For easy reference, I’m compiling a list here of my favorite sources of lingerie-making materials, tools, notions, books, blogs, patterns, and inspiration. I’ll be adding to this as myBratelier grows, so visit here often!

Note: Whenever you see an asterisk like this *, it means I’ve had personal experience with this resource’s products. (It does not mean I can guarantee you’ll have the same experience, however.) Please do ask me if you’d like details such as which patterns or products I’ve actually tried.

Patterns:

Orange Lingerie* (bra pattern, instructional book, lookbook of custom-made bras, blog)

Ohhh Lulu Sews* (bra, panty, lingerie, swimwear patterns, including pattern bundles)

MakeBra* (bra & panty patterns, tutorials, kits, sewing supplies, & lingerie-making course)

Mrs. Depew* (extensive line of vintage-reproduction sewing patterns, including clothing as well as lingerie; some notions, including vintage-inspired; some patterns are available in paper form, most available as downloadable PDFs)

Materials, tools, notions:

Sew Sassy* (lingerie and swimwear fabrics, trims, notions, patterns, underwires, etc.)

Tip: Don’t overlook your local fabric stores! I’ve found rings and sliders for bra straps, back hook & eye closures, lingerie elastics, fabric remnants, and lace trims at my JoAnn store. And the local non-chain fabric stores can offer great fabric selection, including tricot, powernet, and other lingerie-appropriate materials.

ArteCrafts* This Etsy shop offers a comprehensive collection of bra-making supplies, materials, notions, strap elastics, etc.; you’ll also find interesting paper-craft products here.

Update, May 2015: ArteCrafts has launched its new website, bramaking.supplies! This is devoted (as its name implies) to bra-making materials and supplies, which you can order directly on this site.

Update, June 2015: ArteCrafts announces FREE SHIPPING for all U.S. orders over $25.00!

And (of course) theBratelier! Yes, I’m now offering exclusive kits (often one-of-a-kind) to make the bras and panties found here in my blog posts! In most cases, you’ll find matching/coordinating kits, so you can make a bra and panty set; I’m also occasionally offering kits with enough materials for both a bra and panty, and these kits are discounted, compared to buying the kits separately. I also offer the benefit of in-depth tutorials related to the kit samples; you’ll find links right in the kit listings. And I’m always here to answer any questions you may run into!

Classes:

Craftsy* has 2 bra-making courses, including downloadable templates: Sewing Bras: Construction & Fit (recommended if you’ve never made a bra), and Sewing Bras: Designer Techniques (recommended if you’ve had some bra-making experience; I’m taking this one right now). Both are taught by Beverly Johnson, who’s also written several books.

(If you’re not familiar with Craftsy, all their classes are go-at-your-own pace, and once you purchase a class, it’s yours to refer to for as long as you want.)

Inspiration:

Pinterest: Search “beautiful bras”

Pinterest: My own boards: Underneath It All (Lingerie); Vintage Lingerie; Clothes in the Making (general sewing, including lingerie), To Dye For.

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Please note that I’m not an employee or affiliate of any of the resources I’ve mentioned in this blog, at least not so far. (I’ll be sure to disclose that if something changes.) These are just some of the people and resources I’ve found most helpful.