How to Make Custom-Fit Bras

Supplies and Tools for the Class

Bras require special materials and specific notions or "bra findings." However, you won't need all these supplies before class begins. The list below lists the supplies by the week when they will be needed. During Week One you may decide to make either a muslin Bikini top or a Bust Sling for support while creating the bra sloper mold.

Special Tool Requirements

Ballpoint sewing machine needles
Pressing ham or small ironing board
Wire cutters for cutting copper wire to size

Week One

Length of 12 or 14 gauge solid copper wire (used by electricians)
(You may use a light weight coat hanger as an alternative.)
For a YouTube Video showing how the wire is used, visit my Bra Kit page.

For the optional Bust Sling:

Muslin, 1' x 1' (30cm x 30 cm) (or any woven scrap of fabric)
Bias tape [one pack of 4 yards should be enough, two packs is better]
Two or three 3/4" (2cm) plastic rings
Buckram or stiff paper, 1' x 1' (30cm x 30 cm)
Buckram is available in small quantities from Doll Artist's Hat Making Supplies.
20 gauge millinery or craft wire, 3 yards
Millinery wire is available in small quantities from Doll Artist's Hat Making Supplies.

Week Two

Paper Towels
Masking Tape in 3/4" (2cm) and 2" (5cm) rolls
3/4" (2cm) Velcro, 3yds (available from fabric and hardware stores)
A bra underwire or 14 or 12 gauge copper wire.
Press & Seal (Optional - some women find this helpful in shaping and minimizing problems caused by presperation.)
Poster board (Or the stiff paper like that found in cereal boxes.)
Non-hardening Modeling Clay, 4.5lb (2kg) (Optional for reshaping the bra cup. I recommend Plastalina from Van Aken which is available through art and craft stores.)

Week Three

Muslin, 1 yard (or any woven scrap of fabric)

Week Five

A bra kit with the necessary supplies should be available prior to the start of class this year.
Details will be forthcoming.

Fabric for the bra cup (Woven or knit)
Fabric for the back band (Powernet or Powerknit provide the appropriate amount of stretch. These fabrics can be covered with woven or knit fashion fabric.)
Strap elastic (Straps can be elastic or non-stretch. Plush elastic for straps comes in a limited number of colors. Straps can be made out of fashion fabric.)
Sliders and rings for the straps (3/8", 1/2", 5/8", or 3/4").
G-hooks for removable straps are optional.
3/8" (10mm) plush elastic for the top of the bra band
(This elastic usually has a picot edge.)
1/2" or 3/4" plush elastic for the bottom of the bra band
(This elastic usually has a picot edge.)
Neckline edging (Edging can be elastic or non-stretch. )
Hook and eyes for the back closure (They are available precut or as tape you can cut to size. This closure can have either 1, 2, or 3 eyes per row. The precut closure has between 1 and 4 rows. The continuous tape can be cut for any number of rows. I recommend closures with 3 eyes per row.)
100% Polyester Thread (I recommend Gutermann thread)
Underwires and underwire channeling, see page 8 (optional).
Front closure (optional)

Course Descriptions