Bra makers

[mala]

I want to dip my toe into making my own. I know theres at least one other person here who sews their own, is there anywhere in particular you like to get fabric? I have hardware.

[aprilsails]

Oct 4, 2022 6:55:06 GMT -5 mala said:

I want to dip my toe into making my own. I know theres at least one other person here who sews their own, is there anywhere in particular you like to get fabric? I have hardware.

Meeeeeee!!

I am in Ontario, Canada where we have a couple of suppliers so I have used their products.
Emerald Erin is a fantastic resource for fun fabrics and underwire packs: shop.emeralderin.com/
I have also bought lots from Bra Makers Supply. www.braandcorsetsupplies.com/

LizSews on YouTube also is a huge resource. She will have more information from American suppliers on her bra sewing supply videos.

[aprilsails]

Also, depending on what pattern you are using (no underwire), you don’t need special fabrics. My first few makes were with stretch jersey. The only special fabrics I needed were the marquisette mesh for the bridge and the power mesh for the back. You can get FOE and band elastic anywhere.

[mala]

I probably needs underwire, big boob problems. Thanks! Exactly the direction I needed.

[aprilsails]

Definitely look into the underwire packs from Emerald Erin. She will give three sizes. Based on my band, bust, and overbust measurements, I should have been a 38 wire. When I got the pack it was obvious that the 40 wire fits way better and I have wide roots and hollow upper cups. Which explains why standard commercial bras don’t fit well at all.

[aprilsails]

More information mala since I did a deep dive last year. Large chested individuals generally prefer that pin-up girls patterns (only on paper from bra makers supply) and LilyPaDesigns. They are the most recommended.

My best fit has come from the Maya bra from Atelier AFI. It is a free pattern and as I recall it came in a large range. I had to blend between sizes which means I had to download multiple sizes for that pattern. However, there are no instructions (the designed did a YouTube series of tutorials that have disappeared). So you have to follow along the construction steps with another pattern. I really liked the Black Beauty pattern from Emerald Erin since she gives such excellent instructions. However, I have yet to achieve the perfect fit and I don’t like the shape as much as the Maya so I haven’t really dug into it.

I have also done a bunch of wireless Watson bras. They’re ok, but not amazing. Good instructions. Those were the ones where I used spare jersey, so the support isn’t amazing but I was dipping my toe into bra making and it was a highly recommended and pretty accessible starting point.

This year I’ve focused on swimwear and have made two bikinis and a rash guard. It’s awesome having nicely fitting and stylish underthings!