is also a great idea, must look for one too.

Mission accomplished! I didn't have a head or armband to sacrifice, so I took a piece from the handle of a canvas bag that was the right width and sewed it securely to the existing band overlapping all the way to the edge of the bra strap. I wrapped it in a bit of fabric the was close in color to the lining and sewed that down. Found a strip of purple sequins at Joann, and stitched that over the wrapped seam. The sequins are a pretty good match, although the Topkapi sequin craft includes stitching each sequin with peacock seed beads which tilts the look of the color to blue, over my head skill-wise. Now I'm no Ezma, and don't think I'd care to have this scrutinized by a master seamstress, but it fits now and I think looks fine to the casual observer. I ended up making it longer than expected - I usually am fine with 31, but this needed more like 33 to work, weird! I may replace the sequins with a nice applique or some other improvement down the line. Functionally I give it an A-, cosmetically a C+.
Thanks so much to everyone who offered advice!