Symmes Strapless Bra PDF pattern

An amazing strapless bra, plan to do some fitting tweaks

This was my first time sewing a bra (apparently I like to try new things on hard mode) but having dabbled in corsetry before, it felt surprisingly similar. Only with a lot more elastic. I have made this one twice now and am overall very happy with the result. In terms of creating a strapless bra that's actually supportive in larger cup sizes, this thing has NAILED IT. My hat is off to you, Cashmerette! It's honestly a little shocking how supportive this thing feels. My one quibble here (and I think I should be able to tweak this on further attempts) is that the cup shaping is a bit... boxy? It fits well and is very supportive, but I'm definitely wanting to adjust the way it contours around the body for purely aesthetic reasons. The cup bones also create noticeable ridges under thin/drapey clothes. Still, this thing is amazing for the simple fact that it does the job and stays up, and for that I can't give it anything less than five stars. I'm hoping with a few shaping tweaks, it will be perfection itself. I'm also very tempted to experiment with making a longline version — I suspect for my body shape it would be both even more supportive and more comfortable. (I often find the bottom of bra bands often cuts into my squishy bits below; this is not unique to this pattern. If this isn't a problem you normally have, that will probably remain true here.) A note on sizing: I have always felt lied to by US bra sizing, because despite everyone SAYING that it's based on the under bust and full bust measurements, it actually seems to be one of the few cases where ready to wear uses the high bust measurement. If you go to a certain well-known US lingerie chain and have them take your measurements, they even measure the high bust despite their website saying sizing is based on under bust. So I have some trust issues around bra sizing, and it felt deeply weird making a 32G when I wear a 36D in ready-to-wear. Especially since I also make the D cup size for all the non-bra Cashmerette patterns. If you are in the same boat, I would say two things 1) plan to make a mockup or two regardless; this will likely want some tweaking no matter what because bras get funky 2) trust the sizing guide to give you a starting point. It may not be perfect, but it should get you close. I ended up sizing the cup down to a 32F but using the wire size suggested for the 32G. Your experience may be different. But I'm glad I went with the 32 band to match my 33" under bust — the size 36 band would have been way too big. So, yay for not being lied to about band sizing, but also it scares me a bit because I'm not used to it!

A very well drafted strapless with excellent support and a reliable, predictable fit.

FIT & SIZING • I sized down one cup because I’m shallow on top; the smaller cup eliminated gaping and gave a smooth upper edge. • The wire line and cradle proportions are spot on — no collapsing, no slipping, and the bridge stayed anchored. • Band tension felt balanced; no need to adjust band size. SUPPORT STRUCTURE • The structure relies on the foam cups, cradle stability, and strategic boning placement working together. • I used plastic Rigilene boning not only at the sides and on the cup seams (plus and extra one) but also along the top edge of the cup, which made a noticeable difference in keeping the neckline firm and preventing any collapse or rolling. • The cradle draft is strong — it distributes weight well and works with the foam to keep everything lifted without straps. CUP CONSTRUCTION • I used Vlieseline Style-Vil Sew In Foam for the cups (cut and sew foam is hard to come by in the UK) , which gave a clean, rounded silhouette and helped the upper edge stay smooth. • The cup shape is ideal for a strapless: projection at the base, reduced volume at the top, and a secure neckline. ELASTICS & FINISHING • I used regular bra elastic for this version and it worked fine, but for the next one I’ll be adding silicone beading along the upper edge for extra grip and security. SEWING EXPERIENCE • Construction is straightforward if you’re comfortable with foam cups and elastic application. • The cup seams nest nicely and press well over a ham. • Rigilene boning is easy to work with. I trimmed the corners and melted with a lighter to smooth off. I also applied a small amount of Kinesiology tape to the ends for the boning on the back band to give some extra protection to the power mesh. HACK POTENTIAL This pattern is a brilliant base for structural garments: • Longline: extend the cradle, add more boning channels (Rigilene works but firmer boning will give a cleaner line), and widen the hook and eye. • Bustier top: lengthen to the waist, stabilise the front panel, and treat the back as a full fabric piece instead of a standard bra band. INSTRUCTIONS I loved the You Tube sew-along, I prefer this to written instructions personally, but the instructions are very thorougher SUMMARY Highly recommend. Great fit, great support, and a very hackable base pattern. I’ll definitely be making more — including a longline and a bustier version.

Wow, what a great pattern.

This is my first underwire bra that I've attempted and wow is it a great pattern. The video tutorial is thorough and very helpful. I have only completed my first toile, but man is it beautiful and supportive. With some small additional tweaks, I will have an amazing bra!