These Little Black Bras Aren’t Black

This post title brought to you by Captain Obvious.

Formerly known as the Lovesick, George and Ginger’s Little Black Bra is a pretty sweet (and free) pattern that recently re-released with more sizes and options. I’ve seen quite a few inspiring makes on the Facebook group–everything from swimwear to crop tops to split straps to front overlaps to dresses. I finally joined the club with my first two versions.

Version 1

Material

Cotton Lycra from Made of Love Fabrics. (Yep, I shop there a lot. All thanks to the free shipping.)

Size

M(10) / A cup

Options

Crop band

What I Changed

• Subtracted 4″ from the back and band because it was way to loose when I checked the fit. The front bodice was already constructed so I couldn’t subtract any fabric from there, which is why I did it all from the back bodice piece.
• Made 0.5″ straps instead of 1″. I cut them at the indicated size and just sewed with a larger seam allowance.
• I topstitched the straps. (The pattern doesn’t call for it.)
• I placed the straps 2″ in on the back instead of 4″ (due to the 4″ of fabric I removed earlier.)

Verdict

• The fit was ever so slightly on the snug side, but not unwearable.
• I didn’t like how high the armscye is. No wonder I’ve seen so many in the Facebook group say they “scooped out the armpits.”
• I think I cut my straps along the grain instead of along the stretch. They ended up pretty inflexible. Again, not unwearable, just slightly uncomfortable.
• I still wear this version. It pairs nicely with the Peg Legs I made of the same fabric.

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Version 2

Material

Cotton Lycra from Made of Love Fabrics.

Size

M(10) / A cup

Options

Crop band

What I Changed

• I added 1″ to the length of the straps, and also cut them along the stretch this time. Much better.
• I scooped the armscye (redrew with a slight concave curve near the front strap.)
  
• I added a total of about 1″ into the back and band to alleviate some of the snugness.

Verdict

I could probably shorten the straps now that I cut them properly along the stretch, either by the full 1″ I added, or about 0.5″. It might help combat some of the front creep-down I encounter on this version. I think I could probably shave a total of 0.5″ off the back and band again. Hopefully that will land me in the happy medium between snug and migratory.

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If you’ve ever been afraid of sewing a bra, I highly recommend diving in with this pattern. It’s really painless and it comes together rather quickly. Once you dial in your fit, it’s incredibly comfortable, too. I need to get some solids and make a bunch more to layer with strappy tops I own.

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