Making Your Own Bra Part 1: Intro and supplies

Greetings!
Back in December 2014, I was desperately looking for a red bra. I didn't think it would be too difficult, there are a handful available in my size, but apparently I'm a shape mis-match for nearly all of them (Custom and Polish bras excluded. I wanted it fast and reasonably priced).
I could have easily dyed a fitting white bra red (Curvy Kate Lola in this instance), but decided instead to take it apart and make a pattern and new bra. That way, next time I want a bra in a color I can't find, I can make and dye it myself, or use whatever lovely fabric I like.
Let me say now, that while I have documented the experiment pretty darn well IMO, this is NOT a tutorial. You should be able to use this as a general guide, but I wouldn't rely on it solely.

So first off,  Is sewing your own bra really that much cheaper than buying them? That depends. Are you a hard to fit size/shape? Are you thrifty, scouring sales and coupons? Do you have fabric sensitivities that prevent you from buying certain bras?
I have spent anywhere from $10 to $80 on bras. If you only intend to make one bra, it will probably cost the same or more than your regular bras. If you intend to make several, it will be more economical, since bras take so little fabric and you can usually cut more than one set from the same piece of fabric.
If you are lucky enough to live near a fabric district or a store stocking lingerie fabrics and supplies, it may cost less than ordering online, since you can buy partial yardage in person and online is usually by the full (sometimes half) yard.
I ordered the majority of my supplies from www.SewSassy.com
What didn't I purchase from sewsassy:

• back closure. etsy ArteCrafts. wanted a heat sealed closure (like on a ready to wear bra) rather than hook and eye tape. These are only available in 2 and (narrow) 3 hook styles. If you want a thicker band, go for the hook and eye tape.
• outer cup fabric. nylon/cotton lace from Jo-Ann fabrics
• foam lining. etsy, seller no longer active. have since purchased more foam from sewsassy (SS has better foam anyway)

Secondly, is it hard? If you've never sewn anything before, you may be biting off a bit much. I'm sure you can manage, but you'll need to go slow and be patient. Even if you've been sewing for years, bras have fiddly bits that can drive anyone crazy. Overall, bra sewing is not difficult, but it can be frustrating.


Here's a basic rundown of what you'd need. Prices and codes are from www.Sewsassy.com
*NAYY, just one of the only one-stop-shops for bra making in the US I know of. www.Sweetcupsbrasupply.com also sells kits and is the US counterpart of Canadian site www.bramakerssupply.com

Bra Supplies for Approximately 3 Bras in 36FF/34G/32GG/30H

Back closure: 1/4 yd hook & eye tape HE952 $2.60
5/8" Strap rings: 1 dozen B970NC-5/8 $1.45
5/8" Strap slides: 1 dozen B967NC-5/8 $1.40
Underwire channeling: 2 yds CH912 $2.50 ($1.25/yd)
3/8" Underarm elastic: 5 yds PE401 $3.00 ($0.60/yd, 5yd min)
1/2" Band elastic: 5 yds PE420 $3.50 ($0.70/yd, 5yd min)
5/8" Strap elastic: 3 yds PE560 $3.00 ($1/yd, 3yd min)
Underwires: Select size based on measurements $3.60 ($1.20/pair)
Poly Laminate Foam (cup lining): 1/2 yd F325 $9.00 ($9/half yard, $17.50/yard)
Band Fabric (powerknit/net): 1 yd TechSheen TechS380 $9.98 (*will make way more than 3 bra bands*)
Shipping $10 USPS Priority (estimate. ships from AL)

Cup Outer Fabric: 1 yard $10 (estimate. will depend on fabric selection at local store)
Bows, ribbons, flowers, other decoration: $1 estimate

Total Cost: $61.03 ($20.34 per bra)

OTHER SUPPLIES:
Fitting bra to take apart, or a pattern (preferably already test-fit)
Paper to make your pattern on. I use large rolls of doctor exam table paper. Regular tissue paper, holiday gift wrap (plain side), paper grocery bags, butcher paper and computer paper will all work but the thinner the better.
Pen, Pencil, Marker
Various sewing supplies (Tape Measure, Pins, Scissors, Sewing Machine, with both universal and ball point needles, Seam ripper...)
Thread (if dying your bra, use cotton thread or a color that will match the finished dye job. If not dying your bra, match or contrast the thread as you please)
Chocolate/Wine/both (optional, highly recommended)