Thread: Care to share your bra covering shapes

Covering my bras has to be my least favorite part of costuming. I feel like I never get the cut out to be the right size. I usually trace the cup and cut the fabric out an inch bigger all around than the bra shape. They usually look like a U with a closed top.

Can you share some shapes/outlines of how you make your bra covering? Tips and tricks would be much appreciated!

PS -- Is it ok for a bra cup to have more than one dart? Sometimes I just can't make it work any other way!

Hey if you cover the darts w/appliques, beading, sequins, etc. I dont think it matters how many darts you have to put in to make the fabric lay flat on your bra cups. YOU are the only one who will know

Sherrie

I might go this route next time. There was another thread somewhere that suggested using felt to make a pattern for your cups because it's so easy to work with.

Covering a Bra: A Photo Tutorial

Bookmark this website I have a feeling it's going to be a great source. I have just sort of looked it over but plan to check it out completely tomorrow. She has some great info here.

http://www.shushanna.com/costumes

Mostly I used darts, but the last bra I make pleats in the centerfront.
If you don't want darts or pleats, you make a pattern.
I used Embellished Bra from Davina.

Oh that is a great source. I have that book as well.

Dinner plate. Really!

The shape which I have found to be best for me - and I am about your cup size - is 1/2 an oval. Then either dart or gather depending on the look.

If you are willing to experiment with some cheap fabric, you can also piece together the cover. This works well if you are using different fabrics and trims or are completely covering with beads, etc and want to eliminate some of the bulk.

Also remember that knit fabrics such as Lycra are easier to work with on the bias.

{{{HUGS}}}

Have you looked at an actual bra pattern? Kwik Sew has lingerie patterns that could be adapted. It appears they only have one style that doesn't have a stretch band (and 2489 is limited to size 38C), but if you are only looking for cup patterns, that may not matter. You might also try looking for vintage lingerie or swimsuit patterns that predate the availability of Lycra.

You know, I never actually cut out the fabric ahead of time. I just pin it to the bra and then trim off the excess. I always have a vertical dart from the nipple to the bottom of the bra. Here's a picture.

Originally Posted by brokentiles

Bookmark this website I have a feeling it's going to be a great source. I have just sort of looked it over but plan to check it out completely tomorrow. She has some great info here.

http://www.shushanna.com/costumes

I will in the near future add "How to Cover a Bra". I have a couple different methods, depending if you want the bra band to be stretchy or stiff. But the cups are pretty much the same for both methods.

Here's a page on my web site with instructions by Dina Lydia, the Costume Goddess, on how to cover a bra: Ask the Belly Dance Costume Goddess: Covering a Costume Bra with Fabric

I use two pieces per cup. The bottom is shaped like a football and the top is mostly rectangular. Then I sew the long edge of the rectangle to a long edge of the football, and I have a bra cup!
Obviously, stretch fabric is more forgiving, but I was able to make a nice smooth cup for a mostly unadorned bra that I made out of shiny fabric. I was proud, especially since I just had a little bit of fabric-I couldn't afford to make a mistake!

Also-obviously, the curvier you are, the harder it is and the more likely you would need more that one dart with your method.

This thread is great! Thanks to Andalee for starting it and everyone else for all the useful information.
Kiyaana has an excellent blog with photos on this project:
Pink Paillette Retro Bellydance Costume

Originally Posted by SandraDances

I was proud, especially since I just had a little bit of fabric-I couldn't afford to make a mistake!

I'm about to tackle one and I'm scared for exactly that reason! It looks like I have juuuust enough fabric. Fingers crossed!

Originally Posted by Suzana

I'm about to tackle one and I'm scared for exactly that reason! It looks like I have juuuust enough fabric. Fingers crossed!

Bonne chance!

Merci ma chérie! It is very, very purple. :)

Originally Posted by shushanna

You know, I never actually cut out the fabric ahead of time. I just pin it to the bra and then trim off the excess...

I do the same thing! (By the way, your costume is looking really good.) I put my darts on the top though.

Here are a few photos of my process:







I have more pictures on my blog explaining the whole process. This is the fastest way I've discovered to do it, but it still takes me a day to get the whole top covered.

Great tips guys!

I just did another one for a friend- I have 3 more to do I think- one for another girl and 2 for me.

I cut out a square- maybe 6 x 6- gives me enough to cover the bra- but not so much extra I have to fight with it.

I haven't mastered 1 dart yet- I am never happy- so I do 2 smaller ones from the centerISH of the cup down and out toward to the two outside bottom areas.

I want to say it takes me a little over an hr to do it- I don't think its very complicated- there are other things far more indimdating and difficult. Its one of the easiest things to do- mostly b/c there is no end to bras that can be purchased at any hour (YEAH WALMART) and cheap fabric on fabric.com or the clearance rack of JoAnns.

There is no limit to the darts you can have- heck i"m sure someone can come up with a creative way to dart for costuming emphasis :)

Originally Posted by SandraDances

I use two pieces per cup. The bottom is shaped like a football and the top is mostly rectangular. Then I sew the long edge of the rectangle to a long edge of the football, and I have a bra cup!
Obviously, stretch fabric is more forgiving, but I was able to make a nice smooth cup for a mostly unadorned bra that I made out of shiny fabric. I was proud, especially since I just had a little bit of fabric-I couldn't afford to make a mistake!

Also-obviously, the curvier you are, the harder it is and the more likely you would need more that one dart with your method.

This works well---less guess work on where the darts go. you might still put a small dart in the football piece---but it goes pretty quick.