Two Free Bra Patterns

In my searches on the internet, I found two free bra patterns.

The first is the Madalynne Barrett Bralette pattern.
I liked this as it’s quite a simple pattern, except for the triangle at the front, which I removed. When I sewed it together it was very easy to sew. The only problem I found was that the bra is really only for a limited number of sizes, all of them small. But if you’re that size, I’d recommend it. You can find my notes from making it up here.


The second is the Maya Bra by Afi pattern.
I initially thought that it would be a solution for everyone. It was recommended by several websites. So I printed it out and made it up. Firstly, the instructions (including cutting) assume you are going to make a bra with foam. I needed to cut the lining pieces from the main pattern rather than from the lining pattern. The seam allowances were 3/8” rather than the standard 6mm or 1/4” - which makes it more difficult to join curves - so I trimmed the seam allowances on the pattern before cutting. The instructions were convoluted (partly because of the larger seam allowances), and they run out halfway. So I took a lot of pictures to make up simpler instructions for making the bra without foam and with normal seam allowances. Then the bra didn’t fit properly - it gaped in the armhole. This can happen when you don’t stretch the armhole elastic as you sew it, gathering the armhole. However, when I reviewed the pattern, it really needed to be reshaped in that area. I suspect that her trial bras are all for small cups, so the problem wasn’t as noticeable as it is in a larger size. As a result, I don’t recommend this bra. However, you can see my instructions here.

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