In the last post I went through all the prep work to create detachable bra straps. In this post, I will take you through the process adding a strap attachment to your Esplanade bra so you can wear straps with your bra – or not! I love options!
Since I am using my Esplanade bra pattern for this tutorial, I will be covering how to add the strap attachment when using cut-and-sew foam bra cups and regular lingerie elastic around the top of the band.
Front Strap Attachment
To add a strap attachment on the front of the bra, we are going to attach a folded length of grosgrain ribbon (you can also use a lightweight twill tape) into the fabric to foam seam line on the upper edge of the upper cup.
First cut two 1¼” lengths of grosgrain ribbon. Fold each length of ribbon in half and with the ribbon centered on the strap placement marking and the raw edges aligned with the top of the upper cup, enclose the ribbon in the fabric to foam seam (Image 1). Now flip the fabric out of the way (Image 2) and sew two rows of straight stitches on top of each other (Image 3) to secure the ribbon to the foam cup.
Now you can finish the cups and continue sewing your bra as usual.
Back Strap Attachment
For the rear ribbon attachment, start by cutting two 2” lengths of ribbon. When it comes time in the construction process to add the upper band elastic, sandwich the folded strip of ribbon between the elastic and the power net, with the raw edges of the ribbon along the upper edge of the bra, (Image 1) and sew the first pass of elastic as usual (Image 2). When you sew the second pass of zigzag stitches on the elastic, keep the ribbon free (Image 3).
After the elastic attachment is complete, turn the ribbon to the inside of the bra and sew two rows of straight stitches on top of each other to secure the ribbon to the bottom of the elastic (Image 4).
Now you can finish sewing your bra as usual. When you want to add straps just hook them into the ribbon loop with the closed end of the hook on facing the outside (shoulder side) of the bra (see image 4 of the upper cup attachment).
One of the fun things about detachable straps is that you can make multiple straps for the same bra. You can also crisscross the back straps if that works better underneath your clothing.
Now you have more styling options for the Esplanade bra!
