How to DIY a Super Comfy Bralette

Tools and materials:

• Free bralette sewing pattern 
• Soft, lightweight fabric for outer and lining
• 0.75 inch wide elastic for the gray bra
• 1.5 inch wide elastic for the black bra
• Bobby grip or safety pin
• Tailor's chalk
• Pins
• Scissors
• Sewing machine

1. Cut out the pattern pieces

If you haven't used my pattern before, print it out and cut out the pieces for your size.

For the first option (the gray bra) cut out an underbust band which measures your full bust measurement plus 1.6 inches (4 cm) wide and 3 inches (8 cm) long.

For the black bra, the underbust band is the same width and 4.75 inches (12 cm) long.

Both versions are constructed in the same way.

You will also need to cut two bra straps from the lining fabric and two of each of the bra cup pieces from the main fabric and two from the lining material.

2. Attach the straps

Fold the straps in half with the right sides together and sew the long edge.

Use a bobby pin or safety pin to turn them right sides out, then press them.

3. Construct the bra cups

Join each side piece to a centerpiece along the curved edge. Snip the curve and press the seam.

Pin the cup lining to the cup with the right sides together, sandwiching one end of the strap between them at the apex.

Sew the two side edges together.

4. Attach the underbust band

Fold the long edges in by 0.4 inches (1 cm) and iron them in place.

Fold the strap in half along the long edge and press it.

Join the short edges into a circle, leaving a small gap.

With the wrong side of the band facing you and the seam at the center back, pin the bra cups to the inside top of the band.

Fold the bottom of the band up to enclose the raw edges.

Pin the remainder of the band in half.

Mark the band 3.15 inches (8 cm) either side of the center back seam and insert the free end of the straps into the band.

Sew around the top edge of the band on the right side.

5. Insert the elastic

Cut a piece of elastic to the length of your under bust measurement.

Use a safety pin to thread it through the band, starting and ending at the center back opening.

Overlap the ends of the elastic and sew them together. Hand sew the opening closed.

Push the elastic to the back of the band, so the area under the cups is flat. Sew the elastic to the band with vertical stitching at the outer edge of the cups.

DIY bralette

So now you know how to sew a bralette with an elasticated band. You can see it uses very little fabric, so you can easily make it from remnants or scraps. 

I love doing upcycled projects like this and I’d really like to see what you make of this one. Please let me know in the comments.

Next up, check out my post on How to DIY a Cute Cowl Neck Mini Dress.