When it comes to selecting a nursing bra there are many options available based on your needs. As a sewist, why not try sewing your own so you can get your exact measurements. Now of course your breasts size and shape will change and fluctuate now that you are nursing but just as much as the cup is important so are the band and straps which will experience less change. Having a custom bra is a great option even through this time of transition.
In this article, you will find ten nursing bras some of which are hacks to help you decide on with nursing bra pattern is right for you. I will give you a description of each pattern as well as size, format and skill level.
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Recommended Supplies
There are a couple different notions needed to sew the proper nursing bra that you won’t need for a regular bra. To get started check out this short list:
Shops for Bra Making
Top Nursing Bra Patterns
Jasmine Mama Nursing Bra Expansion Pack – OhhhLuLu Sews
- Size: XS – XXL
- Format: PDF
- Skill level: Beginner
Description: This nursing bra pattern was developed using the Jasmine bra sewing pattern as a base. The Jasmine bra is considered a beginner bra/bralette pattern because it has a simple structure and is easy to sew. It allows for a lot of creativity with a lined or unlined option, pícot or foldover Elastic , lace overlays and a racer back option. With the level of comfort and versatility offered by this bra pattern it easily transitions to a nursing bra with the Jasmine Mama Expansion Pack. This pack includes pattern pieces for a side sling transform your everyday bra into a functional breastfeeding bra.
Maris Bra (Nursing Hack) – Madalynne Intimates
- Size: XS-4XL, cup sizes A/B, C/D, E/F
- Format: Print and PDF
- Skill Level: Beginner
Description: The Maris bralette from Madalynne isn’t a traditional nursing bra but it certainly can be used as one. Many creative sewists have shared their hacks for making this versatile bralette nursing friendly. The Marie bralette features a wide band with the option of a front closure. The bra cup is made up of three parts with a triangle upper cup. The bra finishes include foldover elastic along the neckline and underarm. The triangle shape with the foldover finish along the neckline make the Maris bralette easy to transition into a nursing bra by just pulling the bra cup off to the side of the breast exposing the breast for nursing. You can also unclasp the bra in the front to gain access to the breasts however you should add a horizontal sling strap from side seam to side seam so the bra can stay in place and will be easy to clasp back into place. Check out this link for more tips on how to hack Maris into a nursing bra.
Ororo Bralette Sewing Pattern – Rad Patterns
- Size: Maternity size XXS-4X
- Format: PDF
- Skill Level: Adventurous Beginner
Description: The Ororo bralette can be sewn in a variety of styles all of which are compatible for maternity and nursing. This bra features a princess seam to flatter the bust line and avoid the “uni-boob”. To make this pattern nursing friendly you will need to add a sling and nursing clip. Instructions for this option are included in the pattern. This bra is light to medium support with a racerback detail. Racerback is great for extra support especially while nursing!
Versatility Tank – 5 Out Of 4 Sewing Patterns
- Size: XXS-3XL
- Format: PDF
- Skill Level: Adventurous Beginner
Description: The Versatility Tank sewing pattern is just that- versatile. Not only is it a regular tank top but it also has the option for a nursing tank, nursing tank with shelf bra, nursing bra and maternity tank that will accommodate your growing belly. This sewing pattern is a slim fit that requires knit fabric. This is a great staple nursing tank or bra that can be mixed and matched with many outfits especially activewear.
Agility Tank and Dress – 5 Out Of 4 Sewing Patterns
- Size: XXS-3XL
- Format: PDF
- Skill Level: Adventurous Beginner
Description: The Agility Tank and Dress Sewing Pattern offers you a wide array of options that can all be sewn with nursing access. These nursing style options include a T-back sports bra, strappy back sports bra, T-back or strappy back A-line tank, T-back or strappy back A-line dress, T-back or strappy back overlay tank with a drawstring or banded hem, and a T-back or strappy back overlay dress. If you are just looking for a nursing bra then the sports bra option would be best for you but don’t discount the other styles as having a built-in nursing bra in a tank or dress can make like so much easier while nursing.
Jalie Bra and Camisole Sewing Pattern #3131 – Jalie Sewing Patterns
- Size: 17 sizes with bust measurements ranging from 31”-50”
- Format: Paper and PDF
- Skill Level: Adventurous Beginner
Description: This bra and camisole pattern from Jalie can be made as a regular lounge bra or cami or a nursing bra or cami. To make this pattern into a nursing bra you will need to add nursing clasps and a sling to keep the strap connected to the bra or cami. The Jalie bra sewing pattern option features a wireless bra with adjustable straps, U-shaped back, and a hook and eye back closure. The Jalie camisole sewing pattern option features a shelf bra with light support and adjustable straps. A knit fabric with 70% stretch is recommended for this sewing pattern.
Kimmy Nursing Bra Pattern – Muffin Head Patterns
- Size: 30-36AA and 3036A
- Format: PDF
- Skill Level: Beginner
Description: The Kimmy Nursing Bra is a soft cup bra designed for women with A or AA cup sizes and band size between 30-36. This bra uses woven fabric so there is not a stretch component. It also comes with a tutorial to make bra straps.
The Lamina Bra Pattern – LilypaDesigns
- Size: 29”-42” band size, 5”-12” full/underbust difference, 4”-7.1” bottom cup depth
- Format: PDF
- Skill Level: Adventurous Beginner/Intermediate Sewist
Description: The Lamina Bra is a very supportive underwire bra with a nursing sling option. It uses non-stretch or low stretch fabric with tall side wings and a deeper side seam slant for more support. In order to transform this bra into a nursing bra by converting the internal sling into a nursing sling the pattern designer has created a tutorial on their blog. This is a very nicely constructed bra with adequate support and shape for larger bust sizes.
Ezi-Sew Nursing Bra Pattern – Bra-Makers Supply (Not a Pin-up Girls Pattern)
- Size: 32-40 B, C, D, E/32-40 F, G, H, I/42-48 C, D, E, F
- Format: Paper
- Skill Level: Adventurous Beginner
Description: The Ezi-Sew Nursing bra is both functional and stylish soft cup bra. It offers a low stretch cup with an accommodating stretch band. It has the comfort and support needed for nursing using an internal sling that attaches to a two-part clip holding the shoulder strap to the frame seam of the bra allowing the bra cup to be raised or lowered. This pattern comes in 12 sizes.
Lotus 2.0 Bra and Cami Pattern – LilyPaDesigns
- Size: 30B – 42DD, 30DD – 42G
- Format: PDF
- Skill Level: Intermediate Sewist
Description: The Lotus Bra and Cami pattern features a wireless soft cup bra with minimal to no stretch. It allows for a nursing option using an internal sling and side boning for additional support. The bra component of this pattern remains the same for the camisole option making it a very versatile pattern. This pattern can be sewn with a more delicate look by using lace or a sporty look using spandex and foldover elastic.
Recommended Supplies
There are a couple different notions needed to sew the proper nursing bra that you won’t need for a regular bra. To get started check out this short list:
Shops for Bra Making
Conclusion
It’s important to find a good combination between comfort and functionality while nursing your baby. You also want to feel good about what you are wearing too. Hopefully one of these ten options will help you achieve just that. You’ve got this mama!