Are you excited to learn more about sewing lingerie? I promise, anyone can do it!
More than any other kind of sewing I’ve done, sewing bras has been a journey for me. (A short one so far, since I’ve only been doing it for 8 months!) At first, I was scared of all the new techniques and notions… and then realised it was nothing more complex that a lot of straight stitching and zigzags. My first bra was so exciting… and then after a few more, it became clear that pattern really didn’t fit me so well. I tried cloning a RTW bra and was thrilled with how easy it is… then one by one, stopped wearing those copied bras because the wires dug in to my sternum. Now I’m on to a custom-drafted pattern, which I’ll talk more about later in the month. The point is, enjoy the process, and don’t expect miracles from your first make!
I’d also recommend investing in quality materials. The wires, fabrics, and elastics you chose will all have a significant effect on the fit on any of bra. What’s the point of perfecting the fit with jersey, lycra or quilting cotton only to find out the fit is all wrong in your treasured “good” fabric? Instead, sew your first version of a new pattern in good fabric, then rip out just the cups and replace them as you adjust the pattern. Much faster and cheaper than sewing a whole new bra every time, and lets you work on the fit accurately. If you aren’t sure what size wires you are, try ordering a “fitting” kit that includes several sizes of wires to try, like this one from Emerald Erin. And don’t worry, we have a comprehensive post coming up soon on where to buy supplies online!
My final piece of advice is to get help from the online community! Ask your question in the comments section, or go to our new “Lingerie” board in the forum. The CSC also has a private Flickr group, where you can post pics without the whole world seeing them… or when in doubt, send a friend a pic and see what they suggest. There is a huge wealth of tutorials already online about sewing with certain materials, grading patterns, fitting, and patterns. Google is your friend, and we’re always here to help.
We’ve been really lucky here at the Curvy Sewing Collective to have two talented bloggers helping us organise this theme month: Megan and Andie! They’ve been active behind the scenes since December helping plan posts, approach contributors, and create content.
Megan and a few of her lingerie makes!
First up, Megan from The Green Violet! She says:
“Megan is a hydrogeologist by day, but spends an embarrassing amount of her free time in the sewing room trying to create a perfectly fitting bra. She grew up being inspired by the sewing of her foremothers, but didn’t start sewing in earnest until 2012, shortly after she moved to New Mexico and found her shopping options severely limited. She started sewing bras about a year ago, after she realized that they just didn’t make her size in RTW, and shortly thereafter threw all those ill-fitting monsters in the trash (ok, actually the donation bin). She wants everyone to know that bra making is easy (so jump right in!), but bra fitting is a journey that is best if attempted with the help of a few good internet sewing friends. When she isn’t sewing, she can be found skiing, rafting, and seeking out the best hot springs in the southwestern US. You can find her online at her neglected blogwww.thegreenviolet.blogspot.
Andie and her very first bra!
Secondly, Andie from Sew Pretty In Pink! She says:
“Andie blogs at Sew Pretty in Pink (sewprettyinpink.wordpress.com
In addition, we’ve got posts coming from a wide range of guests, and our own CSC editorial team. We’re all enthusiastic amateurs, and excited to get more people into lingerie sewing.
Happy sewing, everyone!
I need to try another attempt at the Shelly bra; I have very small shoulders, a smaller band size and ginormous cups. I struggle with pain in my shoulders because I try to jack my bras up so I don’t look like my nipples point south. I’ve made two bras so far with no success; maybe the third time will be a charm!
Kayte, sounds like what you are looking for is more “lift”, and that actually comes from the upper cup… so try making your upper cup shallower on your next bra, or maybe pin a horizontal dart out about the apex on an existing bra, so see if that points things in the direction you want without having to have tight straps?
Ohh, I am going to try that. My Shelly was my second attempt at Bra making and it was a real frustration when things didn’t pan out. I have Beverly Johnson’s Craftsy class and it was depressing to see all of these successful bra-makers with their pert, cute little boobies all adorable in lace and satin. thanks for the tip!
What a great way to celebrate valentine’s day by showcasing lingerie…I mean bras??? Yes PLEASE!! I just recently shared about EYMM Everyday Essentials on my blog and got a lot of positivity from it and love being able to show other women that plus CAN be beautiful <3
I would love for you to stop by and say hi! http://www.thewholesomemama.com/2015/12/pretty-woman-six-degrees-of-separation.html
GIRL! That is gorgeous. If you ever feel like submitting a post to us about lingerie or other sewing, the info is at the top of the blog under “Contributors”. We’d love to hear from you!
Sounds great! I blog often so I will have to do that!!!
This is going to be a great month!! I can’t wait!
Yes,, Yes, Yes!! I an excited about this. I already have my material for mty fist bra and will be “jumping right in” too. I also can’t wait to finally have a list of suppliers.
We’ve got info on suppliers and the best materials coming up on Friday and Saturday of this week – because we had so much to say, it just wouldn’t fit in one post! 🙂
I am on my first bra making adventure. I ordered a kit from Bravo Bella and have watched all the DVD and am working on fitting a cup. Hopefully tomorrow I can get started on cutting things out. First, I need to find my sewing room!
That is awesome! Good luck, and ask us questions if you get stuck!
I’m actually really looking forward to this. Any maybe having more time on my plate. Several years ago I took a class from Anne St. Claire, but then never made another bra because they were all so ugly and if I was going to take the time – I wanted Pretty Underthings ::stompsfoot:: I have never had a matching set in my life and that is my goal – to make both a pretty bra and panties that fit, match and I feel fabulous in! that’s achievable, right?
RIGHT? That’s why I stopped with the first pattern I worked on – it was never ever going to be remotely cute, and dammit, I want cute/sexy/fun! I think a matching set is totally do-able!
Hi! I am still struggling to clone a ready to wear bra. I finally found a ready to wear bra that fits me pretty well and I adjusted the top of the cups where the lace is just slightly, by sewing a small dart in just the lace.
It’s the GEM bra from eBay in the UK sizing. Bart has sizes from 34 to 46 bands and cup sizes from D – J.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ladies-underwired-bra-cup-size-38-40-42-44-46-d-e-f-g-h-j-black-white-Lg925-/201158639831?var=&hash=item2ed5fd40d7:m:mWcWA8DgEJQXSWwFqmFJ0Ew
I’m going to continue on until I can get the pattern I’m making to work. I have not sewn it yet, but will sew it in some test fabrics using a basting stitch. Then if the “pattern” seems to fit I will make a paper pattern from that. Afterwards, I can cut some fabric and sew it. There’s a good video on youtube by Annele from Make Bra, “How to make a foam lined bra”. You can see it here:
There are other good videos on the subject out there. Not all are in English though.
A couple a years ago or so I tried making a 1950’s bullet bra pattern using Lutterloh from 1949 (?) I actually got pretty far, but when I sewed the circle stitching using my machine attachment, the cup came out too big so that’s another bra I will try again, hopefully soon.
Thank you! Kathy from Arizona
We’ll have a post up next week about how to clone a bra! Hope it’s helpful!
Dear Gillian, Hi! Well I’ve sewn my fabric pattern together for the cup with the basting stitch and it’s really really close. I think if I add 1/2″ to the outside underarm edge and the bottom of the cup pieces it should work correctly. I’ll look forward to seeing the “how to clone a bra” post! Thank you, Kathy from Ariziona
I took one class from Beverly Johnson in Humbolt Saskatchewan a few years ago in bathing suit making. It was a pure joy to learn from her. I have since taken her first craftsy class and a bra making workshop from 2 of her teachers. She always says if you can sew in a sleeve you can make a bra. Now fitting is not quite as easy. One foot in front of the other. I can highly recommend her craftsy class!
My mission is to perfect a pantie pattern this month! Bras have to wait in line!
Panties are such a good sewing project! Fun and fast, and so practical!
I’ve never been more excited for February!!! 😀 😀
Woohoo! And did you see Colette’s new patterns are also lingerie? I wonder if the slip has any bust shaping…
woo woo! excited to learn lots of tips and tricks!
You sew anything and everything you set your mind to – I hope we can convince you bras should be next! 🙂