The Bella bralette pattern was designed as a pull on bra with a wide back. The wide back styling gives maximum comfort and the wide sides provide support. The same amount of comfort and support can be achieved with a hook and eye closure, while also making the bralette easier to put on. This tutorial shows how to use a U-back closure which will give the maximum support.
I suggest you 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 from the top of your drawn line, and finishing 6mm/1/4″ from the back strap notch.
Cross out the parts of the pattern that 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. 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 you get to the underarm elastic. Attach the elastic on both sides to the shorter underarm, making sure there is a small amount of gather. If you want to be precise, measure the new underarm on the side underbust and back patterns and take off 10%.
This is what the inside of my bralette looks like at this stage.
To add adjustable straps to your bralette, cut a length of shoulder strapping and attach to the U-back with a wide zig-zag or 3 step zig-zag. Make sure you leave approx 2.5cm/1″ at the top edge for the ring. The shoulder strapping lays flat on the fabric, no need to turn a seam allowance over.
Thread a ring onto the end of the shoulder strap, and stitch across the end. Trim the raw end of the strap to neaten.
Attach the adjustable straps as shown in the tutorial. Attach the hook and eye using a zig-zag stitch.
Make sure you have put the hook and eye on the right way – with the hook section on the left hand side and the eye section on the right hand side.
Enjoy your beautiful and comfortable Bella bralette!
Leave a Reply