Written by L.E. Carmichael

Summer: the season of long days, warm nights and fun, flirty fashions. Fun, flirty fashions that in no way cover bra straps….

Strapless bras are an obvious solution, but for some of us, they’re just not effective. Clear straps, an attempt at discretion that fools no one, are almost worse than the problem they’re designed to solve. But take heart – while visible panty lines are a definite fashion-faux pas, visible bra straps don’t have to be. Follow these steps to make beautiful, beaded straps you’ll be proud to show.

Materials:

A convertible bra with removable straps

0.5 mm plastic stretch cord

Four bra connectors

Scissors

Measuring tape

Seed beads

Accent beads (optional)

Instructions:

1. Adjust fabric bra straps to fit and measure the fabric’s length.
2. Cut two pieces of plastic cord:

*For a single-stranded strap, add 10 inches to the length of your fabric strap

*For a double strap, double the length of the fabric, then add 10 inches

3. Secure stretch cord to a bra connector:

*For a single strap, leave a 2 to 3-inch tail. Wrap the cord several times around the loop of the connector. Tie a knot and pull very tight. Tie a second knot for added security.

*For a double strap, fold the cord in half and feed the loop through the connector. Pass cut ends through the loop and pull tight. Wrap one end around connector, front to back, twice. Wrap the other end around connector, back to front, twice. Tie a knot and pull the ends tight, making sure the loose cords are about the same length.

4. Start beading! Check out our pattern tips, or let your creativity run wild. For proper support, the total length of your beads should be 2 inches less than the length of your original strap.

5. Tie a knot in the cord as close to the beads as possible (tie double cords together). This will keep your work from falling apart while you attach the second connector.

6. Secure the second connector. Pull knots tight, then trim the extra cord, leaving a 1/8 inch tail at each end.

7. Repeat steps 3-6 and show those straps! Just remember to remove them before laundry day.

Tips

• Double straps provide more support. For girls with larger cup sizes, 0.7 mm cord is a good alternative.
• We used connectors cut from inexpensive plastic straps.
• To attach connectors in a dignified fashion, a friend’s help is useful. If you’re working alone and have to use your teeth, we promise not to tell!
• Remember, stretchy cord stretches! Pull knots very tight to prevent your hard work from disintegrating.

Pretty Pattern Ideas

• If you like regular or repeating patterns, save yourself beading time and do the math first. The length of a single repeat should divide evenly into the total length of your strap.
• To keep double straps from spreading out over your shoulder, try one of these techniques:

*Gently twist the strands to form a loose spiral.

*At least once during your pattern, run both strands through a single bead with a large hole. Or, using wide beads with two holes, run one strand through each hole. Count your accent beads before you start, and divide them in half to ensure you’ll have enough for two matching straps.

Tags: beaded bra straps, bra connectors, bra pattern, bra straps, convertible bra, craft, DIY projects