Sewing Bras: Designer Techniques
Beverly Johnson
Class Preview
0:46
- In-depth Instruction; over 199 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Introduction & Partial-Band Bra
38:40
Meet your fairy bra mother, Beverly Johnson, and learn how to use your class as a reference for designing and modifying bras for comfort and style. Beverly begins by showing you how to take a full-band bra pattern that you've already determined is a good fit and turn it into a partial-band bra with a few simple pattern adjustments and sewing changes.
Modifying Upper Cups & Straps
25:02
Change the neckline of a full- or partial-band bra with Beverly's guidance and learn how to add padded, tapered or multiple straps. You'll see how the trifecta of the straps, top of the cup and top of the bridge interact and how your design takes all three areas into account.
Modifying the Frame
29:53
Beverly shows how to modify the frame on both full- and partial-band bras. Learn how to make "the world's thinnest band" or turn the bottom of your bridge into a gothic arch. Beverly also shows how to create a front closing on a partial-band bra and how to add a keyhole to your bridge.
Modifying the Back Band
25:52
Add comfort and style to the back of your bra with Beverly's modifications, such as changing the width of your fabric or angling the closure downwards. Prefer front-closing bras? See how to make a Y-back or add a keyhole.
Power Bars
26:46
Give your bust a boost with built-in power bars. Beverly shows how to add a bit of sheer nylon or seams in just the right places to help accentuate your shape. An external, ruched power bar can even be a fashion statement!
Modifying Cup Seams
32:30
Altering the seam lines on your cups can give your bras a different look. With Beverly's guidance, draft your new seam lines using both 3-D and paper techniques and get an amusing but important lesson on the correct choice of fabric.
Side-to-Side Modifications
19:51
Discrepancies in cup sizes are no problem when you can draft your own alterations. Beverly shows how to bridge the different sizes easily with pattern adjustments or padding. You can also make your own push-up bra!
Start with a well-fitting pattern, then use it to design, draft and make your own bras! Learn how with lessons from sewing expert Beverly Johnson. Start by easily turning a full-band bra pattern into a partial-band bra. Next, learn to change the neckline and design the straps you want. Move on to modifying bra frames, creating the world’s thinnest band and making front closures. Bring greater comfort and style to the back of your bra by modifying the width of your fabric or angling the closure downwards. Then, discover how to support and complement your shape with power bars. You’ll even find out how to make cup size discrepancies disappear by drafting your own alterations!
Beverly Johnson
After years of sewing her own dance costumes and swimwear, Beverly Johnson began teaching bra making in 1995. She has shared her immense knowledge of techniques for sewing bras, swimwear and intimate apparel ever since. Beverly is the owner of Bra-Makers Supply, which carries specialty patterns, fabric and findings. Her books include "Make and Fit Swimwear" and two volumes of "The Bra-Maker's Manual," which have become textbooks in some fashion schools.
Bonus materials available after purchase