When & Where

Quick Facts

  • Availability Yes
  • Tutor Sedaf Khan
  • Course Code W24FASA07C
  • Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

This course is an introduction to the mysteries of underwired bra creation. You will be guided through the bra pattern making process so you can adapt useable patterns for your unique fit and style. Making bras is considered one of the most complicated processes within the garment making industry; This course is recommended as a next step for enthusiastic students keen to challenge themselves and develop their competence on a sewing machine through learning a range of new precision techniques. Working with your tutor, you'll take on the skills needed to make your own beautiful and functional, bespoke fitted bras. This course is an Introduction to Bra Making, but requires intermediate sewing skills. Returning students can work on their own projects.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • adapt a bra pattern to your own design from a block
  • grade a pattern to your size and make adjustments after a fitting
  • select appropriate materials to give sufficient support for your bra design
  • use professional standard techniques to construct a bra (you will complete 2 bras during this course)
  • Returning learners will have a chance to develop their lingerie skills through self- led projects, incorporating foam cups, boned cradles, lace appliqué and embellishment

Class format and activities

You will learn how to adapt patterns for a variety of styles of unstructured bras, produce toiles for fit and develop an understanding of construction and materials. You will develop your skills by working with specialist fabrics, components and techniques. Teaching is both to the whole class and on an individual, one-to-one basis using demonstrations, discussion, examples, samples, hand-outs and other technical support material where appropriate. In order to ensure that you make the best possible progress on your course, you will have regular feedback from your tutor, in a constructive and supportive environment.

Entry requirements

This is an Intermediate level course. Before you enrol, you must have achieved the following:• able to rethread a domestic sewing machine and reload a bobbin • use a commercial pattern • accurately stitch a consistent seam allowance • use a range of machine stitches including Zig Zag • clip and press a curve • use sewing machinery accurately • students must be able to read, write and understand fluent English • mathematics and numeracy skills are essential.

What you need to know before you enrol

•This course is very intensive; punctuality and good attendance are necessary. •Working on patterns, cutting fabric and fitting can involve standing. Please let your tutor know if this is difficult for you. •Sewing machines have a foot operated speed control. •The fashion studios are on the first floor of the Nancy Seear Building and there is wheelchair access via a stair-lift. •Please also note: there is no eating or drinking in the fashion studios – no liquids at all are allowed.

What you need

•a sewing kit: fabric scissors, small embroidery scissors, fine dressmaking pins, tape measure•dressmaker’s tracing wheel, dressmaker’s carbon paper•fine hand sewing needles, a bodkin (a blunt ended needle for threading), fine thread (Gutermann)•tracing paper or baking parchment•paper scissors•notebook, pens, pencils, eraser, A4 ring binder•chalk pencil Also:•you must provide your own fabrics, haberdashery, threads, etc. for use on your projects but these will be discussed during the first lesson

What you can do next

You can continue onto the next module in order to achieve the learning outcomes. We also have a wide range of specialised weekend courses that might be of interest. Please consult the course guide or http://www.morleycollege.ac.uk/departments/fashion for further details. You might want to try one of the following: Make Your Own Corset Introduction to the Domestic Overlocker Want to go further? Our Access to Fashion Diploma and HND courses can be the first step to making Fashion your new career. For more details: https://www.morleycollege.ac.uk/courses/1296-access-to-fashion/1863