If you feel like you’re having a wrestling match every time you take your bralette off here’s another tutorial to show you how to add a hook and eye closure!
Last time I showed how to make a Bella bralette with a U-back hook and eye closure. This week, I’m working on a bralette with a straight back. This has a cleaner look although it provides slightly less support. I’ll show you how to add boning into the side seams to help with this. I’m making the sexy plunge neckline version of the bralette this time!
Firstly you’ll need the front underbust lace, front underbust stabiliser and back lace patterns.
Draw a line 12mm / 1/2″ line in from the side seam on the back pattern.
Overlap the front underbust lace to the line on the back, and tape together.
I suggest as with the U-back version to use a slightly wider hook and eye with at least rows of 2 hook and eyes. Place the hook section halfway over the centre back of the back pattern.
Place the hook section level with the lower scallop edge of the back. Trace a line around the edges.
Add 6mm/1/4″ seam allowance onto the line.
Use a curved ruler to draw a line 6mm/1/4″ above the top of your drawn line, and finishing at the top corner of the front underbust lace pattern.
Shade the parts of the pattern you don’t need.
Cut the shaded sections off.
Place the lower piece that you’ve just cut off and and tape it to the back so you retain the lace scallop shaping. Separate the front underbust lace pattern.
Trace the same curve on the top of the front underbust stabilser pattern, and cut off.
Now you’re ready to cut the bralette out of your lace. You will need to cut two of the back lace pieces. I’ve also added a stretch mesh lining to the back sections for more support.
Follow the bralette instructions until Step 17. This is before the elastics have been sewn on.
For the boning casing I used a 12mm/1/2″ wide satin bias binding. Make sure the bias tape is a touch wider than your boning so you will be able to easily slide it through. My boning is 8mm or just under 3/8″ wide. Sew the satin casing over the side seams folding the lower edge under 6mm/1/4″.
Cut the boning 12mm/1/2″ shorter than the satin casing. Cut an angle at the top edge to match the underarm shape.
Slide the boning pieces into the casing.
Sew your straps as shown in step 18 through to 21. I’ve used adjustable straps for this bralette.
Sew your elastics onto the underarm, the measurement will be half the length given in the tutorial, and you will need to cut 2. Sew the underbust elastic and pull out the basting stitching.
This is the inside view of the bralette.
Attach the hook and eye using a zig zag stitch. Lay the bra out on the table with the right side facing up. The hook section should go on the left hand side, and the eye section on the right hand side.
Enjoy wearing your beautiful Bella bralette!
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