Demystifying Bra Fitting and Construction

I have only basic sewing experience but have wanted to know how to sew my own bras for some time. This book sets out to explain how.WHAT I LIKED:The focus of the book is pretty much summed up by the title - Construction and Fitting. It is written in very simple, easy to understand terms and walks you carefully through the steps of sewing a bra pattern together. A large part of the book is devoted to explaining common fitting problems you may encounter as you sew and how to correct them. Note that it does NOT include any patterns nor instructions for drafting your own pattern - it just walks you through altering/sewing a ready-made bra pattern.The sewing instructions are written at a level suitable for anyone who knows the basic stitches of a sewing machine; it does not require an advanced seamstress to understand. At the same time the instructions are very thorough and will offer a professional result if followed carefully. If you have never sewn a bra but want to, this book will get you there.WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:There were not nearly enough pictures. Although the instructions were thorough, I like to have pictures/diagrams to reference. It kind of comes across as cheap without them. Also, I would have loved a section on how to draft a bra pattern or block from body measurements. I also would have liked a section on how to do major pattern alterations, such as converting a darted cup to a three-piece cup, a full-frame bra to a frameless etc. Those two additions would make this the perfect book for me.Finally, (although it doesn't relate to the content of the book) this book was very poorly edited. In fact, I'm not sure it ever crossed an editor's desk. Typos and missing words abound. While all instructions were still understandable, it gives the book an unprofessional and cheap air. Just because it is a Kindle-only edition is no reason to skip the basic publishing process.

First, and right up front! If you are looking for a book that will give you step-by-step instructions for making beautiful lingerie, this isn't it! "Demystifying Bra Fitting and Construction" is bra construction and fitting theory 101. It explains the parts, how they relate, and how they are adapted to different fitting situations. How you use that information, and how you use it in the context of a given pattern and with your selection of fabrics and other materials, is up to you. A knowledgeable and competent sewer will find this book immediately useful and easily comprehensible. Many typical home sewers may find themselves frustrated, however.I like the book a lot. I give it 4 stars, however, because the format and illustrations could be somewhat better, despite the target audience (who will get around it anyway). It is the best book on the topic - again and narrowly, bra construction and fitting "theory" (for lack of a better term) - that I have seen. Highly recommended for that need. If you need a project book, look elsewhere.

I make all my own cloths but have never made a bra. As i find getting a comfortable bra an effort I thought why not sew one. Was very excited to find this great book . Immediately looking through it I knew it was going to be an easy to follow project.The book is well laid out with many helpful instructions and sewing hints. Can't wait to get started but will be taking the time to read through the book again before I get the bits and pieces to start my bra project.

This book is very well written with great photos and completely clear on bra fitting. If it just stopped at bra fitting - which is the hardest part - I would have given it 5 stars. One small gap on fitting is only really showing one type of very simple bra.However it continued on to bra construction when it barely mentioned materials. What materials you use are 50% of how the bra is going to fit and whether it works or not. Various linings, different elastics, etc are critical and barely mentioned in this book. But if you know all the construction details, have a very basic pattern like that shown in the book and want to fine tune your fitting, this book is perfect.I'd recommend this book for fitting but realize you need a few other sources... Hopefully she will write some more!

I love that Amazon allows you to receive the kindle addition as well if you've ordered a book. This arrived within two days, but I started reading it immediately on my Samsung android phone after I put in my order. I have been sewing for 20 years, have made several wedding dresses, prom dresses, etc. You name it, I've done it. However, like many, I shied away from making my own bras. Just halfway through the first chapter, and I'm ready to start before I finish the book!

This book is full of information and professional tips. I am really satisfied with my purchase, because even though a lot of information on bra making you can find for free, some of the tricks taught by Norma are brilliant! She also is very clear and gives very detailed and precise step-by-step instructions on how to prepare your pattern and how to sew. I think a few more pictures would be great, though.

There's very little in here that helps with bra fitting except for fitting one that you're making, which must be an underwire. The instructions are all based on starting from a purchased bra pattern but there are no patterns evaluated and they are only shown at the end of the book. The instructions are very specific and attempt to simplify the whole construction process but, no matter how easy she tries to make the instructions, this is clearly a task for an advanced sewer with plenty of time to buy all the supplies and carefully sew very small seams in the right order to complete a bra tharpt will cost as much in time and money as it would to have the author make one of her custom bras for you.

I think this one is one of the best books written on this topic. Bra fitting has always been one of those lessons very intriguing to me, but I could hardly understand!, too complicated.. I could never get it! but her approach is simple , logic and clear enough for everyone to understand. I very much recommend this book. If the author has other books I would surely read them too.

I have learned some useful things from this book. The sections on equipment, supplies & fabric are excellent & the guide to fixing fitting issues seems good, although so far I haven't managed to get as far as making a bra.This is mostly because the book lacks an explanation of one of the key elements in getting a bra to fit well: how to determine what size underwires to buy. It tells you to measure the underwire of a bra that fits, but what if the reason you're making your own bras is because you can't find one that fits? After spending £17 on this book I didn't expect to have to search the internet for such fundamental information. For that reason alone I can't give it 5 stars.There are a couple of other, minor niggles: referring to "pin stitching" without explaining what that means, for instance, and not enough pictures in one section. The latter is unusual because most sections have lots of excellent, clear pictures to help you understand what the author means.Overall a good book and had it contained the information about bra wires it would have earned 5 stars.

Anyone buying this book should know that you will have to buy the pattern separately if you wish to work from the book and it's worth noting that the fabrics and findings for making bras are not cheap so if you are hoping to make your own to save money then you may want to think again. Then again if you want custom made for comfort, this is a good starting point.

Goes into depth about bra construction, fabrics & techniques. Does not involve any info on pattern drafting but I wasn't expecting any after reading other reviews so am purchasing a book on that separately.Would recommend having some competence and knowledge of garment construction before attempting bra making.

Bought this for my sister she is very talented at making things.

Another lingerie pattern book - good to have more views and methods the better.