Sexy Comfortable Panties is it a myth or a legend? Let's explore…
A myth is a widely held, but false belief or idea, and a legend is a story passed down from generations and accepted as a historical recount. So, can sexy and comfortable be used in the same sentence when regards to underwear? According to my grandmother's lingerie chest, this myth may in fact be a legend.
This is the second garment of my series on my “grandmother's wardrobe”. It is my tribute to the beautiful, strong woman who was left a widow and successfully ran the family farm and raised her eight children.
Let me just add that my grandmother passed away at the age of 86 a couple of years back, so I have nothing but my memories and my mother's own retelling of her life. At her wake, I was able to peek inside her lingerie chest, and what I saw made me realized that although she was my grandma she was also a woman.
One thing for sure is that she was both strong and an amazing tailor. I will call this underwear Lana in her memory.
They are high waisted to flatten your belly,
stretchable lace on the sides for maximum movement and sex appeal,
and a floating cotton jersey gusset for hygiene.
This pattern makes a pair of sexy, comfortable panties that you can make in many different colors to your taste.
Experience Level
Confident Intermediate. In this project, you will learn to work with lycra and stretchable lace, apply elastic to underwear, fit and finish a piece of lingerie.
Materials
- 1 yard of power netting, knit jersey, or bamboo, medium weight with at least 20% stretch
- 2 yards of double-sided elastic
- 1 yard of stretchable lace
- a scrap of cotton or bamboo jersey matching your main fabric
- thread to match
Tools
- sewing machine with a 3 step zigzag or a stretchable stitching
- 1 double point, jersey needle, or universal needle #70
- rotary cutter
- cutting mat
- measuring tape
Fabric Suggestions from Fabric.com
Pattern Layout
How To Download The Pattern
Use the latest version of Adobe Reader with print settings for Actual Size and Landscape. Print the first page first to test the 2″ x 2″ square to make sure the sizing is correct before printing out all the other pages.
Pattern Download
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Body Measurements
Size | Waist | Hips |
S | 26-28″ | 36-38″ |
M | 28-30″ | 38-40″ |
L | 30-33″ | 40-43″ |
XL | 33-36″ | 43-46″ |
2XL | 36-39″ | 46-49″ |
3XL | 39-41″ | 49-52″ |
Fitting Your Sexy Comfortable Panties Pattern
There is no better time to take your time like today to make a muslin of this pattern if you really want to end up with a pair of sexy comfortable panties. The waist should fall at your natural waist, making these high waisted panties. Make a muslin out of the same fabric as your final pair of underwear. This is the only way you can really tell whether this style suits you or not.
How To Sew Your Panties
I am using the same fabric I used to make the sports bra, it is a miliskin nylon/spandex, and not really the fabric I want to use for it but it is what I have at the moment. Effectively, this is my muslin. Eventually, I will try this pattern in a few different fabrics to see what works best. I have cut the large size but already I can see that perhaps for me it is too large.
It is most important to keep the pattern pieces pinned to the fabric until you are going to sew or you will lose time trying to work out what piece goes where and what attaches to what. Trust me I make these mistakes often.
I am going to use my sewing machine and three types of stretch stitches. But you can use a serger if you have one.
- Serge or zigzag the smaller side of the gusset.
- Print or right sides together pin the front and back together at the gusset.
- Turn the underwear with the gusset up and pin the gusset to the back of the pantie.
- Sew the front, back and gusset together at 3/8″.
- Separate the front from the back exposing the gusset.
- Trim the main fabric seam to half, do not cut the gusset seam allowance.
- Fold the gusset to the front and pin.
- Topstitch the gusset. This is how you make a floating gusset.
- Pin the front elastic lace sides to the front and the back elastic lace piece to the back.
- To avoid pining the piece the wrong way leave pin one side to the front while leaving the other side still pinned to the pattern.
- Sew at 3/8″. You can use the turn under seam finish but I am just going to turn the seam towards the fabric panel and topstitch.
- Sew the sides using the french seam. Use a 1/8″ turn and sew at 1/4″.
- Divide the waist into four equal parts. Measure the waist and cut the elastic 2″ smaller than the waist. Sew the elastic ends to make a band, divide the band into four equal parts.
Pin the elastic to the waistband and sew using a small zigzag.
For the legs openings the instructions are the same as the waist.
Conclusion
The pattern will work for a lady who is curvy with an hourglass figure and larger hips. I would like to add some hooks to attach high thigh stockings.
The material I used is in my opinion not the best for a piece of clothing, like this one. It is not wrong but I would definitely make a new pair using picot trim elastic rather than the double-sided elastic. For myself, I will use stretchable silk satin, stretchable lace fabric, and picot elastic trim.
The original pair was made of silk satin cut on a bias, Chantilly lace on the sides, and picot elastic at the waistband and thighs opening. At the time they were made I am assuming lycra was not available nor was stretchable lace. I put my grandmothers' pair somewhere in the '50s.
For the stitching, I think the use of french seams on the side panels and side seam would be the best way to approach this sexy comfortable panties.
So, are these panties sexy? according to my grandmother sexy is a state of mind. In terms of comfortability, I think these panties are legendary.
Join me next time when I will be showing you how to make a….something, not sure what yet. Maybe I will make a small survey to see what would be the best thing to share with you hope you can take part.
Looking forward to your comments below. Until next time, Happy sewing!
I love this pattern, such a great fit with no altering the pattern. I’m going to make so many pairs in different colours. Thank you. I’ve donated a coffee. Enjoy.????
I hope to see a picture of at least one pair, got Instagram Abigail? IF you do please use #soseweasyofficial so I can see, it will be my pleasure, I enjoy looking at the fabrics you guys are able to get your hands on.
While the pattern looks interesting I do not see any info re what length to cut the elastic for waist or leg openings. How would these be calculated?
The same way as the waist.
The pattern won’t print properly for me. It’s missing lines and things don’t line up 🙁
Are you using adobe reader for printing. No Scale and Landscape mode only.
what is the width of the elastic your using and is it the same for both the waist and the legs? Also, are you turning the elastic under after you have attached it to the pantie?
Hi Kelly please go over the instructions carefully before you attempt this pattern. The leg elastic is cut and sewn the same ways as the waist. It is a no to your second question just fold, you can find samples other than mine on Instagram. #soseweasyoffcial Hope you make a pair and share a picture. Kind regards,
Thank you so much for the beautiful pattern and tutorial! I love sewing bras and underwear and these panties look pretty and comfortable!
Question. What do you mean by double-sided elastic? Fold-over elastic? Or something else? Thanks.
Double-sided/ fold over It is the same depending on where you live and how you used it, it is called differently.
Hi Mayra, I have followed you for years and look forward to each new post.
I think you may be too young to remember “Stretch and Sew”, but it was their pattern that I used to make my own panties. And I loved the fact that I could do that. I used those patterns to make many of my own clothing and for my children as well.
Now, I’m using your patterns for the clothing, etc.
I truly appreciate your generosity in sharing so many ‘free’ patterns with us. The first time I encountered “free patterns” on your site I was shocked that such a thing existed.
Since I’ve retired (at the age of 83) I now enjoy making dresses, shirts and pants for my great grandchildren. What a blessing they are.
I have to tell you that I truly enjoyed your story about your grandmother. Reminds me of both my mother and grandmother. They were such great women or worked and strived through the hardest of times.
I remember finding an old bra and a girdle that had belonged to my mom and to my oldest sister. Even then, things were made differently.
I also found a pair of cotton panties and there was no ‘sanitary panel’. Instead there was a cross over panel which opened in the middle. When I asked my mom why panties were made that way, she said” Ladies always wore dresses. It was considered unladylike to pull your panties down to use the facilities. Instead, you held the panels open, front and back. When you were finished you were covered and considered proper again.
I’m really glad they don’t make panties that way now.
Thanks again for the lovely pattern.
Please stay well and stay safe.
Hi Mayra, I’ve followed you for years and made many of your patterns. Thank you so much for sharing them. The first time I encountered your site, I was shocked at the ‘no charge/free’ concept for patterns.
I love this panty pattern and am anxious to make a pair and see how they fit. There are many pieces of clothing that are made very differently now than when your grandmother lived.
You may be too young to remember “Stretch ad Sew Patterns, but I first learned to sew my ow panties with a “Stretch ad Sew” pattern. In fact, I made many pieces of clothing for myself and my children.
I’m hoping to be able to make some dresses and shirts and pants for my great grandchildren now that I’m retired and have lots of time on my hands.
I can’t thank you enough for your generosity for the sharing of so many patterns.
I always look forward to your posts. Please stay well and stay safe.
Suzanne
Dear Suzanne, Your words are so encouraging, heartwarming and I have to admit made me cry a bit. I am nothing short of honoured that you take the time to read what I post; Thank you! I stay hopeful that one day we can share a cup of coffee, stay in touch, please. Kind Regards, MC
Thank you for the beautiful panties pattern. It looks like something I would like to try. After reading through the instructions multiple times I cannot find the instructions for finishing the leg openings. Am I just missing it or was this not included in the instructions?
Thank you again for all of your beautiful ideas and patterns
Hi Dawn, the instructions are the same as the waist, as long as you use double-sided elastic.
Bonjour
Merci pour ce modèle de culotte que je viens d’imprimer, mon seul souci le pdf est en anglais.
Bonne journée
Bonjour, Dany, Oui tous mes modèles sont en Anglais. Dans la vidéo, je mettrai les instructions en Français et Espagnol. Merci!
Elastic around the leg openings? I’m not seeing any instructions for that nor amount of elastic to use or how to proportion between front and back.
Nothing mentioned about finishing the thigh openings. I assume they are done the same as the waist? Maybe I missed something somewhere. Pretty and sexy.
Indeed, this is how you finish them.
Your story brings back memories. Only it was my mother, not my grandmother, who wore this style. Plus, it was a girdle rather than panties and it already had garters to attach stockings. On the other hand, my grandmother was a southern girl who wore a lace-up corset her whole life.
Now corsets are coming back in style and my husband loves stockings with garters rather than pantyhose. Everything goes in cycles.
My mother forced me to wear a girdle starting when I was about 13. Ugh! I hated it and the garter bumps would often show under my skirts. But then garter belts came into fashion (better, but not great) and then finally (hooray) PANTYHOSE!!!
Both Granny and my mother are gone now and I miss them both, but I’m very grateful that they taught me to sew. I haven’t worn a girdle since I was around 16 or so (thank Heaven!), but I do make my own comfortable panties. Now I can add these to my repertoire! Thanks for the cute pattern
Thanks for your comments Suzanne, did you know you have made 46? I enjoy your feedback very much! I think these panties could use some gathers hooks, I will try and let you know.
I have not made panties before but this has motivated me, Been wondering what do “fluffy” women wear that is comfortable. Looking forward to trying. Agree with comment about your grandmother, she must have some kind of woman.
Your 3x is a little stingy on the sizing. What would you suggest as the best approach to grade these up for larger sized ladies? Anything special, other than just making them wider?
Hi Julie, the fabric will stretch around 3 to 4 inches more. What size hips are you looking for?
waist is 44, hips 54. Not a lot larger than the listed measurements, but I don’t want to feel constricted in them, esp not in the waist – they’re supposed to be comfortable 🙂
I understand I will follow up with a fitting post, this is better done on video for best results.
Would foldover elastic be a suitable substitute for double sided elastic? I’m not even sure what double sided elastic is…
Hi, Barbara, it is the same.
I’ve been searching for a pair of sport briefs to wear under a tennis skirt or dress – this pattern just might be the answer. I’m going to try to make a pair from spandex or stretch knit in a fun print – if I’m successful, I’ll then try a pair in lingerie stretch knit with lace panels. Thank you for sharing this story and the pattern. I will make a donation to support this site.
Thank you for your generosity!
Oh my goodness, these could be a dream come true! I have a toddler and expecting #2, so not sure when I’ll get time to experiment with this pattern, but it’s on my list of “must try”!
Congratulations Laura! Little ones before sexy big panties, absolutely!
Thank you for sharing! These will be added to my sewing que. Your grandmother was right, sexy is a state of mind, and pretty, comfy undies go along way in helping your sexy state of mind! I’m looking forward to more finds!
Ladies, we must all remember that someone will be peeking into and cleaning out our lingerie chests someday. Let’s leave them something to wonder about, shall we? ????
Very excited about these; I’ve been searching for wearable but sensual panties forever — thank you!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now, I can make my “power panties” prettier and better made than the ones I have purchased. They have all run, and they were not the Wally World brand, either. I am excited for real!!! I can make 100% cotton crotch, or do you not suggest that?
Like Suzann, I loved the story. I wear old lady cotton, up to my waist panties. All the patterns I see are low cut which feels like they are falling down. I wear a size 11 and have a inexcusable sized tummy so fitting the pretty sexy patties pattern you have given us won’t work for me unless I could increase the length of the top up to my waist. Finding cotton fabric will be the only other challenge. Thank you so much for sharing with all of us.
I am loving this pattern! Cannot wait to make a pair of Lana Panties being a grandmother soon to be great grandmother myself. But you say it’s the second in a series called “Grandmothers wardrobe”. So I am wondering what was the first? I couldn’t find it in your patterns. Also, I paid for the pattern on Payhip, not Ko-fi, hope I did it right.
Hi Sandra, either way, is welcome! I made a lace slip, I will post the garter belt that goes with it and latter the bustier, I have a night swiss lawn cotton gown, a bed jacket and a maternity bra, some anti-chaffing shorts, silk bias slip and many more panties coming. Here is the link to the lace slip: https://so-sew-easy.com/under-dress-lace-slip/
Thank you for sharing your memories of your grandmother. She sounds awesome. I am always making my own panties, but lately I’ve been forced to wear store bought. Not a good option. This is just the impetus I need to make new undies, along with the new fabric I just bought last week! I always look for good excuses to sew…????
I absolutely love the story behind these sexy comfortable panties and purchased the panties pattern. I am excited to sew these up and maybe leave a legend for my grans to find., I can hear them now lol
Hugs to you and what a blessing you are to honor your grandmother in this way.
Suzann