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Bra sewing class on Craftsy
As the topic pops up fairly regularly I figured I'd share this here: a new bra sewing class on Craftsy hosted by Beverly Johnson, author of the Bra-Maker's Manuals, the Pin-Up Girls patterns, and owner of Bra-Maker's Supply. If you're interested in making your own bra, but intimidated by figuring it all out by yourself (there are some good articles, tutorials, and sew-alongs floating around) without someone actually talking you through it, this may be an option. Classes go on sale fairly regularly and if you sign up (it's free!) you'll receive personalised discount offers as well. Please note that I have not followed this class (yet) so I cannot vouch for its quality or usefulness, but most Craftsy classes are very well received and this instructor certainly is an authority in the field (which is no guarantee, but at the very least something).
Just for the record, even though I sound a bit like a tell-sell commercial, I have absolutely no personal gain in promoting this here. I just thought some of you might be interested
Sew Your Own Bra in Craftsy's Sewing Bras: Construction &...
http://www.craftsy.com/class/sewing-bras-construction-and-fit/4833?_ct=sbqii-...
Filed under Bras ups and downs
3 comments
I have not attempted this class, but everyone should be prepared to do a decent bit of altering to the patterns if you aren't a matrix size. There are three patterns suggested (kwik sew 2374, elan b645, and the Pin Up Classic bra pattern). The first 2 are matrix. The last one claims 30-38 AAA-H and 40-48 A-H but it's US sizing (so maxes out at FF uk I believe?) they'll also have you choose the band size by measuring over your breasts like VS does. (The pattern will, unsure about the instructor) obvioulsy, ignore that. Overall it seems like a great idea. I don't mean to discourage anybody, I just don't want anyone to go into it thinking they'll have an available pattern for something like a 36J or something. Home bra making is certainly possible, and when you get your perfect bra sewn, you'll save buying materials in bulk over ready to wear bras.
All totallly true and all very good points, Yourlovealive . I know of no pattern company, article, tutorial, or sew-along that provides patterns that cover *all* sizes, nor do any of them tell you how to measure accurately or how to make alterations. If I remember correctly, even Betsey Johnson does not conform to +0 in her Bra-Maker's Manual. Classes like these are very good, though, to get a feel for the construction of a bra, but other than for the most basic of fit adjustments I would not rely on them in terms of getting a perfectly fitting pattern straight on.
If you're into pattern drafting from scratch or otherwise want to have a shot at getting a more or less customised pattern I strongly recommend the articles on bra making on Foundations Revealed. Most of the information available on Foundations Revealed is accessible through paid subscription only, but there is a fair number of freely accessible articles available as well and those free articles already cover the basics of pattern drafting for bra making in greater detail than any other resource I know of.
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