How I Sew My Everyday Panties – Comfortable, Soft, and Exactly the Way I Want Them to Be

Actually, I started thinking about sewing panties for myself for a very simple reason – I couldn't find cotton panties in the store that were truly comfortable for me.

One had a cut I didn't like, others pinched somewhere, and still others were made from a material I didn't really want to wear every day. I wanted simple, comfortable cotton panties that fit well, provide enough coverage at the back, and feel good all day long.

And then I thought – Why not sew it yourself? 😊

I see and feel fabrics every day, so I can choose exactly the kind of soft cotton jersey that I would want to wear myself. What's more, I can choose the color, pattern, elastic, and even add lace myself.

That's how my Everyday panties.

Free “Everyday Panties” pattern XS–2XL

} free digital pattern for women’s panties “Everyday Panties”. 

Once again I chose a light knit fabric with lemons and added delicate lace at the sides. I really like how they turned out—feminine, yet at the same time very suitable for everyday wear.

The very best part – this pattern has been prepared for you as well, and it's FREE ❤️

Which fabric should I choose?

These briefs pair best with thin, soft cotton knit fabric with elastane.

The pattern requires approximately 0.50 m of fabric if the fabric width is at least 140 cm. You will also need a small piece of cotton jersey for the insert and ~3 m of elastic.

I especially recommend paying attention to making sure the fabric feels pleasant against the skin and is sufficiently stretchy.

For my everyday underwear, I want exactly cotton feel – soft, pleasant, and breathable.

In the pattern, there is also a simple way to check the fabric’s stretch: a 10 cm wide piece of fabric should be able to stretch to approximately 14–16 cm and, after being released, return to its original shape.

It is important because how the finished panties will fit will depend greatly on the fabric’s elasticity.

1. I choose my size

The pattern is prepared in sizes from XS to 2XL.

The size is chosen based on hip circumference, measured horizontally across the widest part of the hips. If you happen to fall exactly between two sizes, for the first trial pair I would recommend choosing the larger one.

It seems to me that for underwear, it is especially important not to rely only on the letter "M" or "L" that we are used to buying in the store.

Sizes vary by manufacturer, so Measuring your hips takes one minute, but can save you from disappointment later.

2. I printed the pattern

The pattern is digital and intended for printing on regular For A4 sheets.

} 100% or actual size.

Do not select "Fit to page", "Adjust to page", or automatic scaling down. First, I recommend printing the test page and checking whether the indicated square is actually the correct size.

I would not recommend skipping this step.

On a single A4 sheet, a few millimetres may seem like nothing, but when the entire pattern is put together, the size can already change quite significantly.

Cut out the parts

The pruning shears have three main parts:

front, back, and gusset.

Cut the front and back on the fabric fold. Cut the facing once from the main fabric and once from the lining fabric. Seam allowances are already included in the pattern.

I recommend not rushing with knitwear.

Fabric tends to shift and have a bit of “a mind of its own,” so I smooth everything out carefully, pin it down or use weights, and only then cut.

Better to spend one extra minute preparing than wonder afterward why one side turns out longer than the other. 😊

4. Sew the inset

This could be the part that seems the most complicated at first glance.

But actually, if you take it step by step, it's not that bad.

First join the back piece to both gusset layers. Then attach the front piece so that, in the finished panties, the gusset cross seams remain hidden.

I personally like it when the inside of finished panties looks neat and there are no unnecessary uncomfortable seams.

You can search online for a video tutorial using the keywords -burrito method

5. Sew the side seams together

Once the front, back, and gusset are already joined, I sew both side seams.

And here I definitely recommend it for the first time Try on the panties before sewing on the elastic.

It is by far the most convenient moment to check whether you like everything.

Is the rise good? Does it provide enough coverage at the back? Do the leg openings feel too tight?

The brief model has a medium-low waist, and the back is designed wider to provide more coverage of the buttocks.

Exactly that was important to me as well, because I wanted to everyday panties, not the kind that constantly need to be pulled up or adjusted.

I sew on elastic

For the top edge and leg openings, I used fold-over elastic or elastic with picot edging. Use a zigzag stitch when sewing.

Here's one tip I have from experience – better not to stretch the elastic too much at the beginning.

The elastic should be stretched slightly while sewing, but the fabric itself should not be stretched. If the elastic is pulled too tightly, it may feel constricting. If the fabric is stretched, the edge may become wavy afterwards. Most importantly, DO NOT STRETCH the fabric.

The pattern recommends an initial trial elastic working length of approximately 90–95% of the sewn edge length, but this is a starting guideline, as each elastic stretches differently.

According to me, it really helps here to simply try with the specific rubber.

One will need less stretch, another more. I still haven’t fully found the right elastic length—for now I use a reduction of 10–20%. For example, if the circumference is 100 cm, I shorten the elastic to 80 cm

Lace?

Here comes the most interesting part. 😊

In my lemon version, I wanted something a little more feminine, so I added light lace on the sides.

And I really like how it completely changed the result.

The same simple panty style instantly looks more special.

Exactly why I don’t think handmade panties necessarily have to be purely practical. They can be both comfortable and beautiful.

Use lace, contrasting elastic, fabric with flowers, lemons, polka dots, or plain solid-colored knit fabric.

There is no single correct option here.

And done! 🍋

And I warn you – After the first pair, you may want to sew another one. 😄

 

Free “Everyday Panties” Pattern XS–2XL

To let you try it too, I have prepared free digital women's underwear pattern "Everyday Panties".

The cut is:

XS–2XL sizes, in Latvian, A4 format, at 1:1 scale, and with sewing instructions.

So all that remains is:

download the pattern, print it, choose your favorite cotton knit fabric, and sew your first pair. ❤️

If you sew it, I’ll truly be very happy to see the result.

Send us a photo or tag “Šarlotes audumi” on social media. I always take special pleasure in seeing what you create from our fabrics.

Charlotte's fabrics – Fabrics that inspire!