You Too Can Make A Bra
If you sew at any skill level, you too can make a bra!
Yes, it's intimating, but achievable
Yes, you can determine the right fit for any size
Yes, it's little pieces of lace and elastics, but fun to work with
Yes, you have to purchase a kit to make a bra, but how pretty they are
Private Bra Making Lessons Schedule a session with a Bra Talk Instructor, measurements for pattern size, underwire sizes and make your first bra. Determine the right underwires and make adjustments for a custom fit. Sessions come with a bra pattern and muslin fabric bra kit.
Email to schedule an appointment to discuss availability:
nikkig@brabuilders.com
If you've ever thought about making a bra, join us for an in-person workshop where we will walk you through each step to a well-fitting bra.
Day 1
Measurements, Bra Fabric Kit, Pattern Cutting
Day 2
Pattern Cutting, Making a Fit Band, Cups
Day 3 - 4
Bra Adjustments and Final Fitting
Registration: $450
What comes with the workshop registration?
The Shelley Pattern (beginner friendly with extensive sizes) Muslin Fabric Bra Kit Tracing Paper and Pencils
Breast Root Tracing Kit, to determine your underwire size
Videos with step-by-step instruction to support you outside of the session and afterwards
Should I bring my own sewing machine and tools?
Yes, you are welcome to bring you own sewing machine and please bring your sewing tools that you are comfortable with: rulers, measuring tape, thread (any color), needles (Universal, Microtex), marking pens/pencils/chalk, pins or clips, scissors or rotary cutter
What should I wear to the workshop?
If you currently have a well-fitting, non-padded bra, wear it (do not wear a sports bra)
If you have a fitted tank-top with a shelf on the inside, that's okay to wear too.
BEGINNER BRA MAKING SERIES - Virtual
WHEN SCHEDULED: Mondays, 7pm-9pm (est) each evening
You too can make a bra and this series will provide all the steps to make a well-fitting bra.
The series includes:
Personal Fit Session - learn to take accurate measurements for what pattern size to cut and what underwire sizes to order fabrics and elastics - what comes in a fabric bra kit
Make a Fit Band - the bra band is 80% of your support - add the cups after
Bonus! Bralette & Matching Panty - just fun to do!
Registration includes:
A 7-week session (virtual via Zoom) 2hrs each Monday evening Step-by-Step Videos to Support Your Sewing in-between sessions. Includes Bra Pattern, Muslin Fabric Bra Kit, Breast Root Tracing Kit Bralette Pattern, Panty Pattern
BRA TALK RETREAT 2027
Wanna make lingerie in community with others!
April 2027 details tbd
BRALETTES & BOTTOMS
Fridays in October
Celebrate BraTober 2026 as we make bralettes and matching bottoms. Bralettes are the new comfort, as well as fashion statements right off the runway. Easy to wear lingerie pieces, custom made to wear in or out. Join us every Friday in October 6pm-8pm (est) to make a bralette and matching panty, boxer or bottom of your choice. This class will be hosted in the Zoom Sewing Room Fridays in October 6pm-8pm (est).
SEWING SKILL: Beginner or intermediate sewing knowledge is best.
Meet the Instructors
NIKKI G
Expert sewing instructor from teaching beginners how to sew and build wardrobe making skills to helping advanced sewists up their sewing game and make garments that fit including lingerie.
After spending 30 years in the fashion industry in retail, merchandising and sales, Nikki as been taught by some of the top designers and instructors in the industry and lives by the credo: If I've learned, I must teach! So sharing what she has learned over the decades with you. Consider this your invitation into the community that was built for you!
DEWAHN COBURN
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to sew - as a child I remember playing dress up with my dolls creating many outfits for them.
In the 24 years that followed my sewing pursuits have included many aspects of garment making but my primary focus and passion is lingerie, jeans, jumpsuits, bags, and jackets/coat making. My bra making journey began 10+ years ago when I took a class sponsored by the Baltimore chapter of the ASG. After a day and a half of class instruction, I completed my very own bra. It fit and an entire new world began!!! I really enjoy making custom bra and panty sets, the options are endless.
I am a member of Black Women Stitch and is passionate about educating women about how to make their own bras. I recently spoke on the "Yes YOU Can Make a Bra" episode of the Stitch Please Podcast
NOAMI P. JOHNSON
Naomi’s godmother, a multimedia artist, taught her to sew handmade dolls as a young girl at summer camp. Her godmother gifted a sewing machine for her 30th birthday. For a couple of years, it sat unopened until one day when she stumbled across sewing tutorials on YouTube.
Naomi is a mom always and a teacher by day. She has an after-school sewing club at the elementary school where she works. She teaches garment making and leads A weekly “Sewcial Club” and summer camp at an independent fabric shop in the DC Metropolitan Area. Cultivating the local sewing community is a passion. Together with two DC Area fabric stores, Naomi hosted the 1st wildly successful DC Frocktails party, celebrating DC Area makers and sewists. Strict adherence to the DC Stay-at-Home order presented an opportunity for Naomi to try lingerie sewing under the guidance of fellow Black Women Stitch member and Great Sewing Bee panelist DeWahn Coburn. She made her first bra and was instantly hooked!
Thanks for the love -
Nikki
