Kwik Sew: 3300 (Bra)  - Type:Lingerie  | | Viewed 492 times
| 5 more reviews | Review rated Helpful by 2 people Very Helpful by 20 people | | Reviewed by: | Nancywin | 
 | About Nancywin | | CA USA | | Member since: 7/25/06 | | Reviews written: 196 | | Favored by: 89 people | | patterns reviewed: 157 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 6/18/09 6:43 PM | | Last Updated: | 6/18/09 11:42 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
Kwik Sew Pattern InfoMore Info provided by Nancywin | | See other patterns in this category: Lingerie | Available for sale on PR: $10.99 (See envelope)  | | | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| A word (or two) about support: You may be wondering about the support on a hand-made bra. First of all, the majority of the support in a bra should come from the band. Many women are wearing the wrong size bra! If you have ever been fitted by a professional, chances are that your size changed to be a size or two smaller in the band and a size or two larger in the cup! Here's an interesting site (although in Polish) that shows the difference the right fitting bra can make.
Click Here
That being said, I have found this bra to be as supportive as any other bra I own, and I pay a lot of money for good bras. One thing that really makes this bra supportive is the fact that it uses powernet for the sidebands and back. Because of this, even the first bra I made, which has the cups made out of tricot only, is pretty supportive. The rest of the support comes from the wires and cups (It should not come from the straps.) Using the wrong size wires can totally change the shape of the breast. When you buy wires, you can buy by length and width. Fortunately, wires are cheap (about $1.00/pair) so you can try a few different sizes if you're not sure. They usually are sold by the bra size (34D for example) The important thing to remember when making your bra is to make the size according to the sizing information with your pattern - NOT your regular RTW size. Kwik Sew bras can be ordered from PR and their sizing information is at Sew Sassy
size finder for Kwik Sew
I am learing a lot from the Bra Sew Along that Sigrid started a while back, and some things I have read that people do to increase support include the following
-Make the cups and sides from lycra (lcyra can cover the powernet as I did with the lace, or be used alone, although it is not as "strong" as the powernet)
-Interface the lower cups
-Make the cups from a non-stretch or very low-stretch fabric
-line the lower cup (as I did on this one) with powernet.
I have many RTW bras that have a small piece of boning placed vertically on the side just behind the cup. This adds support and I thought I would do that with this pattern if it needed it, but I haven't found that to be necessary. I have worn the first bra 4 or 5 times now and am very happy with it. I will probably wear the new one tomorrow.
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Pattern Description: bandless bra with back closure and optional lace on cups. This time I made view A. The first time I made this, I made view B
Pattern Sizing:This pattern goes from 32-38 A-DD, but it would be very easy to adjust to a larger or smaller size.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Even better
Were the instructions easy to follow? I am really impressed with how clear the directions are for this. Having never made a bra before using this pattern, It was very easy to complete my first (and now my second!) bra.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?This pattern is simple to make and has no band below the cups. It is stylish and does not look like an "old lady bra" It is very hard to find attactive bras in my size.
Fabric Used: stretch lace, tricot, powernet, sheer nylon, and knit interfacing. You also need wires, rings, slides, bra closure and plush elastic. The pattern gives directions for making a wire casing, I used pre-made channeling. I purchased my fabrics and findings at Sew Sassy. The stretch lace I found on ebay.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: The only alteration I made was to narrow the bridge (the little piece between the cups) by about 1/4" The pattern did not call for lace on the sides, but I covered the powernet with the same stretch lace that I used for the cups.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?I know I'll be making this again and again.
Conclusion: If you want to try bra making, I would highly recommend this pattern. It is very easy to sew!
I have more pictures and details Here
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<< Previous Review Next Review >> | Reader Comments | | SewInspired907 | 6/18/09 | Wow that looks amazing! And comfortable..and flattering...very impressive | | * * * | | sewbehind | 6/18/09 | That looks so professional, Nancy. May I ask how supportive this bra is? (particularly for a large bust) | | * * * | | crazygrad | 6/18/09 | gorge- I just love the colors you used. It is a shame you'll wear a top over it. Maybe you should become Sue Ellen Mishke? | | * * * | | dbsewer | 6/18/09 | I, too, would like to know how well this supports large busts because that's my issue. I made a bra ages ago and wore it until it started to crumble. These home-made bras are so comfy. Yours is very pretty and I agree with other comments that it looks professional and it's too bad you can't wear on the outside. | | * * * | | Enid E | 6/18/09 | How pretty and it fits so well!
Will you make one for me? :-)
You have inspired me to to try this avenue of sewing....I spend way too much on RTW bras, and I am not happy with the fit.
Great job! | | * * * | | Athene | 6/18/09 | Such a pretty bra and I really like that you were able full coverage on the side fronts. | | * * * | | Rhoda K | 6/18/09 | Just beautiful and a great review! I too would like to know about the support. | | * * * | | SweetieSweetata | 6/19/09 | Thank you for posting this review! Bra fittings have always been a pain for me, and I have caused pain for others when I worked at a lingerie store. The idea of sewing a good supportive bra and being able to adjust the pattern to meet our needs... It just blows my mind! | | * * * | | l3designs | 6/19/09 | Beautiful.... I really need to make myself some new ones. | | * * * | | kerrynw | 6/19/09 | Very impressed! Beautiful bra and comprehensive review. Thanks! | | * * * | | o3b | 6/19/09 | Sigh. I wish I could read Polish. But I can see those pics (that finally. loaded) and am amazed at how when the bustline is supported and moved up, the belly looks smaller, too. Or is it just that the suits are supporting the belly as well? Again, maybe if I could read Polish... Your comments about support - that is what I need to hear. I've been (and still am) afraid to make my own due to the support issue. | | * * * | | Kayseri | 6/19/09 | That is one good looking bra. As well as the good fit everything looks beautifully finished. | | * * * | | Nancywin | 6/19/09 | I don't read Polish either, but as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. | | * * * | | Rustybobn | 6/19/09 | Thanks for that link--amazing difference. I think I'll send that link to my daughter, as I've been trying to get her into a 36DD rather than the 38C that she insists on buying. Your bra is lovely. I've used that pattern myself and really like it. | | * * * | | Karen6790 | 6/19/09 | Wow. I've never thought about making bras, and I'm still not sure I would, but your review and clear explanation of everything makes me think I COULD if I wanted to. That Polish website was amazing - you know a good bra can make a difference, but that really shows it. Beautiful result here, I can imagine there are quite a few more on your list to make now. | | * * * | | sewbehind | 6/19/09 | Thanks for adding those additional things to your review, Nancy. Your bra is very lovely, but it is ALL about support with bras.
About two years ago, I was professionally fitted and it was as you say, most of the support came from the band. I had a lot of people ask me if I had lost weight. It is all about that space between the torso and the breast that gives a fuller busted person that illusion. I am going to try this pattern. Thanks. | | * * * | | Renee' S | 6/19/09 | Nancy I have this pattern but I never even opened the envelope. After I read your first review I pulled out my pattern and read through the instructions and thought I could do this. Then I read this second review and I got on line and placed my order from Sew Sassy. Thank you for posting your reviews it's the inspiration I needed to break out of my sewing comfort zone. | | * * * | | quathy | 6/19/09 | so elegant and beautiful! thanks for the tips about lycra - i hadn't thought about using that. i'm currently making one of these in tricot and powernet. | | * * * | | Charrlie | 6/20/09 | Awsome | | * * * | | koo104 | 6/20/09 | I've been trying to find the Bra sew along. Can you add a link to it? | | * * * | | carole | 8/3/09 | You did a great job .Did it save money compared to the 25.00 average price and does it maybe cost more for the first one but the next ones are cheaper since you can squeeze more out of a yard ? How is the fit does it feel good on . I have a problem with sliping down straps ,I imagine you can set them in a better place to prevent that . Good job . Thanks for your taking the trouble to show all of us who have this interest in making our bras . Carole | | * * * |
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