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 designes using different fabric combinations

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.

Notes

Sewing instructions
Are available as a sewalong on my blog. Titles and steps are grouped in the Sewing instruction tab below
Widely tested for several sizes including cups B to J
A gallery of inspiration can be foung on instagram with the #mayabra tag
Terms of use
This pattern is available for personal use only. If you are a small business and would like to sew more sizes, contact me for terms of use
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 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

Help

Supplies Pattern details Sewing instructions Possible questions

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 zig-zag 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

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

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

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

Note

I do not have instructions for all the steps. I will add them as soon as I can. Instructions are divided in steps like a sewalong. Each step is a blog post

Start here

Choose the right size
1. Bra size charts
2. What size to choose for the bra pattern if my breast shape is reduced projections
3. What size to choose for the bra pattern if my breasts are Omega shape
Get the pattern
1. Download the pattern
2. How to print sewing patterns
3. How to assemble pattern pages
A glance on the pattern pieces
Planning bra design and gathering needed materials
Pattern adjustments
1. How to adjust the bridge on my bra pattern
2. Upper cup adjustment
3. How to adjust cup pattern for reduced projection breast shape
4. How to adjust cup pattern for Omega shape breasts
Cutting
Before sewing – some needed tools & notions

Sewing cups
Sewing the band
1. Preparing the cradle
2. Joining the cradle with the back wings
Attache cups to the band
Sew band elastics
1. Prepare straps
2. Determine bra elastic’s length
3. First stitch to attache bra bottom elastic
4. First stitches to attache bra underarm elastics
5. Before making the final stitch on elastics
6. Final elastic stitches
Channels and under-wires
Bra closure and furnishes
Some analysis and conclusions

I can’t find the download page

The content is organized in tabs. The download section is on the Download tab. But you can use this link to access the tab directly.

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 a 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 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 of your students makes by whichever way works for you: tag me on the social media (Instagram, Facebook), link back to our website in your blog post, or simply send us an email with some of your pictures.