Bra’s feeling a little tight? DIY a cute extender!

Cue obligatory paragraph about how things have been so crazy so I haven’t been able to post…

Seriously though, omicron. We finally were feeling confident enough to have Christmas dinner with my parents, an aunt and uncle and a couple cousins when we got a call from Isabel’s school saying she had been in close contact to a positive case. So, we spent Christmas in quarantine. I am feeling really, really, REALLY bummed about it all. I’m anticipating that kids will not be returning to school in January so I am trying my best to work on the few days that Dan is home on holidays. What a time to be alive… I’m just trying to stay focused on the fact that we are all healthy. Everything else will come with time… I think…

Anyway, I know for a fact that absolutely no one wants to hear about COVID anymore. I am declaring this a pandemic-free zone! Strictly lingerie and pretty things allowed.

When I was pregnant, I had the biggest belly in the world. It was actually kind of alarming how big it was. All of that used up space caused my ribcage to expand and all of my bras were so uncomfortable. While I could have gone out and bought some boring beige bra extenders, I decided to make a few of my own that were a little more… aesthetically pleasing. I’ve been making these occasionally for pregnant customers as well to make sure their bras can withstand all of the changes that happen in pregnancy.

But that’s not the only reason you might want an extender. Our bodies change all the time; as we age, as hormones change, etc. And sometimes you spot the most perfect bra that’s just a tad too small… this can help you with that problem and it’s very simple to do!

Supplies:

6″ length of sturdy elastic (strap elastic, firm band elastic, etc), cut into to 3″ lengths

2×3 hook and eye closure

Coordinating Thread

Instructions:

Begin by cutting your 6″ length of elastic into two 3″ pieces.

Decide on your elastic placement; criss-cross or parallel.

Insert one end of the elastics into the eye side of the closure and stitch in place.

Making sure the hooks are facing the opposite way (ie. facing towards the inside of the garment), insert the remaining side of the elastics into the closure if using a pocket style hook-side OR baste the hook-side on, trim back any excess elastic, then fold the hooks under and top stitch in place.

It is very important that in the end, you end up with the hooks facing inward and the eyes facing outward.

That’s it! So simple!

If you’re more visual, I’ve added a video tutorial over on my YouTube Channel! I hope to be posting a new video soon on how to sew nursing clips, so stay tuned!