How to Repair an Underwire Bra

A needle, thread and a few easy steps can save your underwire bra.

We've all been there: You put on your favorite underwire bra and feel the underwire edge pop out of its casing, into your skin. What do you do when the closure rips? The bow falls off? Don't throw away the bra just yet! With a needle and thread and these simple steps, your underwire bra will be as good as new.

Things You'll Need

• Thread
• Hand-sewing needle
• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

Fix a Hole in the Underwire Casing

1. Thread the needle and knot the end of the thread.

2. Push the underwire back into the casing so that the casing overlaps the edge of the underwire by 1/4 inch.

3. Insert the needle on the inside of the bra at the outer edge of the ripped underwire casing 1/16 inch from the top edge of the bra. Make small stitches parallel to the bra edge to completely cover the casing from edge to edge. Knot the thread and cut.

4. Insert the needle again, 1/8-inch down from the first stitch line on the inside of the bra. Make another stitch line parallel to the first, using small stitches. Make sure the stitch line completely covers the the casing from edge to edge. Knot and cut the thread.

5. Tape the underwire edge with masking tape if it appears to be sharp.

Fix a Ripped Hook and Eye Closure

1. Insert the threaded needle on the inside of the bra at the seam edge of the hook and eye closure. Loop the thread over the top of the closure, and reinsert the needle in the same place, creating a looped stitch over the top of the bra. Repeat the loop stitch three times.

2. Sew a line parallel to the closure edge, 1/8 inch from the closure edge using small stitches. Make several more looped stitches at the other outer edge of the closure. Knot and cut the thread.

3. Insert the needle again on the inside of the bra 1/8 inch from the first stitch line on the closure. Make the looped stitches at the outer edge. Make another stitch line parallel to the first. Make additional looped stitches at the other end. Knot and cut the thread.

Fix a Bent Hook Closure

1. Flatten the wire using the needle-nose pliers, making sure the three wires of the hook are parallel to each other.

2. Use the pliers to bend the hook back into shape, making sure to leave a gap between the hook and the bra itself.

3. Test the hook by fastening the closure. If the hook does not line up with the eye, use the pliers to bend out the hook and rebend it to fit the eye.

Fix a Detached Bow

1. Insert the threaded needle on the back of the bra where the center of the bow is to be placed. Pierce the bra fabric and the bow with the needle.

2. Turn the needle around and insert the needle back into the same place. Repeat the stitches at least three times. Knot and cut the thread on the inside of the bra.

3. Check that the bow is secure by giving it a gentle tug.

Tips & Warnings

• Any of the sewing can also be accomplished with a sewing machine. Make sure to back stitch on any edges.