I don’t think this tutorial on how to convert a regular bra into a nursing bra needs much of an introduction. If shopping for a nursing bra is not a heartache for you, than I’ve already lost you. But if nursing bra shopping makes you wail and gnash your teeth, than read on, because I’m about to show you how (almost) any bra can be converted to a nursing bra. huzzah!
The key to this project is sourcing the nursing bra clasps. I ordered my clasps from Sew Sassy, who carry them in various sizes. The sizes correspond to the width of your bra strap. You will need a pair of clasps for each bra.
The nursing bra clasps are made of two parts – which I’ll refer to as the front and the back.
You will also need some soft 1/2 inch wide elastic to anchor the bra clasp. (“Plush elastic” is the best for its softness and non-crumpliness, but I am using “fold over elastic” here because it was more readily available. )
The bra in this example adjusts in the front, but you can also do this with bras that adjust in the back as well. I’ll note the changes in this tutorial.
Ready? Let’s do this.
Step 1: Remove the front O-ring from the cup and strap.
Using a seam-ripper, rip open the stitching holding the strap to the slider. Then, open up the stitching attaching the O-ring to top of the bra cup. Discard the O-ring, but save the slider.
(If your bra has the slider in the back of the bra instead of adjusting in the front like the one pictured here, cut the bra strap about 1/2 inch above the cup instead.)
Step 2: Sew the clasp front to the bra cup.
Sew the clasp front to the bra cup where the O-ring was attached.
I use a Jersey needle, and a zig-zag stitch.
(If there wasn’t an O-ring and you cut the strap instead, sew the clasp front to the top of the bra cup on the cut bra strap.)
Step 3: Attach the bra strap to the slider and clasp back.
Thread the bra strap back through the slider and then the top of the clasp back, then back up to the slider. You thread it exactly as it was before, but the clasp back is replacing the O-ring that you removed. Sew the bra strap to the center bar of the slider.
(If you cut the strap, sew the bra strap to the top of the clasp back.)
Step 4: Anchor the clasp back to the bra cup.
To keep from losing the bra strap while the clasp is undone, a piece of elastic is sewn to the bottom of the clasp back which is then sewn to the bottom of the bra cup. Position it so the elastic runs along the outer edge of the cup.
Repeat on the other bra strap and you have a nursing bra!
If you cut the strap (for a back-adjusted bra), the finished strap will look like this.
Click here to see more maternity and nursing DIYS.
Or check out my tutorial on how to make your own nursing sleep bra!
Oh wow! What a terrific tutorial!! You make it seem so easy, too. I totally could have used this when I was nursing – not that I knew how to sew back then, ha ha. But seriously, this is awesome.
What a clever way to transform a bra!
Thank you so much!! I will definitely try this! Do you have a way to reinforce the underwire between the breasts? Whenever I pull down a normal underwire bra to nurse, after a while it causes the underwire to poke through between the breasts. Any suggestions would be great!
You could try covering it with a bit of satin ribbon and hand sewing it in place, but pulling on the upper cup like that will cause it to rub against the underwire. If you add clips to your regular bras it probably won’t wear as quickly.
After an extremely frustrating day that made me feel like a giant leaking cow we finally paid over $120 EACH for two non-nursing bras at a specialty store that sent them away for 2 weeks to “customize” them into nursing bras.
Jodi!
Your’re a pro!! I loved your tutorial and I will check out the night bras!
Thanks!
Mon
Well I am at nursing at least. I’ve spent more than 6 years of my life doing it. hehe. 🙂
Thanks for this! I’ve been searching for nursing bras which don’t cost me $5000, that have underwire (seems the current nursing bra trend is wire-free….I wear a G cup when my milk comes in….wire-free will never give me the support I need!!!), oh and the underwire doesn’t poke out within a week of owning the bra, that is the correct cup size, and has enough padding to not show my nipples and my nursing pads. Looking online, I found nothing that looked supportive or doable. I thought to myself yesterday that I just wanted to wear my current bras, which took me yrs to find! Oh, and kohls regularly has them on sale, so I can find them for $22!! And they LAST! This tutorial will allow me to have the supportive bras I NEED, and in the correct size! Thanks soooooo much!
I have to ask… what magic supportive bra did you find – that meets all your requirements – for $22 at Kohls!??!
Jodi, this is genius! I’m just finding this post now but the timing is perfect – I need a nice bra for under a fancy dress and I’ll NEVER find the perfect nursing bra to go with it. Modifying a non-nursing one will be so much simpler!
I’m so glad it’s a help!
Do you happen to take orders? If not you really should! This is genius! And I would totally be your first client!
Thank you so much for this tutorial it has saved my sanity. Converted 2 post-surgery bras to nursing bras in 30 minutes and feeling very happy right now.