A quick and easy bralette pattern to make the perfect accessory for the summer days to be worn with or without modesty cups. This item of clothing it is not to be worn as support but rather as a pretty and sexy accessory.
It is warm –so warm that the heat sometimes almost knocks the wind out me. I am blaming my bra for it. I want to burn my bra! It is the right fit, but it is so hot here and I feel I should be walking around in a swimsuit. When I walked back home from the train, it feels like I spread butter under my armpits, (too much info I know..).
Seriously, it is warm and humid and I was walking under a dreadful sun on a shopping street called Orchard Road back from you guessed it, buying fabric. I decided to go back and buy some stretchable lace to make myself a bralette. I am not looking for extra support, just a bit of support and some modesty.
I have made the pattern for the following chest measurements 30″-34″(S), 34″-38″(M), 38″-42″(L), 42-44″(XL). May not suit women over Cup Size C.
Full Video Tutorial
Subscribe to the YouTube channel:Materials:
- 1 to 1.25 yards of Stretch Lace or a 10″ wide lace band
- 11mm bra elastic to match your lace
- 3/8″ elastic (1/4″ optional) to match your lace
- bra cups (optional) for added fullness and modesty
- Bra slider and rings
- The pattern is downloadable from Craftsy and it is free.
Fabric Recommendations from Fabric.com
Download the Pattern:
You can download the pattern for this Bralette from our account at Payhip.
For help downloading and printing PDF patterns, please CLICK HERE.
Body Measurements:
Please use a tape measure and find the size that will suit you. Place the tape measure close to your body at the fullest part there will be no ease on this pattern due to the elasticity of the lace.
Making the Cups
Sew the cups together using a very small zigzag
at 3/8″ seam allowance.
Mark the middle of the cup.
Sew the back of the band using a small zigzag and trim the seam allowance,
Making the Straps of Your Bralette
Cut 2 strips of bra elastic 20″ in length
Cut 2 small pieces of the bra elastic 1″ in length. Fold the small piece of elastic and thread a ring through it, pin on the inside of the Bralette band and sew this straps to the back of the Bralette 7″ to 8″ apart.
Back View
Optional Step: How to add support and volume to your Bralette:
Sew the molded cups with a small zigzag at the bottom of the lace cup and at the top.
I think this is the perfect way to still have some support and not feel you are gasping for air while wearing a bra due to the unbearable heat. It is a beautiful piece of lingerie and a great addition to your intimate wardrobe.
For matching, underwear please check out our popular tutorial on how to sew your own lace underwear.
hi, i’d love to make this – how easy is it to hand sew? i’m not sure when i’l’ have access to a sewing machine/stretch needles. also, for the part with the elastic, am i attaching it to the band part before or after attaching the band to the cup? x
You need to attach the cups first then the lace. I have never tried to make a bralette by hand but I do not think is impossible. I am curious, how will you sew? Will you be simulating a 3 step zigzag?
I really wanted to love this and part of me does but unfortunately I found it to A. not have enough support and I think this is because I have very large breasts and also because I’m not proportionate. My ribs are a small and I needed to use the largest cups, both without each other are a great fit but together resulted in the cups reaching around the back of the band. I’m going to think of some way to modify this hopefully.
Hi Sarah, this is not for support at all, this is a dainty piece of lingerie design to make you feel pretty and light. You do need to combine the large cup with the smaller size, but I think this is not a design for anyone larger than a C cup.
Hi Mayra. I’m gonna try to make this bralette as a gift for my girlfriend. She has an Italian size 3B, which I think should correspond to about US size 36B. Should I go with the Small or Medium pattern?
Thanks in advance and thanks for the great tutorial!
Hi Oscar I would go with the Large. Medium might be ok depending on how soft the lace is or you could consider adding 2 cm for extra room at the back to avoid any lumps (bra lines) when using it.
Thank you so much for the updated tutorial!
Wondering, what size paper is reflected for you patterns to be printed on?
HI Ame, the sizes are Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large
I believe Ame wants to know what paper size (letter, legal, etc) to use to print the pattern.
Oh I see, yes it should work for A4, or letter if you are in the USA.
I’m very excited to make my new bralette! My stretch lace keeps getting caught in the sewing machine plate. How do you keep yours from doing this?
How low is the feed plate? can you raise it? Also make sure you are using a zigzag and a ballpoint needle.
Ah stretch needles is what I forgot. I can’t adjust the feed plate I think and zig zag seems to make it worse. I’ll buy some stretch needles. Thank you!
You will run into this problem with all very lightweight fabrics. I place a coffe filter (yes, to make coffee with!) under the fabric at the begging of each seam. It acts as a stabilizer to prevent fabric from getting caught in the throat place. When you are done, just tear it off. Hope that helps.
Thank you Mayra for the bralette. I am tempted to make one, just for the comfort. When I am outside gardening & it gets hot, this would be more comfortable.
Can I make the cups seamless? How? Or would it not be as much support. I am a (US) D cup. I was just thinking of extra smoothness. Thank you for the great patterns you offer and the tutorials.
Yes, this is easier than you think. But to give you good instructions, I will make a very short tutorial for next week. I will use large size since this is what I use and be able to test it. Stay tuned.
What kind of bra cups should be used as does anyone know where to buy them in the uk please?
Hello. I have the pattern pieces cut up and the cups sewn. I am stuck at the step with the elastic because I cannot see it in the pictures. Am I creating a casing for the elastic out of lace that I will sew along the top edge of the band? Thank you in advance for clarifying.
Hi Georgina, yes that is exactly what you are doing. the seam allowance is indeed the casing for the elastic and you will not be able to see it.
i love this idea and realllly want to sew this but i am having a few problems with the instructions having never sewn a bralette before?!?!? when i sew the cups to the band am i supposed to sew them right sides together? as it looks like you have pinned them wrong sides together? also the elastic in the band does that need to be pulled at all whilst sewing? thanks in advance for your help lindseyx
Hi Lindsaylou, I will be shooting a video tutorial on Wednesday and should be release shortly after. All your questions will be answered there. For now, pin the wrong sides (meaning right sides together) then sew. Then pin the cups right side to right sides and sew on the wrong side. No, there is no need to stretch the elastic if you cut it the same length than the pattern.
Hi! I have cut out the pattern and am eager to start this cool project! Is the video out? I am unable to find it in the “videos” tab.
Hi Rennie, the video is just out now. Have a look here: https://youtu.be/6-KnffUZ8G4
Hi, Does the normal elastic go right around the top of the band or only along the top of the back band? Thanks
Hi Janelle, the elastic goes all around.
Thank you.
Thank you for the free bralette pattern. I’m looking forward to making it when I can get to the fabric store. I can’t seem to find the instructions though. Valerie
Page 2 Valerie, under the Pinterest button.
this is great! I would also like to ask what do you call that mannequin for sewing? the ones that allows pins to be pinned through. thanks for the reply
It is called a professional dress form with collapsible or removable magnetic shoulders. I couldn’t be without one. Here is a link to http://amzn.to/2g8zdhp If I could this is the one I would buy: http://amzn.to/2g8xxV1 you can fit pants with this one. Whichever you choose make sure the arms are removable.
I really love this pattern, the shape is so lovely! I’m a bit confused about what to do in the option with the normal elastic though, is it sewed on the edge of the lace on the outside(facing out) perimeter of the band?
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much for putting up this pattern. I have been searching for an alternative to structured bras that I could wear around the house in hot weather.
You are welcome Shay!
Thanks for the pattern. I downloaded the pattern from Craftsy, but cannot find the sewing tutorial. Please help, since I have never made a bra before!
Regards
Hi Magda all the instructions on the blog. The video is coming out shortly.
Hi Mayra, I’ve had a look for the instructions on the blog and I cannot find them!! could you maybe point me in the right direction? Thankyou!!!
Hi Dominique, The instructions start on page 2 after the ads and the under the pInterest button. Hope you them! Cheers!
How about a link?
Barbara, The second page link is under the pinterest button, it is very small but it is there. https://so-sew-easy.com/bralette-perfect-garment-summer/2/
I’m so excited to have found your patterns and blog. Looking forward to making one
for myself and my girls! Bigs hugs from Calif. 97 degrees here today… way to hot for Sept. 27!
WOW! it is hot! Enjoy the pattern.
How did I miss this post? Thank you, I need this!
Hope you enjoy it!
excellent, exactly what I was looking for. can’t wait to make one! thanks for your generosity 😀
I can’t wait to make this for my daughter. I took some classes to make bras this past year. I love your patterns. Thank you
Will you have a tutorial or written instructions soon? I am confused as to where & how elastics are used, and how the pattern pieces fit together. Beautiful garment!
Hi Linda the step by step photos are here https://so-sew-easy.com/bralette-perfect-garment-summer/ I haven’t finished editing the video, sorry!
Can’t wait for the video. I’m sure it will clear up my confusion on the elastic placement. Love the pattern!
good
After reading everyone’s comments I realised I had to measure the fullest part of my breast and not underneath,I know I am not xsmall , hope to be able to find stretch lace, thanks for the pattern , love it
You are welcome Maryke! Enjoy!
I tried to download this pattern from the link and it’s says “not found” I searched for it on Craftsy and could not find it
Hi Connie, I think you have to try later again, it is there I can assure you. Hope you enjoy.
Thank you for creating and posting a bralette pattern that isn’t a chest-flattening bandeau and is C-cup friendly. I’ve been looking for something simple and light without hooks that dig into my back or wires to dig into my armpits, but big enough to (maybe) give some light support to my aging, no longer tiny or perky girls. Since it is very hot here, too, (100°F and high humidity predicted for today) I’m anxious to make this soon, perhaps in a natural fiber like cotton or silk with spandex.
Cotton and silk knit would be ideal, bamboo knit even better. I was lucky enough to have found cotton elastic lace with a good amount of Lycra in it. I am a small C and I just love the freedom and the bit of support that offers. Enjoy the pattern!
Like some of the other ladies, I dont see this as having the necessary scaffolding to achieve anything for me, BUT what I do see is the lovely basis for a full slip to wear under a slinky or slightly opaque dress, or just a little longer in the body & you have a camisole to wear under a blouse or top.
I am looking for loooooong time a patern like this. Thank you very much!!!
Hi Mayra,
Cool project indeed!
One question if may: How wide must the stretch lace be to get a good result?
Greetings from GERMANY (where the summer keeps us waiting..)
Jessi
Hi Jessi, for the larger size and to get the borders on the side you need a 10″ lace band. But to be absolutely certain a smaller band will work print the pattern and take it with you to the store. Wide lace is not always available for some reason that I do not know. Hope you get some warm weather soon! Thank you for reading the blog from so far away!
Thanks, great pattern, easy.
Thank you for sharing your tutorial. Definitely made me take a double look when you mentioned “Orchard Road” ? Coming from the same sunny island, your tutorial is an awesome addition to helping me stay cool!
super tutorial! have to make one this week and the pattern being free is great too!
Hello, I was curious if this could be modified to be a halter strap?
-Amber
Absolutely! go for it! I would sugest to make the band a bit wider so it will support you better.
Absolutely! go for it! I would suggest to make the band a bit wider so it will support you better.
Perfect timing, Mayra! Thanks for the tutorial- it’s lovely.
How cool is this!! Don’t know if it’ll help me being a full figured woman but I can relate to the heat! I hate heat the older I get. Thanks for sharing this! Will try and make it for my daughters or granddaughters.
Mayra, I love the dainty bralette! I am thinking of making a trial one for one of my nieces and this seems a great project. For myself, unfortunately, I don’t believe it has the strength to help support my chest. For that, I rely on the support of NASA and the materials they have devised to aid in liftoff. lol. Getting old is not for the faint of heart. Keeping your sense of humour is vital. That is a beautiful piece of lingerie and I think it may help with the heat. I hope things get a bit more bearable soon. Good luck and thank you for this tutorial.
I’m with you Karen! 😉 However I am keen to try this as a sort of ‘after shower’ or pyjama top so I don’t have the tightness of the scaffolding at night, but still have something pretty and shapely. Thank you Mayra – these tutorials are always the best and have terrific photos to make it easy to follow. I’m inspired! Good luck keeping cool! (I’m on the east cost of Australia and just had a ‘winter’ day that topped 29 degrees celsius so I can only imagine what summer will bring! ?
WOW Karen, I was in stitches reading your comment on scaffolding at night, but that is exactly how I felt! Your winter is a scorcher! Do let me know how hot it gets I am curious now. Thank you for following the blog. I was once privileged to lived in your beautiful country so I have great memories.
I do love your sense of humor!
Is the measurement for band size or full bust?
Hi Adrienne, the measurements are for full bust.
It is the best thing I Have seen in ” forever”. Thank you SO much!
Thank you so much for this pattern. I have been looking and wanting to make one of these for a long time. Such a gift.
I am a size 38 F USA or J in EUR measurements. I so wish this would work for me. Its gorgeous. My daughter is a 36 F or J and I know she’d love it also. We are both so sick to death of white and beige being the only choices available. Isn’t it ironic how men are thought to appreciate well endowed women so much more but manufacturers refuse to give us color in our bra choices if we are large breasted? We’ve got some very interesting ‘tie dyed’ looking bras from trying to dye our white ones a nicer color.
I here you, perfectly, this is the typical case of manufactures vs consumers, I could only find blue, black and white wide lace. Sadly I do not see the trend changing anytime soon. As for the measurements, please use a tape around the fullest part of your breasts and see weather this measurements fall within the pattern.
I was at a workshop this winter that used KoolAid drink crystals. The colors were just fabulous.
Thank you so very much for posting this !! Exactly what I was looking for in this hot weather!!
You are welcome!