Description
Shelley Full Band Bra Pattern
The Shelley Full Band Bra Pattern is a beautifully fitting bra from the Pin-up Girls, now updated for a fresh new look! This designer original full band bra can be made with or without underwires and has great lift and support. It has been specially designed to use with Duoplex, and other low-stretch fabrics; which give the best support and a flattering profile.
Pattern Options:
The Shelley Full Band Bra Pattern Optional Underwire Bra Pattern has three views – the original look with lace trim on the upper cup, one made entirely of fabric and one made in a stunning lace and fabric combo on the entire cup. Both views use fabric for extra comfortable straps. This pattern is available in over 90 sizes.
If you are not quite confident enough about your ability to make a bra and fit it from the pattern, why not consider taking a class in Beginner Bra-Making? We use the Pin-up Girls patterns for all classes. You learn the professional methods of construction, then get it professionally fitted to YOUR unique body.
If you will be using underwires in your bra, please see our Underwire size chart to determine your correct underwire size and type. You will notice 3 different underwire styles listed on the chart – WR, WL, and WX. Click on the underwire type listed for your size.
WR – Regular Underwires
WL – Long Underwires
WX – Extra Long Underwires
Pattern Sizes:
This pattern uses a unique sizing system, called the Bottom Cup Depth Sizing Method (BCD). All BCD sizes from 2.25 through 7.5 are included in this one pattern which offers the equivalent of over 100 ready-to-wear sizes. This includes the “in-between” sizes that ready-to-wear does not carry!
While wearing your best-fitting non-padded bra, be sure to hold the tape flat against your body and do not twist. Measure your BOTTOM CUP DEPTH, which is the measurement from the apex seam following the curve of the breast down to the seam at the wireline on the lower cup pattern piece – that is the Bottom Cup Depth. This number (in inches) is the pattern size you will use. For example, if you measure 5.25” BCD, you will trace the 5.25 size for all pieces.
Next, measure your RIB CAGE, pulling the tape snug against the skin but not tight. If you measure 34” on the rib cage, you will trace to the line marked 34 on the 5.25 band pattern piece.
The unique feature of the BCD system of sizing is that is the cup you’ve chosen is too small or too large, you simply make the next BCD size up or down.
Required Materials:
0.5 metres of low-stretch knit such as Duoplex for the cups and frame
0.5 metres of Scalloped Edge Lace, 6″ wide or less(for view 1 or 3)
0.4 metres or less of sheer cup lining to use behind the lace (sheer view 2 or 3)
0.3 metres of Power Net for the back band
1.2 metres of 1/2″ Plush Back/Band Elastic for the bottom band BCD sizes 2.25 to 4.5
1.2 metres of 3/4″ Plush Back/Band Elastic for the bottom band BCD sizes 4.75 to 7.5
1.2 metres of ⅜” Plush Back/Band Elastic for top band
0.6 metres of ¼”-⅜” Fancy Edge Elastic for the neckline (view 2 or 3)
0.6 metres of 3/8″ wide strip of stabiliser for the neckline
0.6 metres of ½” or ⅝” Strap Elastic for BCD sizes 2.25 to 4.5
0.6 metres of 3/4″ Strap Elastic for BCD sizes 4.75 to 7.5
1 set of Rings & Sliders in a size to match the strap elastic
1 metre of Underwire Casing
1 Hook & Eye Set for the back (2 x 3 for sizes 2.25 – 4.5) or (3 x 3 for sizes 4.75 – 7.5)
1 Bow Embellishment for the front (optional)
1 set of Underwires in your size (optional) – view Underwire size chart
monique –
I don’t speak english very well. I’ll try to explain what I want.
Can I add a foam lining with this model Shelly?
Can you explain me how to do it and if it’s a good idea.
Thank you Mrs Beverly you change my life in bra subject!
Monique
Serena –
I consider myself barely an advanced beginner sewer, so I was nervous to attempt this pattern even though I really needed a custom-sized bra (perimenopause has resulted in my “graduating” from 32F to 32H — good luck finding that commercially). Thankfully, the “Fairy Bramother” has made her patterns easy to understand! I did have to redo the channeling a few times (due to my lack of skill, not because of any fault in the pattern), but I managed to make a comfortable bra on the first attempt! I really appreciate the design features of the padded bra straps (helps to cushion the weight of the cups), and the side panels on the cups (helps to keep omega-shaped breasts from spreading sideways). I also used the new WV underwires (for omega-shaped breasts).
My first attempt produced the most flattering and comfortable bra I own!
For my second attempt, I made sure to use sheer cup lining fabric (rather than tricot tape) to stabilize the neckline, as it prevents the seams from getting bulky. I also used fold-over elastic instead of 3/8” plush elastic (which requires folding over the fabric itself). Again, this means less bulk for my crappy sewing machine to mess up on the seams! I also went all-out and lined the bra with Active Cotton (purl side against skin for moisture wicking), and voila! A great bra for light workouts!
I highly recommend this pattern!