TOP 10 INDIE PATTERNS TO START SEWING LINGERIE
Have you ever thought about sewing your own lingerie? If you want to give this garment a go but are nervous about sewing something so delicate, we have pulled together a selection of approachable lingerie sewing patterns that are ideal for getting you started.
Knickers are a great scrap buster and speedy sew once you have the technique down – perfect for batch sewing. If you fancy sewing a bra, there are lots of soft cup options that don’t require underwire that is great for testing your skills before you move on to more complex designs. It seems to be a garment that people really get into making once they discover the wonder of sewing your own under-things. So, now on to our top 10 indie patterns to start sewing lingerie…
Maris Bralette and Panty by Madalynne
If you want to have a go at a bra and knickers, the Maris Bralette and Panty is a great set to get started with. The bralette and panty both use a wide elastic band and the construction of the bralette will introduce you to sewing 3D shapes. The pattern details the recommended fabrics for each part, making it easier to buy the correct supplies.
Sizing: The bralette is available in sizes XS – 4XL and US cup sizes A/B, C/D and E/F for each alpha size. The panty is available in sizes XS – 4XL (approx. UK 6 – 26).
Format: PDF
Notes on the Lingerie Designer… Madalynne is the queen of lingerie sewing! With a great range of pretty and practical patterns, they are sure to become a go-to for your lingerie sewing needs! Madalynne has also created a range of DIY kits, giving you everything you need to make the patterns. You can find some great tutorials on Madalynne’s YouTube channel, including sewalongs for some of the patterns – amazing!
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Papaya Tanga and Boyshort by Fitiyoo
If you fancy sewing something ultra-feminine and comfortable, the Papaya Tanga and Boyshort is a good place to start. You can try your hand at sewing with lingerie lace with lingerie experts, Fitiyoo!
Sizing: UK 4 – 16/18
Format: PDF
Notes on the Lingerie Designer… Fityioo is a French lingerie pattern design company that is passionate about sharing the skill of sewing underwear in the form of modern sewing projects! They have some handy tutorials on their blog and also offer a FREE lingerie pattern so you can test them out!
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Iris Knickers by Tilly and the Buttons X Evie La Lùve
If you want to fill your drawers with pants, the Iris Knickers from Tilly and the Buttons in collaboration with lingerie designer Evie La Lùve is the pattern for you! The step-by-step photo instructions and helpful tips make this a great project for lingerie novices. This mix and match pattern offers 36 ways you can make it so there is plenty to play with!
Sizing: UK 6-24 or UK 16-34
Format: Paper (UK 6-24) and PDF
Jordy Bralette by Emerald Erin
This classic triangle-style bralette is the perfect starting point for sewing your own bra. The wide elastic band offers support and comfort and the Jordy Bralette comes with three options: a simple all-fabric version, a classically beautiful lace overlay version, and a foam-lined version for a little extra coverage for every day. Build your way up to making all three to grow your skills!
Sizing: US 26D – 26FF / 28C – 28FF / 30B- 30FF / 32B – 32FF / 34B – 34FF / 36B – 36F / 38B – 38E
Format: PDF
Notes on the Lingerie Designer… Emerald Erin is known for beautiful lingerie sewing patterns that look like they walked straight out of a boutique. You can find tutorials and hacks for the Jordy pattern on Emerald Erin’s blog.
Hellebore Hi-Cut Panty by Primrose Dawn
Prefer a higher leg on your knickers? We suggest the Hellebore Hi-Cut Panty could become your go-to pattern. It is a mid-rise, mid-coverage brief that comes with a few finishing options. You will be so proud that you can make your own underwear with the help of the humble sewing machine!
Sizing: UK 8 – 20 or UK 16 – 32
Format: PDF
Notes on the Lingerie Designer… Cassie worked in the fashion industry for a sleepwear and underwear company before starting Primrose Dawn. Cassie loves designing patterns that are both beautiful and functional for daily wear. You will find a great range of options in our shop in a wide size range. We’d also recommend checking out Primrose Dawn’s fitting alteration tutorials!
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Barbary Bralette by Sew Projects
If you are putting bra making at the top of your list, this is a wonderful project to start with. Due to its lined front, adjustable straps and wide underband elastic, the Barbary Braletteis more supportive than you may think! It will introduce you to some of the aspects of more fiddly bra-making without being intimidating. It
Sizing: UK 28 – 42 AA – A, 28 – 42 B – D and 28 – 42 DD – E
Format: PDF
Notes on the Lingerie Designer… If you are new to sewing lingerie, Sew Projects is a great pattern company to go with as their designs are meant to be approachable for beginners. We’d also highly recommend checking the resources page on the Sew Projects website. There are lots of helpful tips and tutorials that will make sewing well-fitting lingerie a breeze!
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Bohème Bra and Chemise by Étoffe Malicieuse
If sewing beautiful yet practical lingerie is your aim, you can’t go wrong with a pattern from Etoffe Malicieuse. We’ve picked Bohème Triangle Bra as a good place to start as with no hooks and eyes in the back, it’s approachable and comfortable to wear. It’s also a fab choice as you can make a chemise and up your sleepwear garments too!
Sizing: FR 70 – 110 band size with AA – D cups
Format: PDF
Notes on the Lingerie Designer… French lingerie pattern company Étoffe Malicieuse has a beautiful range of designs that make sewing your own lingerie so achievable! Their goal is to make sewing lingerie accessible to everyone, so they include detailed instructions in their patterns. Check out their tutorials for hacks to get more out of their patterns.
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Josie Bra and Pants by Made My Wardrobe
If you want something easy to get started with, the Josie Bra and Pants is a nice design as the fabrics required are very readily available and may even be living in your jersey scraps pile! This set is designed with complete comfort in mind. The bra is not underwired but does provide a lovely amount of support across sizes. You can get very creative with how you decide to use lace with this pattern.
Sizing: UK 6 – 24
Format: Paper and PDF
Nixie Briefs by Jennifer Lauren Handmade
We love Jennifer Lauren’s patterns, so you really can’t go wrong with trying out knicker sewing with the Nixie Briefs. They are a step above your standard underwear fare – with a higher rise at the back and full bum coverage, they’re your new everyday knickers with a fun twist. You can expect to want to sew these on repeat!
Sizing: UK 6 – 24
Format: PDF
You might also like Jennifer Lauren Handmade’s Trixie Briefs!
Superstar Bra by Waves and Wild
If pattern multi-tasking is your thing, we highly recommend trying a style that can double up for other purposes. You could use this design for sportswear and even swimwear if you use the correct fabric. The Superstar Bra from Waves & Wild has a crossover back and three-band options – regular jersey, cropped top jersey and elastic. It’s been a popular choice since its launch!
Sizing: UXXS – 5XL and A – H cups
Format: PDF