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Making a Base Bra and Belt
© 2006 y.z. fuchs
Our Peacock Costumes!
Making your base bra and belt is more cost effective than purchasing one, plus it is quick and easy. See below steps for general instructions.
The Bra
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- Purchase an underwire bra that has a firm cup. Make sure it is a bra that has a nice shape and that has full coverage.
- Mark the location of the straps with pins, and remove all straps.
- Cut base material (your stretch velvet or liquid lame, or other fabric) to roughly the same size as each cup and pin in place. To maintain the curve of the bra, put a dart in the bra. Either hand stitch or machine sew the fabric in place. I prefer machine sewing, it goes much faster!
- Replace straps with gross grain ribbon. If straps are going to be the same fabric as the bra, cover with fabric and sew before pinning them to the bra. Sometimes I leave the straps off altogether until I have the base bra completely decorated. I do the straps last so they are not in the way while I am beading and sequining. Dez does them first so that the bra can be tried on as it is at various steps of completion.
- Check straps for size and length, cover with base fabric and sew onto bra.
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The Belt
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Purchase some lightweight canvas or canvas-like material. The amount depends on the shape of your belt, if you are making one continuous piece, or two separate pieces, and if you are using it for wrist pieces, or ankle gauntlets. I usually purchase one yard so I have plenty for a few projects.
Have an idea of a belt shape you want for your costume. Look online at costumes for ideas. The easiest way is to begin your belt pattern is to trace a belt that you know fits. You can then change the shape to your liking. If you are experimenting with different belt shapes, I suggest that you make a tissue paper pattern, and try on your pattern to make sure it is the correct size and shape.
- Find a belt shape you like and trace around it onto your canvas, or trace your pattern onto the canvas. Make an additional line one inch larger, so you can fold the edges of the canvas under, pin, and seam it. (Before you move on, make sure your pattern fits your body). Also, before you seam it, Cut your base fabric (the velvet, or lame or whatever you are using) The same as the belt before it is seamed)
- If you have one piece skip this step. If you have two pieces, especially ones with points, make sure that the front point is in the middle of your front, and the back point lines up with your spine.
- Pin two darts into the back part of the belt so that it fits close to your back. Otherwise the top will stick up and look stiff and unnatural.
- Cover your belt with your base fabric, pin, and sew.
- If you have two pieces, sew them together. I usually sew the two pieces together by hand, and do everything else on the machine.
- Try on your belt before you decorate it!
Prepare to decorate your new base bra and belt!
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To view detailed instructions with pictures, check out Deserae's blue peacock costume project. or check out the Flowers of Araby myspace. Deserae regualarly posts new costume projects step by step in the FOA blog.
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