Thread: Best way to extend a bra band

I received a costume today. The bra band needs to be extended by about an inch or so. I've got some extra assesories so I've got matching material and beads to use to cover the extention, but what is the best material to use as the base of the extention?

I just had to do that with a bra and belt; I used a double layer of denim from an old pair of jeans and then covered it with a matching fabric and sequined and beaded the extension to match the rest.

I've done this with wide grosgrain ribbon, doubled, with a layer of felt added for body, then covered with fabric and decorated.

Anything sturdy. You can use old denim, or felt and ribbon, but I really like this sturdy white felt like material that you can get at walmart or fabric stores. It is with the pellon and interfacing. It might also be called pellon or buckram, but it's much stiffer than the usual stuff. It's pretty easier to cover and keeps its shape.

I saw someone use an arm cuff as a bra extender. It looked like it belonged perfectly.

I've used denim, buckram, and super thick interfacing. They're all great alternatives and will be strong enough to be a part of your bra. I suggest 'underlapping' the new base material about an inch into the existing bra band. If you just splice them together and whipstitch (even with really strong thread) all the stress will be on the thread when you wear your costume, not on the fabric itself. You'll need to pick the stitches holding your lining down a couple inches but this method works very well. PLEASE make sure the denim has been washed enough that it doesn't bleed dye when you sweat. You'll do great, I just know it!

If you have a Michaels craft store in your town go there and pick up a sheet of EZ felt in a color closest to the costume color. Cut out two pieces the shape of your extension and sew them together with zig-zag stitch covering the entire surface of the extension (extra strength) and then cover. Easy to cut, sew, cover. Feels stiff at first but is flexible. Cost less than two bucks.