CAL (Crochet Along) | Crochetology.net

Another way of crocheting a bra begins with a motif and a rectangle that are sewn together to form the cup. This is similar in construction to the L-shaped pattern as shown in Lessons from the Bra Crochet Design Along.

This crochet motif bra is inspired by Natalia’s suggestion of using a motif for a bra. It uses the L-shape pattern constructed as such:

Motif and rectangle.

This sample uses a 3.5mm hook and worsted weight acrylic yarn. Each motif measures approximately 3 inches which makes for a bra suitable for bust width of 6 inches.

I start with my size paper pattern as usual (refer to Lessons from the Bra Crochet Design Along for instructions on measuring and making your own paper pattern). I use that to make the motif and the rectangle to be seamed together.

The motif I used is 3 inches wide (in worsted weight yarn and 3.5mm hook). The motif you use will have to be half the size of the bust width. If you are using a pattern that comes up small, you may be able to enlarge it by adding rounds, the simplest being chain loops all around the motif.

Here’s the pattern for the motif:

Motif for Bra
Motif measures 3 inches in width

Acrylic worsted
6/0 Hook – 3.5mm

Ch 4, sl st in 4th ch fr hook to make ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, 8 sc in ring, sl st in first sc to join.
Rnd 2: Ch 3 (count as dc), dc in next sc, (ch 4, dc in each of next 2 sc) 3 times; ch 4, sl st in top of first dc to join.
Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in same dc, sc in next dc, ch 2, (3 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 5, sl st in 4th ch fr hook, ch 1, 3 dc in same ch-4 sp, ch 2, sc in each of next 2 dc, ch 2) 4 times; sl st in first sc to join. Fasten off.

Here (below) the seams have been sewn together to form the cups.

The two finished cups.

But instead of a midriff, I simply sewed the two cups together in the middle and then made a single row of sc’s along the base. I made a sc2tog (decrease) in the middle (where the darts are on the cups).

The cups are joined together by sewing in the middle then making a sc row across the bottom.

Here (below) is the finished bra. Instead of a band, I decided on using a strap that goes from the top of the cups, over the shoulder, curve over the back and under the armpits and latch onto the bottom corner of the cups (this is where the straps are tightened. The straps curve over the back and into another square motif (or other decorative motif would be nicer!) to hold the straps together in place.

The finished bra.

The straps here are crocheted by ch 2, sc in 2nd ch fr hook, ch 1, turn, sc in sc, ch 1, turn … I think this is also called a single crochet foundation chain.

To get the size of the straps, use any yarn or string as straps first, and try the bra on.

But because I really wanted to make a bra with the band, I started a new one, using the motif for the cups. Here is what I did.

I start with my size paper pattern as usual and the motif and the rectangle to be seamed together. The motif is 3 inches wide. The motif you use will have to be half the size of the bust width. If you are using a pattern that comes up small, you may be able to enlarge it by adding rounds, the simplest being chain loops all around the motif.

The motif and rectangle following measurements in paper.

Here (below) are the two finished cups.

The finished cups.

I sewed the cups together in the middle and made a row of sc’s along the base of the two joined cups. I added a picot row to strengthen the base.

The joined cups with a picot row to strengthen the base.

Without cutting the yarn, I proceeded to making the band as shown below. The band is in back loop sc’s so it can stretch a bit. But the first 2 rows are in normal sc’s so this seam is stronger.

The band being worked at the edge of the cup.

You can take your own measurements or you can also use a good bra to determine the length of the band and straps.

Use a bra that fits you well for measuring straps and band.

Then at the end of the back band I sewed a button. The other end of the band has a gap as buttonhole. This is a pretty flat wooden button painted with flowers.

A buttonhole at one end of the back band and a button at the other.

And here’s the finished bra, front and back views:

The finished bra, front view.

The finished bra, back view.

I will stop making bras now before I become a bra factory!

The Bra Crochet Design Along now extends to the month of April. In the meantime, I’d like to share a crochet bra pattern that I came up with after looking at other various patterns and learning about the various problems that women have with crocheting their own bra.

The pattern I came up with is specifically for shaping the cups.

Here, you will need measurements to ensure a good fit. The measurements you need are the following (see edited photo below, from the original courtesy of Andrew Schmidt):

These are the 3 measurements that you'll need.

The measurements are the Bust Height (A), and Bust Width (B) which are both the areas where you would like the bra cups to cover, and the Bust Point (C), which is the distance from the top of the breast to the tip (highest point) of the breast.

And here are (below) the pattern/schematic for left and right breast/cup, particularly if one is shaping for breasts that are not alike, otherwise, just make the paper pattern for one breast, cut out, label right or left cup, then turn over, and label for the other cup.

Paper pattern for the Left Cup.

Paper pattern for the Right Cup.

You need to measure and draw this pattern onto a piece of paper, then cut out and label (left and right).Then you can start crocheting using the paper pattern as guide. Start crocheting at the base of the cups (measurement B). Here is the crocheting of the L-shape in progress.

Crocheting the L-shape with paper pattern as guide.

Here, the first round is in single crochet to make for a strong base, then the succeeding rounds are in back loop half-double crochets with a mesh to one side (the mesh is simply hdc in next st, ch 1, sk next st, hdc in next st).

The cups are shaped when you bring the seams (C) together and sew as shown here (below). Sew the seams at the back using the long tail of the yarn when you fasten off.

Join the seams and sew at the back.

And here is the finished cup. This should be reasonably shaped according to your breasts. The next step is to crochet a round or two of sc’s all around the cups, and perhaps a lacy edging.

The finished right cup.

When the cups are done, you can sew them onto the band. The band can simply be a crocheted strip (with or without elastics at the end) about the circumference of your ribcage, the area just underneath the breasts. For closure, you may sew hooks on the elastics at the ends of the band or use a button or just tie.

When the cups and band are done, you can make the straps which are crocheted strips that go over each shoulder and should be measured while wearing the unfinished bra. Crochet two straps, whether plain stitches or fancy ones, then sew onto the top of the cups and the band at the back.

Lots of bra and bikini top patterns use only a chain string for band and straps but you can design your own according to your needs. I do prefer wider bands and straps for comfort.

That’s it!