In my earlier post, I gave you the pieces to download for the free pattern to make your own undies. If you missed if, take a look here (Free Multi-size pattern to make your own undies) and download your two pattern pieces.
The pattern pieces are for the liner, and for the two ends of the piece you are going to cut. You need to lengthen the pattern to the correct size according to the table of sizes. In order to do this you simply have to add a plain piece of paper in between the two ends, tape into place, draw your lines and cut.
UPDATE - Oct 2014. The pattern has now been updated from hand-drawn to digital and is available with the pattern and instructions as a single PDF file to make downloading and printing easy, especially from mobile devices. Please refer to the downloaded instructions for how to assemble the new digital pattern.
Here is how:
1. Get a measuring tape and measure around your hips to see what size you need. Measure your high hips near where the top of your hip bones are – where you might wear a pair of low-rise briefs.
Look at this chart to determine your likely size.
- Extra small – hips 32-34
- Small – 35-37
- Medium – 38-40
- Large – 41-43
2. Take your two pattern pieces and lay them side by side. Take a look at the top right for the total length you need your pattern to be.
- XS – 21 1/2 inches
- S – 23 1/4
- M – 25
- L – 24 3/4
3. Get a plain piece of paper and add it between the other two, with the pattern pieces on the top.
4. Now move the two pattern pieces apart until your pattern is the right total length. You need to measure along the bottom line, between the marks for your size. So if you are an extra small, you need to measure between the two extra small lines and move the pattern until your measurement is 21 1/2 inches. If you are a large, move the pieces apart until the measurement between the two Large lines on the bottom of the pattern is 24 3/4 inches. You get the idea.
5. Now tape your pattern in place and double check the bottom measurement. Draw a straight line along the top and bottom to join up your pattern.
6. Now cut out your pattern piece. Don't forget to cut out the liner piece too. Your finished pattern should look something like this.
The pattern is made deliberately wide to accommodate any width of lace you might want to use. I suggest 4 inches to 6 inches or so wide.
In the next post I'll recommend a couple of suppliers for good stretch lace, as well as show the full step by step tutorial for how to make your undies.
Authored by: Deby at So Sew Easy
Hi! what can I do if the lace is smaller than the pattern as it happens in the foto of your example?
thanks,
No this is how the undies are supposed to look, they will not cover all. You need to find either a wider lace or a smaller pattern.
I just found your undies pattern and have read over the directions several times to see how much lace was needed to make the large.
can you tell me how to make the pattern bigger.. to big for largest size. thanks
Hi Teresa – I did reply to your comment when you asked this before. This is what I said in reply to the question – Hi Teresa. I’ve not graded the pattern to that size, but if I can give you a suggestion of how to give it a try. If you measure around where the top of the undies will fall on your body and take of 10% (for the stretch) and then divide it by two, the top of the pattern piece should be increased until it measures this length. The larger sizes can be harder to grade because curvy ladies are often a different shape as well as size to a skinny body. You might need to also add a little length to the bottom of the pattern piece at each end to make allowance for a wider behind – or you might not depending on your shape. As an alternative, if you have an old pair of undies that fit, cut them up right through the middle front and back and use this as a template to see how you might need to adjust the pattern. Try out with fabric from an old t-shirt before cutting into any nice lace. I hope this helps. Deb
Love this pattern and I printed it right away. Could I ask one thing, please? Could you please print your web site on the pattern pieces? It took me a while to find you again to make sure I had the directions right.
That’s a really great idea – I should have thought of that. I’ll see to it!
You can print the name of the website yourself. Click on Page Setup and choose headers and footers to print. Precise instructions depend on what browser you’re using.
So super fun! I don’t even sew, but I’m such a fan of your blogs…loving the one about blogging income, too! You’re featured today at Mop It Up Monday. Have a fabulous week!
Hi April – oh dear – most viewed? Don’t tell my husband – he is already embarrassed that so many people are seeing my undies! I’ll be there of course. See you tomorrow.
This is the best idea I have seen in a LONG time, and much less expensive.
I’ll be there Julia!
What a great idea! I just hadn’t really thought about it before! I’m totally gonna have to do this!
I can see this in my future! Mediums are too big on me and smalls are too small!
Now, that’s something I never considered making myself!
Thank you so much! I’ve been looking for a good underwear tutorial since my pregnancy shrunk all my old panties lol. I can’t wait to find some pretty vintage blouses to turn into panties!
I don’t think they make a pattern big enough for my bloomers … *grins*
Visiting from ISBMTF
thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com
OOOH this sounds so interesting! I’ve wanted to do some personal undies for about a month now! Thanks for sharing this!
I am losing so much weight ever month I may have to try this.
Cheri from Its So Very Cheri
Great idea! I’m pinning this! For as expensive as underwear can get this is a wonderful idea and they are custom too! 🙂
I’m visiting from “Mop It Up Mondays” and following your blog via Facebook and Pinterest! I love to sew and can’t wait to see more. Have a great week!
I never thought about sewing your own underwear. What a great idea!
Thank you for linking up to Raising Imperfection!
Make sure to check back on Friday to see if you were featured.
Leslie
Now there is one thing I never thought about — making your own panties! I’m sure they fit a hell of a lot better than store bought!
Thank you for linking to Raising Imperfection.
Please come back Friday to see if you were featured. 🙂
¤´¨)
¸.•*´
(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
http://www.raising-reagan.com
Blush – you are too kind. Hope to see you back again soon.
I just got a new serger and I have really been wanting to try a undies pattern! This is great thanks! I really love your blog. I always seem to find my way back here.