Welcome to the International Bra Sewing Bee!
We’re a community of sewists helping YOU succeed in your bra-sewing journey. We offer a collection of 200+ recorded classes and sew-alongs in our Bra Bee Academy, a supportive community called The Hive, and an amazing annual virtual live conference. Wherever you’re located, and whatever lingerie you want to sew next we can’t wait to cheer you on!
Our mission is to give women the confidence to fit and sew their own bras with our professional resources and to share and connect within our community.
Our next Beginner Experience starts August 24th, register now!
Join the Beginner ExperienceJoin our waitlist and be the first to know about upcoming conferences!
Join the WaitlistThe Hive
Member Community
Learn MoreThe Bra Bee Academy
200 + classes
Learn MoreThe Schedule
See what is Happening
in The Hive!
Learn More
Free Classes
Our treat to you
View ClassesFAQ’s
Who are the humans behind the Bee?
The Bee was created in 2020 by Sue Folts and her daughter Emma. You can hear more of their story on this podcast with Threads Magazine! Today, Sue runs the Bee with a team of 3 staff and amazing seasonal volunteers and teachers.
Who participates in the community?
We exist to welcome everyone who is interested in sewing and fitting bras and underwear. Whether you’ve never sewn before or you’ve sewn for years and are looking to start a business we have something for you! Learn more on our community page and consider joining the free grassroots chat and group where our community hangs out.
What is the Beginner Bee?
Specially created for budding bra and lingerie sewists, the Beginner Bee includes a full day of live beginner level classes, two beginner sew-alongs, and interactive Q&A panels. It will take place the weekend before the Bra Bee.
When is the 2024 annual conference?
Join us live this year April 27, 2024!
Where is the International Bra Bee located?
Sue runs the Bee from Wisconsin in the USA but the community and events are international! Our teachers come from 15 countries and the community represents over 20 countries.
What if this didn’t answer my question?
We’d love to hear from you. Please email us at info@greatbrasewingbee.com.
The Buzz – Testimonials
Don’t just listen to us. Here are what people have to say about the Bee.
I have been blown away by all the information and knowledge.
I’m fairly new to sewing my own lingerie, I’ve only been doing it for about 1.5 to 2 years now. I decided to participate in the International Bra Sewing Bee this year in the hopes of gaining more skills and knowledge to better my bra making. I have been blown away by all the information and knowledge. All the teachers have been exceptional and the other members have been very kind and supportive. I’m looking forward to going again next year. I purchased the main conference with extended access and I am so glad to have the extended access so I can continue learning and making use of all the classes even after the official end of the conference. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who made the Bra Bee possible because it has been exceptionally wonderful!
The classes do not fail to inspire, instruct, enlighten and entertain
I have participated in all four years of the International Bra Sewing Bee, and it never disappoints. From my first year when I knew almost nothing about sewing bras to 2023 when all the lingerie in my drawer is handmade, the classes do not fail to inspire, instruct, enlighten and entertain. If you sew, if you enjoy pretty lingerie, if you wear bras, check out the International Bra Sewing Bee.
I have learned more than I could ever have dreamed about bramaking.
I’ve attended three Bees now, and I have learned more than I could ever have dreamed about bramaking. Most important? That there’s nothing wrong with ME! My body is what it is, and the reason I’ve had holes poked into my armpits for 30 years is because RTW bramakers do not make bras that will fit my shape because there just aren’t a whole lot of us. Each Bee has deepened my understanding of how to change patterns and choose materials to create something that will support ME perfectly as I am.
I have learned SO MUCH from these experts!
I have learned SO MUCH from these experts! I made my first bra before the conference was over. If you do this, get the full year! I upgraded to full year access. There is so much information that I need more time to learn and review. This is am amazing collaboration of pattern makers and lingerie supply companies joining forces to share lingerie expertise. I finally have a comfortable bra!!!
I highly recommend attending this virtual conference if you want to learn everything there is to know about bra-making!
This virtual conference offers incredible information from world-class instructors about all aspects of bra- and lingerie-making, with a focus on expert bra fitting techniques. Learn how to accurately measure yourself to find the best fitting bra pattern and how to alter it for your body and shape. Many issues are covered including bra design, technical aspects (such as lift), special needs, materials, and sewing techniques. Plenty of Q&A sessions answer all your questions. Most presentations are recorded. Various registration levels allow you to choose the right access that will meet your needs, such as Beginner Bee, access to recordings for a month or a year, and access to the vault which contains recordings from previous Bra Bee conferences. I highly recommend attending this virtual conference if you want to learn everything there is to know about bra-making!
I was so impressed.
I was so impressed with how well it was organized, the quality of instructors, and the great content. There was something for everyone – from beginner to experienced bra-makers.
For any sewist with an interest in branching out to lingerie, the International Bra Sewing Bee is a fantastic investment!
For any sewist with an interest in branching out to lingerie, the International Bra Sewing Bee is a fantastic investment! The Beginner Bee is a week before the full conference, and lays out the basics so you won’t be completely lost when they start talking about different fabrics and laces and tossing out lingerie terminology. The presenters at the conference are amazing teachers – especially Lily and Monica! – and there’s lots of opportunities for Q&A. I’m a two-time attendee looking forward to my third!
I had the absolute best time at the International Bra Sewing Bee!
I had the absolute best time at the International Bra Sewing Bee! I attended (virtually) for the first time this year. This event has been held for 4 years now by Bra Builders.
The Bee was such a great experience, I recommend it to anyone wanting to connect with bra makers and spend days with women who are so passionate about bra making. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about bras since! You also get shop discounts from a few of the shops that were involved in the Bee, including Bra Builders.
Overall, it was 100% worth it and I will be attending the next one. I can’t wait and all I have on my mind is lingerie!
It is a great learning experience.
I participated again in the Great Bra Sewing Bee from August 4 through 8th. It is a great learning experience.
the International Bra Sewing Bee is for you!
Whether you are a seasoned lingerie enthusiast aiming to fine-tune techniques, a new sewist interested in bra making, or even a small business owner — the International Bra Sewing Bee is for you!
Learn how to create an impressive array of different styles of bra whether it’s wireless, strapless, Lusamine, vintage girdles, lift or lace panel. These workshops are helmed with incredibly talented designers and will be able to show you every trick of the trade. Take a dive into history and learn the intricacies of corsetry profiles and the construction over the centuries with modern corsetry or learn the best methods and techniques to change your well-fitting bra cup shape.
The Sewing Bee offers everything from live classes, panel discussions, sew-alongs, a meet n’ greet space, a mentorship program, and access to an inspiring online community of fellow makers.
The Blog
Get to Know us!
[instagram-feed feed=1]
Welcome to the International Bra Sewing Bee!
We’re a community of sewists helping YOU succeed in your bra-sewing journey. We offer a collection of 200+ recorded classes and sew-alongs in our Bra Bee Academy, a supportive community called The Hive, and an amazing annual virtual live conference. Wherever you’re located, and whatever lingerie you want to sew next we can’t wait to cheer you on!
Our mission is to give women the confidence to fit and sew their own bras with our professional resources and to share and connect within our community.
Our next Beginner Experience starts August 24th, register now!
Join the Beginner ExperienceJoin our waitlist and be the first to know about upcoming conferences!
Join the WaitlistThe Hive
Member Community
Learn MoreThe Bra Bee Academy
200 + classes
Learn MoreThe Schedule
See what is Happening
in The Hive!
Learn More
Free Classes
Our treat to you
View ClassesFAQ’s
Who are the humans behind the Bee?
The Bee was created in 2020 by Sue Folts and her daughter Emma. You can hear more of their story on this podcast with Threads Magazine! Today, Sue runs the Bee with a team of 3 staff and amazing seasonal volunteers and teachers.
Who participates in the community?
We exist to welcome everyone who is interested in sewing and fitting bras and underwear. Whether you’ve never sewn before or you’ve sewn for years and are looking to start a business we have something for you! Learn more on our community page and consider joining the free grassroots chat and group where our community hangs out.
What is the Beginner Bee?
Specially created for budding bra and lingerie sewists, the Beginner Bee includes a full day of live beginner level classes, two beginner sew-alongs, and interactive Q&A panels. It will take place the weekend before the Bra Bee.
When is the 2024 annual conference?
Join us live this year April 27, 2024!
Where is the International Bra Bee located?
Sue runs the Bee from Wisconsin in the USA but the community and events are international! Our teachers come from 15 countries and the community represents over 20 countries.
What if this didn’t answer my question?
We’d love to hear from you. Please email us at info@greatbrasewingbee.com.
The Buzz – Testimonials
Don’t just listen to us. Here are what people have to say about the Bee.
I have been blown away by all the information and knowledge.
I’m fairly new to sewing my own lingerie, I’ve only been doing it for about 1.5 to 2 years now. I decided to participate in the International Bra Sewing Bee this year in the hopes of gaining more skills and knowledge to better my bra making. I have been blown away by all the information and knowledge. All the teachers have been exceptional and the other members have been very kind and supportive. I’m looking forward to going again next year. I purchased the main conference with extended access and I am so glad to have the extended access so I can continue learning and making use of all the classes even after the official end of the conference. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who made the Bra Bee possible because it has been exceptionally wonderful!
The classes do not fail to inspire, instruct, enlighten and entertain
I have participated in all four years of the International Bra Sewing Bee, and it never disappoints. From my first year when I knew almost nothing about sewing bras to 2023 when all the lingerie in my drawer is handmade, the classes do not fail to inspire, instruct, enlighten and entertain. If you sew, if you enjoy pretty lingerie, if you wear bras, check out the International Bra Sewing Bee.
I have learned more than I could ever have dreamed about bramaking.
I’ve attended three Bees now, and I have learned more than I could ever have dreamed about bramaking. Most important? That there’s nothing wrong with ME! My body is what it is, and the reason I’ve had holes poked into my armpits for 30 years is because RTW bramakers do not make bras that will fit my shape because there just aren’t a whole lot of us. Each Bee has deepened my understanding of how to change patterns and choose materials to create something that will support ME perfectly as I am.
I have learned SO MUCH from these experts!
I have learned SO MUCH from these experts! I made my first bra before the conference was over. If you do this, get the full year! I upgraded to full year access. There is so much information that I need more time to learn and review. This is am amazing collaboration of pattern makers and lingerie supply companies joining forces to share lingerie expertise. I finally have a comfortable bra!!!
I highly recommend attending this virtual conference if you want to learn everything there is to know about bra-making!
This virtual conference offers incredible information from world-class instructors about all aspects of bra- and lingerie-making, with a focus on expert bra fitting techniques. Learn how to accurately measure yourself to find the best fitting bra pattern and how to alter it for your body and shape. Many issues are covered including bra design, technical aspects (such as lift), special needs, materials, and sewing techniques. Plenty of Q&A sessions answer all your questions. Most presentations are recorded. Various registration levels allow you to choose the right access that will meet your needs, such as Beginner Bee, access to recordings for a month or a year, and access to the vault which contains recordings from previous Bra Bee conferences. I highly recommend attending this virtual conference if you want to learn everything there is to know about bra-making!
I was so impressed.
I was so impressed with how well it was organized, the quality of instructors, and the great content. There was something for everyone – from beginner to experienced bra-makers.
For any sewist with an interest in branching out to lingerie, the International Bra Sewing Bee is a fantastic investment!
For any sewist with an interest in branching out to lingerie, the International Bra Sewing Bee is a fantastic investment! The Beginner Bee is a week before the full conference, and lays out the basics so you won’t be completely lost when they start talking about different fabrics and laces and tossing out lingerie terminology. The presenters at the conference are amazing teachers – especially Lily and Monica! – and there’s lots of opportunities for Q&A. I’m a two-time attendee looking forward to my third!
I had the absolute best time at the International Bra Sewing Bee!
I had the absolute best time at the International Bra Sewing Bee! I attended (virtually) for the first time this year. This event has been held for 4 years now by Bra Builders.
The Bee was such a great experience, I recommend it to anyone wanting to connect with bra makers and spend days with women who are so passionate about bra making. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about bras since! You also get shop discounts from a few of the shops that were involved in the Bee, including Bra Builders.
Overall, it was 100% worth it and I will be attending the next one. I can’t wait and all I have on my mind is lingerie!
It is a great learning experience.
I participated again in the Great Bra Sewing Bee from August 4 through 8th. It is a great learning experience.
the International Bra Sewing Bee is for you!
Whether you are a seasoned lingerie enthusiast aiming to fine-tune techniques, a new sewist interested in bra making, or even a small business owner — the International Bra Sewing Bee is for you!
Learn how to create an impressive array of different styles of bra whether it’s wireless, strapless, Lusamine, vintage girdles, lift or lace panel. These workshops are helmed with incredibly talented designers and will be able to show you every trick of the trade. Take a dive into history and learn the intricacies of corsetry profiles and the construction over the centuries with modern corsetry or learn the best methods and techniques to change your well-fitting bra cup shape.
The Sewing Bee offers everything from live classes, panel discussions, sew-alongs, a meet n’ greet space, a mentorship program, and access to an inspiring online community of fellow makers.
The Blog
Get to Know us!
[instagram-feed feed=1]
