I have been working for some time on a foam core filled dress form that would be really cheap.. problem is you need a ton of the stuff and it cures slowly when in large quantities.
This post triggered that old desire and this is how I got my first BRA FORM.
I put on an old bra that still fits but the back band is getting a bit worn and the white
isn't as pretty as it used to be ( hard water.. yech)
Standing in front of the mirror I started duct taping my bra cup ( I have been using the fiberglass tape that sheet rockers use for the BIG dress forms
. Spackle tape is self stick and would work wonderfully for this.
So here is a supply list for making a BRA FORM”
one can of GREAT Stuff or other insulating foam from the hardware store
one roll of duct tape or sheet rockers spackle tape
one or more pairs of plastic gloves, available from your drug store
a serrate knife, scissors
an aluminum foil covered baking sheet or foil covered shallow box
depending on your cup size a couple empty coffee cans if you feel you need better support for the cups
a misting bottle with a little water
approx total costs $5-5.50 US
Start taping the curve of the UNDER cup first and when that feels right do the UPPER cup then from the strap connection point downwards.... when the cups are completely taped (both sides) stop, removed the bra and place on your protected surface. It is important to apply the tape to really support the breast so curve the lower cup first and firmly so it makes your bra cup “better“
With the cups turned up side down so the inside is facing up place the bra on an OLD cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil.(for very large deep cups use a coffee can for support under each cup.) Get out a pair of latex gloves and made sure my glasses were on.
DO READ THE INSTRUCTIONS...on the can of Great Stuff or other “insul” foam product.
The nozzle which comes with the can gets screwed on the top, and have a misting bottle close by ( you will need a very fine mist spray) shake the can very well!!!
Hold it upside down and depress the nozzle and start in a circle in the center of the cup to squirt in the foam.. IT WILL EXPAND A LOT so do this slowly.. when the cup is half filled stop and give it a very fine mist of water to help set the foam.. fill the other cup half way and mist, go back to the first cup and fill then finish the second cup
(The water mist is suggested with Great Stuff check the can instructions if using another product.)
Do NOT MOVE the bra...it will set but if you move it this stuff will "slosh" a bit it will keep expanding until its about 3 times the original amount and a skin forms..it will smooth out some .DON’T TOUCH IT barehanded ( its a mess to clean up)>BR>
With 3-5 hrs it will be dry enough to handle but after 1 hr it still joggles, getting this stuff on your hands is NASTY to clean up.. so DON’T.
I have my work lights under counter which are cool and a kind of workshop spotlight which is warm above it and I left it on for several hrs to speed the process but it is not necessary
.
This stuff does create some heat....so don’t leave it unattended the first half hr or so just for safety sake.
....the bra you chose to work with is DONE as a wearable bra!!!! but you can draw on the outer layer when done and even cover it with a stretch Lycra or jersey or one of your NEW BRA CUPS.....
When this stuff is completely dry you can use a scissor to remove the over fill and a serrated knife to smooth the inside of the cup flat ( saw it so you don’t tear it all up.).
Now aside from wanting to use this to check your pattern pieces and the way the cup will align for the curving and tilting when attaching the bra band back it has other very useful purposes.
We are building a very shaped CUP.. laying the cup down flat to pin doesn’t quite do it........if you lay your cup pieces together on a FORM and then pin you will be really shaping the cup before you stitch........the other kewl result is if one breast is larger than the other ( and who doesn’t have that asymmetry!!!) you can modify your left and right cups to fit more precisely!
It can also be used to shape a swim suit, or put it under a pattern to properly place embroidery, appliques or color blocking .
.
Oh...
I used a different bra to establish my "triangle " shaped bridge but I laid that triangle on this form before filling and it was perfect! so that’s another useful tool. I find that most “bridges are triangular shaped rather than out patterns rectangle.
Great stuff costs me 4.99 at a NON discount hardware store and I used maybe 2 yards of duct tape all together ( probably way less) and a bra that needed to be discarded anyway.
The band is a moot point.. didn’t fool with that at all as that is easy to get right with the program and even MORE obvious when done this way.. oh.. you can hang this beast on a little pant hangar or beg a bra hangar from a retail store.
© 2002 Kaaren Hoback, Dryden, New York, www. patrns4u.com