- Lace fabric
- Thick smooth elastic (2.5cm or 1 inch wide)
- Thin smooth elastic (1cm or half inch)
- Bra Clasp
- Pattern Template
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing Machine
How to:
1. Print the above pattern on A4 paper and cut out your pattern pieces and pin them to your lace. Place the straight edge of the pattern along the edge of your scalloped lace. Cut out the pieces along the curved side and along the bottom but not along the straight edge as you want to keep your scalloped lace edge.
2. Cut out 2 pairs (4 piece of lace in total) It’s important to try to make the lace patterns to be identical on both sides so that it looks symmetrical once it is made.
3. Pin the curved edges of the patterns together.
4. Sew along the curved edge leaving a seam allowance.
5. Repeat for both sides.
6. Measure how much elastic you will need by taking your thick elastic and wrapping it around yourself under your bust. Stretch the elastic as you do this. Don’t make it too long as it need it to be slightly tighter for support.
7. Take your thick elastic and line it up with the edge of your scalloped edge. Measure the width of the elastic (2cm) and measure double that amount from the edge of the scalloped edge (i.e.. 4cm.) When you cut out the bottom piece, make sure it is the same length as the top piece and that the lace scalloped edge is centred and symmetrical.
8. Place the bottom half of the lace on the thick elastic with equal lengths of elastic on either side. Wrap the lace around the thick elastic and pin it in place.
9. Then pin the top half of the bralette to the thick elastic on the same side.
10. Sew along the elastic and lace with a 1cm seam from the edge of the elastic.
11. Take your claps and slide them onto the ends of your elastic. Make sure they are both facing the right direction so that they will match up. Wrap the elastic around the back of the clasp and pin in place. Sew along the elastic to secure the clasp. Repeat for both sides.
12. Try the bralette on and measure how much thin elastic you will need for the straps. Pin and sew the straps to the inside of the top of the bralette and to where the strap meets around the back on the thick elastic.
Voila! Probably not the sort of bra you’ll be going jogging in but something nice for a bit of weekend lounging with your other half or perhaps with your cat (no judgement).
