The lingerie and bra sewing supplies you use can make a big difference in the fit and finish of your projects. So, it’s essential to have suitable materials on hand.

You can find bra-making supplies in small online marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy. Also, many independent or Indie pattern companies offer patterns and supplies.

Underwires

Whether you love or hate them, underwires are crucial to the structure of any bra. When appropriately fitted, they’ll contour your shape, lift your breasts, and offer more prominent cleavage with sound support. But they can poke, dig or protrude into your skin when ill-fitting. This isn’t just uncomfortable; it can also be embarrassing.

To avoid this, you want to find a wire that fits your body according to your unique preferences, comfortability standards, and style choices. It is also important to note that underwires do not provide your bra size- they should fit YOU!

The most common underwires are made of metal, although plastic underwires are available for those with metal sensitivity. They’re also sold in various diameters and lengths, so reading the label when shopping for yours is essential. Most bra patterns include a wire splay, which means that the inner and outer tips of the wire will match the center front of your chest. This ensures that your underwire won’t irritate or pinch your breast tissue when worn.

Lace

Lace is a pretty and delicate material that adds to the overall look of a bra. Most lace is incredibly soft and can caress even the most sensitive skin. Lace can also be added in various ways to accentuate the overall look of a bra or provide a unique style.

When sewing lace, it is essential to be precise. If you are not careful, making the lace too tight is easy. This can cause the cup to misshape or become smaller. It’s also important to check the lace often to ensure no gaps or holes.

Boning is another essential tool when making a bra. It is commonly used to keep a bra’s vertical structure in place and prevent the fabric from folding into itself or poking into the skin. Several different types of bones can be used in bras. Some are made of flexible steel, while others are plastic.

Many fabric stores like LYCRA carry a variety of bra-making supplies. Large chain stores like Jo-Ann Fabrics and specialty lingerie supply stores like Porcelynne or Orange Lingerie have dedicated sections for bra-making materials.

Straps

Bra straps need to be tough, resilient, and able to support the weight of the breasts. They also need to be comfortable and to feel soft next to the skin. Straps are often made of elastic and some non-stretch fabric (such as cotton) to provide stability and comfort.

Straps can be fixed or adjustable using a variety of hardware, but ring and slider adjusters are the most common choices. When a ring or slide is threaded onto the end of a strap, it allows that section to change the angle at the point of intersection. A slider commands no movement and anchors the tip of the belt.

The material used for the back bands and straps should be soft, comfortable, and stretchy to allow the bra to shape around a bust. China silk or habotai is an excellent choice as it feels smooth against the skin and is very thin, adding little bulk to a bra. It is also available in a range of colors to match any outfit.

Elastics

The elastics used in a bra are essential for supporting the breasts and keeping the fabric correctly placed on the body. Elastics come in a variety of widths, textures, and designs. They are usually sewn into place with a stretch stitch or a stretch foot.

Charmeuse is a smooth and luxurious fabric often found in high-end lingerie. It’s also a popular choice for strap elastic as it’s comfortable against the skin and is relatively thin. China silk is another soft and durable fabric that can be used for bra lining. It’s slightly more affordable than charmeuse and comfortable next to the skin.

Picot elastic has one plain edge and one decorative scallop edge. This narrow elastic is typically used for the bra band and can be found in various colors and widths. Plush elastic is soft on both sides and used for a bra’s bottom bars. It’s also very durable and maintains its width when stretched.

Hooks & Eyes

The hooks and eyes are the closure on a bra, which help you open and close the bra quickly. They are made of metal materials, usually stainless steel. This material is challenging to rust and is cost-effective.

The adjustable straps and rings are used to make a bra more comfortable. They are also an essential part of supporting the breasts in shape and preventing the sagging of the breasts. Adjustable straps and rings can be made of different materials, such as plastic or metal. The latter can be of a variety of colors.

Final Words

You will also need the right tools, such as a rotary cutter with a 28mm blade perfect for maneuvering curves. In addition to that, you’ll need duckbill scissors which can be used to grade a seam or trim a neckline. Finally, you’ll need the right bra elastics like plush elastic, picot elastic, and fold-over elastic. You can find all of these items in the lingerie notions + trims section of Madalynne’s webshop! Shop now!

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