Did you know that adjustable bra straps don’t just apply to bras? You can use adjustable bra straps on a variety of strappy garments including tank tops, dresses or other types of lingerie. While sewing bra straps may seem a bit daunting it is actually just a few steps and some careful attention to detail. Take a look at my How to Sew Adjustable Bra Straps Cheat Sheet then read on for more detailed instructions.
How to Sew Adjustable Bra Straps?
Step 1: Cut your bra strap elastic to your desired length
Step 2: Thread one end of the elastic through the slider and fold over the middle bar. Tack the elastic down with a strong stitch like a bar tack.
Step 3: Thread the other edge of the elastic through the ring then loop the elastic back up and insert it into the Slider.
Step 4: Adjust the length of the bra strap as desired.
See sewing adjustable bra straps really isn’t that complicated! There are a few options on how to sew adjustable bra straps including the standard single ring and slider, the double slider option and the standard ring and slider with a three ring adjustment. There is also the option of using stretch bra strapping and non-stretch bra strapping for all three of these options. This tutorial will focus on the stretch bra strapping with a single ring and slider as that is most commonly used in bra making.
What is Bra Strap Elastic?
Bra strap elastic is high quality elastic with minimal stretch and good recovery. Bra straps should be strong in order to properly hold up the breasts but still allow them some natural movement and breath-ability within the bra. The standard width for bra straps is ½” but many retailers offer a variety of widths. Bra straps can be found in ¼”, ⅜”, ½”, ⅝”, ¾” and even up to 2” width. As mentioned above, you don’t have to use the standard elastic bra strap for your bras. There are non-stretch options available although less common because they lower the lifespan of your bra due to little recovery from stretch due to repeated wear. There is also an option of dividing the strap into half non-stretch and half bra strap elastic. This has a more decorative element as the non-stretch fabric is typically a fabric that matches with the main fabric of the bra. If you like the non-stretch route but find that your straps are no longer supporting your bra well you can save your non-stretch strapping by removing it from the bra and cutting away the excess then sewing it back to your bra as an option to extend the life.
Types of Bra Strap Elastic
Plush Elastic: Also known as plush back elastic or simply bra strap elastic. This type of elastic has one plush side and one matte or shiny side. The plush side is worn against the skin for comfort.
Satin: Also known as strapping plush elastic. This elastic has two smooth shiny sides.
Matte: This type of elastic is plush on both sides of the elastic so there is no “right” or “wrong” side.
Decorative: This elastic has a decorative finish on the right side of the elastic. Finishes include lace designs, pleating, ruffles and borders. The wrong side of this elastic is typically a matte plush finish.
Picot: This is a lighter-weight elastic with a scallop edge design typically used on the neck of the bra and sometimes on the bottom of the band. Picot elastic is also great for underwear. It is functional and decorative for a nice clean finish to your bra and panty projects.
What are Bra Straps Made of?
Bra straps are typically made of elastic. They do have other non-elastic fibers woven in to provide structure and support. Some bra straps are purely woven and can be made of a variety of fabrics including twill or bias tape. Some bra strap elastics will just have elastic on one side with a decorative woven design on the other side.
When we think of bra straps we have to mention bra strap rings and sliders. These are the hardware that attach to a bra strap to make it adjustable or to simply attach the strap to the bra itself. Bra rings and sliders come in metal and plastic and are offered in the same widths as bra straps. These widths include ¼”, ⅜”, ½”, ⅝”, ¾” and even up to 2”.
Why Make Bra Straps Adjustable?
If you are a bra-maker then making adjustable bra straps lengthens the life of your bra. It is also a great skill to have for making other garments such as camisoles and dresses.
How Long is a Bra Strap?
Depends on body type and personal preference. 18” is a good standard length but if you want your precise measurement then use your tape measure to measure from your shoulder to your bust. In other words, where your strap will naturally lie against your body. If you have the exact measurement then you can make a bra strap that doesn’t necessarily need to be adjusted. However, making the strap a bit longer and adding in the adjustment can add more wears to your bra or garment and be less of a hassle in the long run.
How to Sew Adjustable Bra Straps: A Detailed Step-by-Step Tutorial
Supplies Needed to Sew Adjustable Bra Straps
*The width of your bra strap elastic is dependent on your pattern’s instructions and your personal choice. In this tutorial we will be using a ⅜” width for the plush bra strap elastic and the rings and sliders.
- Bra Strap Elastic of your choice – If you need some guidance on what to choose see Types of Bra Strap Elastic above
- 2 Bra rings – same width as the bra strap
- 2 Bra sliders – same width as the bra strap
- Fabric Scissor
- Polyester Thread
Other options for making a bra strap include:
- Using two sliders instead of one ring and one slider
- Using three rings as a slider
Before we begin determine the following:
Decide if you will be placing the adjuster (where the slider is located) in the front of the bra or the back of the bra. In this tutorial, we will be placing the bra strap adjuster in the back of the bra.
Does your pattern have a strap extension?
The bra strap we are sewing is for a cup with a strap extension. A strap extension refers to the bra cup designed in a way that a portion narrows into the size of the bra strap so that you can attach the bra strap to the bra cup directly.
Some bra patterns do not have a strap extension. If you are sewing a bra without a strap extension you will simply sew a loop of elastic to the area of the cup where you would like to attach your strap. Within this loop you will add a ring before you secure it with stitching. You can make the same bra strap in this tutorial and just loop the raw end of the bra strap through the ring that is attached to your cup. Be sure to sew your strap with the “right” side facing outward.
Step 1: Cut your bra strap elastic
Cut your bra strap elastic. If you want a precise measurement then you will need to get your tape measure and measure your shoulder to your bust. 18” is a standard length to cut if you are unsure. Plus this is an adjustable strap so it is better to have a longer strap cut out that you can adjust rather than a strap that is too short to begin with.
Step 2: Thread the Elastic through the Slider
Take one end of one of your straps and insert it through the center of the slider with the plush side facing the middle bar of the slider. Fold the edge over about ¾” with the shiny side facing out and the plush side folding over the middle bar. Tack the edge down with a narrow zigzag stitch. Sew over this a couple of times to make sure it is secure.
Step 3: Thread the Elastic through the Ring
Take the other end of your strap and slide the ring through. Then loop the elastic toward the slider with the plush side sandwiching the ring and the end of the bra strap elastic passing through the slider once again with the plush side against the shiny side of the strap. Adjust the strap to your desired length.
Repeat these steps to make the second strap.
Tips & Tricks for Bra Strap Elastic
Even though there is a “wrong” side and a “right” side to your strap it is up to you based on your tastes to decide what side of the strap you would like to be “right” or “wrong”.
If you are having little luck with finding the right color of bra strap elastic and rings and sliders then you can always buy them in white and dye them to your desired color. Check out my tutorial on How to Dye Your Lingerie Fabric and Findings.
Always be very careful to slide the bra strap elastic through your ring or slider with the side you intend to be the “right” side. Triple check this step before you stitch anything down as the elastic will not recover well from removing stitches.
Where Can I Buy Bra Strap Elastic and Rings and Sliders?
Check out my Recommended Notions page for my Bra Strap Elastic and Ring and Slider recommendations.
If you want to explore more online retailers that carry bra strap elastic and rings and sliders check out my article on the 18 Must Have Bra Making Supplies and scroll through to find these supplies. I have a detailed list of online retailers across the globe that carry bra straps and other bra findings such as rings and sliders.
Conclusion
Hope you enjoyed this tutorial on how to sew bra straps and maybe learned something new. Stay tuned for another article on How to Sew Bra Straps to Your Bra.
Happy Bra-Making!
