There's nothing more unselfish a gift you can give than your time to make a mastectomy bra for someone you care about. Or it may be for yourself. You can make the bra to fit a store-bought prosthesis or you can make your own from layers of Fusible Padding F-995, begin by cutting two layers of the upper and lower cup from similar weight scrap fabric. Sew the cup seam together, then find the bust point (it's the area with the greatest curve at the middle of the cup).

Yes, you can make a nursing bra pattern from a regular bra pattern by cutting two layers of the upper and lower cup from similar weight scrap fabric. From one set you will cut away the center of the cup so there is essentially a "ring" of fabric at the outside edge, which will support the breast while nursing, since the strap assembly will hook to this. The outer layer is made as usual, except the normally attached area at the centre front connector will need to be left free to flip down. See similar questions...

Mastectomy bras are the best choice for a breast form. They have pockets in the cups to hold the breast form in place and are cut wider under the arm and across the chest for full coverage. Fuller cut fashion bras are acceptable, but do not provide as much security. See similar questions...

The easiest way to do this is to use the wire conversion chart to determine what cup sizes are equivalent to the needed size. For example, you need a 38F, but the pattern only goes to 38DD. You need one size larger. Refer to the wire chart and you'll see that a 38F uses the same size wire as a 40DD - in other words, these two cups are virtually identical in size. Use the cups from a 40DD, but the band will need to be shortened to the length of the 38. See similar questions...

Post-mastectomy (or simply mastectomy) bras resemble regular bras but with one important difference - they have spandex stretch pockets on the inside which help hold and keep the breast prosthesis in place. Mastectomy bras can be purchased at specialty shops or mastectomy boutiques. A certified mastectomy fitter, who is trained and experienced, can assist you in selecting and fitting the appropriate prosthesis and mastectomy bra that meets your individual needs. See similar questions...

A mastectomy bra (sometimes referred to as a surgical bra) is a bra with pockets sewn into the cups to hold the breast prosthesis in place. These bras are available in many styles and colors. See similar questions...

No, the Compressure Comfort® Bra is NOT a mastectomy bra. Mastectomy bras are designed to hold prostheses securely in place. The Compressure Comfort® Bra does much more. It is a compression garment for the truncal area, which is defined as the torso, with or without breasts. (We call it a bra simply because it can comfortably accommodate breast tissue if it is present. See similar questions...

Absolutely. But it’s important to remember that while the Compressure Comfort® Bra makes an effective and comfortable prosthesis holder, a mastectomy bra cannot substitute as a compression garment. (Analogy: while you can wear high-tech running shoes to the supermarket, you cannot run a race in a pair of high heels!). Regular “compression” sports bras are designed to flatten the breasts against the chest wall in order to help minimize their movement during exercise. See similar questions...

We do not sell a pattern to make slings. There are links to free internet patterns as well as patterns for sale at sew a sling. See similar questions...

There are many mastectomy boutiques and specialty shops that carry all types of prostheses and post-mastectomy garments. Most specialty shops employ certified fitters who are specially-trained to fit women for breast prostheses. Many mastectomy shops are owned by women who have had breast cancer themselves. your first fitting appointment, remember to wear a garment that fits properly (possibly a knit top), so that you can see the shape of your breast when trying on your new prosthesis. See similar questions...

You'll need a pattern, some fabric, elastic for the band, elastic for the strap (if you like elastic straps) slider & rings to make the straps adjustable, hook & eye tape for the back and if you use wires, you'll need them and the channeling to hold them. Like any sewing project, there are other notions and gadgets that will make life easier, but that's the basic list. See similar questions...

It's called "Vanity Sizing" and it's a common practice in Women's RTW. Most women take Vanity sizing for granted when they buy pants and dresses, but are shocked to find it exists in bras, too! If I shop in one store, I can fit into size 10 pants, but when I shop in a different store, I'm taking a 12 or a 14. Usually the more expensive the store, the smaller size you can fit into, which means that the manufacturers are deliberately over sizing their clothing as a selling feature. See similar questions...

You begin by using 2 half circle patterns (HC-01) and cutting the circular part out of the square surround. Then take straight patterns (SP-01) and cut them into length-long strips and wrap them around the circle. Make sure to leave a consistent grout joint between stones as you continue around the circumference. As the circle increases in size strips may be increased in width from 1 to 2 stones wide or more. See similar questions...

The patterns are not designed to teach someone how to sew. You will need basic sewing skills to make these garments. Very few sewing/craft retail outlets carry the supplies or are even familiar with them. There is a list of mail order suppliers in the patterns. No. The silhouette in #113 is historically correct from only about 1900 to 1906. Even so the period descriptions of the “corset girdles” were that they were appropriate for “young, slight” figures. See similar questions...

Many of our discontinued patterns and items may still be available to our customers. If your pattern has been discontinued and we have the ability to produce that item (or items) there is a nominal charge added to the retail price for each piece. To find out if your item is available please contact us at 740-452-9000. See similar questions...

No, we do not custom-make bras, we custom-fit bras. The majority of women are walking around wearing the wrong bra size. At Bra*Tenders, we use our special fitting technique (tape measure formulas do not work) to make all of our customers look beautiful in their new bras. See similar questions...

Your can make the payment for sampling charge for your invisible bra strap by PAYPAL or wire transfer when the amount of money is small. For bulk production of the invisible bra strap, you may make the payment for the invisible bra strap by wire transfer in advance or LC at sight. See similar questions...

In the factories, they use a breast-shaped mold to heat-set the fabric for bras, which is then inserted into the band. Unless you have one of these at home, you can't make a seamless bra just like at the store, but there are ways to simulate that seamless look. It involves using gathers and repositioning darts, which I can't go into here... See similar questions...