I think the best gift for a mother-to-be is a sewing machine and/or sewing lessons. There are so many baby and maternity projects a new mother can sew to save money and enjoy the moment!
Here is a super easy tutorial on how to convert an old (or new clearance) bra into a nursing bra. The nursing bra clips are very inexpensive and the DIY sewing project takes less than 10 mins.
Materials:
- Sewing Machine (A needle and thread works too! It will just take longer to sew.)
- Maternity Nursing Bra Clips*
- Scissors
- Seam Ripper
- Thread
- Bra Elastic (You need this is you add the anchor strap. I did not add this. As of now, I don’t think it’s necessary.)
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*Where can someone buy the nursing bra clips?
You can buy them from Joann Fabrics, Amazon, or Wawak. You need 2 sets per bra.
Sewing Tutorial Instructions:
Step 1:
Gather the bras you want to convert into nursing bras. Measure the width of the straps to choose your clip size. Most clips are made for 1/2″ or 5/8″ straps. (Most of my bras needed the 5/8″ clips.)
Step 2:
The bra clip attachments are added just above the the bra cups. Cut each strap about 1/2″ above the cup.
Step 3:
Each strap will use 1 set of clips. (You need 2 sets per bra.) The clips with the hook are attached to the long straps that come over the back. The other clips are added to the 1/2″ strap above the cup. Pin the clips in place. (See photos.)
Step 4: Sew on the clips using a zig zag stitch on your sewing machine.
Step 5: There is a loop at the bottom of the top (hook) clip. This loop allows you to add an anchor strap, a strap attached to the top (hook) clip and front of bra. (I didn’t think the anchor straps were necessary or comfortable, so I skipped them.)