Jun 29, 2013
Has anyone tried frankensewing the front of a bra (cups, straps & just the front part of the band) onto the back section (wings, clasp) of another?
I adore my Masquerade Rheas but they're too large in the band. While I am keeping my eyes out for better fitting sizes, I am contemplating the possibility of grafting the ones I have onto the bands of something like, say, Curvy Kate's Tease Me. I prefer the wider base, 3 hooks, and stretchy materials of the CK's.
My pink Rhea is starting to show "stretch marks" in the wings because the satin there isn't stretchy, but the band is trying to hoist the weight of my boobs since it's not tight enough. (Although, to be honest, it would probably wear even worse if the band were tight enough; I do like 'em tight.) There's no repairing that kind of fabric weakness, so I'm wondering if I can save it - and make it bigger, better, faster in the process.
I don't sew, so I'd be finding a good base (which would be cheap & easy since I wouldn't care about cup size), then finding a tailor/seamstress to put it together.
Anyone with experience in this kind of activity? Suggestions? Warnings?
Filed under Bra alterations
This would actually be a pretty easy alteration, even for a beginner sewist, since the only seams you are sewing are the vertical, non-stretchy ones. You'd then just cut the straps at the small seam on the back of the connector, thread them through the strap attachment on the band, then back through the connector and re-sew them. (I'm now tempted to sew the back of my turquoise Thrill Me onto the Cleo Marcie.)
However, if you plan to do this often, it's probably cheaper to buy lingerie supplies from a website like Sew Sassy or Bramakers Supply, and just draft your own band to replace the band on bras that are uncomfortable.
Yeah, I'm saving all my 3 hook bands. Once I reach my actual size, those 2 hook stupid things are becoming 3 hooks. Since it's a vertical seam, it won't stretch much, so a straight stitch should be fine. I'm also going to try taking in the side seams once the back stretches out.
Only "major" change is I'm going to replace any straps I dislike with something I prefer. Which is fairly simple in my world, plus any straps that don't shorten enough, I can make them shorten more.