Demystifying Bra Fitting and Construction

by Norma Loehr

Custom bras are wonderful sewing projects. They are easy to make, fit perfectly, and can be worn every day. But until now, the techniques of custom bra making have been difficult to access. Demystifying Bra Fitting and Construction reveals the secrets of bra couturiers, teaching you what you have always wanted to know about fitting and sewing your own bras. Professional custom bra maker Norma Loehr breaks down the fitting and construction process into simple, easy to follow steps so you can get great results on your bra making projects. With easy-to-follow instructions, color photos, and a guide to sourcing materials, this book has everything you need to make your own professional looking bras in no time at all. Whether you are a home sewer or an aspiring lingerie designer, this book is for you! “Not only does custom bra maker Norma Loehr sew wonderfully, she's smart - so her well thought out and beautifully presented work on bra making has resulted in a book that inspires and educates.” Susan Khalje, Author, Bridal Couture and Linen and Cotton and Contributing Editor for Threads Magazine "I’ve had the privilege of testing Norma’s book before its release, and it’s an absolute must buy for anyone interested in sewing their own bras (seriously, there’s one gem of bridge fitting advice in there alone that’s worth the purchase price!)." Melissa Fehr, Fehrtrade.com

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts, Fashion

156 pages, Paperback

First published April 8, 2013

Reviews

[Marnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good information about sewing bras from purchased patterns but there were quite a few times when I wished instructions included some visuals. When there are photos or illustrations, they are very helpful but many sections have no graphics at all.

[Šárka Myšáková · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though this book might be useful for someone who's starting with bra making, it's full of myths and misinformation. For example, your boobs are not gonna sag without wearing a bra; it's frequent laundering, not wear, that destroys the fabric (so laundering after each use as suggested will effectively shorten the lifespan of your lingerie); but the biggest pet peeve of mine is sizing chart where suggested czech sizing just isn't used here in the Czech republic at all, which makes me wonder how reliable the rest of the theory mentioned in the book is. The practical information seems fine though but you have to take the rest with the grain of salt.

[Clare]

Was disappointed to find that this book didn't have any more detailed assistance (especially around underwires) that I could get in a standard pattern - I thought it would have more tips and tricks for a finish that would be comfortable and last longer (e.g. ways to insert your underwires so they don't immediately poke a hole through the elastic/fabric - my current dilemma)

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this on my bookshelf for a long time...aspirational book buying, I suppose. This weekend, I'm taking a workshop with the author, and so I re-read the book. Alongside her in-person instruction, this book is going to be my bra-making bible. I imagine, though, that even without a workshop, any sewist would find it useful.

[Carolyn Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never anywhere have I seen anything so complicated-looking so...demystefied. Clear step by step instructions that I might actually follow. I think I should actually. It will save money and I might actually like them instead of tolerate them!

[Christine Ilunga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for learning and practicing .

IT has just the détails nleeded to start with enough informations. I think is a good fondation and ressources. I used it after watching vidéo and craftsy classes
.

[Astrid Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes bra-making seem approachable & wish there were more illustrations.

[Annette McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're wanting to make your own bra this book is so helpful in getting you going and making a good quality foundation garment that fits you well.

[DLeB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource.

[Hazel Lessiter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Doesn't tell you how to make it. Lots of useless info and waffle. No concrete explanations for actually sewing.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in preparation for tackling Watson. My kits arrived this week and I'm soooooo afraid of making underwear that doesn't fit and so doesn't get worn. This book is pretty awesome and thorough, although it's geared more toward underwire models, which Watson is not.

We'll see how this experiment goes, but this is a nice reference to have!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and think it will be helpful when I try my hand at lingerie sewing.