Sew your own Stretch Mesh Knickers
Making knickers is a great way to get into sewing your own lingerie. Its the perfect beginners project!
A pair of knickers was the first piece of lingerie I ever made from scratch. This was 7 years ago and I bought a DIY Knicker Kit from the Haberdashery section in Liberty London. I didn’t particularly like the style…. or the fabric for that matter, but I had never seen any other kits and I had no idea where to source other elastics or lingerie fabrics.
Today, I can honestly say that they are the worst pair of knickers I have ever owned and I have never. ever. worn them! The large-print polka dot fabric was woven - a sort of waxed cotton that actually rustled when you moved! The leg holes were hemmed rather than elasticated and the waist was so gathered and bulky you could easily see it under clothes - the final product reminded me more of a baby’s diaper than a pair of briefs!
Looking back now I can see clearly see why the kit was such as disaster - the fabric was easy to sew for a beginner but definitely not fit for purpose (waxed cotton is not lightweight, soft, breathable or anything else you want your lingerie to be) and the pattern was designed to fit as many people as possible at the expense of any aesthetic appeal.
Thankfully today there are many more options available - so many great patterns, kits and resources and I am pleased to announce that I’ve now added my own Knicker Making Kits to the mix!
NEW KITS - Stretch Mesh Knicker Kits
I’ve just added the first (of many) kits to the store - the Stretch Mesh Knicker Kits. They are perfect for making your own simple, sheer, everyday intimates.
The kits include super soft Nylon stretch mesh, Nylon fold over elastic (plain, contrast or polka dot) for the waist and legs and 100% Cotton for the gusset lining. Unlike my first knicker making experience, these fabrics will make the most comfortable knickers you have ever worn! No rustling - I Promise!
These kits do not include a pattern but do match the requirements for many popular patterns (basically any patters that require stretch fabric & FOE - see full list below) and I can’t wait to sew my way through them all…
To start, I decided to try the Evie La Luve Binky Panties (pictured top of page) and the Maxine High Waist Knicker, which is free - so why not! (Right)
Both patterns are great with easy to follow instructions and construction methods. You do not need to use an overlocker/serger, you only need to use a straight stitch and Zig-zag stitch.
The sizing is easy to work out and the patterns are nested so if you wanted to increase or decrease the sizing it’s easy to work out where you would need to alter the patterns.
I made up a medium in both patterns and they are both incredibly comfortable. I would highly recommend both of these patterns from Evie La Luve and I am now tempted to try an few more from her!
Here are more patterns you can use with this kit:
Arielle Tanga Panties - Evie La Luve
Chloe Thong - Evie La Luve (Pictured Left)
Nixie Brief - Jennifer Lauren Handmade
*Hipster Brief - Make Bra
Arccos Undies- Sophie Hines
Watson Bikini Brief - Cloth Habit
*Rosy Ladyshorts - Cloth Habit
Tuesday Boyshort - Emerald Erin
*Basic Brief - So Zo What do you Know
*Noelle High Waisted Panty - Madalynne Intimates
*These are FREE patterns, which are wonderful… but, If you are a complete beginner, I recommend paying for a pattern. Free patterns sometimes do not include instructions, or have information missing on the pattern - this can be OK if you know what you are doing but it’s extremely frustrating for a beginner! (I have been there)
I’m planning to try as many patterns as I can, after-all you can never have too many knickers!
If you know of any more suitable patterns I have missed, feel free to add them in the comments….
8 options available:
