FREE Bra Sewing Patterns I'm Trying this #BRAugust
It's been 10 years since I started sewing but I have only ever made 1 lingerie item so far. And I want to change that! Bra August 2021 is coming up in a couple of days and I am really excited about it this year. I will be fully immersing myself in the experience and using this annual photo challenge hosted by Tailor Made Shop on Instagram to jumpstart my bra, swimwear and activewear making learning journey. To get myself started, I have found and downloaded 4 free bra sewing patterns to try this month!
My first bra
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYhEIGKBbFo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The first bra that I made is the Euler Bralette by Sophie Hines, made using a bra kit that I bought from Fancy Tiger Crafts while I was on vacation in Denver, CO in 2017. During the same period, I also purchased the PDF patterns for Arccos Undies and Coherence Panty, a couple of underwear patterns by Sophie Hines as well. But for some reason, I never got around to making them.
Time to sew more bras!
At the current stage of my making journey, making dresses, skirts, and blouses no longer excite me as much. I have a pretty sizeable wardrobe and I don't necessarily need more handmade everyday clothes. But, I could do with more activewear, lingerie and swimwear!
Of course, the only way to ever get better at doing something is to... well, actually do it. So, this August, I am investing the entire month into mostly sewing lingerie (i.e. bras and panties).
4 FREE bra sewing patterns
I decided to start with something that is free to help keep this learning journey affordable. I like the option of being able to figure to what I like before committing to a purchase. If this is something you think you are interested in, keep reading to find out more details about the 4 free bra sewing patterns I have saved!
The Bralette by So Sew Easy
Size: 30″ - 44"
Instructions: ✔️ written; ✔️ photos
The Bralette comes with a step-by-step photo tutorial on the So Sew Easy blog. The pattern fits 30″-34″(S), 34″-38″(M), 38″-42″(L), 42-44″(XL). There is also an additional note on the blog stating that the pattern may not fit breasts with in cup size C or bigger. Based on this, I have a strong feeling that I will have to size down for the pattern to fit me. I hope the pattern grading will be easy for me when the time comes.
I love the curved seam below the cups and I am plotting a pattern hack to make a longline version if the fit goes well. Perhaps even a dress version? *thinking*
Maya Bra by AFI Atelier
Size: (read details below)
Instructions: ✔️ written; ✔️photos; ✔️ video (albeit not by original author)
The Maya Bra by AF Atelier is a basic underwire bra pattern that is available in both A4 and US Letter format. Simply enter your bra size and get the pattern sent straight to your email!
However, there's a catch - there is limited sizing available. I am unable to share the size range because there is no specific size chart available. When I computed my size into the request box, I got a note saying that the Maya bra does not come in my exact size. I was recommended a sister size in the same cup but with a different band size. Hopefully, adjusting the band size will be as straightforward as I am imagining it to be.
The sewing instructions and accompanying photos are available on the AFI Atelier blog here. However, you will have to click on each step to load the individual blog post. If you like videos, you can also check out Liz Sew's videos on Youtube on making the Maya Bra here!
I am looking forward to learning a lot from sewing this underwire bra!
Noelle Bralette by Madalynne Intimates
Size: XS - L (28.5" - 36.5" full bust)
Instructions: ✔️ written; ❌ photos
The Noelle Bralette looks like a great beginner bra-sewing project. There's no itty bitty pieces to work with and the fit seems easy to alter if needed (i.e. just take in from the side seams).
While the website only lists the sizing option as "XS - L", the size chart included in the free PDF sewing patterns states that the bralette will fit 28.5" - 36.5" full bust. The free panty pattern that comes with the Noelle set fits 23" - 31" natural waist, 32" - 40" hips.
Unfortunately, the Noelle sewing pattern only comes with written instructions and there are no accompanying pictures. If you learn and process information better with visuals, this might be something you want to consider when deciding to make this bralette.
If all goes well and I like the fit, the Noelle Bralette seems to be a great pattern to use for sewing a sports bra as well!
There is a video tutorial for the accompanying Noelle Undie by Madalynne on Youtube
Barrett Bralette by Madalynne Intimates
Size: 26.5" - 46.5" full bust
Instructions: ✔️ written; ✔️ photos
The Barrett Bralette is another free bra sewing pattern by Madalynne Intimates. Actually, Madalynne has quite a collection of free bra sewing patterns. I am only including the patterns I like in this free bra sewing pattern round-up. So if you think you would like to see more, head over to her website to check out her other free bra designs!
Now let's talk about the design of the Barrett Bralette - how cute is that little triangle cut in the middle? This basic bralette pattern also seems to have great potential for hacking into swimwear and sports bra.
The website states the sizing option as "XS - 3XL" but the size chart in the downloaded PDF document states that the bralette will fit 26.5" - 46.5" full bust. The PDF document for this free bra sewing pattern features both written instructions AND coloured photos for each step of the sewing process, which is really helpful for anyone who are new to bra sewing and/or prefer processing photos!
Don't forget to also check out the video by Madalynne on Youtube for sewing and fitting tips for the Barrett Bralette.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hbdTxccLRI
Other free bra sewing patterns
As usual, MOOD Sewciety has a huge range of free lingerie sewing patterns available on their site. Go check them out if you would like to see more designs. I wanted to share lesser-known patterns in this blog post, so I didn't include any of their designs this time.
Who is excited about sewing bras and undies?
I am so excited about sewing bras and underwear for the entire month of August! Out of the 4 free bra sewing patterns listed above, I am most excited about the Barette Bralette. However, I am probably going to start with the Noelle Bralette using a T-shirt jersey material first just to get myself in the groove of sewing with stretch fabrics.
Do you have a bra pattern that you want to try? Are you new to bra sewing? Let me know if you are excited as I am!
