Hi there !

As said in my presentation post, I'm very very interested in vintage lingerie making and general lingerie making.
The problem is, I lack of information about this (so this website is like a glodmine to me) I wanted to take classes but in France it does not really exists ( Only long-term classes for students wich I'm not anymore)

Anyway... I'd like to know if you have some really good books about lingerie making / pattern drafting that you reccomand ?
I found a lot of books on amazon, but I don't want to learn wrong stuff. I had a corset making class in wich they showed us different books about corset making and how different and wrong they could sometimes be, so now I know that it not "true because it's in a book"

Thanks you so much to everyone who could help me !

Hi there,

I am new to lingerie sewing too, however I have done quite a bit of research and been able to order a bunch of books on the topic. Lucky me--I know.

I am not sure how you feel about Torrentz or if it is offered in your country--I did find Linda Spark's book, The Basics of Corset Building and Jill Salen's book, Corsets: Historical Patterns and Techniques available for free on Torrentz here in the United States of America. They seemed to be quite beneficial.

There is also a Craftsy.com online Bra-making course available for only $50--if you wait until Thanksgiving (the last week of November) it is supposed to be on sale for $19 or less. Pretty great sale, if you consider that the class is supposed to be made available to you forever. (Lol.) They also have a 100% Money Back Guarantee. I have taken this class. It is good if you need a visual and for $19 a pretty good steal. However, some of her other books might go into better detail.

For example, the Beverly Johnson Bra-maker's Manual just shows you how to make bras--but it is a FANTASTIC resource. I have ALL the materials available on her website and I do NOT regret it. However, if you can just get the digital copy of her book (through her website--it is NOT offered for free), she might sell it for $60 (double check) or so. Volume 1 is pivotal, but having Volume 1 and 2 is nice! Her less expensive bra-making book (for $20-30) is good too, only it has less information. Same with her lesser priced panty book. My recommendation is pretty much focused on just Volume 1 and 2. Again, they are great. The digital Volume I and II combined are $100.

ALSO, for WAY LESS... the Singer company Sewing Lingerie book that I believe may be available on Amazon, is VERY inspiring for around $10 US Dollars. No bra info in here, however many GREAT tips on how to appliqué lace onto bras, slips, panties, how to attach elastic, etc. Definitely the vintage 1980s-1990s lingerie look. I have seen the book in Spanish, perhaps it's offered in French too?

The Kwik Sew lingerie books (not just the patterns, but the books that include a set of master patterns) seem to have a great deal of information PLUS patterns, if you don't mind the vintage 1960's Kwik Sew or 1980s Kwik Sew lingerie look. Make sure to order a new book or a used book that has the patterns included, otherwise you miss a whole bunch of great resources!

Another class/book that I wanted to check out (but have yet to buy) is Scarlet Sapsford's Corset Making Course for $50. It's really a book and a book of 11 patterns--what a great deal. The 100% Money Back Guarantee seems amazing. I haven't purchased this book yet but have seen it recommended. I am excited to try it next month.

Also, the Dress Like a Princess bra pattern from a Moscow-based company offered through American-based Etsy.com online retail marketplace is a BEAUTIFUL demi-cup bra pattern (also see my profile photo of an example), if you have a smaller bust. If you have a larger bust, other companies like Beverly Johnson or some other European companies (which I have yet to try) look like they might offer some fun, interesting styles. (Merkwaerdigh--Dutch company)

There are also some free tutorials on blogs like Vera Venus. (Draft your own French tap pants. SO cute!! This lady is based out of the UK.) I am drafting my first pair right now--we'll see how they turn out!!!!!

Well, I wish you all the best. Good luck!!
Francesca