How to Convert a Bra to a Nursing Bra by Sewing

Breastfeeding is the favored method for moms to feed their infants. There are many advantages to breastfeeding, including the health benefits to the child as well as the added convenience to the mother. Special clothing is needed to enable nursing your baby quickly and conveniently. Along with a nursing shawl to preserve modesty, the nursing bra is a necessary item for nursing moms. Nursing bras have cups that unfasten easily. Although nursing bras can be purchased, you will find it less expensive and have greater variety if you convert a regular bra into a nursing bra.

Instructions

1

Select a comfortable bra that fits well, preferably not underwire as it is seldom used in nursing bras because of concern it might constrict the breast and cause blocked milk ducts.

2

Cut the front of the bra strap about 1 inch above the bra cup.

3

Fold the short piece of the strap that is attached to the cup through the bottom of the "S" hook. Thread about a 12-inch length of the matching colored thread through a sewing needle. Insert the needle into the short end of the strap and take several stitches from the back of the strap to the front of the strap, in the same spot, to secure the end of the thread.

4

Hand-sew along the cut edge of the strap to secure the fold and to affix the strap to the bottom of the hook. Take several stitches in place at the end of your sewing line to secure the stitches. Clip the thread close to the strap.

5

Fold over about 1/2 inch on the cut end of the longer piece of the bra strap, forming a loop that will be threaded through the top portion of the "S" hook when fastening and unfastening your nursing bra. Stitch this fold in place using the same process of stitching in Steps 3 and 4.

6

Cut a piece of ribbon or 1/4-inch-wide elastic to a 6-inch length. Stitch one end of the ribbon to the longer end of the bra strap, close to the folded edge sewn in Step 5. Stitch the other end of the ribbon to a place inside the bra cup. Do not stretch the elastic if using elastic. Use this ribbon to keep the top end of the bra strap accessible when you unfasten it when nursing.