Coin Wrap to Bedlah Sew Along Task 7: Lining, Hooks, and Finishing

Betty, (my dress form,) just doesn't have the right kind of rack to show off the bra. It looks much nicer on me than her.

Supplies:

• Lining Fabric
• All-purpose sewing thread and needle
• Upholstery thread
• Scissors 
• Pins
•  Hook and bar fastener
• Sew-on snap
• 20g jewelry wire*
• Jewelry pliers and/or wire cutter*

(UPDATE 12/28/11 - I forgot to mention that the lining material I used is from old club curtains from GX. The fabric is fire retardant for those times when I just burst into flames.=P )

 20g jewelry wire and some floral wire cutters.

I left jewelry wire off the last Sew Along post (which is now updated,) as a supply to use before lining the bra. This step is *optional but if you are using soft-ish bra materials like I am it really makes a difference on how the cups curve to your chest.

I very carefully coil the end of the wire with the cutters to stop the ends from poking through the fabric once sewn on. Needle nose pliers would probably work better but I am too lazy to rummage through the tool box for them.

 Wire whip stitched along the upper edge of each cup using upholstery thread.

 Super un-sexy stitching in bra cups from the inside.

It is easier to handle the straps and line them before sewing them to the bra. You need a strip of lining fabric with 1/4-1/2 extra allowance to be folded under and whip stitched in place.

 Strap stitched to the cup.

 Strap stitched to the side strap of bra.

I usually pin the bra on with safety pins and mark where I want the straps to attach in the front on the cups. I take it off, sew them onto the cups, and pin them to the back/side straps. I try it all on again and check the placement on the side straps, adjust if necessary, remove pins and sew into place.

Hey, nice couch.

I don't have a pattern for lining fabric. Each bra I make is different so I cut a piece of fabric big enough to push down into the cups and have additional room to fold the edges under. This is pretty much the same process as covering the outside of the bra only in reverse. I whip stitch the lining on and trim excess fabric as I go.

I always make the side straps long enough to overlap allowing for weight gain/loss. I usually use 2 hook and bar fasteners (plus a snap) but could only find one. I can add another later. The snap is there to keep the overlap from flapping around while dancing.

 I've been debating on adding more Tea Cups under the fringe for even more glitz but I can't decide. I can add them later.

The finished product rather unceremoniously laid on the carpet. 

Hooray, all done!

I could have tried it on to take pictures but it's winter. I am (at the time of this writing,) wearing a thermal under shirt, t-shirt, sweatshirt, and fingerless gloves because I am so cold. The Husband Person on the other hand is wearing a bathrobe...and that is it.

Making a matching belt is up next. Seeing as how the move plus holidays have taken priority on my time I don't plan on starting the belt until January. I am a little disappointed it is taking so long to finish the bedlah. Before the house fire and move I would have had it all finished by Christmas.

Speaking of, I hope everyone in internet land has a safe happy holiday!

Want to see ALL of the pictures from my bra build? Check out the Flickr Sew Along group and add your own at http://www.flickr.com/groups/bellydancesewalong/.

Good luck and have fun!

~N