We’ve been asked many times for a pattern for a non-wired bra that would not only support, but flatter the larger bust. A bra that does not rely on underwires for support, and one that could have a front opening, such as a zipper or hook and eye fastening if one so desired. A bra that did not collapse along the centre front as many of the non-wired bras seem to do. A bra that might even <gasp> be comfortable to wear. Does that sound impossible? We are pleased to be introducing Ingrid, our newest pattern! We think Ingrid has the potential to make a lot of women very happy. For more reasons than one.
First of all, the Ingrid pattern uses a unique system of sizing that I developed many years ago – one that did not rely on ready-to-wear sizing. That is the BCD method of sizing. The BCD sizes means ALL of the over 100 unique bra sizes can be printed on one pattern page. I am sure it is important to you that you will save money on patterns. Most of the Pin-up Girls bra patterns have four size ranges, meaning you would have spent $80 to have the complete size range. That’s a lot of trees. Now the Ingrid (and the Ruby) have all the sizes in one envelope for $20. But we save too. At Bra-makers, we have much fewer printing costs, storage costs and shipping costs. It’s a win-win situation.
Secondly, the pattern fits the larger bust really well. One of our testers used it as a running bra, and she is a 7.25 BCD size (that’s Huge, by the way). When she tried it on, she wanted to go home with it, even though it was sewn with mis-matched thread and strapping.
Ingrid is flattering, especially to the larger bust. We’ve moved the apex over so the bust points forward, even on a larger bust.
Our pattern is versatile. Several testers are using it as a sports bra. It will keep them dry if they line it with Active Cotton. Other testers, like our own Rebecca, wanted a comfortable wire free bra that still supported her. One tester made the upper cup from sheer cup lining. Others covered the main fabric with lace to make Ingrid prettier.
Ingrid is also designed with a centre front seam, which is the last step in the construction. You can easily substitute a separating zipper or a hook and eye closure if you want Ingrid as a front opening bra. We’ve even tried it with the 1.5″ wide waistband elastic (the one we’ve been using for men’s underwear). Turns out to be a perfect non-roll elastic for Ingrid’s bottom band.
The pattern uses fabrics you already know and love – Duoplex for the cups and frame and power net for the back band. There is one other place that uses power net, and that is on the front panel. This addition of power net allows Ingrid to breathe and move with your body. It’s a great feature. We also have a Ingrid Findings kit made for your sewing convenience.
Finally, Ingrid is available in the largest size range of ANY bra on the market. It’s in a size range of BCD sizes 2.75 (equivalent to a 32B or 34A) all the way up to a 9.0 (equivalent to an M cup size in some cases) So finally, there is a bra pattern for those ladies too. We are proud to be introducing Ingrid.
I’m having a problem with the elastic. I have done the bottom band elastic pulling slightly directed but I seem to be quite short of elastic when doing the armhole area. Did I do something wrong on the bottom? I bought the large “kit”that goes with the Ingrid. Thanks
The Ingrid kit supplies 3 elastics for the band. One is a wide bottom band elastic, the second is the fold-over elastic that is for the neckline and the third is a 3/8″ wide elastic for the underarms and along the top edge of the bra. There is enough of the top band elastic to do the largest band size (48″). Is there a chance you made the band longer? or perhaps mixed up the elastics?
I’ve successfully made several Classic and Shelley bras that fit really well, but I don’t know how to diagnose the fit problem I have with my first Ingrid. Although it’s comfortable, my breasts aren’t contained in the cups at the center front. More like a “uni-boob” fit. I triple checked measurements before cutting the pattern pieces out, so I’m baffled.
It would be great if you blogged about how to raise the sides on Ingrid to cover side rolls!
I’m on it!
When will this pattern be available on the US website?
It should be in Sweet Cups hands now!
Is Ingrid also designed for hemispherical (as opposed to conical) shaped breasts? I am on the verge of successfully wrestling the basically hemispherical Classic into working with my conical and touching in the center shape (wireless) but notice with interest that the seamlines on Ingrid are similar to my RTW even including the powernet in the middle. (RTW unfortunately no longer readily available…) I’m somewhere around 4.5″ BCD if that matters.
Thank you!
We feel it will be suited to a lot of differently shaped breasts. If it appears that the cups are “too pointy” the cross cup seam can easily be rounded off to suit a more rounded shape. We did all the testing from women of all sizes and breast shapes, with great results.
I guess I wasn’t clear, I am trying to get pointy, _not_ round. Round for me = instant flatten which I don’t want. So since I am close with the classic should I stick with it or can I save time starting over with Ingrid?
(Are you ever going to come out with a basically conically shaped late ’50’s early ’60’s pattern? A lot of folks are looking for something for under their vintage inspired clothes, I am looking for what I wore when I started wearing bras since that matches my actual shape.)
Thank you!
I have a short torso. Can the bottom elastic be made narrower and still provide support?
Yes, of course. We added the option of the wide comfort band because that band doesn’t roll and it would give the really of a long line.
That looks nice. How much higher is the center front than the Classic Bra?
Not a lot but it is a bit higher, maybe 1/2 – 3/4″. However, you can make it much higher very easily