You Too can make a bra!
Updated: Dec 15, 2022
If you sew at any skill level, you too can make a bra!
Yes, it's intimating, and achievable
Yes, you can determine the right fit for any size
Yes, it's little pieces of lace and elastics, and fun to work with
Yes, you have to purchase a kit to make a bra, and how pretty they are
Here's what's in store for 2023:
BEGINNER BRA MAKING SERIES - Virtual
Mondays, March 6, 13, 20, 27 - 7pm-9pm (est) each evening on Zoom
You too can make a bra and this group series will provide all the steps to make a well-fitting bra.
The 4-week group series includes:
Personal Fit Session - learn to take accurate measurements for what pattern size to cut and what underwire sizes to order Fabrics and Elastics - what comes in a fabric bra kit
Make a Fit Band - the bra band is 80% of your support - add the cups after
Registration includes: 4-week session (virtual via Zoom) 2hrs each Monday evening Step-by-Step Videos to Support Your Sewing in-between Sessions Willowdale Pattern, Muslin Fabric Bra Kit, Breast Root Tracing Kit
The Willowdale is a full frame underwire bra with a 4-piece cup design for vital support and lift in a beautifully rounded shape. The Willowdaled being designed specially for larger busts feature over 120 sizes to help you get the perfect fit. The Willowdale can be made with full lace and half lace options for low- to no-stretch fabrics and can easily be adjusted for a customized fit. Enjoy
Private Bra Making Lessons Schedule a session with a Bra Talk Instructor, measurements for pattern size, underwire sizes and make your first bra. Determine the right underwires and make adjustments for a custom fit. Sessions come with muslin fabric bra kit.
BRA TALK RETREAT 2023 Wanna make lingerie in community with others! April 2023 details coming soon
SWIMWEAR TOO! Dates TBD
Whether a backyard pool or a beach vacation its the perfect time for new swimwear. Learn to make your own swimwear using a commercial pattern or even a bra/bralette pattern and apply swim fabric for a customized look.
When considering a pattern, look at designs that you are familiar and comfortable with. If you look at swimsuits that you've worn in the past, consider a similar design whether one piece or two piece, especially if you're making one for the first time. When selecting fabrics, consider your design and ensure the fabric will give you the results desired.
Visit our Resource Center for swim patterns, fabrics and supplies: https://www.sewingmystyle.com/post/swimwear-fabrics-and-more
BRALETTES & BOTTOMS
Fridays in October
Celebrate BraTober 2023 as we make bralettes and matching bottoms. Bralettes are the new comfortable, with Netflix and Chill, as well as fashion statements right off the runway. Easy to wear lingerie pieces, custom made to wear in or out. Join us every Friday in October 6pm-8pm (est) to make a bralette and matching panty, boxer or bottom of your choice. This class will be hosted in the Zoom Sewing Room Fridays in October 6pm-8pm (est).
SEWING SKILL: Beginner or intermediate sewing knowledge is best.
Visit the bratalkboutique.com for your bra making supplies featuring lovely laces, hardware, bra tulle and beginner kits to get started. Bra Talk Boutique also features customized dyed fabrics that complimentary any lingerie palette. Enjoy!
Meet the Instructors
NIKKI G
Expert sewing instructor from teaching beginners how to sew and build wardrobe making skills to helping advanced sewists up their sewing game and make garments that fit including lingerie.
After spending 30 years in the fashion industry in retail, merchandising and sales, Nikki as been taught by some of the top designers and instructors in the industry and lives by the credo: If I've learned, I must teach! So sharing what she has learned over the decades with you. Consider this your invitation into the community that was built for you!
DEWAHN COBURN
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to sew - as a child I remember playing dress up with my dolls creating many outfits for them.
In the 24 years that followed my sewing pursuits have included many aspects of garment making but my primary focus and passion is lingerie, jeans, jumpsuits, bags, and jackets/coat making. My bra making journey began 10+ years ago when I took a class sponsored by the Baltimore chapter of the ASG. After a day and a half of class instruction, I completed my very own bra. It fit and an entire new world began!!! I really enjoy making custom bra and panty sets, the options are endless.
I am a member of Black Women Stitch and is passionate about educating women about how to make their own bras. I recently spoke on the "Yes YOU Can Make a Bra" episode of the Stitch Please Podcast
NOAMI P. JOHNSON
Naomi’s godmother, a multimedia artist, taught her to sew handmade dolls as a young girl at summer camp. Her godmother gifted a sewing machine for her 30th birthday. For a couple of years, it sat unopened until one day when she stumbled across sewing tutorials on YouTube.
Naomi is a mom always and a teacher by day. She has an after-school sewing club at the elementary school where she works. She teaches garment making and leads A weekly “Sewcial Club” and summer camp at an independent fabric shop in the DC Metropolitan Area. Cultivating the local sewing community is a passion. Together with two DC Area fabric stores, Naomi hosted the 1st wildly successful DC Frocktails party, celebrating DC Area makers and sewists. Strict adherence to the DC Stay-at-Home order presented an opportunity for Naomi to try lingerie sewing under the guidance of fellow Black Women Stitch member and Great Sewing Bee panelist DeWahn Coburn. She made her first bra and was instantly hooked!
Thanks for the love -
Nikki