6 Common Myths About Sewing Lingerie

This article has been re-posted from Threads Magazine – click here to read the original article.

When it comes to sewing lingerie, many people feel intimidated by the process—so intimidated they don’t even start. After all, lingerie is known for its delicate fabrics, intricate designs, and precise fit. Those are all elements that can make DIY lingerie seem daunting. With the right guidance, sewing your own lingerie can be fun and empowering.

As the owner of Madalynne Intimates and author of Sew Lingerie,  I’ve taught hundreds of students for more than a decade and hear the same reasons that someone won’t start. In this post, I’ll debunk some of the most common myths about sewing lingerie and show you why it’s worth diving in.

Myth #1: Sewing Lingerie Is Only for Experts

One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need to be a master sewer with years of experience to make your own lingerie. While lingerie does involve some precision and unique techniques, there are many beginner-friendly patterns that break down the process into easy, manageable steps. Start with simple projects.

Consider a bralette

The Brooklyn, Margo, or Ryann bralettes from my Sew Lingerie book are perfect for beginners. Some other bralette options are:

Pin-up Girls Sweet Sixteen Bralette, available from Bra-maker’s Supply, is a Beverly Johnson design that has 16 different options, with 12 cup sizes and band sizes 28 inches to 38.

Banksia Bralette by Muna and Broad is sold in full-bust sizes 38 inches to 62 inches, but the patternmaker will grade patterns to a larger size at no extra cost.

Lilypadesigns also offers wireless bra pattern options.

Graduate to more involved patterns

As you build your skills, you can tackle more complex designs like my underwire bras and corsets.

For more information about corsets, see Threads articles “How to Sew Comfortable, Secure Corsets,” by Gilbert Muniz and “Corsets for Historical Costuming,” by Stephanie Miller.

With practice, you’ll find lingerie sewing more approachable than you may have initially thought.

Myth #2: You Need a Special Sewing Machine

Another myth is that lingerie requires a specialized sewing machine. While having a machine with certain features—like stretch stitches and adjustable presser foot pressure—can make the process smoother, a basic sewing machine with a zigzag stitch can handle most lingerie projects.

See my upcoming post, “Six Helpful Machine Features for Sewing Lingerie,” for more information about sewing underpinnings on a sewing machine.

Myth #3: It’s Too Expensive to Make Lingerie at Home

People often think that making lingerie at home will be more expensive than buying it, but that’s not necessarily true. While the upfront cost of patterns, fabrics, and notions might seem high, these materials typically allow you to make multiple pieces. Once you invest in basic supplies, you’ll find that it can be far more economical to make bras and underwear yourself than purchasing high-end, custom-fit lingerie from a store. Plus, DIY lingerie gives you the freedom to choose fabrics, colors, and designs that suit your style.

Myth #4: Handmade Lingerie Won’t Look Professional

Are you worried your handmade lingerie won’t look as polished as store-bought pieces? With patience and practice, you can achieve professional-quality results at home. Sewing with the right elastics, choosing appropriate fabrics, and learning how to fit bras correctly will take your DIY lingerie to the next level. Using lingerie-specific tools, such as three types of sewing machine needles and narrow elastic, also give your pieces that store-bought finish.

Myth #5: It’s Hard to Get the Right Fit

Getting the perfect fit with store-bought bras can be challenging, so it’s no surprise that some think making your own would be even harder. However, when you make your own lingerie, you have the advantage of customizing every part of the garment to fit your body perfectly.

Online and in-person courses that focus on fitting and sewing bras can help.

• My Underwire Theory course offers an option for in-person or virtual fittings. In this class, learn how to sew an underwire bra and the fundamentals of underwire bras. Students will also sew the Rey Underwire Bra from my book, Sew Lingerie, and receive two one-on-one fitting sessions of their muslin and finished piece.
• Bra Builders has a resources page with recommended instructors and a link to the International Bra Sewing Bee for fitting and sewing tips.
• Fairy Bra Mother Beverly Johnson of Bra-maker’s Supply shares her bra fitting and sewing knowledge through Craftsy classes and her blog. She devotes several posts to beginner bra making.

Myth #6: Lingerie Patterns Are Too Complicated

There are many beginner-friendly patterns designed for people new to lingerie making. These patterns often include step-by-step instructions with clear illustrations.

Threads articles on bra making also may help:

“Make Bras That Fit,” by Maddie Kulig, Threads #277, Fall 2024. Learn to measure and then make adjustments for greater comfort.

“Pretty Bralettes,” by Beverly Johnson, Threads #202, April/May 2019. The author details the materials for making bralettes, then how to apply elastic, create adjustable straps, and attach the closure.

“How to Sew a Bra,” by Stephanie Miller, Threads #159, Feb./March 2012. This feature takes you through choosing materials and measuring for fit, as well as construction techniques.

Online resources, like my YouTube channel, provide guidance, too, by walking you through the process. There are others:

LizSews on YouTube, has a Bra Making 101 series.

ClothHabit offers a a bra-making sew-along.

Once you master the basics, you can start experimenting with more detailed designs and advanced techniques.

Final Thoughts

Making your own lingerie may seem intimidating, but these common myths shouldn’t stop you from giving it a try. With beginner-friendly patterns, affordable supplies, and plenty of online resources, anyone can create custom-fit, beautiful lingerie at home.