Replies

1. 
   Jumala | Sep 21, 2007 12:19am | #1

   First, take a semester's worth of beginning sewing at the local community college or SM dealer, then take, if possible, a bra-making class. Some areas have these.

   Dennis

2. 
   user-51823 | Sep 21, 2007 05:27am | #2

   do you plan on doing the work yourself, or just managing the busines and hiring seamstresses? nothing wrong with hiring the work out if sewing isn't your talent. i would agree though that you should take a basic course to get acquainted with the skill in any case.

   Edited 9/20/2007 10:31 pm ET by msm-s

1. 
   tellychisum | Sep 26, 2007 09:22pm | #7

   I am a strong beleiver in not hiring anyone to do something that I don't know how to do so the answer is, yes I will be hiring someone to sew the bras but I will definitely learn the basics of how they are made and put together. 

3. 
   jjgg | Sep 21, 2007 05:03pm | #3

   You also need to learn Bra construction, the different styles and most important fit. Is this going to be custom bras? where will you get your supplies from - power stretch, the laces, the pads, the underwires. The fabric can be mostly anything you want depending on the style and type of bra you are making. Just go to any department store - some are lacy, some are molded cups, some have silicone or water pads in them, some are nylon, cotton, polyester, lycra.I think the question of what type of fabric to use would be one of the last questions to ask.http://www.bramakersmanual.com/ This would probably be a good place to start.

1. 
   tellychisum | Sep 26, 2007 09:23pm | #8

   I appreciate all the advice, thank you!  I have looked at that bramakers manual before and wondered if it was any good since it is kind of an older publication.  Have you ever looked through the manual or do you know of anyone that has used it?

1. 
   jjgg | Sep 27, 2007 12:20am | #9

   I have never seen the book, but I know people who have it and have used it with great success. btw, the bra making business can be very lucrative, esp if you get into the extra large sizes and make them sexy. Evidently there is very little 'red lace' etc for the larger busted woman out there. I heard a report on NPR once about a guy whose mother and sisters were all very very large, and they lamented over not being able to get sexy bras, so he started up a business - now has 2 or 3 locations - Israel, NYC and is making a bundleGood luck

4. 
   user-51823 | Sep 21, 2007 05:25pm | #4

   i want to add that if you have a custom made bra business, you will probably get many calls from women who have had mastectomies . this would be a wonderful need to fill, but you should consider learning the special concerns of these clients too.

5. 
   Balencia | Sep 23, 2007 11:06pm | #5

   Hi, I got a book on lingerie and a pattern making book and also had help from a college course (2 years), was supposed to do another year in lingerie but cost went up so am doing from a book.

1. 
   tellychisum | Sep 26, 2007 09:19pm | #6

   Have you found that using the book is helpful in learning the tips you need and what book are you using if you don't mind me asking?

1. 
   cheerphil | Sep 27, 2007 04:23am | #10

   I bought "Making Beautiful Bras" by Lee-Ann Burgess and think it's very well written with wonderfully clear illustrations. It was well worth ordering.

2. 
   Balencia | Oct 08, 2007 11:28pm | #12

   Sorry I have not been able to get back to you, have not had time to go on computer lately.  I have just made my first pair of pants and am making a camisole now but find that, with my type of chest (sorry to be so forward early on in my communication by talking about private things like pants and breasts! but no other way to put it really, hope I am not thought weird in any way).  Anyway back to dilemma!  I find it difficult to put some sort of structure in the camisole without great experience in these sort of things - you see I have always had the type of chest that does not stand up alone and needs some support and I believe there are lots of ladies out there who love lingerie but have the same problem as me when it comes to lingerie with no support - do you agree?  Is shoulder pad type insets the way to go, I expect so - do you know best book to learn such techniques. Thanks for your time.   signed - An avid learner who is probably way out of her depths and should stick to T shirts!

   Lesley G

3. 
   Balencia | Oct 20, 2007 03:45pm | #13

   Hi there, don't know if you got my last email, are you developing a bra making business?  is it worth it I wonder.  I am using Linda Neubauer Lingerie book but no bras in it, apparently Making Beautiful bras is the one to get, have you got it? know where to get it cheaply? thanks.

6. 
   WandaJ | Sep 30, 2007 03:52am | #11

   Thanks for starting this discussion, as this sewing venue has been on the back burner of my mind since I outgrew a B cup size. I will stay tuned for the additional input.