The Basic Bra
The Basic Bra
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The Basic Bra is a knitted bra with a simple look and a comfortable fit.
It is knitted in 100% cashmere wool, making it ultra-soft against the skin and naturally breathable. The Basic Bra is custom-knit to your bust measurements in sizes S (M) L (XL).
The bra is worked from the bottom up, beginning with ribbing before transitioning into stockinette stitch. The band under the bust is knitted in the round on a circular needle and adjusted to fit your measurements.
The yarn amounts listed below correspond to bust sizes S (M) L (XL), while the band and straps are knitted to your specific measurements. See the sizing guide below for details.
However, the total yarn amount also depends on the length of your straps, so these estimates allow for some variation. We always recommend buying an extra skein to ensure consistency in dye lots. Most yarn retailers accept returns of unopened skeins.
Yarn
2 strands of nakedknit Cashmere 350
- Yardage: 350m / 25g
or
Lang Yarns Cashmere Lace
- Amount: 50g (50g) 75g (75g)
- Yardage: 165m / 25g
Note! Cashmere is incredibly soft and perfect for wearing against the skin. We strongly recommend using the suggested yarns. If substituting, we cannot guarantee the same level of softness or comfort.
Stockinette stitch on 2.5 mm needles: 10 cm x 10 cm = 27 sts x 44 rows.
This differs from the recommended gauge on the yarn labels because we use smaller needles (2 mm and 2.5 mm) to create a tighter, more structured fabric.
Sizing
The ribbed band under the bust is knitted to fit your exact measurements. Detailed instructions can be found in the Band section. The sizes below refer only to cup size, determining the cups you will knit. See the guide below for assistance.
How to Determine Your Cup Size
To find the best size, measure from the center underneath one breast up to where you want the bra strap to begin. Compare this height to the vertical cup height listed below.
This pattern assumes that the strap starts a few centimeters below the armpit. Another reference point is the wedge height, which should extend from the band under the bust up past the fullest part of your chest (nipple).
Cup Measurements by Size:
Size S
- Wedge height = 4.5 cm
- Vertical cup height (band to strap) = 13 cm
Size M
- Wedge height = 5.5 cm
- Vertical cup height (band to strap) = 16 cm
Size L
- Wedge height = 6.5-7 cm
- Vertical cup height (band to strap) = 19 cm
Size XL
- Wedge height = 7.5 cm
- Vertical cup height (band to strap) = 21 cm
- 1 circular needle, 2 mm, 40 cm
- 1 circular needle or two straight needles, 2.5 mm (length not important)
- 2 double-pointed needles, 2.5 mm
- 1 large stitch holder
- 1 measuring tape
- 1 elastic band (4 cm wide)
- 1 safety pin
- 4 stitch markers or safety pins
- 1 pair of scissors
- 1 tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- 1 stitch holder cord or alternatively, scrap yarn in a contrasting color and slightly thicker than the working yarn
- Optional: Knitting Helper app for calculating increases/decreases
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Frequently asked questions
How does the individual sizing work?
This differs from pattern to pattern, but oftentimes we ask you to measure underneath your bust and across your bust. Then we offer a calculation based on the knitting tension and this in turn tells you e.g. how many stitches you should cast on for your band.
Other times, it’s measuring the cups to your body and stopping when you feel they give the coverage you prefer. For some of our patterns we have created an Excel sheet where you simply type in your measurements and it provides you with the amount of stitches, cast-ons ect. Going forward we will optimise this and add it to more patterns.
Can I knit in other types of yarn than cashmere?
Of course you can!
We recommend cashmere because while researching many different yarn types, cashmere was the yarn that was the softest against the skin for the longest duration of time. Also cashmere on small needles tends to give a more tight knitted, elegant look, that we feel are perfect for our designs.But as long as you match the knitting tension to whatever yarn you are using, you can use whatever yarn you want.
How much support do your bras give?
The bras give the same support as a soft, wireless bra. However there are no strap adjustments in the patterns yet, so we generally recommend you knit the straps 5-10 cm shorter than you normally would, so they can ease.
I have a bigger bust, will your bras work for me?
Our bras are meant as a soft, wireless alternative to regular bras. If you need more support for your bust than a soft bra can give you, we suggest you wear a regular bra underneath your nakedknit bra.