Ridiculously Simple Comfy Bra

Ready to learn how to make an incredibly simple bra?  This was so easy to make, and I’ve worn it as often as I can get away with it since making it.

A few months ago, I saw a pack of three tank tops for $5 at Meijer.  When I opened up the package, I found that 2 of the tanks were too short for my comfort.  So I turned them into a bra!

Step 1: Pin around the neck and arm openings of two tank tops that fit well around your bust, trying to match them up, wrong sides together.  Sew a simple zigzag stitch along the neck and arm openings, sewing the two layers together.

Step 2:  Put the tank on, and mark with chalk where the fabric comes to just below your bust.  Lay the tanks out flat on a table and cut a straight line across where you marked.

Step 3:  Take some 1″ fold over elastic, and wrap it around yourself, just below your bust.  Pull it so it’s somewhat tight – whatever you think would be comfortable to wear.  Cut that length.  Sew the ends together, right sides together, to make the FOE into a circular band.

Step 4:  Sew the FOE to the bottom of the cut off tanks.  Be careful to catch both layers of material.  For more detailed instructions, check out my post about making underwear with FOE – it’s the same technique.

And you’re done!  That was so easy!

Summary:

Pattern: No pattern was used, since I made this out of purchased tank tops.  Just measuring on myself to find where my below-the-bust line was.

Fabric: Two purchased tank tops.

Notions: 1″ Fold-Over Elastic, leftover from making underwear

Hours: Maybe a half hour?  I don’t remember.  30 minutes – 1 hour.

Will you make it again?  Yes!  This is suuuuuper comfortable, and so easy to make.

Total cost: About $3.50 for the two tank tops, and the FOE was a remnant, so I’m considering that was free.

Final thoughts: I didn’t match up the neckline exactly, so you can see bits of the other side.  Not a huge deal, but it’s not perfect.  That aspect would be easier with two tank tops of the same color.  On the other hand, this bra is completely reversible, and I’m able to wear it with both dark and light colored shirts.  It just looks like I’ve layered two tank tops below the other shirts.  I love it!  ~Kell