How to Sew Your Own Lingerie

Making attractive lingerie for yourself and for gifts is a rewarding pastime.

Most home sewers don't think about making their own lingerie. It seems as if lingerie should be left to the experts. True, it might be a challenge to make a padded bra, but the home sewer can make many other kinds of lingerie that will be a delight to wear, even if not many people get to see it! You can use the most sensuous fabrics for this next-to-the-skin clothing, and the fit will be perfect. A half-slip is a good starter project for the budding lingerie maker.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine
• Lightweight knit or woven fabric
• Thread
• Scissors
• Half-slip pattern
• 1/2 inch wide elastic
• Lace trim

Instructions

1. Cut out the pattern in the right size for your half-slip. Iron the tissue pattern to get any wrinkles out. Lightly press the fashion fabric also. Pin the pattern pieces to the fabric. If you are using woven fabric, lay the pattern pieces out on the bias. Cut the fabric out along the cutting lines. Transfer any markings to the fabric.

2. Pin one side seam together and stitch, using a narrow zigzag stitch. Measure the bottom of the slip. Cut a piece of lace trim the length of the bottom of the slip. Tape the lace to the bottom of the slip, wrong side of the lace against the right side of the slip with the edge of the lace even with the raw edge of the slip. Sew the inner edge of the lace to the slip. Trim away the excess slip fabric close to the stitching.

3. Pin the other side seam of the slip together, right sides together. Stitch the other side seam, including the lace trim. Press the seams open.

4. Cut a piece of elastic to fit around the waist snugly but not too tight, allowing an inch for overlap. Overlap the ends of the elastic and stitch, using a zigzag stitch. Divide the elastic into four even sections with pins. Divide the half-slip into four equal sections the same way.

5. Pin the wrong side of the elastic to the wrong side of the half-slip. Sew the elastic to the slip using a zigzag stitch. Stretch the elastic to fit the fabric. Trim the fabric close to the stitches. Now turn the elastic to the right side and sew a second seam close to the edge but not on it, stretching as you go. You can cover the seam on the elastic with a ribbon or a bit of fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also make a casement at the top of the half-slip and run the elastic through the casement. This is a good option if you are using regular rather than special lingerie elastic. Stretch lace can also be used instead of elastic at the waistband.

References

• "Kwik-Sew's Beautiful Lingerie"; Martensson; 1990