How to Get a Perfectly Sized Bra Band Every Time

[@catherinephillips8925]

Super helpful , thanks so much

[@maryh462]

I love the videos! For me, a video on choosing the correct style and size of wire would be so helpful. Thank you!

[@Orangelingerie]

Noted!

[@octolophant]

Love the tip of basting the straps and band on to check fit. Showing the different meshes, elastics and materials was really useful, no wonder you can make multiples of almost the same bra that fit completely differently!

[@Orangelingerie]

I am so glad you found this video helpful!

[@kristinaberger4853]

I love the idea of trying on the bra and adjusting for the perfect fit. Basting is a great idea! Will try it next time I make a bra. Thank you!

[@Orangelingerie]

Yay! Happy to help!

[@TheMinot60]

Hmm. Would be nice if patterns indicated what percentage of stretch that pattern piece was intended to have.

[@lillyputin-m1j]

they actually do.... you just have to do an easter egg hunt for it.... look at the pattern materials part

[@helenf8117]

Great tip and will give this a try as am about to sew my next Marlborough and have gained a few lockdown pounds x

[@Orangelingerie]

Perfect timing for this tip!

[@leenb.7936]

All good info and thank you for this. I seem to have missed something though, how do you now HOW MUCH to add? I am clueless as to why you chose 1 1/4 inch. Is it always that length? Or does it depend on some factors?

[@floatinglotuswomenswellness]

I have a really really narrow back (like 13" from the end of the breast tissue to the same on the opposite side.) I need LESS back than most patterns require, so I'm going the other way.

[@mothersoul1]

Very useful

[@alicet5536]

Speaking of band alterations. How do you combat wrinkles at the join between the band and the cradle? My bras always look great while I not wearing them but short of adding a bone to keep the seam in place vertically they always have loads of horizontal wrinkles in the band.

[@Orangelingerie]

Is the wrinkling in the seam? The seam should be flat. Topstitching on the frame (aka cradle) side helps with that. The fabric for the frame should be low to no movement as well. As you mention, side boning works best for a very firm, vertical seam.

[@alicet5536]

@@Orangelingerie the wrinkling radiates from the seam and is much more noticable on the power mesh side I do tend to topstitch the cradle side. Taking out a wedge helped a little but if I take out any more I wory the bottom band will be at a very odd angle.

[@mothersoul1]

I bought a pattern where the band was too short but I couldn’t see it until it was all done😡😡😡

[@wrennslocum6777]

I solve this error by removing the closure and adding in a strip of the cup fabric with stabilizer. The band already has the stretch it needs so this added strip doesn’t need to stretch. It also adds some decoration to the back.

[@TheMinot60]

So, I have a 50” under and over bust and I’m already altering every bra band pattern. Good grief, more?

[@mothersoul1]

Thia was the simplicity 8229 I was so sad cause everything else seemed to work out great