During our sew-along, we walked through the process of fitting and sewing a basic underwired bra pattern. We took our time so we could get to know the patterns and learn how to make design and pattern changes for style.
All the posts related to the sew-along are listed below. Scroll further down for a few FAQs.
schedule and posts
- Introductory Post
- The Schedule
- Pattern Options, some Q&A
- Materials and Supplies You’ll Need
- The Bra-making Flickr Group
- Interview with Norma of Orange Lingerie
week one: measuring and testing the pattern
week two: fitting & style changes
- Fitting Alterations for the Cups
- Ask the Expert: Fitting Questions for Norma
- Basic Style Alterations
- Major Style Alterations to Cup Seaming
week three: sewing our bras
- Final Pattern Tweaks and Cutting out Your Bra
- Assembling Cups and Linings
- Assembling Band, Sewing in Cups and Elastic
- Interlude: Bra Straps
- Finishing Elastic, Channeling, Hooks
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FAQ
Note: When shopping for underwires, buy more than one size! For insurance. This was the biggest thing we learned in the sew-along. Many found they needed a different wire than the one they’d bought or been wearing. Every wire seller has different styles, lengths, widths. Don’t expect the wire you purchase to be identical to the size and shape you’re used to wearing in your favorite bra, so it’s always good to try a few sizes to be sure. This page has links to underwire charts from various sellers around the web.
Where can I buy lingerie supplies?
This prep post has some information on basic supplies and traditional bra-making fabrics. For a listing of lingerie suppliers, I couldn’t make a better list than Dixie’s Big Fat List of Bra-making Supplies, which she has frequently updated.
Where do I sign up or enroll? Do you have a website where I can join?
The sew-along was be posted as a series of tutorials over a period of three weeks. We’re finished now, but this will always be here for you to follow at your leisure! You’re free to email me or leave comments if you have any questions along the way.
What pattern should I use?
Make sure to read the post on pattern options so you know what kind of bra we were making.
If this is your first bra, I highly recommend one of the styles by Pin-up Girls/Bra-makers Supply or Elan. The instructions are great for first-time bra-makers! Both are among some of the better-drafted bra patterns. The Pin-up Girls patterns in particular have the largest size range. (I have no affiliation with any company.)
A pattern with good structure and drafting makes a great basic “block” which you can learn to alter.
What kind of sewing experience do I need?
Making a bra requires some basic sewing experience, because you will be working with a lot of elastic and tiny, very curved seams. And because it is such a close-fit garment, some experience with fitting helps! But the great thing about making a bra is that it helps with your sewing accuracy and creativity in so many other areas!
Hello, I am looking for week 1 posts? Have I missed them?
Hi Judy, nope you haven’t missed anything. Anything I’ve posted is linked above in the schedule… keep checking back on my home page to see if it’s been updated!
Hi! I just learned about the bra-making sew along from the message board on Pattern Review. I’ve been planning to tackle lingerie for over a year, so this is perfect timing (especially since I’m already doing the sewing for a year challenge and it’s time to restock lingerie without the option of shopping!).
I have a Kwik Sew KP 3300 underwire pattern, plus an Élan pattern (not sure of the model number). I have tricot, stretch lace, lingerie elastic, lingerie straps, power net, even an assortment of underwires in my stash, just waiting for my mojo to engage. Thank you for the help and guidance!
I’ve learnt about this from a couple of Australian bloggers, Carolyn and Robyn and between them they have made me realise that I need to learn to sew my own bras, so please count me in. I have a Booby Traps patterns B003 (Australian company) and also plan to purchase the KS3300.
I am really looking forward to this and appreciate all your help and guidance.
I just saw this sewalong on Carolyn’s website. Am I too late to join in?
No, feel free to join along!
Thanks!
I’ve come here from Carolyn’s blog too, what a great sew a long. I have several bra patterns but have not made one I’m happy with yet. I need some prompting!
Hello! I´ve come here from Carolyn´s blog too! I´ve been planing to make underwear for some months, I have a kwicksew pattern that I think will do, some of the notions are tricky to find where I live but I can manage…can I join you?
Hi Merche, sure!
Hi Amy, I would like to join in, (from Carolyn’s blog also).
I have just purchased the Elan pattern, so am awaiting its arrival in my mailbox.
Hi Amy I’m interested in making bras but I want to make ones with padded cups in them. Could you give me any tips on how to sew them in properly?
Hi Atty, I didn’t cover foam cups in the sew-along but there are a few patterns that use them if you wanted to learn some techniques. I hope to post about some of my own experiments in foam bras soon, so keep checking back!
I signed up for the bra making sew-along, but did not receive the first few lessons. Could you please email them to me? Thank you!
Hi Brenda, the sew-along was posted as a series of entries on my blog. I don’t have a way of emailing them but each entry is listed under the heading “Schedule and Posts” on this page. You can click through the ones you missed.
Another option is to subscribe to my blog via an RSS reader like Google Reader. It works a little bit like email and it’s the best way to subscribe to blogs so that you can view all past and current posts in one convenient spot.
Hope that helps!
Amy
I received my Elan pattern yesterday ! Looking forward to the sew along !
elise
Just purchased the Danglez patterns. Got two as I wasn’t sure of my size & it seems they are quitting business! Of course, the 50% off was great. Thanks for sharing that.
Glad you were able to get one in before she closes!
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