Spin-off: Making a costume bra out of a normal bra...

yasmindiab · 10-04-2007, 05:39 PM

Ok all. I'm NOT a seamstress. I can fix a button if I really need to, and I can sew the elastic on my sagat. That is about it.

However, I've gotten the idea into my head that I want to make my very own SIMPLE bra to go with a corset belt that is being made for me.

I'm going to Fredrick's tonight to pick up a bra, but I need some tips.
Basically, I want to cover it with some really fun fabric, and add a few coins and dangly bits. Nothing too fancy or sparkly. Simple is good for me. However, I don't want it to look like underwear.

any tips? Suggestions?

Ainsley · 10-04-2007, 07:39 PM

For me the key to making it not look like underwear is covering the whole thing with costume fabric. Sometimes people leave the original shoulder and back straps uncovered if the bra is in the colour they want, but bras like that still give me the impression of lingerie. I'm working on an assuit bra right now, and I'm determined to cover the back strap with fabric, even though it's going to be a big pain (I'm not much of a seamstress either), because I really want it to look like a finished costume.

Other than that, changing the strap placement to a halter, V or criss-cross back makes the finished bra look more like a costume and less like an undergarment, but that would be a more challenging sewing project.

najla86 · 10-04-2007, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Other than that, changing the strap placement to a halter, V or criss-cross back makes the finished bra look more like a costume and less like an undergarment, but that would be a more challenging sewing project.

agreed. I took the straps off of the bra (a cheapie from H & M that holds up really well) and made a halter strap. One tip I wish I'd known...when you cover your normal bra with costume material it will lose a SIGNIFICANT amount of stretch, so buy it 1 - 2 band sizes larger than normal to account for it, or else you'll have to try to figure out how to suck in your ribs like I do whenever I wear the bra I made...ha!

zumarrad · 10-04-2007, 07:56 PM

What cup size are you, Yasmin? If you're smaller than a C-cup, this technique might work for you. Cover the cups with the fabric of your choice - you can hand stitch and tuck to make it fit, and make sure when you do that you don't flatten out the cup! I like to stick my knee in the cup, myself. The fanciness of your finish doesn't matter too much because you can cover the rough parts with braid or other decoration. This works for everyone regardless of boob size.

Now, for the smaller: For your shoulder straps and back, you need some stretchy braid that you like. Stretch sequins are great but if you don't want a lot of sparkle you will surely be able to find something else. Cut the webbing out of the back of your bra. This will leave you with a sort of four-strap joined in the middle with the hook piece effect. If the bra you bought was convertible, you may like to switch the shoulder strap to a halter as well. Then, stretching out the straps, sew on your stretchy braid to cover the elastic. Now you have a strappy costume bra to which you can add more decorations.

Another option is replacing all the straps with sturdy petersham braid. I think a lot of tribal fusion dancers are getting into that look, and it would go well with a corset belt. Leave the braid long and tie it very tightly when you wear the bra.

tamrahennatx · 10-04-2007, 08:15 PM

If you want to cover the original stretchy back straps with non-stretch fabric, stretch the band out to the maximum length and cut your fabric to that length. Then you will need to stretch the bra band as you sew (and use a zig-zag stitch). The finished product will be bunchy when it's not on your body, but will lay smooth once you put it on.

yasmindiab · 10-04-2007, 11:37 PM

Ooh, these are all great tips! I'm a little scared, but if I take it slow, I should be able to complete in by next Friday...I hope. :)

I just bought a Fredrick's bra...I normally wear about a 36 b/c (depending on the day)...but I bought a 38 D!!! It was the only one that fit well enough and covered everything. :)

Yay!
Thanks everyone...

micamica · 10-05-2007, 08:37 AM

Go down to the local library and check out Embellished Bras: Basic Techniques by Dawn Devine Brown or Bedlah, Baubles, and Beads by the same author. While recovering a bra is fairly simple, she gives lots of hints to make it easier and of longer lasting quality...having sewn for a while,I didn't these books would help me much, but I was totally wrong!!
Nikki

tigerb · 10-05-2007, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micamica

Go down to the local library and check out Embellished Bras: Basic Techniques by Dawn Devine Brown or Bedlah, Baubles, and Beads by the same author. While recovering a bra is fairly simple, she gives lots of hints to make it easier and of longer lasting quality...having sewn for a while,I didn't these books would help me much, but I was totally wrong!!
Nikki

Seconded.

I also highly recommend removing stretchy straps and replacing with grosgrain ribbon or other non-stretchy tough stuff. Less stretch = less bounce = less lingerie look. You won't wear this all day every day, no reason to have the supercomfy stretch straps. My instructor also recommends totally replacing the back straps with ribbon or interfacing.

If the bra does not seem tough and sturdy in the cup, it won't hold up under your decorations. In which case stiffen it with a layer of interfacing... or if you're only worried about the top edge, stitch on a piece of ribbon to reinforce that and keep it from buckling.

Have fun!

jenee · 10-05-2007, 02:30 PM

Hi Sweetie,
You can go to my "Janie's Oasis" on-line newsletter and see step by step bra covering with pictures. The article was originally in Jareeda, but on Janie's Oasis they are in color.

I'm right here in Vegas if you get in trouble.

Janie
Who also teaches a workshop on making Belly Dance costume bras called, "Boobology 101".

tahiradancer · 10-05-2007, 02:47 PM

Once you have the concept down, replacing the straps with grosgrain is really easy to do. IIt took me buying a vintage costume to be able to figure it out and I studied costume / fashion construcion and design in Uni!

Buy 2.5 yards (a little more if you like) of coodinating grosgrain ribbon. Stitch an equal amount of decrotive ribbon or the like over it. Attach the decorated grosgrain at the point where the lower bra strap (now removed) originally joined the bra on both sides. Then repeat where the original joined at the upper side of the cup on both sides. (this is NOT the neck band) the upper strap should be angled to join the lower band, usually about 3 - 4" along the band.

In the center, turn the grosgrain to form an 'eye' and add a hook.

When you are finished with that, replace the shoulder / neck strap with the decorated grosgrain.

While this sounds complicated, it really isn't. A little time consuming, but not complicated.

On Z's suggestion (which I have also used successfully) the only thing Ihave to add is take off the original hooks and eyes. that will still give the bra the look of underware. Replace them with a swimsuit hook.

{{{HUGS}}}

yasmindiab · 10-05-2007, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenee

Hi Sweetie,
You can go to my "Janie's Oasis" on-line newsletter and see step by step bra covering with pictures. The article was originally in Jareeda, but on Janie's Oasis they are in color.

I'm right here in Vegas if you get in trouble.

Janie
Who also teaches a workshop on making Belly Dance costume bras called, "Boobology 101".

Janie, you rock my world. :)

I may end up calling you for help!!!!! I'm totally worried about making it look good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!