Annika Wireless Bra: Mastectomy Pocket & Flat Cup Options

I am very happy to share with you my new pattern, the Annika Wireless Bra with Mastectomy Pocket & Flat Cup options!

When my dear sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer, I wanted to use my sewing skills to make her some things that would bring her some comfort and aid in her recovery.  I made several mastectomy pillows, some knitted knockers, soft sewn breast forms (pattern coming soon!) and several bras with mastectomy pockets and one with flat cups.  She opted to not have reconstructive surgery, and thankfully her insurance covered the cost of both the breast prostheses and mastectomy bras, but I know many women do not have that option.  I decided to create a variation of my Annika Wireless Bra that would allow women recovering from breast cancer (or their loved ones) to make bras with mastectomy pockets or flat cups.  

The mastectomy pocket has overlapped edges, similar to a pillow sham.  Shown here in an athletic wicking fabric, and the pocket is stuffed with a soft breast form.

If the wearer doesn't wish to use a breast prosthetic or breast form, then using a flat cup that contours against the chest is an option.  My SIL asked for a flat cup bra to wear on days she doesn't use the protheses, but still wants the normalcy of wearing a bra under her clothes.

Above are two more variations of bras with mastectomy pockets.  I researched mastectomy bras online, and while I'm sure they have come a long way in recent years, there still doesn't seem to be a wide array of colors or designs.  It is important to me to provide options that are fun, bright and feminine and still comfortable to wear.  

​For more information, see the Annika Wireless Bra Mastectomy & Flat Cup Options pattern listing.