I finally dove in to bra-making and I was surprised to learn it's really not that hard! The most intimidating part for me was just getting started.
My initial hesitation was that I didn't know where to begin buying the supplies. I've sewn enough garments that I can find my way around most patterns and fabrics, but bra-making is so completely new to me that I felt lost by the supplies list. This led to procrastination. I would surf the internet to fabrics and then get up and walk away from the computer because I just didn't know what to pick.
I chose as my first pattern the Boylston Bra by Orange Lingerie. Thankfully, Tailor Made offers bra kits and I decided to go with one instead of trying to find all of the elastics and fabrics on my own. That was a great decision and one I would recommend to everyone who is just starting out. The whole shebang shows up in a bag and you're ready to go.
I also invested in the Craftsy course titled Sewing Bras: Construction and Fit with Beverly Johnson. That was another great decision. She patiently walked me through every step of the process and made sewing the pattern seem extra easy. I liked her so much I bought the next class in her series titled Sewing Bras: Foam, Lace and Beyond. I noticed that she also offers kits through her store.
(This is my practice bra so the underwires in the center aren't bartacked down yet.)
When I was midway through I realized that I was sewing with lace which I've not sewn with before. Not only was I sewing a bra for the first time, but I was sewing with lace for the first time. If I had it to do over again I think I might pick a different fabric than lace to start with, although I don't have major regrets there.
I enjoyed the process of making this and I believe I'll make more in the future. I think the thing that made it worthwhile to me is it's a completely new skill set for me and therefore felt exciting and challenging. I love learning new things and I'm sure that's part of the excitement of sewing for others as well.
If you've considered making a bra, I encourage you to jump right in. It's really not that hard. Seriously. It's NOT that hard.
