Sew Underwear with a Free Panties Pattern

Sew underwear with Melly Sews. This DIY tutorial uses small amounts of knit fabric and shows 3 different ways to apply elastic to the waist and legs. Blog Post with Links (including how to get pattern) ↓↓
mellysews.com/...
More info on Knit Fabrics - mellysews.com/...
More info on stretch stitches - mellysews.com/...
Specific elastics used (affiliate links, commissions earned on these)
Regular elastic: amzn.to/2EBKVB1 or amzn.to/2swh34o
Lingerie elastic: amzn.to/2swgSGm
Fold Over Elastic: amzn.to/2stbqnu (buy at least 2 - these are small packages)
Subscribe to my newsletter (this is how you get access to my free pattern gallery) here: mellysews.myfl...
Wearing in this video - Austin T-shirt, pattern available in my shop here: blankslatepatt...

[@Mellysews]

How to get the pattern here mellysews.com/sew-underwear-with-a-free-panties-pattern/

[@caroltice161]

I just made these out of clothes that I don't wear. It is such a quick project and now I don't have to take my old clothes to goodwill, I can just hack them up. You are such an amazing sewing teacher/designer.

[@Mellysews]

I'm glad you're reusing fabric!

[@helenweatherby1694]

Brilliant idea!

[@ShyOne1031]

Ive been looking around the internet all day for DIY underwear, getting frustrated because nobody goes into enough detail. I'm a visual learner. I am SO GLAD I came across your video! You explained it very easily and actually explained what you were doing as you were doing it. THANK YOU!!!

[@Mellysews]

Glad I could help!

[@deezerkle4055]

I actually did it!!! First pair was trial and error for fit. Second pair I am proud to wear! Thank you for all you do. It inspires all of us..especially those of us who are self-taught (well....Melly taught!)

[@Mellysews]

Yay! Glad you liked it.

[@sewsowdesignstudiowfelicia3097]

This is one the best tutorials that I have seen on KZbin. You make me feel like an expert already. I really appreciate you giving the variations for the elastic. Thank you for taking the time to put this together.... I made a scrap pair and now I am so full of myself.... Thanks Melly! You Rock!

[@Mellysews]

So glad you're having fun with sewing!

[@MirasaurusRex]

great idea, panties are so over priced for how much fabric they use!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@DarkMoonDroid]

Mirabelle, this is *my* #1 reason!!

[@GGGraphics1]

@@DarkMoonDroid h

[@DarkMoonDroid]

@@GGGraphics1 hh

[@healthnbeauty1194]

Yeah and you could use an old t shirt. That's what I did.

[@Native-Kitty]

Unbelievable how easy this tutorial is!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@floricelacancinodominguez9047]

@@Mellysews ú

[@denisespigner5684]

Thank you for the video and free pattern. Especially that you included plus sizes. You really make this look like anyone can do it. I am going to try using an old t shirt first.

[@Mellysews]

Just make sure your old t-shirt has at least 30% stretch or you may need to size up. Some 100% cotton tees don't stretch that much.

[@mshybiscus]

You answered my initial question of "is it worth making your own underwear?" because yes, so many scraps! And I love how you showed the different types of elastic you could use so that I didn't have to run out and buy a special elastic if I didn't have any on hand. And the tissue paper tip! Love this video, thanks for making it.

[@Mellysews]

Glad you liked it!

[@Marialla.]

This would be especially perfect for making underwear to match a knit skirt, if the skirt were short and/or a full circle, and prone to possibly flipping up in a breeze. In the original series of Star Trek they wore very short miniskirts, but since their underwear matched it didn't look indecent if you got a glimpse during a scene where maybe the girl was thrown around during a space battle or something.

[@bridgetthewench]

The Star Trek minidresses were actually cleverly-cut rompers! There's a few scenes where Uhura is bending over something that makes it obvious, but you usually can't tell.

[@Marialla.]

I can hardly wait to make a dozen pair of my own, and get to choose any color or style of fabric I like!

[@sarahb6529]

Now I finally know what to do with an old t-shirt I have. Great tutorial. Thank you x

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@bonb213]

Great idea!!

[@eileenfb1948]

This looks easy. Nice to have t shirt and underwear to match.

[@Mellysews]

Yes - love matching!

[@lucianafaria7921]

OMG that's a wonderful idea!!!

[@teresawilliams662]

Thank you so much this is the most clear way of explaining how to do the gussets. I've watched other videos about the burrito method and it is just all so confusing to me but this makes it much more clear

[@Mellysews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bellacucina3209]

Melly You make all things possible in sewing. Thank you for sharing your art. Blessing to you and your family.

[@Mellysews]

Thank you so much!

[@Red-iv8os]

You are a saint! I struggled with these 3 sandwich pieces! Seam ripped and retired until fabric was ruined. Then I watched your amazing trick! Thank you,thank you, thank you! So thankful 🙏💓. Now the side seams. I believe should be sewed AFTER elastic applied. Just makes since. Flat construction much easier than stretching and sewing around a small curved leg hole. But everyone doing video's of side seams before elastic. Strange.

[@Mellysews]

Glad the sandwich instructions helped!

[@garrixgirl18]

I can’t wait to sew my first pair. I’m a newbie sewer and every garment I’ve made…I followed along to your tutorials. You’re a great teacher!

[@Mellysews]

thanks!

[@leftcoastgal5134]

you are a true teacher. i'm on it...leftover scrappy fabric uses, love it!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@MariposaRomania]

Thank you for this tutorial! ❤

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@johannarosenfield3254]

Love this! Thanks!

[@wantsfordinner]

Wow wow wow. Perfect tutorial. So easy to follow. Detailed but not complicated or too long !!! Good job.

[@Mellysews]

Glad you liked it!!

[@MysteryViv]

You are a great teacher. Everything was clearly described and demonstrated.

[@Mellysews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marianaprbr]

This video was so easy to understand. I can only assume it hours to film and edit, congrats great work

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@PaintingandExercise]

I have watched so many sewing videos and by far, you are the most clear and concise instructor I have listened to. Thank you. I know how to sew at a decent level and just want to take it to the next level. The way that you teach speaks to the way my brain understands the methodology of sewing.

[@Mellysews]

Glad it's helpful!

[@AngieCee1]

This is one of the best underwear tutorials ive seen on KZbin. Your whole channel is great, thanks for all the work you put in for these.

[@Mellysews]

Thanks!

[@izabeau1953]

Wow that looks so easy, never thought it’s so simple to make....thank you for sharing.. 🌹❤️🌹❤️

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@HimeGabi]

Thank you for this. I have been wanting to make cute everyday undies for years and I've made two test ones and I love them. So neat and tidy and a good way to use up scraps. I actually ordered a custom print just to have even more fun with these. Again, so nice of you to make a tutorial.

[@Mellysews]

Wonderful!

[@alexandriamorton5591]

Thank you for this pattern and video. If have researched this video so many times. I finally was able to get a friend to print the pattern and I have made my first pair with plain white cotton. Will make more out if other material that I can find around the house during these COVID-19 times but I will keep the guests cotton. I used 6mm (1/4 inch for you northern hemisphere) elastic and rolled it under.

[@Mellysews]

Glad you were able to sew!

[@imasimas4011]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR VIDEOS. I HOPE YOU KNOW THAT THIS CHANNEL IS PRETTY HELPFUL FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO LEARN SEWING. I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL SO MUCH 💛

[@Mellysews]

Thank you so much!

[@elizabethsawyer5906]

Never thought I would make panties but it looks easy when you do it so may give it a try. Great instruction, very clear. Thank you.

[@limitlessapocalypse2702]

Elizabeth Sawyer i mean its the smallest clothing, why wouldnt it be the easiest lol

[@MUNDASIMONA]

This is sooo great! I'm sewing panties for the first time and I was looking for a Tutorial that helps me to understand how to do this. And this is the best Tutorial ever! Thank you sooooo much!!!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@RaulDiaz-kf3fr]

Hi there what type of panties do you wear?

[@kimberlyrobinson3992]

Thank you very much for the great video tutorial and free pattern. I learned a lot, watching you. I’ve seen other lingerie videos on KZbin before, but your instructions and explanations are the most clear I’ve come across. I’m sure I can find an old T-shirt to repurpose into some comfy drawers for me to wear. By the way, I agree wholeheartedly about what you said re: the lack of quality in store-bought panties these days. The prices have gotten outrageous and they don’t even last that long.

[@Mellysews]

Glad you like it - and old t-shirts can make nice undies!

[@joycewhyte7883]

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing.

[@mariyatsvetanova6482]

I love this tutorial! I made my first undies and they turned so nice! Thank you so much!

[@Mellysews]

Glad you liked it!

[@ksannini9128]

Thank you so much! I’ve always been intimidated by sewing underwear but will definitely be trying these! 😘

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@julietpantoja5532]

You did not show how to make the pattern. Back part and front part.

[@jamieevans1387]

This is by far the easiest panty tutorial I have seen.

[@Mellysews]

Glad to hear that!

[@pathmatharani]

Wonderful! I’m just giving your patter a go. Hopefully it will turn out just as nice as yours!

[@Mellysews]

Have fun sewing!

[@4chh2c]

Thank you for such excellent instruction!

[@Mellysews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@janiewarre9941]

You make it look so easy. Great instructions!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks so much 😊

[@Caro6261]

This tutorial is so helpful, thank you for sharing🦋✨

[@Mellysews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindabridges445]

Great instructions for elastic application. Thank you for sharing.

[@MichelleTheHermit]

What a great tutorial! 👌🏼😀

[@gloomy_gacha3536]

Thanks for this video! I just sewed my first pair of undies! They fit perfect too! I did use my old pair as a pattern.

[@Mellysews]

Wonderful!

[@pristinabread]

Thank Mel for making all of those look so easy to accomplish.

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@trishajanecreates]

Great tutorial. Made underwear years ago and totally forgot how to make them. Reviewed other tutorials and they were not quite as explicit as your video. Great job 👏

[@Mellysews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GarglingGorilla]

So clear and easy to understand! Thank you for uploading!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@themarriagemindset9074]

Thank you so much!!! You make it so plain and easy to follow!

[@Mellysews]

You are so welcome!

[@kaylavillalobos1779]

Really great tutorial. Easy to follow. Clear directions, and a great view of each step, thank you!!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@cindyhappel7376]

This was an awesome tutorial! I want to sew my own panties because I cannot find one I like anymore. This was so helpful - thanks so much!!

[@Mellysews]

Glad you liked it!

Great detailed tutorial. Thank you so much!!

[@Mellysews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@deniseward002]

Gusset sandwich! I love that. Thanks for this excellent video. I refer to it a lot.

[@Mellysews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jessiannefl]

Just finished my first pair. Used some poly-lycra (shiny) with tan t-shirt crotch, then 1/2 inch lingerie elastic on legs and waist on right side flipped to the inside and finished with a narrow coverstitch. Thanks sew much Melly ! I'd post pics, but don't know where.

[@Mellysews]

Good job - glad you like it!

[@Cat-hr7yk]

All three in one video! Nicely executed! I’ll try all three (practice that is, 😂) Thank you! 🥰

[@Mellysews]

Have fun sewing!

[@sowsew3612]

Thank you for this tutorial, i just made my first pair underpants, its nice and fit, I am thrilled.

[@Mellysews]

Wonderful!

[@Αφροδιτη-ψ9ο]

I just found ur channel and I love it so much ❤ you have multipline projects and u explain them so good

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@angelqueen9352]

Wow, thanks for these instructions. You make it look so easy. I can't wait to have enough knit scraps to do a trial run

[@Mellysews]

Happy sewing!

[@noirprncess]

Still one of my favorite videos on how to handle the burrito treatment.

[@Mellysews]

Glad it's helpful!

[@HimeGabi]

Thank you. I just made my first pair yesterday out of some scrap from 3 yrs ago. It can be harrowing keeping such small margins consistent but it totally works and makes a professional looking finish.

[@Mellysews]

Glad you like it!

[@doreenwilliams7058]

l love this tutorial thanks for sharing

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@patriciapoole9983]

this is the best instructions thank you god bless

[@Mellysews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ArlenePMCM]

Wonderful instructions, thank you!!

[@Mellysews]

You are so welcome!

[@inthekitchen8842]

How cute! Thanks so much for this vid!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@jennydunn1874]

Brilliant tutorial once again! Thanks xx

[@Mellysews]

Thanks!

[@kerendn]

Thank you, very clear demonstration.

[@Mellysews]

thanks for watching!

[@nochannelnochannel231]

I like your instructions better then the pin up girls instructions thanks

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@chitarahardjo6525]

Fantastic tutorial 💚💚💓💓💓

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@Kuroobi5]

Nice video. Very Informative.... Just need to grab a pattern now.

[@Mellysews]

Have fun sewing!

[@craftsdesignandrecipes_how1894]

Very Nice!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@SewonandSowforth]

Thank you so much! I can't wait to try these

[@Mellysews]

amzn.to/2stbqnu

[@onlyspicekitty]

i have been making mine for years, but i have done away with the front Gusset seam, and added a full front liner, they resemble a swimsuit Bottom with all seams hidden

[@Mellysews]

Yes, that's another way to make them.

[@brossbross5147]

Thanks for sharing your ideas dear

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching

[@yulialurye5948]

So Inspiring ! Thanks for the good lesson .

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching

[@MsVictoriaWolfe]

I like this because it’s to the point

[@Mellysews]

Thanks!

[@faydiva8863]

Excellent. I have already made some knickers but I definitely went about it in a more complicated way!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@kicikay1664]

I can’t wait to try this 😊thank you

[@Mellysews]

Have fun sewing!

[@Sweetheart2uOnly]

Thank you for your video and free pattern.

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@Momzie808]

Love it, love your tutorial!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks!

[@anacondaadultlearningcente4522]

Excellent tutorial.

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@balduvinaarmas8571]

Thanks, Melly, for the great idea "How to sew underwear.

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching.

[@hollyh7443]

Hi Melissa. I have linen scraps I would like to use to make underwear. However, it doesn't have any stretch. Should it be cut on the bias? Can you give any tips? Thanks!

[@Mellysews]

You'd need a different pattern to make this work with woven fabric; this pattern is for stretch fabrics only.

[@elliadzn4804]

wooooooooooow i just wanted to make my own thxxxxxxxxxx so much

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@darthszarych5588]

I'm going to make these out of some scrap knit fabric that I saved for this type of project. This is the reason i never throw away fabric.

[@Mellysews]

Great way to use up scraps!

[@bevtooth]

the burrito method like in a shirt with a yolk. Great idea

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@WanieB]

Oh boy, I wont know how to act getting panties when I make them as opposed to when iI can find them. ;) thanks for the video, this is an important item!!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching

[@naomikakosakanene6344]

Nice one dear

[@Mellysews]

Thank you 😊

[@Marialla.]

What do you think of the idea of using ribbing as if it were the elastic? Or a doubled band of self-fabric, the way you might do a tee shirt neck binding? I'm toying with the idea of sewing them on, trying to achieve the look of something approaching a yoga pants waist, with a little more coverage in the leg/crotch area.

[@nastassjabrooks4156]

Thank you...you really helped !!!

[@Mellysews]

Glad it helped!

[@Stempelmaus]

Great idea I still wann to sew my own underware since I started again sewing in 1989 but it is still a dream cause no one makes Pantern for plus size Woman as me with169 hip

[@Mellysews]

This post might help you take a smaller pattern and make it your size. mellysews.com/2014/09/make-sewing-pattern-bigger-smaller.html

[@jesshothersall]

Does look quite straightforward, even the gusset looks just right done this way. If I wanted to use non stretchy pure silk fabric, would this shape cut a bit bigger still work out?

[@Mellysews]

This pattern is designed for stretch fabrics; I can't say how they would turn out using a woven.

[@sweetolyve]

Another idea for using the silk fabric would be to make some really pretty tap pants. I make them for wearing under my sundresses in the summer time.

[@LovelyDollsAndToys]

Your the best teacher! :) ILU

[@Mellysews]

Thank you! 😃

[@karenpatrick7954]

Thank you.

[@Mellysews]

You're welcome!

[@prm2335]

Excellent video! Thank you so much. Do you cut the length of the elastic to match the size of the waist exactly? Didn't see that instruction.

[@Mellysews]

Elastic lengths for each size are given in the pattern I'm using here.

[@kutipan_islamii2507]

Hiii.. I am from indonesia.. & i new subcriber

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@carakiller2103]

You seem to choose a zigzag stitch, but I was wondering, wouldn't a 3 step zigzag be more effective? Looking forward to making some pairs soon!

[@Mellysews]

i used the stitch I feel is most effective for most people, you’re welcome to experiment and see what you prefer.

[@alexxis267]

Honestly I know I'm late to the video.. lol *2 years* but the reason why I started to sew besides because I love sewing... but its cheaper to make clothes than to buy them. I ALWAYS by on sale fabric and sometimes I buy patterns but some are free online. I HATE buying things (im cheap) and I rather make my own under garments then 😒 buy them for 5$ and they never last either! Thats why I make my own clothes plus I'm able to express myself better and wear what I want then trying to FIND the clothes I want. 🥰

[@Mellysews]

Saving money is only one of many reasons to sew.

[@michaelbright3966]

Many, many thnx, Melly. You're a great life savor! Now, I can diy my own briefs the way I like 'em. And I'm sure they're gonna fit my genitals a lot better. Haha. Your tut is straightforward. Can't b any better. Keep it up :)

[@Mellysews]

Glad it's helpful

[@theclumsyprepper]

Brilliant video. I'm subscribing x

[@Mellysews]

Thanks!

[@SarozShrestha]

hello Melly you are best tailor and i love your all the works and cloths you sew i your great fan, actually i want to know the name of the fabric used to make Calvin Klein underwear.

[@Mellysews]

I have no idea what fabric they use, it should say on their label but I don't buy their underwear.

[@jeanne4281]

Great vidéo thank you

[@Mellysews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@breekola]

Hi! i love the pattern, how do i know how much elastic to use?

[@Mellysews]

it’s in a chart in the pattern.

[@mercedesleorasargeant-thor7562]

Thank you so helpful. 👍👍👍

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@2kidsinutah]

In your opinion which works better, using a zig zag or stretch stitch or using a serger

[@Mellysews]

For the elastic I generally prefer a zig-zag.

[@isabellavanessa7321]

I really want linen underwear, but It Is impossible to find, or extremly overpriced! I Hope I Will do everything as nice as you did, thankyou for the content☺️

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!