What to Do When Your Bra Doesn't Fit - A review of Craftsy's Sewing Bras, Construction & Fit class

Womens Health Magazine

I have been thinking about making my own bras for several months now. This thought always came to me when I was bra shopping and could not find any cool bras in my size. Or even any bras in my size. I had been stalking several books and Craftsy classes on bra making but hadn't taken the plunge to purchase yet. Then I received an email from Craftsy with a $14.99 sale for one class offer. Yea! I immediately ordered the Sewing Bras, Construction & Fit class by Beverly Johnson Sewing Bras Class.

The class is described, in part, by Craftsy as "Create custom-fit bras ... alongside expert instructor Beverly Johnson. Choose the perfect fabric, pattern and size....Learn professional techniques for

applying elastic to the bottom bands, top bands and neckline for greater comfort. Build structure with an optional underwire and keep it in place with bar tacks. Finish your bra beautifully …. Along the way, learn to personalize patterns for your unique curves: Adjust strap length, fix a gaping or too-snug band, .... Upgrade from ready-to-wear's generic fit — sew flawless bras personalized for you!"

Craftsy

I found the class easy to follow, with all steps clearly displayed and high production values. It was easy to pick up where I left off as the class restarted right where I had stopped. There is a feature that allows a portion of the class to play in a loop in the event you need to see a particular section more than once. Ms. Johnson covers the cutting and construction of the bra, how to resolve several fitting issues, and ends with how to work with specialty materials and methods. This is a great class for the beginning to intermediate sewer or pattern maker.

I watched the first couple hours uninterrupted but the remainder of the series over several days. After the first half hour or so I started to lose focus. As an advanced sewer the lengthy explanations of some basic skills caused my attention to wander. I found the best way for me to watch was to have it playing while reading a novel. Every time Ms. Johnson started a new step or technique I'd pause my reading, watch and then go back to reading.

I thought the patterns alterations were well taught but her method of measuring and marking are not as precise as perhaps they should be. Get a C-Thru ruler please!

I found this class to be well worth the money I paid. For a sewer with intermediate skills I feel it would be possible to build a bra without any other teaching resource. There are several more bra construction classes available at Craftsy for further instruction should you choose to pursue bra making further.

You can order the class online at Craftsy for a regular price of $39.99. But if you have a Craftsy account you will receive the occasional email offer for $19.99 classes. My $14.99 deal was a rare occurrence.

I would love to hear how the class was for you – or post a picture of your finished bra!