Cage bras have been one of this year’s hottest trends and even as the weather turns a little more chilly, the craze doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. While many opted to wear them as tops, particularly at festivals, they’re also a must-have for anyone who loves layers. You can wear them under loose or sheer tops, or simply add it to your normal wardrobe for a little extra support!

Fabrics & materials used:

• Base: 1/2 yard Black Power Mesh
• Overlay: 1/2 yard Atrovirens Geometric Stretch Lace
• 4 18″ Replacement Bra Straps
• MDF012 – The D’Arcy Bralette Sewing Pattern (free download below!)

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Pattern includes a 1/2″ seam allowance unless otherwise stated.

The best part about this lil bralette is that there are no foam cups to worry about or pokey wires. As someone with a DDD chest, I’m always on the hunt for something that’s both supportive and comfortable, and if made correctly, this pattern can definitely be both.

For this one, I went with a power mesh and a stretch lace, which work very well together. Both have similar weights and about a 30% horizontal stretch. I sewed the side top bodice and center top bodice pieces together to form the cups, like you see above. I chose to use French seams, but they’re not 100% necessary. Neither fabric frays, so I probably could have gone with normal seams. If you have a serger though, I’d definitely recommend it.

Once you have your two cups, attach them at the center seam like you see above, and then add the lower front band. If you have a smaller chest, your vertical seams can be regular straight stitches, but definitely use a zig-zag stitch while attaching the band (like below) to avoid losing any stretch.

The back is made up of an upper and lower band. When sewing them together, match up your notches and add in your bra straps like in the photo below. The wrong side of the strap should be against the fabric, and the right (shinier) side should be facing out. Be sure to have the adjustable hardware at the far end of the strap so it’ll go towards the front.

Attach the front and back of the bralette at the sides and then roll the bottom hem of the garment. Again, make sure to use a zig-zag stitch.

Next, roll the top edge of the bralette, stitching the bra straps to the top back along the way.

Fold the top points of the bra cups inward and attach the front of the bra straps. Take the 2 secondary straps, cut off the adjustment hardware and lace one through each of the rings on the main straps. Pin and stitch them at the center front and sides, depending on your desired fit.

I love the potential for this pattern: future swimsuits, crop tops, lighter bralettes for the summer. I can’t wait to try different fabric and color combinations. Which fabrics are you going to pair together for yours?