Delicate Lace Bra

In my stash there lies several metres of this fine Chantilly-like lace, so when I needed something non-stretch to mock up my new bra pattern it was the first thing I turned to. Isn’t it beautiful? I just love how delicate it looks, but in actual fact it is tough as nails! It has featured on this blog already as a sky blue Ruby Slip, so you might even recognise it.

The pattern is drafted from Kristina Shin’s book and from my Instagram feed it looks like I drafted it back in August 2017 – good things take time I guess! The bra is a partial band style, which I must prefer as that is the type most of my purchased bras are.

Both the cups and the bridge are cut from lace, and I used the scalloped edge of the lace along the top edge of the cup.

The two lower cup pieces and bridge are lined in sheer cup lining, and the back band is cut from stretch mesh.

The bow and underwires are recycled but the underwire casing, elastics and hook and eye pieces were new, purchased from Nellie Joans.

Ideally I’d prefer a 10mm wide strap elastic, as 12mm is slightly disproportionate for this dainty lace. It’s very supportive though!

I drafted a camisole style back, modelling the idea on an old favourite. I just had enough strap elastic, which is why the adjustment part of the straps looks a little short.

This is what the camisole style straps look like from the inside – caught inside the underbust elastic, then bartacked to the upper edge:

In my bra-making journey so far, this is my best effort. I feel like I’ve nailed the fit, the materials, the construction process, and my machine!

Now to crank out some more!

(And I guess a pair of matching undies are in order too)