New Pattern: Iris Bralette

I am so happy to share with you my new pattern, and first ever bralette pattern, the Iris Bralette!

What do you look for in a bralette?  I want mine to be comfortable, supportive, and pretty.  Unlike many of the stretch knit bralette patterns out there, Iris has separate cups and cradle to provide the best fit and support.  A variety of front and back style options let you create something beautiful to fit your personal style and needs.

Designed for stretch knits, the Iris Bralette has modest bust coverage with vertical seamed cups and a sweetheart neckline. 
Four front options include the addition of a bust sling in lace or fabric, and lace cup overlays. Back options include a basic band with no closure, band with back extension and optional lace overlay, and a ballet back with hook and eye closure. 
Front of the bralette is fully lined for comfort, with all seams enclosed.  Upper edges of the bra can be finished with picot, piping, or fold over elastics.

Sizes

Sizes to fit:
Underbust 30-40”/76.2-101.6cm
Full bust 31-46”/78.7-116.8cm
See Size Chart for Details

Skill Level:

Intermediate.  Attaching the cups to the center front of the cradle requires some careful sewing to get a nice pointed shape.  Attaching the lining with enclosed seams requires working with multiple layers of fabric.  Bralette uses straight and zigzag stitches.  Instructions are fully illustrated, and include links for videos showing the process of attaching the band with the “burrito method”, and attaching the cups to the cradle.

Fabrics

This pattern is designed for stretch knits with 30-60% crosswise stretch.  Some examples for the cup/cradle fabrics are: scuba, Liverpool, athletic net, glissenette, milliskin, swim nylon/spandex, athletic wicking knits, cotton/spandex jersey.    Pattern includes more details about these fabrics, and the differing levels of bust support they provide.
Lining: stretch mesh or self fabric.
Band: powernet or techsheen.
 
The Iris Bralette pattern can be found here in my store.

Just for fun, here are a few of the prototypes I made while working to perfect the style and shaping.  They do not reflect the final shaping of the pattern.

Stay tuned!  Coming up next are the tester roundups for the Iris Bralette, and in-depth posts (with videos) about the different fabrics I used making my Iris Bralettes.

Until next time, Happy Sewing!