A few years back, I came across the concept of making your own underwear. A few bloggers were doing it and to be honest, I thought they were bonkers! What a waste of time!!
To those bloggers, I sincerely apologise! I have seen the light. Sure, you can buy underwear for less than $1 a pair, but my issue is with fit. I hate buying underwear! You buy a pair hoping they’ll fit well and they don’t. Then you need to buy another brand to see if they fit better and the fruitless search continues.
I was sick of underwear that would ride up, hang too low or cut in. I realised that making my own was the answer. The perfect fit was in my reach!
I had a pair that fit pretty well, but were ready for the bin so I decided to sacrifice them to make a pattern. For my first pair, I followed this tutorial from comeandseetheseitz. I’ve since seen tutorials showing you how to make a pattern without cutting up a pair. My first pair turned out pretty good. I made a few tweaks to the pattern and after only 3 test pairs, I had the fit just right! I now have the pattern cut out on cardboard from a cereal box. It’s nice and thick so I can use it over and over again. The pattern is called my ‘Very Comfy Undies’ or VCU for short.
I originally used elastic for the waist and leg bands, but I wasn’t a fan of it, so I now use stretch knit for the bands. I overlock it onto the back and then fold over to the front and finish with a double needle.
I decided to splurge on my latest pair and used some Liberty jersey from my stash to make them. Apologies for the lack of action shots, my bum double is on holidays! 😉
If you’re tight on budget, then you can use old tees or jersey bed sheets to make them. I did this for my test pairs. I have found that cotton knits and stretch knits (those with lycra or elastane in them) both work well, but you need to use a stretch knit for the bands.
If comfy cotton briefs aren’t your style, I have a Pinterest board full of different styles with links to patterns and tutorials, so take a look and see what you like best! Leave a comment if you’ve made your own underwear or want to give it a go! I’d love to know what you think of your couture undies!
Jenny Young says
You are right – your Liberty undies are lush! I ended up buying a couple of metres of Liberty from that site you recommended including 1m of the style you used above! Can’t wait for it to arrive! I have made undies yet, but do own a pretty cute kids undies pattern by ‘that darn cat’ – and hope to make some at some stage 🙂
fenna says
Just made a bunch for my sons–I think I’ll have to give it a try for my own!
Lueanna Bracha says
I have been wanting to try this for a while!
thingsforboys says
you should! 🙂
Miss Rosie says
Bamboo fabric store, often has fabrics in their bargain bin section just perfect for this purpose. I got a bit over a metre of fabric for $5 as it had some small holes. No bother as the pieces can be cut around the flaws 🙂
thingsforboys says
a bamboo pair would be so lovely!
Marigold Haske says
How fun! I have been thinking of making my own bras for the same fit issues. But that seems like a whole ‘nother animal!
thingsforboys says
Yes! Bras do seem scary! I’ve seen some gorgeous ones though. I’m sure they’re not as tricky as they seem.
Suz says
Gorgeous Abby! I love the liberty jersey print!
borsoo says
Thanks, Abby I will give it a try, I’m pretty sure. Yours turned out great! What a relief that I’m not the only one who hates buying underwear!!!!
thingsforboys says
I’m quite excited that I don’t need to go shopping for them anymore…now just need to make sure my bum stays the same size forever! :O
Farmer Liz says
I have been thinking about it…. I don’t know if I can sew as neatly as you, but I suppose it doesn’t matter for undies! I like the idea of using old t-shirts, I would feel bad cutting into lovely new material just to make my undies, but yours do look very nice 🙂
thingsforboys says
tshirt ones are really comfy because the tees are usually old and soft, but I wanted a pretty pair for the blog!
Laura says
Nice pants! I love the idea of making some for myself and being able to choose some lovely fabrics like the Liberty one you’ve used.
Jane from Lil Pip says
Oh gee, I’m one of those people who poo-who making your own underwear (te he he poo-who). But these are gorgeous! Maybe, just maybe… I *might* give it a go.
They look gorgeous Abby!
shirley says
I have been kicking this idea around for a while now. It seems when I find a style /brand I like I wear until I can’t and my fav are soft, comfy cotton. You just reinforced what I already knew….I am off to make me some new undies! 😉
thingsforboys says
How exciting Shirley! I hope they turn out perfectly for you. If you have any questions, let me know.
Hootnz says
Love that fabric!! They do look comfy….you remind me to get on to the cut out pairs I have for my lil girl :))