Show Us Your Pants!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Well, it's certainly not everyday I show my undies (pants, underwear, panties (hate that name!), lingerie, unmentionables, smalls...) on the internet. But here we are.

Just before we left Sydney, I had a fraction of time left with my sewing machine and wanted to make something small and quick. I'd been meaning to give making my own undies a go for a little while now so off I went.

I used the Ohh Lulu Grace Hipster pattern, mostly because I was rather intrigued at the use of non-stretch woven fabric in the pattern. I have to admit, I don't think I've ever seen a pair of ladies underwear (that weren't boxers) made with non-stretch woven fabric before. Would they actually be comfy?


I made the lavender and white pair as my test muslin. The lavender came from the remnants of my 60s Vogue Wrap dress and the white is some stretchy t-shirt cotton I've had sitting around for a while. This pattern uses a mix of stretch and non-stretch fabrics, so it's perfect for using up those little scraps of fabric that aren't big enough for much else.

I have to be honest here guys, I'm not sure the woven cotton works that well where it's placed in the centre of the pattern. Perhaps I used a heavier fabric than I should have, the pattern does state that any non-stretch woven fabric is suitable, but perhaps something like a cotton lawn would have been better? The problem is that when you hem the, erm, crotch area, it gets a little bulky and well, a little rough.

For my second pair, I used a much softer navy jersey for the centre (scraps left over from my first Vogue 40s Travel dress) and a cream stretch lace for the side inserts. I also cut the crotch area a bit smaller and instead of hemming it as the pattern suggests, I zigzagged stitched on some of the stretch lace I had used for the waist band. I also decided not to overlock the seams to reduce the bulk.

Gosh, who knew making undies could be so complicated?


Personally, I think I'll stick with knits for making underwear for the time being. It's probably that I'm just not used to wearing non-stretchy fabrics down there because as it turns out, I like to move around a lot and need, well, freedom! Though in saying that, I have found another pattern for undies made completely from non-stretch woven fabric. So, maybe I should give them another go...?

Have you guys made undies from non-stretch fabric before? Did they work for you?

xx
Jen
13 comments on "Show Us Your Pants!"
  1. Word of warning; the sizing on the amerson undies might be a bit off; check sarah of SewSquirrel's post about them for why I'm saying that...

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  2. Word of warning; the sizing on the amerson undies might be a bit off; check sarah of SewSquirrel's post about them for why I'm saying that...

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  3. Yeah, I used a stretch woven for a pair of nickers and I can't say I'm a fan - I do think I will stick to knit lycra fabrics for my wear under there!

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  4. I hate "panties" too, I can't tell you how much. *shudder* I usually say underpants, lol.
    Anyway, I think your navy pair are really cute. Good on you for trying out the non-stretch version, I would be just too leery of that. I have a couple little questions:
    1. Did you size down at all when you made your all-knit pair?
    2. Did you stitch the lace around the leg holes of the navy pair so it overhangs, or is the outer edge of the lace flush with the edge of the fabric and the lace fully mounted on it?
    3. Did that last question even make sense?

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  5. well, they turned out very pretty! i made some oh lulu undies as a present for my sister a while back. i still haven`t gotten around makeing som for myself, so i don't know what to say about how un/confortable wovens can be for underwear. but i really want to make some more, because they were so much fun to make!!

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  6. I think it could have merit for summer undies...I always feel too hot in knit knickers then. Although right now, since it is winter here, I'm dreaming of underwear made in wool jersey since I spotted a pair (and a sports bra!) made in wool in a catalog. I love the one pair of 40s style knickers I made in woven, but the leg holes are so big I always feel I may as well wear nothing and that's a dangerous idea if you don't want to be flashing people. I think the Amerson (also on my sewing list) could be a great compromise.

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  7. Welcome back! And you're so brave - I haven't dared to make knickers out of anything that's not super stretchy! x

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  8. These are super pretty! I'm making some at the moment with the same pattern but I really like the non stretch woven panel. I've done 3 pairs so far. The next pattern I hope to try is high waisted pants though as I'm more of a big pants kinda girl ;)

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  9. I used to have this pair of non-stretch cotton. I loved them. Kept them for ages to use the pattern. Eventually lost them, before ever getting to the pattern. But, yes, it's possible!

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  10. I used to have this pair of non-stretch cotton. I loved them. Kept them for ages to use the pattern. Eventually lost them, before ever getting to the pattern. But, yes, it's possible!

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  11. Ugh, I really wish the p***ies word could be removed from the English language! I know what you mean about excess fabric in the crotch area - I've run into that problem too. Most unpleasant! I figure once I find my go-to undies pattern I'll be happy but until then...

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  12. These are beautiful, so delicate and pretty! I have yet to make my own underthings, but have a few patterns just waiting to be sewn up!

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  13. I've never made knickers at all! Keen to give it a go though, I love the cute oh lulu patterns and the retro styling. Might try some after Xmas to use up some scraps :)

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