The Sewing Place

Useful Resource - Bra Making, fitting and drafting

Morgan

Useful Resource - Bra Making, fitting and drafting
« on: October 02, 2022, 11:11:17 AM »
An excellent resource of really useful practical information here at LilypaDesigns .
Even if you're not into bra making, there is a lot of well explained in depth information that is just downright interesting and relevant to understanding fit. 
https://www.lilypadesigns.com/blog

Start by skimming through the articles on Consider Bra Making and then scoot through Beginner bra making. 
You'll pick up all sorts of practical gems, for example ways of measuring large pendulous breasts, or insight into how different rib cage shapes affect choice of underwire shape (which explains how some women just cannot get RTW Bras that will ever fit).

For anyone interested in drafting and fitting Bras or making custom Bras  there's an informative Comparative review of two well know text references -
The Bra Making Manual (BMM) by Beverly Johnson  & Patternmaking Underwear Design by Shin.
https://www.lilypadesigns.com/blog/2018/4/22/bra-pattern-drafting-books-review-shin-vs-bra-makers-manual

Some of the Reviews of various bra patterns are excellent. 

Finally, for blog lovers, this LilypaDesigns blog is interesting and informative. 
https://www.lilypadesigns.com/blog
« Last Edit: October 02, 2022, 11:16:25 AM by Morgan »

Puzzler

Re: Useful Resource - Bra Making, fitting and drafting
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2023, 10:13:09 AM »
I was looking up bra patterns this morning. I will take a look at this site. Belated thank you @Morgan.

Greybird

Re: Useful Resource - Bra Making, fitting and drafting
« Reply #2 on: October 21, 2023, 10:22:15 AM »
Thank you @Morgan . I seem to have somehow missed your post until now but this is interesting. I have been ruminating on bra making for years now. Maybe this will give me the impetus!

Lachica

Re: Useful Resource - Bra Making, fitting and drafting
« Reply #3 on: October 21, 2023, 10:31:47 AM »
Thanks @Morgan . I've recently ordered several bras then sent them back. I've been considering trying to copy one of my worn -out - but -still-fit ones.
Mary
2020 stash: not gonna count, not gonna feel guilty.

Puzzler

Re: Useful Resource - Bra Making, fitting and drafting
« Reply #4 on: October 29, 2023, 06:43:40 AM »
Well, I tried and failed to understand most of the information on the Lilypa site.  :sorry: I have the Basic Bra from Pin-up Girls which I toiled five times years ago using Beverly Johnson’s Crafsty course. Despite following her measuring instructions, I think I had bought the wrong size range. I now have the Marlborough by Orange Lingerie. I had my eye on that one originally but it didn’t have enough of a cup size range. It does now. I will add this to the growing list of autumn/winter projects.  I still have my box of bra making bits.

Morgan

Re: Useful Resource - Bra Making, fitting and drafting
« Reply #5 on: November 04, 2023, 20:58:52 PM »
There are a few private FB groups on bra making where several members are knowledgeable and helpful. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2008750892676120/?ref=share

https://www.facebook.com/groups/bramakingforum/?ref=share

https://www.facebook.com/groups/bramaking101/?ref=share

And a very useful private FB group for selling/buying Bra making supplies UK based.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3243280355750744/?ref=share

Puzzler

Re: Useful Resource - Bra Making, fitting and drafting
« Reply #6 on: November 10, 2023, 15:40:43 PM »
Further resources:

A tutorial on making a fitting band. https://bodilswear.files.wordpress.com/2022/01/how-to-make-a-testfittingband.pdf

Liz Sews - YouTube - general bra-making information and sew alongs for different patterns.

Fit2Sew - online site. UK based rep for Beverley Johnson’s Bra Maker’s Supply. She has a YouTube channel featuring a full course on bra making for free, if you have the time and inclination to watch 2 three-hour videos plus many others of varying lengths.