Home » Tutorials & Sew Alongs

Sew Alongs

How To Series

Learn About Bra Styles

Get to Know Bra Anatomy

This article explains basic bra anatomy and illustrates two styles of bras you’ll encounter most often in your bra making.

basics in bra anatomy | cloth habit

The Foam Cup

An introduction to different styles of foam bras. Learn how some foam cups are designed to add “size” or push up, while others are simply a form of support fabric.

Lingerie Friday: The Foam Cup | Cloth Habit

The Frameless Bra

Learn about the frameless (or partial band) bra.

about the frameless (partial band) bra | Cloth Habit

How to Fit an Underwire

An explanation of different styles of underwires along with some fitting tips.

Finding Your Wire Size | Cloth Habit

Tutorials

exploring the differences between various styles of bras | Cloth Habit

Is That Bra a Demi, Balconette, or Full Cup?

October 22, 2015

An explanation of bra styles and how they differ among necklines, strap positions and cup shapes. Read more

Choosing dyes for lingerie fabrics at Cloth Habit

Video: Dyes for Lingerie Fabrics

September 30, 2015

I love hand dyeing fabrics for lingerie projects. In this video, I introduce you to a few different types of dyes and how they work… Read more

what to look for in sewing machine features for lingerie making | Cloth Habit

Reader Question: Sewing Machines for Lingerie

August 7, 2015

Hi Amy, I’m interested in sewing lingerie. Do you recommend a sewing machine or are their special features I should look for? Over the past… Read more

Edgestitching bra seams | Cloth Habit

The Magic of Edgestitching

April 9, 2015

Do you press seams when making a bra? I’ve been asked this question a few times. You may be surprised to know that iron pressing… Read more

Make Your Own Bra Pressing Curve | Cloth Habit

Guest Post: Make Your Own Bra Pressing Curve

February 17, 2015

I love making up sewing tools. There are times a tweezer works better than a bone folder, and a rubber hammer works better than an… Read more

Sewing Lingerie Elastic | Watson Sew Along

How to Sew Lingerie Elastic

January 21, 2015

We’re almost ready to cut! Before we get to cutting or sewing, I thought it would be useful to review the basics in sewing lingerie… Read more

How to add boning to a strapless bra at Cloth Habit

Bra Making: Add Boning to a Strapless Bra

September 25, 2014

Oh hey, remember my strapless bra project? This week I had a little “me sewing time” after over a month away, and finally worked on… Read more

Sister sizes can help you use a bra pattern that may not have your exact size | Cloth Habit

Bra Making: What is Sister Sizing?

September 18, 2014

Have you heard the term “sister sizing”? It’s a great term for explaining how bra sizes shift in band and cups. The basic idea is… Read more

Are Underwires Really Necessary?

Bra Tips: Fitting An Underwire

May 13, 2014

It’s reader question day! Recently, a reader asked by email: How do you know what size to start with? The wires in my bras dig… Read more

Making a Foam Cup Bra: Part 3 | Cloth Habit

Making a Foam Cup Bra: Part 3

April 14, 2014

Today I’m going to finish my bra! At this point I have two sets of cups–the foam cups and the outer coverings–and have also assembled… Read more

In this 3-part tutorial, learn to sew a foam cup bra. This method uses foam as a lining and it can be used in sewing any bra pattern.

Making a Foam Cup Bra: Part 2

April 11, 2014

Today I’ll be cutting out my pieces and get started sewing. First, let’s make some some changes to your cup pattern to work with foam.… Read more

Making a Foam Cup Bra: Part 1

April 10, 2014

This summer I have planned a few foam-lined bras for my wardrobe. One of these is going to be strapless style I can wear comfortably… Read more

Lingerie Friday: Cutting & Tipping Underwires

October 4, 2013

Learn about underwire shapes and cutting to your own size. Read more

Dyeing white nylon fabrics with tea | Cloth Habit

White to Ivory: Dyeing with Tea

September 12, 2013

Experiments in dyeing nylon with tea! Read more

About the frameless bra and my take on it in sheer leopard mesh.

Lingerie Friday: The Frameless Bra

August 2, 2013

My take on a frameless (aka partial band) bra in sheer leopard mesh, with highlights on the distinctions between frameless and full-frame styles. Read more

Dyeing elastic and notions for bras with acid dyes | Cloth Habit

Lingerie Friday: Dyeing the Notions

April 26, 2013

Dyeing lingerie notions (bra hooks, elastic, and more) with acid dye. Read more

good threads for lingerie sewing | Cloth Habit

Lingerie Friday: Thread Tales

March 22, 2013

Special threads for sewing lingerie. Read more

Adjusting your bra band pattern with a few calculations | Cloth Habit

Adjusting Your Bra Band (With Math!)

March 6, 2013

How to alter a bra band pattern based on the stretch of your fabric. Read more

How to Sew Bra Straps

January 25, 2013

Make your own bra straps–all elastic or spaghetti-style, front or back closure. Read more