CraftShare: Make Undies Yourself Tutorial

Since I started sewing I've always wanted to make underwear.  It seemed so simple, but I'll admit, I was scared.  This is one item of clothing you want to fit right.  So I kept procrastinating - until now.  What was I waiting for?!?!!  Making undies is easy, cheap and, dare I say, fun?  FOE (Fold Over Elastic) is what makes it turn out great.

Here's How -

You'll Need:
- An old pair of undies that fit well & you don't mind cutting.
- 1-1 1/2yds of Fold Over Elastic (FOE) - I get mine from Diaper Sewing Supplies
- 1/4 yd of cotton knit fabric/old t-shirt* (something with stretch like jersey or interlock)
- Paper & pencil for tracing

For more details on using Fold Over Elastic, find my FOE 101 post HERE.

*Note: If you're afraid of goofing on your nice fabric (like I was), cut up a plain old t-shirt for your first try.  I used an old undershirt of my husband's and it turning out surprisingly cute & comfortable:

Step 1 - Cut the sides of the old undies open and lay them flat (and please don't judge me on these very old Tommy Hilfiger panties):

Step 2 - This is the most important part!  Over the tracing paper, carefully lay the fabric flat.  The elastic edging will be stretched, but the fabric itself shouldn't be stretched - this is how to make sure the shape stays exactly as needed.  Use a ruler or small weights to hold it in place while tracing.  Then, while laid flat, but not stretched, measure the elastic seam of the front, back and side (leg hole) and note for when we cut the FOE.

Step 3 - Cut out your pattern piece and mark a line where the seam of the back & front are sewn together and mark the placement of the lining fabric.

Step 4 - Now cut out a lining piece using the pattern and either by folding (or cutting the pattern in half at the seam line you've drawn), cut out the front and back piece but add an extra 1/2 inch on both pieces at  the sides and at the line where the pieces will join (for the seam allowances).  Transfer placement markings for the lining, so you end up with 3 pieces like this:

Step 5 - With right sides facing, sew or serge together the front & back.  If straight sewing, I recommend doing a second line of stitches just next to the first for added strength.

Step 6 - Pin the lining to the wrong side of the undies lining up on markings (this should cover the seam):

Step 7 - Now cut out the FOE for the front, back and both legs using your measurements.  Sew on the FOE to the front and back with a wide triple zig-zag stitch (5.0 wide by 2.0 long).  The trick here is to slightly stretch the FOE while sewing.  It's easiest to pin the top and bottom ends of the FOE in place and then stretch the FOE as you sew to make sure there's the perfect amount of give and still fit just right.  DO NOT stretch your fabric - this will affect the fit.

Repeat Step 6 with the leg hole areas:

Step 8 - With right sides facing, stitch or serge together the front & back at the sides.  Again, if stitching, do two rows for added strength:

Trim off the excess fabric on the sides and your new perfect fit undies are all ready to wear!

These fit great and look really cute on, but as I'd prefer not to post pics of myself in underwear for the entire internet to see, these are the best shots you're going to get.  But I did make a cute matching tank top to go with them that I am will to show:

You can get really creative with your fabrics & FOE colors to make some cute custom looks for cheap, because it uses so little material.  I bought this thermal elephant print fabric for $2/yd a while back and was amazed to find out it was designer fabric by Primp that sells shirts out of the same fabric for $48+.  High fashion look at a bargain price.  Score!  And since it's so fast, you can make a week's worth of cute pants in next to no time.  Next on my list is to make some cute kid-sized underwear.

Ready to make some of your own?  And for more fun projects using FOE click HERE.

Sharing this creation with my FAVE LINK PARTIES too so click HERE to check them out!