Foundations Revealed

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The first in a series of articles on bra patterning and making. Before we get out the fabric, there's a big obstacle to tackle: what size bra do you want?

Using the Silverado corset pattern as an example, Laura Loft shows exactly how to alter a commercial pattern to fit like a professional one.

Silhouette is important for vintage as well as historical clothing: make an authentic pointy bra that Jane Russell or Marilyn Monroe would have been proud of.

Mark shows us how to achieve clean lines and repeatable accuracy in his introduction to the use of Computer Aided Design for beginners.

Jenni addresses the combination of patterning, support, body type and fabric to get a perfectly smooth fit.

Marianne guides us through the steps to make a shouldered corset torso block, from which we can integrate corsets with outerwear garments.

How to make your own personalised custom corset pattern, based on corset designs of the late 1870s... this might just be the best corset pattern you'll ever use.

Part 2 of our bra pattern drafting and making series: drafting the blocks for the cups, cradle and wings of a simple underwired “Darted Cup” Bra. 

Laura takes us step by step through altering the Silverado corset pattern to fit the required dimensions.

Mark shares with us the secrets of working with stretchy powernet, and shows how to make a vintage corselette of the 1950s or 60s.

Jenni discusses the effects that shifting the distribution can have on the front hip area of contemporary corsets.

Last week, Laura covered the horizontal adjustments to the Silverado pattern. This week she completes the adjustments by covering the vertical dimensions.

Mark takes the basic corselet further by adding shaping or control panels to it. He also shows how to adapt the corselet blocks to make other foundation garments.

Simple underbust corsets are a staple for corset wearers and makers. Here are the patternmaking tools and techniques to get you started right. (Updated 6/21/12 with clarified drafting instructions)

In this article, Jenni takes us through keeping your silhouette and color in harmony when surface decorating your corsets.

The revolutionary, free tutorial that enables you to create a unique, beautifully fitting corset from ANY pattern - antique or new.

Mark shows you how to adapt the basic "darted cup" bra pattern into three further styles, including a strapless bra shape.

In this article on bra design we will look at more cup shaping options, push up bras, and sling bras, and try to solve the problem of "east westing". 

Part 2 of Push Up and Sling Bras series. You've drafted the cups in part 1, now we'll draft the bra wing with gated back fastening, and sew the push up bra.