Every once in a while I come across a sewing tool that makes me stop and think, “Why didn’t someone invent this years ago?”
After more than 40 years of designing bras, teaching bra-making around the world, and drafting countless patterns, I’ve accumulated more than a drawer full of French curves, rulers, tape measures and assorted drafting gadgets. They’ve all done one job or another. BUT, they’ve also required compromises.
So when I was asked if I’d try out and review The Bra Design Tool Trio from Sew Clever, I was intrigued – but admittedly a little skeptical. Could these three acrylic rulers really make that much difference in my bra design and drafting? The short answer is YES and furthermore, I suspect these tools will appeal to anyone who drafts bras or modifies patterns regularly.
What surprised me most wasn’t that The Bra Design Tools did something revolutionary. It was that they solved dozens of little frustrations I’d simply accepted over the years. Instead of adapting general sewing rulers to bra drafting, I was finally using tools designed specifically for bra-making.
When I first picked it up, I assumed it was simply another French curve with a few extra markings. I was wrong.
After using it for a while, I realized I kept reaching for it instead of my curves I’ve had for years, because it combines several tools into one. In fact, my (up to now) favourite curve had slots in it to draw in seamlines, but it was fragile and not always accurate.
The features on the Bra Design Curve I found myself using most often were:
None of these features are individually earth-shattering, but together they genuinely streamlined my drafting process.
I’ll admit something many of us experience eventually—my eyesight isn’t what it used to be. Tiny black ruler markings and fractional measurements have become increasingly frustrating, especially after several hours of drafting.
That’s one reason The Curve Measuring Wheel impressed me. I’ve used curve wheels for a few years, but this one is completely different.
Not only does it measure curved seams quickly (something I’ve always found awkward with a tape measure), but the brightly coloured tenth-inch markings are remarkably easy to read. Each tenth has its own colour, and that same colour system is repeated across all three tools. After only a short time I found myself instinctively looking for the turquoise .5 mark or the purple .8 mark instead of counting tiny divisions or looking for the number itself.
For years I’ve kept a fractions-to-decimals conversion chart beside my drafting table. Not because I wanted to…but because I had to. Yes, I learned metric a whole long time ago, but I do love using inches for bra-making. I can’t believe I am now able to use a ruler that combines the best of both worlds.
Since most bra drafting is done in decimals, every measurement taken with a traditional inch ruler meant another little conversion. Fractions of an inch to decimal points. It doesn’t sound like much until you repeat it dozens of times during a single pattern.
Machinists and engineers use tenths rulers – why shouldn’t bra-makers have something like this too? Using inch rulers marked in tenths completely removes that conversion step. It’s one of those subtle improvements that doesn’t sound exciting until you’ve experienced it.
Now I don’t think I’d willingly go back.
Then I flipped The Tenths Ruler over, and to my surprise – there is a Stretch Percentage Ruler on the back of the tenths ruler! Yes, there is one on the Bra Design Curve, and a second one on the back side of the tenths ruler. So convenient!
Ok, true confession time: there is one little down side to the Bra Design Tools.
Admittedly, it did take me a few minutes to get used to measuring in tenths rather than fractions, simply because decades of habit are hard to break.
Once I made that mental shift, however, I found myself wondering why I’d waited so long. It is SO much easier to measure in tenths of an inch rather than fractions!
I had to admit that having both the Curve Measuring Wheel and The Tenths Ruler being calibrated the same way, made my conversion much easier than I thought. Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks!
After spending time with The Bra Design Tools, I can honestly say these tools have earned a permanent place in my sewing room.
Will they magically make someone a better bra designer?
No.
Experience still matters. Understanding fit still matters. Good drafting skills still matter.
But good tools remove unnecessary frustration, and these certainly do that.
If you draft bras regularly – or teach others how to draft them – I think you’ll appreciate the thought that has gone into every one of these Bra Design Tools.
They’re not replacements for skill. They’re tools that let your skill shine.
And in my design studio, that’s about the highest compliment I can give.
