Sewing Lingerie: Materials, Techniques, and Patterns

Sewing lingerie might seem like a daunting task at first, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, you won’t want to stop. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating delicate, custom-fit pieces that feel just as good as they look. Whether you’re stitching up a lacy bralette or a comfy pair of boyshorts, the right materials, techniques, and patterns make all the difference.

Read More About Sewing Lingerie: Materials, Techniques, and Patterns

My First Attempt at Sewing Lingerie

I still remember the first time I decided to sew my own lingerie. I’d found this gorgeous stretch lace at a fabric store and thought, “How hard can it be?” Well, let’s just say my first attempt was… interesting. The lace stretched in ways I didn’t expect, the seams puckered, and my elastic ended up way too tight. But after a few tries (and some choice words with my sewing machine), I finally figured out the right tricks. And now? I’m hooked.

Choosing the Right Materials

Lingerie fabrics can be tricky because they need to be soft, stretchy, and breathable. Here’s what works best:

• Stretch Lace – Perfect for delicate bralettes and panties. It looks fancy but can be surprisingly forgiving.
• Mesh and Powernet – Great for adding support to bras and bodysuits without bulk.
• Knit Fabrics – Cotton jersey and bamboo knits make comfy, everyday lingerie.
• Silk or Satin – Ideal for luxurious nightwear and slips, but trickier to sew.
• Elastic and Trims – Picot elastic, fold-over elastic (FOE), and lingerie straps are must-haves.

If you’re new to lingerie sewing, start with a cotton jersey and a bit of lace trim—easier to work with but still looks amazing.

Essential Techniques for Sewing Lingerie

When sewing lingerie, precision is everything. But don’t worry, I’ve made all the beginner mistakes so you don’t have to. Here are the game-changing techniques I’ve learned:

1. Sewing with Stretch Fabrics

If you’ve ever had your machine eat a delicate fabric, you know the struggle. A ballpoint needle and a stretch stitch (like zigzag) are your best friends here. Oh, and if your fabric keeps slipping, a walking foot can work wonders.

2. Mastering Elastic Application

This one takes some practice. Too loose, and your undies will sag. Too tight, and you’ll feel like a sausage. I stretch the elastic just slightly as I sew, especially around leg openings. And always sew it in two passes—first to attach, then to secure.

3. French Seams for a Clean Finish

Nothing ruins pretty lingerie like scratchy seams. A French seam encloses raw edges so everything looks and feels smooth. Just remember to sew wrong sides together first, then flip and sew again.

4. Using a Serger (But You Don’t Have To!)

A serger makes lingerie sewing super neat, but if you don’t have one, a zigzag stitch or even a twin needle can create a pro finish.

More Things to Know About Sewing Lingerie: Materials, Techniques, and Patterns

Finding the Perfect Patterns

There are so many amazing lingerie patterns out there, from vintage-inspired slips to modern bralettes. If you’re just starting, I recommend:

• The Watson Bra by Cloth Habit – A soft-cup bralette that’s beginner-friendly.
• Barrett Bralette by Madalynne – Free pattern, super cute, and comfy.
• Noelle Bralette by Madalynne – A great intro to sewing with lace.
• Acacia Underwear by Megan Nielsen – Free and perfect for everyday wear.

For those feeling adventurous, drafting your own pattern can be a fun challenge! Start with an old favorite pair of underwear—carefully take it apart and use the pieces as a template.

Making It Personal

One of the best parts of sewing lingerie is making it yours. Love bold colors? Go for it. Want something ultra-soft? Pick bamboo jersey. Prefer a vintage vibe? Add some satin bows. The beauty of DIY lingerie is that you can tweak every little detail to fit your body and style perfectly.

Sewing Lingerie: Materials, Techniques, and Patterns Wrap-Up

Sewing lingerie is hands down one of the most rewarding sewing projects out there. It takes patience, practice, and maybe a few deep breaths when your lace misbehaves, but the results? Totally worth it. Whether you’re making something delicate and lacy or practical and comfy, using the right materials, mastering essential techniques, and choosing great patterns will set you up for success.

So, what do you think? Ready to give it a try? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear about your lingerie sewing adventures (or misadventures)!