The best sewing tutorials are quick and easy right? This simple bralette pattern is a great example.
As you start building your handmade closet, at some point your journey will likely lead you to DIY lingerie. I wrote a resource guide on different tutorials you can find here. While there are lots of ways to make your own undergarments, my favorite place to start is by completing a simple bralette pattern.
The basic bralette is a wardrobe staple that you’ll wear every day. It’s comfortable, simple to make, and a great introduction to more advanced sewing techniques.
This simple pdf bralette pattern is excellent for the beginner sewist and can be made from simple ITY knit fabrics as well as seductive stretch lace and several variations inbetween. It will teach you how to work with different elastics and how to make your own adjustable bra strap.
To make the process extra-simple, I created a written tutorial for you as well a video sew-along. You can also find magazine-style instructions that will be delivered in the same file as the printable pdf bralette pattern.
Tips On Printing Pdf Sewing Patterns
-Be sure to print files in actual size. DO NOT shrink to page.
-Print the first page first and measure the Measurement Test Square to be sure the file is printing at the appropriate size. Then continue printing the rest of the file.
-Cut and tape the pieces together using the square notches and the border provided on each page.
—–Read my Ultimate Guide on printing, using, and storing pdf sewing patterns HERE.—
DIY Bralette Supplies
- PDF Bralette Pattern
- Universal thread
- Ball point sewing machine needle
- 3/8” bra strap rings and sliders set (or pre-assembled bra straps)
- 2 yards 3/8” elastic
- 18” of foldover elastic
Main Fabric
1/2 yard 4 way stretch knit, interlock, stretch lace, stretch mesh, etc.
Bralette Pattern Video Sew-Along
The Bralette Pattern Tutorial:
Assemble and cut out your basic bralette pattern. YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE BRALETTE PATTERN HERE. Place your pattern on the fold of your fabric and cut.
With the right side of your fabric together, (the pretty side of your fabric) pin the center back seam together and sew.
Wrap a piece of 3/8” elastic and wrap around your ribs so it’s fitted, but not stretched too tight. Trim to size.
Use a zig zag stitch to sew the ends together and create a circle.
Hold the seam of your elastic in one hand and stretch it slightly between your hands to find the opposite end. Mark it with a pin. Then, bring those two points together in the center to find the opposite ends of the elastic and pin. You should have a circular elastic with 4 points marking each quarter. (you can reference the video above if you need more clarification.)
Use the same method to find each quarter of the bottom of your bralette. Pin the elastic to the wrong side of your bralette and sew in place using a zig zag stitch.
Trim the seam allowance and fold the elastic under. Finish with either a zig zag stitch or by pulling your elastic tight and sewing with a straight stitch.
Pin another elastic around the top of your bralette (on the wrong side) by pulling it tight and
pinning in place. Sew with a zig zag stitch.
Trim the seam allowance from your elastic and fold under.
Topstitch using a zig zag stitch or by pulling your elastic tight and sewing with a straight stitch.
Trim the excess elastic.
Now its time to add some foldover elastic to the front neckline of your bralette. Open your elastic and pin the inside of the bralette in place. Sew with a zig zag stitch.
Trim the seam allowance of your zig zag stitch. This helps your foldover elastic lay nicely and elliminates bulk in your finished project.
Fold the elastic over to the outside and topstitch. Leave about 1” of elastic on either side of the neckline.
Next, trim two pieces of 3/8” elastic to 2” and two pieces of elastic to 18” These will make up your bra straps.
Take the 2” pieces of elastic and slip them through the round holes of your bra strap slides. Sew the ends in place.
Take one 18” piece of elastic and slip it around the center bar of your bra strap slider. Pull 1” of elastic through and sew in place with a stright stitch. Trim away the excess.
Slide the other end of 18” elastic through the round hole of your bra strap and back over and under the bra strap slider. This will complete your adjustable bra strap!
Sew the raw edge of the 2” elastic about 2” from the center back of your bralette to secure.
To attach the other side of your adjustable bra strap, place the right side of the foldover elastic and 3/8” elastic together and sew with a straight stitch.
Then, topstitch with a zig zag stitch to strengthen and help the seams lay flat. Trim away any excess elastic on the inside.
Now is the fun part! You get try your new bralette on and see how it fits!
SHOP THIS PDF BRALETTE SEWING PATTERN HERE.
Just in case you missed it, you can watch the video sew-along here:
