Module 1: Master Fabric Selection
Build your knowledge. Choose the right materials. Sew with confidence.
In this first module, we take a deep dive into the unique world of lingerie fabrics—because designing beautiful lingerie starts with understanding what it’s made of.
You’ll explore the characteristics of key lingerie fabrics including mesh, satin, silk, lace, tulle, cotton jersey, and bamboo. We'll guide you through how each fabric behaves, what it's best used for, and give you practical tips on how to sew it—with guidance on needle choice, stitch length, and more.
What You’ll Learn:
How to choose the right fabric for style, comfort, and durability
Sewing techniques specific to delicate lingerie materials
Which fabrics work best for each part of the bra—from cups and cradles to under-bands and wings
Understanding fabric stretch and recovery—so you know exactly what’s needed for fit, support, and shape retention
Fabric requirements for production—making it easier to plan and communicate with suppliers or manufacturers
This module sets you up with the technical confidence you need to bring your designs to life—without second-guessing your fabric choices.
Fabric Selection
Why You Need This Course
Fabrics are the foundation of every beautiful lingerie piece—but most designers don’t get taught how to truly understand them. Knowing how a fabric stretches, supports, drapes, or holds up over time isn’t just technical knowledge—it’s what separates a good design from a great one.
When it comes to lingerie, fabric selection isn’t just important—it’s everything. The right lace, mesh, satin, or elastic can elevate a design and ensure it fits, feels, and functions exactly as intended. The wrong one? It can throw off the whole piece.
With endless fabric options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This course is here to take away the confusion and give you confidence—whether you're just starting or looking to level up your knowledge.
You'll learn:
What makes lingerie fabrics unique
How to pair the right materials with the right designs
The role elastics play in both fit and finish
How to approach fabric sourcing with clarity and confidence
This is your fabric foundation—taught simply, clearly, and specifically for lingerie designers.
Understand lingerie fabrics and findings
What You’ll Learn: Components & Elastics
Know exactly what goes where—and why.
When we talk about “findings” in lingerie design, we’re talking about all the little (but essential) components that bring your designs to life. In this section, you’ll get crystal clear on what each part is, what it’s used for, and how to choose the right one based on the style you’re creating.
Lingerie-Specific Components
You’ll explore the full range of findings needed to build a bra from start to finish. We’ll cover:
Bra straps – how to choose the right width and style
Rings & sliders – and why their size and finish matters
Hook & eye closures – including how to match them to your design
Underwires & wire casing – what shapes and lengths suit which cups
Bra cups, boning, and trims – the supporting stars of structure and style
Understanding Elastics
Elastics aren’t all created equal. From delicate picot-edge styles to strong underband elastics, knowing which type to use (and where!) is key to fit, comfort, and performance.
You’ll learn:
Which elastics are best for briefs, underbands, and straps
How width and strength affect wearability
What to avoid when sourcing elastics for lingerie
By the end of this section, you’ll feel confident shopping for materials and specifying exactly what you need for your unique designs.
Findings
Get to grips with the stretch, strength, and sewing secrets of lingerie elastics.
Elastics often go unnoticed—but they’re one of the most powerful components in a well-made bra or pair of knickers. In this module, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of elastics and how to use them with intention.
What You’ll Learn:
A deep dive into the most commonly used elastics:
Knickers elastic
Brushed-back elastic
Fold-over elastic (FOE)
How to recognise the difference between soft, medium, and firm stretch
How much stretch each type should ideally have—and where they work best in a garment
A smart method for calculating how much elastic you need from your pattern
How to set up your sewing machine with the right measurements for a consistent, professional finish
My time-saving technique that means you’ll never have to manually measure out elastic lengths again
By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to confidently choose, apply, and sew elastics that look good, feel great, and hold everything in place.
Elastic Mastery: The unsung Hero of Lingerie Design
Who This Course is For
Aspiring Lingerie Designers:
Start building your material knowledge now so your future collections don’t just look beautiful—they feel and function beautifully, too.
Sewing Enthusiasts:
Ready to level up your skills? Learn how to confidently handle delicate, stretchy, and often tricky lingerie fabrics to get polished, professional-looking results.
Boutique Brand Founders:
If you're launching your own lingerie brand, understanding your materials is a game-changer. You’ll learn how to choose fabrics and findings that elevate your designs and make your brand stand out.
Fashion Students:
I remember being exactly where you are! This course gives you insider knowledge that goes beyond textbooks—perfect for developing your portfolio and gaining confidence in lingerie construction.
Stop second-guessing your fabric choices and start creating beautiful, high-quality lingerie with clarity and confidence.
Is this course for me?
What’s Next?
By the end of the course, you’ll have a clear understanding of which fabrics and components you need for your designs—and now it’s time to gather them.
To make this easy, I’ve included a BOM (Bill of Materials) template—the very same format used in professional tech packs across the lingerie industry. Think of it as your ultimate shopping list for each design.
Whether you’re planning to sew it yourself or send it to a factory, the BOM helps you stay organised, clear, and ready to move forward. And if you’re aiming to launch your own lingerie brand, this habit of documenting your materials now will serve you well down the line.
It might sound technical, but don’t worry—it’s simply a list of what you need to bring your design to life. Start as you mean to go on: organised, confident, and industry-ready.