Can’t quite believe I’ve just made myself a bra, don’t panic though, I’m not going to model it!!

Back on the second episode of the Great British Sewing Bee, contestants had to make a bra, to be honest I wasn’t overly surprised that this came up as there are quite a few appearing on the internet. I knew I didn’t have time that week to buy all the supplies so for my little sewing bee challenge that week I made a camisole.

However, I did find on line a bra making kit on Etsy (the Bra Shop) so the lace, stretch powermesh, elastics and rings etc were all included for £12.95. It even included a bow for the centre!  I decided it was worth it to have a go. There are four different types of elastic in a bra, so buying a metre here and there would have added up. The only thing not included was clear elastic and I found that on Minerva Crafts website.

The pattern is included in the GBSB book, I was a bit surprised that the sizing was just dress sizes, no cup size or anything else for that matter. I decided to make a size 10, I usually make up a 12, but that correlated better to my usual 34c.

The pattern calls for stretch lace, the one in the pack wasn’t stretch so I swapped it for one in my stash which was about 6″ wide with a scalloped edge. I found it a bit confusing cutting out as it wasn’t clear which way up to have the pattern design, so I’ve got fleur de lys going in different directions. Next time I’ll know how the pattern goes together!

The actual construction was pretty simple and the instructions are very clear and straightforward. Next time I think I would put the powermesh under the lower band as it does look a bit of a weak spot and possibly the bottom half of the cups to help neaten the seams.

The hook and eye bands were a bit fiddly to stitch on, I’m pretty sure Patricks beady eye would have noticed that the powermesh isn’t totally in the band inside!

The pack I had didn’t quite have the length of strap elastic the pattern calls for do I used the pico edged one for the little loop at the front.

I’m really pleased with it, the pico edging is just neatly peeping out, I’ve got the scallops pretty symmetrical…and to my utter amazement, it fits beautifully!! It’s so comfortable too…I think I might just be making some more bras sometime soon, just got to make some matching undies, as I do like everything to match!