Leather bra pattern

[temp256]

I want to make a leather bra. I have a bunch of large leather scraps I cut from an old coat, and wish to make a nice form fitting bra. I have sewing experience, but I have no idea how to make a bra, much less get it to fit. All the patterns I've seen tend to be ugly and poorly designed. Where can I find a decent pattern?

Also, how can I remove the thrift store smell from the leather? I washed it, but it still smells. I don't think I could tolerate wearing it with such a smell.

 

[Bottomlover]

Can't help you, but I can make a wise ass comment - I love leather bras, they smell like a new truck.

 

[bailadora]

I can't help you with the pattern, but regarding the thrift shop smell: have you tried letting it sit out in the breeze to air out?

You might find the tips in this thread helpful.

 

[Elaya]

You could always take apart a bra that you do like, trace the pieces onto some old or blank pattern papper, re assemble the first bra, and make the second. Take care to note how it came a part so you can put it back together.

 

[swtrthnhoney]

Being a biker gal, I have tried on and worn leather bras. The main types seem to be triangle pattern (much like a bathing suit) or a fitted bra (also similar to some swimsuits). Have you checked the swimsuit patterns? Also if you want an underwire or somesuch you can buy that at a fabric store or use one out of an old bra.

1.If you've sewn with patterns then you understand laying it out with the grain of the fabric (arrows on pattern piece indicate direction). Leather is a skin. Skin has a grain but also needs to be treated as if it has a nap (like corduruoy). It has a directional pattern to it. When your leather was in coat form it probably would have been easier to identify the grain. It might not be a big concern because bra pieces will be mostly small.
2. You will need a leather needle whether you are sewing by hand or by machine.
3. Once you make a punch with the needle, it is there forever. In fabric, needles go between the woven fibers. No fibers in skins. Make sure you want that seam there. Sew it once.

You can try some Lexol cleaner to clean the leather and then Lexol conditioner to condition it. You might want to condition it after sewing, depending on the current condition of the leather. There are other leather cleaners. You probably could even try some leather car seat cleaners/conditioners. Just remember, you are now cleaning a bra.

Good luck with your project.
I want to make a leather corset vest. Bought a nice piece of "kid" leather.

 

[SweetErika]

Have you tried to find anyone local who makes lingerie and/or leather clothing, like maybe a fashion design student who could help you?

You also might try PMing CutieMouse; she is VERY well-versed in lingerie.

 

[sexydonam]

Go ahead just make a bra which acn fit you the best.

 

[sunandshadow]

Scrubbing it with baking powder might help get rid of smell. Or you can cover up smell by hanging it where a cone of incense is burning for a while. Leather's quite difficult to sew, though, so good luck.

In general you can make a pattern for any piece of clothing by taking apart an existing piece of clothing of the same type. For example if you have an old worn bra you were going to discard soon anyway.

 

[temp256]

I'll try baking soda for the smell. It's extremely hot and humid here at the moment, so hanging it outside would not be a good idea. Covering up the smell won't work for me; I find perfumes and incense to be just as horrible. The same goes for most cleaners, which are full of perfumes. I wish I could find some real neatsfoot oil, but everything is full of petroleum these days.

I've never had a bra which fits me properly, so I can't use one as a template. Bikini style is a good idea though. It's so simple I might not even need a pattern. Just two triangles and some straps.

My modern sewing machine can't handle very thick material, but ironically my antique treadle sewing machine can punch through everything with ease. Oh, how I miss the days of quality manufacturing.

 

[Que]

my antique treadle sewing machine can punch through everything with ease. Oh, how I miss the days of quality manufacturing.

My mom bought a similar antique sewing machine at a garage sale in the 1960's. She sewed everything with it until about 1970 when she got a quality used pfaff. For some reason ended up in my room as a table. I experimented with it and taught myself how to use it. When the family boat needed reupholstered I used it to sew through VERY thick vinyl and it handled it with ease. They don;t make anything like they used to.

As far as the leather I dont think radio shack company has many tandy outlets anymore but probably online.... Otherwise look for a leather cleaner in the places that sell shoe polish even grocery stores..I wouldnt have washed it, it takes out the natural oils, maybe a sporting goods store or department for baseball glove oil?

 

[GrimsPet]

You can try some Lexol cleaner to clean the leather and then Lexol conditioner to condition it. You might want to condition it after sewing, depending on the current condition of the leather. There are other leather cleaners. You probably could even try some leather car seat cleaners/conditioners. Just remember, you are now cleaning a bra.

What she said.
Lexol and Fiebings both make cleaners for Leather. Find a place that sells horse tack and you'll find leather cleaning products. If you have a Wilson's Leather outlet near you, check there as well. They would have leather cleaning products. Another place that sells Leather cleaning products is:

http://www.montanaleather.com/catalog/

OR

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/home.aspx

For patterns for bras:
http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m5651-products-8646.php?page_id=1012
http://www.kwiksew.com/Catalog/cat_detail.cfm?pid=3594&Cat=Misses&Level=Lingerie&QL=MissLingerie
http://www.kwiksew.com/Catalog/cat_detail.cfm?pid=3300&Cat=Misses&Level=Lingerie&QL=MissLingerie

I remember reading an article in a sewing magazine a while back where they said to take an old comfy bra that was destined for the trash and use it as a pattern - just take it apart and use the pieces as the pattern.

Hope that helps!

 

[temp256]

I still can't get rid of the smell. I tried a baking soda solution, which ended up leeching all the dye out, and didn't even help. I've also tried laundry detergent, vinegar, and even hydrochloric acid.

For patterns, I'm thinking about this one:
http://www.patternschool.com/?page_id=397
It's really a swimsuit, but it seems nice.

 

[gemaussieslut]

swimsuit pattern, a good idea - but take into consideration what swim suits are usually made out of - and what leather is in comparison.

Also make sure you read the notes at the bottom of his instructions, a poster makes some very valid points that he has some issues with the instructions and bits that are missing.

If you do attempt - I'd advise first to make one even with cheap cotton, or another cheap fabric from your local store, or even more scrap you have - so you don't ruin your leather.

Find and make your perfect bra from something else first, and then apply to your leather. Look at the different way materials stretch and work too

 

[SweetErika]

This might be a dumb question, but have you tried hanging the leather out in the sunshine to air it out?

 

[i_am_woodman]

OMG - Tandy = Tandy/Radio Shack Corporation (= TRS-80 to old-timers)... I haven't seen a Tandy store in decades, if ever.

I'd suggest shoe repair store, sporting goods, or hobby store such as Hobby Lobby. Just leaving the leather hanging outside on a while might work - ultraviolet light kills lots of bad chemicals/smells.

 

[JustaSCOUNDREL]

You might try to find a Tandy Leather Factory store. They know a lot about leather.

I have seen patterns for chain mail bras. They are usually a series of triangles worked together. I agree with trying the first one out of fabric and save the leather for the final version.

Mike

 

[glynndah]

Please keep in mind that bras and swimsuits are generally made from fabric that stretches. If you make a trial one first, I'd use a heavier fabric without much "give" to it.