Sunday, October 25, 2015

1940's Bra Sew-Along: Where to get your supplies...


Alright then, my dears, it's time to collect our bra-making materials!
Since this is a vintage-inspired bra pattern, the materials won't be quite too hard to find. No need to hunt down underwires or anything like that.

So, here is a list of what you'll need:

1. The pattern. 
2. 1/2 yard of 35" or wider muslin fabric for testing the fit.
3. 1/2 yard of 35" or wider light to medium weight woven (non-stretch) fabric for the outer. I recommend soft cotton or lawn, satin, silk or rayon crepe, or even charmeuse.
4. 1/2 yard of lining fabric (if you choose to line, that is.) I recommend lightweight woven (non-stretch) cotton lawn but the general rule of thumb is, if you don't want it touching your girls, don't line a bra with it.
5. Purchased bra straps. You can use medium to heavy weight ribbon, but adjustable straps are so easy to just sew in.
6. 1/4 yard of plush-backed hook and eye tape, preferably adjustable with at least 2 sets of eyes.
7. Matching thread.


The kit includes enough fabric to test, sew and line your bra, straps, closures, thread, and the pattern.

But if you're not up for white satin, here are a few places I recommend:
Bra Maker's Supply (great for straps and closures).
Sew Sassy Fabrics (great for fabrics and notions).
Etsy.com (great for fabrics and notions).


Once you've got your materials, just leave a comment on this post to let me know you're ready to get started. Keep in mind that sew-alongs don't need to have deadlines, and if you're busy now, or if you need at 2 week break in the middle, the posts will ALWAYS be here on A Few Threads Loose and you can follow along to sew your bra any time that works for your schedule!
Don't forget that you can always leave comments if you have a question about anything - materials, tips, tricks, posts etc. - I'm here to help and there is no such thing as a stupid question here!

This Sew Along is now complete. Click below for each post.

Happy sewing,



7 comments:

  1. I am very tempted to buy the kit and try sewing a bra for the first time in my life. Do you ship to Denmark? And how about sizing? I think I am a US size 34C (European/Danish 75C). I have Wednesdays off and could work on the project there and really follow along for once, instead of just reading your blog and dreaming. Wishing you a lovely day. :)

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    Replies
    1. Yes, we do ship anywhere overseas!
      The pattern comes with several sizes included from a 32"- 44" Bust.
      Patterns from the 1940's didn't have cup measurements. Instead, they used the full over-bust measurement (rather than your under bust as in most modern bras). There are notations on the pattern that show where to add or subtract for a better fit around the breast, but other cup sizes aren't included in the pattern. However, we will go over making these adjustments in the sew-along.

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  2. I have received my supply kit. Looking forward to getting started.

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  3. i got my pattern!!!!! thank you so much for the coupon code and cant wait to get started:)

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  4. I'm all ready, have the pattern and gathered my materials this week!!

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  5. Looking to start this sew-a-long a touch late. Still super excited for it though! Wanting to make my won hook and eye enclosure this time around. Getting help from the book, Secrets of Sewing Lingerie, by Katherine Sheers and Laura J. Stanford. It's an excellent resource to add to my repertoire in addition to all the infos that I've been able to glean from your site. Amazing! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Looking to start this sew-a-long a touch late. Still super excited for it though! Wanting to make my won hook and eye enclosure this time around. Getting help from the book, Secrets of Sewing Lingerie, by Katherine Sheers and Laura J. Stanford. It's an excellent resource to add to my repertoire in addition to all the infos that I've been able to glean from your site. Amazing! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete