Bra-making Class, Supplies, by Pauline from Australia
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Supplies
Check the pattern envelope for actual requirements of fabrics and supplies,
but it's the sort of thing you can pick up odd bits for, or create a whole new
stash!!!
Bonding media
You will need iron-on web with paper backing, known as visoflex or Wonder-Under
or Stitch Witchery, to bond pieces together. You need this to fuse the stabilizer
to the back of the bra center piece. If you are going to use a lace overlay there,
you should bond the lace to the fabric you are using.
Stabilizer
You will need a fusible knit fabric, such as Fusi-Knit, to stabilize the front
"T" piece, but you won't need much. Woven fusible fabrics will also work, and
would need to be cut on the bias, but knits are easier to work with.
Elastics
You need good quality plush elastic here. Plush elastic has one side like normal
elastic, and the other side is soft and fuzzy. Also, plush elastic has one straight
edge and one scalloped edge. If it's available, you might be able to buy your
elastic to the match fabric, or to contrast if you like. Elastic widths needed
are 1cm (3/8") and 1.5cm (5/8") for the small/medium sizes, or 1.3cm (1/2")
and 1cm (3/8") for the fuller cups.
Bra strap elastic
A class all in itself, this comes in all sorts of finishes. My suggestions
are that only if you are an A cup should you get narrow width. The more
weight you need to support, the wider it should be and less stretchy. You can
not substitute any other type of elastic for straps. You must use bra strap
elastic for the bra straps.
Rings and sliders
Two rings and two sliders, which should fit the width of the elastic you use
for the straps.
Underwire Casing
I always use underwire casing even when I don't use wires. This gives the bra
more support and better definition. I also use it to put boning in the side
seam (optional), but it helps the breast to stay forward. I also cover the side
seam with underwire casing.
Polyester thread
You need a good quality thread to match.
Underwires to fit
Only Kwik-Sew 2374 calls for them, if you want to use them.
Sewing machine
You must be able to do at least a zigzag stitch. If you have a machine that does
a 3-step zigzag stitch, this is what is used in the industry.
Needles
Use ball-point or stretch needles to fit your machine.
Adornments
Small bow, flower, or diamante, to sew to the middle of the bra when you've finished!
Fabrics
Choices can include:
- Satin Lycra
- Cotton Lycra
- Tricot, which is also used for slips and petticoats
- Stretch or woven lace if you want for trim or to
cover the cups. I only ever use soft feeling laces. They don't have to sit
on the skin, can be an overlay. stretch or woven lace (), even some bridal
laces work well
- Cotton interlock to line the cups if you want
- Powernet if you want for the sides (comes in different
weights, but not a huge color choice, usually)
On to Powernet Information ...