Dear Costume Goddess,

I have made a strapless bra top and a matching collar. What I want to do to create support for the top is connect to the collar with strands of beadwork. What should I use to do this? Should I use elastic beadthread, regular beadthread or something else? I will be using sead beads in these strands.

--Flashing In Florida

Dear Flashing,

This sounds like a beautiful design, but I wouldn't rely on threaded strands of beads, especially not on elastic, to support a bra. It would be too easy to break them (or stretch the elastic out) no matter what you use. The bra needs to be connected to the collar with several strips of sturdy quarter inch or several more eighth-inch grosgrain ribbons. When you're satisfied the ribbons are sewed on very securely (practice in the costume!), then bead the ribbons directly, or sew the finished strands of beads onto the ribbon. The ribbon should be concealed, so it will look just as impressive.

--The Costume Goddess

Other articles on this web site that you may find helpful include:

Ask The Costume Goddess: Buying Coins For A Costume. Find out how to shop for coins that match your coin belt to use in covering your bra or making other accessories. Ask The Costume Goddess: How To Cover A Bra. Before attaching the coin or chain bra cover, you need to cover the bra with suitable fabric. Here's how. Ask the Costume Goddess: Soft-Cup Bras for Costumes? Can you use a soft-cup bra to make your costume?

Ask The Costume Goddess: Bras For Dancers With Large Bustlines. If your cups runneth over, here's how to shop for a large-sized bra to use as a costume base. Ask The Costume Goddess: Making A Coin Bra. Learn how to make a coin bra and how to wear a purchased coin belt.

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