BRAugust Sew Along, Part Two: Matching Panty
Are you Team “matching panties,” or Team “it doesn’t matter to me”? Either way, now that you’ve sewn your non-wired bra in part one, let’s finish the set—join me for part two of the BRAugust Sew Along as I walk you through sewing the perfect matching panties.
Well, I’m Team Matching! Why put all that pride and effort into making your own lingerie without a matching top and bottom? This tutorial will show you just how easy it is to make matching undies — once you make one pair, you’ll want to make five more that weekend.
Undies require a 4-way stretch fabric and have to stretch up/down and around your body, so search for fabrics with this quality. Soft fabrics that are durable and comfortable are what you want. Most lingerie supply boutiques provide options based on what your fabric/skin preferences are.
Fabric Types
- Microlycra
- Microlycra Air (a much lighter version of Microlycra)
- Cotton Lycra
- Bamboo Cotton
- Modal Cotton
- Stretch Mesh
- Stretch Lace
- and the gusset is always cotton
Elastics
Lace Trims are designed for the Waist and Legs, widths based on preference. But the loveliest option is Fusible Elastic…a press-on tape available in various widths 3/8″, 1/2″ and 3/4″…use for your waist and legs according to your design and fit needs. Some fabrics are best suited with a narrow 1/4″ zig-zag stitch on top of the folded fused edge; experience will tell you what fabrics will need it.
Most undies patterns will use seam allowances to fit the design either 1/4″ or 3/8″. Lace trims are commonly applied with the first stitch on the right side and folded to the inside for a 2nd pass, both using a zig-zag or 3-step zig-zag stitch. A real cool goal is to stitch your legs and waist on a coverstitch machine as you apply elastics.
Here’s a secret: When you find your favorite bra and undies patterns that fit, and you love them both – make your swimsuit from the same patterns. (another tutorial, of course!)
