Basic bra
The bra is also a well know costume part for bellydancers. It's the only thing standing between you and your audience, so make it sturdy and reinforce the closures to prevent embarrasing accidents. Always ' test drive' your bra, by wearing it to class or practice in it for half an hour to make sure that the fit is right and it will stay put while dancing. If you're uncertain, wear a choli or a top underneath.
needed:
a push up bra, one cupsize bigger than your usual size
fabric for covering: some leftover scraps or 0.5 m. fabric
matching sturdy thread
extra hook and eye closures
if your bra needs extra strength: 0.5 m. sturdy fabric like buckram or jeansfabric.
1. Buy a sturdy push-up underwire bra with a good fit, that's one or two cup sizes to big, preferable with reinforced cups. If they are not reinforced, buy half a meter of sturdy fabric to reinforce them yourself (see step 3). The outside of the bra doesn't matter since you're going to cover it completely. However, you HAVE TO USE A PUSH UP BRA. If you use a regular bra, you have to adjust the position of the cups by slightly tilting them inward for a push-up effect. If you'r cupsize is E or higher, you don't need this. You already have a cleavage.
2. Cut of the straps and keep the closure. Replace the straps with straps from sturdy ribbon or sturdy fabric. If you place two pieces of straight ribbon instead of shoulderstraps, you can make a halter bra(2A). You can also choose to make it a 'regular style ' bra by attatching them to the side straps. Ask a friend to help you out with pinning. Put the bra on and ask your friend to pin them to the sidestraps with safety pins. Walk around and try some snake arms and shoulder shimmies. If the straps fall of your shoulder, readjust them. When they stay put and you're comfortable with it, take it of and sew the straps together. If you want some extra padding, put them in. If you're sure that you have the right amount, sew them to the inside.
3. Now cover the bra completely with pretty fabric. If you don't have a bra with reinforced cups, cover it with sturdy fabric first, and pretty fabric after that. For covering the bra cups, use two pieces per cup like picture 3. Cut the fabric bigger than you expect to needsinci it always seem to shrink while you're sewing. Start with the little thing in the middle of the bra. After that, cover the cups starting from the middle of the cup (important!) and work toward the edges. Tuck in the edges to the inside and stitch it so it stays put.
4. Put it on and measure were the closures should be. Cut of excess ribbon and fold it under. Leave 2-5 cm extra on each ribbon in case you put on a few pounds in the next years. Time to add the sequins and beads!. If the fabric is pretty enough, just add some fringe, but you can also choose to bead it completely. After the beading is done, try it on and fasten the closures (you can use the cut off closure from 2, and some extra hook and eye closures).
5. Add a lining following the directions of 3. It's not exactly neccesary since it's on the inside but it looks way better.Besides, it gives some extra comfort while wearing your bra and it'll keep all the perspiration stains on the inside. if you're bra's lining is getting really dirty, replace it. |
