How to Make Bust Sling Bras & Variations

Supplies and Tools for the Class

The Bust Sling Bra concept can be used to create a variety of different garments. These garments may or may not use traditional bra findings. The only bra findings not required are underwires and underwire casing. The video and list below describes the supplies by the week when they will be needed.

Special Tool Requirements

  • Ballpoint sewing machine needles
  • Pressing ham or small ironing board

Week One -- The Pattern Shape

  • Glad Press'n Seal
  • Masking Tape in 3/4" (2cm) and 2" (5cm) rolls
  • Elastic for around the Rib Cage 5/8" or larger
  • Muslin for the Do-It-Yourself approach (optional)

Week Two -- Sewing and Fitting

  • Poster board (Or the stiff paper like that found in cereal boxes.)
  • Patternmaking Paper (Any plain paper can be used. I just prefer to always work with patternmaking paper, see my Pattern Paper sample.
  • Muslin - I recommend medium weight muslin
    (You can use any woven fabric you have available.
  • Elastic for around the Rib Cage 5/8" or larger (see Week One)
    I sometimes use Bra Strap elastic.
  • Bra Strap Sliders for the Rib Cage Elastic, optional.
    (I use up to 10 sliders per muslin test bra.)
  • Tricot Bonded Foam (optional for support and shaping of the under bust area.)
  • G-Hook or Bra Front Closing Clasp. (optional).

Week Three & Four -- Designs

  • Fashion Fabric of your choice
  • Lining Fabric to stabilize knit or lightweight fashion fabric.
  • Elastic for around the Rib Cage 5/8" or larger (see Week One)
  • 100% Polyester Thread (I recommend Gutermann thread)
    Optional Supplies based on your Design
  • Sliders for the Rib Cage elastic (5/8", 3/4", or 1").
  • G-hooks for front or back openings at the rib cage.
  • Bra Front Clasps
    Supplies for Hybrid Bras
  • Fabric for the back band (Powernet or Powerknit provide the appropriate amount of stretch. These fabrics can be covered with woven or knit fashion fabric.)
  • 3/8" (10mm) plush elastic for around the top edges or, elastic neckline edging
  • 1/2" or 3/4" plush elastic for the bottom of the bra band
    (This elastic usually has a picot edge.)
  • Hook and eyes for the back closure (They are available precut or as tape you can cut to size. This closure can have either 1, 2, or 3 eyes per row. The precut closure has between 1 and 4 rows. The continuous tape can be cut for any number of rows. I recommend closures with 3 eyes per row.)