Introduction to Bra-Making: In-Person Workshop

 

Skill Level: Intermediate

Who is it for: Anyone of any gender, orientation, size, or race that wishes to learn how to sew a bra!

Course Location: Red Deer Sewing Centre

Course Dates: November 29,30, and December 1, 2023

Course Times: 6pm to 9pm Friday, 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday (1 hr break for lunch)

Course Fee: $185 plus kit fee

Kit Fee**: $130 for persons sewing cup sizes A to GG, $175 for persons sewing cup sizes GG to KK

Comments from past students:

“I had so much fun and learned a lot!”

“Bra-sewing was so intimidating before. I feel like I can do it now!”

“You were so patient with me even when I sewed pieces on backwards or upside down multiple times. I never felt stupid.”

“You were so well-prepared. A truly informative course.”

Course Details:

 

Learn to sew a bra with Kaitlyn Heaton, maker behind All Bodies Custom Lingerie. We will learn all the skills needed for bra-making by working our way through the Lanai Wireless bra pattern. This is a size inclusive pattern - band sizes range from rib cage measurements of 26" to 44" and cup sizes roughly equivalent from AA to KK cups. It is a full-coverage wireless bra that features separation and support! This bra is COMFY!

Topics covered in the class will include:

  • Introduction to bra terminology

  • How to take measurements for a bra

  • Introduction to bra making materials - fabrics, elastics, findings, and hardware

  • How to sew the different components of the bra

  • Discussion on identifying fitting adjustments and demonstration of how to make those fitting adjustments to your pattern

  • Where to find suppliers and other bra-making resources

  • And bonus content if there is time will include: exposure to more advanced bra making materials and sewing techniques, how to choose other bra patterns based on the unique shape of your anatomy, and fitting underwires

After taking our measurements and trying on fitting samples, you will have a great idea of what size to start with. Your first bra project will be a white bra with contrasting thread to best practice your new skills. Materials will also be provided to begin working on your second bra, which you will be able to choose among my basic colours - white, blush pink, latte, caramel, cinnamon, and black. This class is open to people of all genders, orientations, sizes, and races.

This is not a Learn to Sew course, so participants are expected to be familiar with the operation of their sewing machine and basic sewing construction. Your sewing machine should be capable of straight and zig zag stitches. If you can set-in a sleeve, you will be able to sew a bra!

Students should bring the following to class:

  • sewing machine capable of straight and zig zag stitches

  • pins (silk glass head pins recommended)

  • measuring tape

  • stitch ripper

  • small fabric scissors

  • duck bill scissors (optional)

  • 28mm rotary cutter (or fabric shears if your wrist doesn't do well with rotary cutters)

  • regular sewing machine foot

  • 1/4" foot and edgestitching foot (optional)

  • 75 stretch needles and 80 microtex needles

  • ruler (at least 15 cm long)

  • drafting curves/french curves (optional)

  • pencil

  • fabric marking tools (Clover Water Erasable pen, Clover Chaco Liners, or tailor's chalk recommended)

  • pen for taking notes

**The kit fee includes your sewing pattern, all the materials necessary to sew a white bra with contrast thread in your size, AND all the materials necessary to sew another bra in your choice of my basic colours. The GG to KK cup sizes use double layers of fabric as well as boning to provide support and therefore requires a bit more materials.