Clothes Making Intermediate: Lingerie Bra Making

About this course

Participants develop bra patterns from a block, adapting them for different unstructured styles and their own fit. They make toiles, assess fittings and refine patterns before constructing bras using specialist fabrics, components and precision sewing techniques. Teaching combines whole-class demonstrations, discussion, examples, samples and hand-outs with individual feedback. The course covers construction and material choices, and participants complete two bras. Returning learners may develop their lingerie skills through self-directed projects.

What you'll learn

• Adapt a bra pattern from a block to create an individual design
• Grade a pattern to the required size and make fitting adjustments
• Select materials that provide suitable support for a bra design
• Apply professional-standard sewing techniques to construct a bra

Is this course right for you?

This Intermediate course is intended for learners who already have established sewing-machine skills and can work accurately with commercial patterns, seams, curves and machine stitches. Teaching includes both group sessions and individual guidance. Pattern work, fabric cutting and fitting may involve standing, and fluent English and numeracy are required.

• Previous sewing experience is required, including accurate machine work and pattern use
• Returning learners can use the course for self-directed lingerie projects
• Pattern, cutting and fitting activities may involve standing

Before you go

• Participants must bring a sewing kit including fabric and embroidery scissors, fine pins, a tape measure, tracing wheel, dressmaker's carbon paper, hand-sewing needles, a bodkin, fine thread, tracing paper or baking parchment, paper scissors and basic stationery.
• Participants must provide their own fabrics, haberdashery and threads for project work; requirements are discussed in the first lesson.
• The sewing machines have foot-operated speed controls.
• Pattern, cutting and fitting work may involve standing. Wheelchair access to the first-floor studios is available via a stair-lift.