We love sewing and designing lingerie. We create top-notch lingerie patterns.
We love sewing and designing lingerie. We create top-notch lingerie patterns.
Maya Bra Sewing Pattern
Description
- This is a FREE PDF bra sewing pattern available to print on A4 or Letter paper format
- The bra uses underwires and is designed for day wear. Straps are not detachable
- The bra offers good support and a great level of comfort
- You can adjust the pattern to get different designs using different fabric combinations
Terms of use
- Personal usage
- Small business – possible with special terms, please get in touch
Sizes
Use our Bra Size Calculator to determine your bra and wire size. The calculator also says if your size is covered by the Maya bra pattern. Already drafted patterns are instantly available for download. Listed sizes but with no download link can be covered by their sister sizes.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
- PDF files contain pattern pieces only. They do not include sewing instruction.
- Each size has it’s own PDF file.
- Number of pages per size: 3 (for small sizes) to 10 (for big sizes).
- This pattern has 8 mm seam allowances. Foam pieces are provided already prepared with trimmed seam allowances
Notes
- Widely tested for several sizes including cups B to J – A gallery of inspiration can be foung on instagram with the #mayabra tag
- Supporting women – This is a free resource to allow women to step into bra making world. Read here why is Maya a free sewing pattern.
Download
Select your sizing system, then enter your band and cup size. Fill in your email and click Download. We will send you an email with the download link. Please download the pattern and open the PDF file from a laptop or a computer
Need help with PDF sewing patterns?
Bra features
- Three-piece cup
- The horizontal cup seam is above the bust point (nipple)
- Adjustable straps (non-detachable)
- Full frame
- Back closure (2 or 3 rows hook-and-eyes can be used)
- Underwire
Maya Bra ©AFI ATELIER. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Supplies
With Maya Bra Pattern you can create your style. This is achieved by choosing a cup style. You can make a simple cup that must be lined or a cut-and-sew foam cup.
SUPPLIES FOR ANY STYLE:
- bra elastics – stretch amount: 65% – 110%
- strap elastics – stretch amount: 40% – 70%
- main fabric with a stretch amount: 25% – 40%; this is the fabric that covers the bra; it must be eye-appealing; you can use: lace, lycra, knits, stretch satin, etc
- stretch power-net – for back wings; this is if you want back wings made from a different fabric than the rest of the bra
- non-stretch power-net; it can also be non-stretch cotton fusible interfacing – used for lining and stabilizing the cradle
- bra closure; you can choose a 2-hook-eye or a 3-hook-eye closure
- bra notions: 2 rings + 2 strap adjusting sliders
- bra embellishment – bow or flower
- a pair of regular underwires
- underwire and side boning casings; or nice to skin fabric that can take a round shape when pressed and steamed
- plastic boning – for side seams
- usual tools for sewing: sheers, matching thread, sewing machine with at least straight and zigzag stitch, stretch or ball-point machine needle, etc
FOR A SIMPLE CUP THAT’S LINED YOU’LL BE NEEDING ALSO:
- main fabric with a stretch amount: 25% – 40%; this is the fabric that covers the cup; it must be eye-appealing; you can use: lace, lycra, knits, stretch satin, etc
- lining fabric: you can underline with stretch and non-stretch fabric. For stretch fabric, choose one that is at most 40% stretchy
FOR A CUT-AND-SEW FOAM CUP THAT’S ALSO LINED, YOU’LL BE NEEDING:
- main fabric with a stretch amount: 25% – 40%; this is the fabric that covers the foam; it must be eye-appealing; you can use: lace, lycra, knits, stretch satin, etc
- cut-and-sew foam (neoprene); they come in different sizes; I recommend one that is no more than 3mm thick; also, I recommend to use a stretch foam, even if it has a small amount of stretch
- lining fabric; you can underline with stretch and non-stretch fabric; for stretch fabric, choose one that is no more than 40% stretchy; for non-stretch I recommend to use only fusible interfacing
- satin or other ribbon (that’s great against the skin) – to cover foam seams; but this is optional, my tutorial on sewing this bra will be using them; you can use stretch ribbon as well if both the foam and lining is stretchy
Pattern pieces
- C1 – Cup upper piece for the top layer
- C2 – Cup side piece for the top layer
- C3 – Cup center piece for the top layer
- F1 – Cup top piece for foam
- F2 – Cup side piece for foam
- F3 – Cup center piece for foam
- B1 – Back wing for a 3 eye-hook band
- B2 – Cradle for a 3 eye-hook band
- H1 – Back wing for a 2 eye-hook band
- H2 – Cradle for a 2 eye-hook band
Sewing instructions
I DO NOT HAVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL THE STEPS. I WILL ADD THEM AS SOON AS I CAN.
INSTRUCTIONS ARE DIVIDED INTO STEPS LIKE A SEW-ALONG. EACH STEP IS A BLOG POST
- Fabrics and notions used in bra making
- Bra sizing
- A glance on the pattern pieces
- Planning bra design and gathering needed materials
- Cutting
- Before sewing – some needed tools & notions
- Sewing the cups
- Sewing the band
- Attaching cups to the band
- Sew band elastics
- Prepare straps
- Determine bra elastic’s length
- First stitch to attache bra bottom elastic
- First stitches to attache bra underarm elastics
- Before making the final stitch on elastics
- Final elastic stitches
- Channels and under-wires
- Bra closure and furnishes
- Some analysis and conclusions
Possible questions
I can’t find all the instructions to sew the bra. The links do not work
The instructions are not finished. Unfortunately, for the moment I have not set a time due to personal reasons. But this subject is our top priority and we will get back to it at some point.
When will instructions be finished?
Unfortunately, for the moment I have not set a time due to personal reasons. But this subject is our top priority and we will get back to it at some point.
Can I make the pattern without underwires?
I have seen some Mayas made without underwires in the bra-making community. So yes, you can. But please note that you will not get the same shape and support. There isn’t going to be a clear separation between your breasts. The finished bra will have the look of a bralette and the feel of loungewear. When choosing the supplies, please use very stable fabrics. If you’re going to use some pretty stretch laces, it’s important you line them with stable fabric.
Can I make the pattern without foam?
Yes. Since the foam is a stable fabric you have to compensate for it. Use stable – this means, non-stretch or with some mechanical give – fabric. If you’re going to use some pretty stretch laces or Lycra, it’s important you line them with non-stretch fabric.
Can I use your pattern in a workshop?
Yes, but please let me know if your students make by whichever way works for you: tag me on social media (Instagram, Facebook), link back to our website in your blog post, or simply send us an email with some of your pictures.