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How to Sew Underwear: The Seamwork Geneva pattern

July 2, 2018

How to sew underwear, made with the Seamwork Geneva pattern | Vintage on Tap

Learning how to sew underwear is easier than you might think.

Between brightly colored elastic and happy jersey prints, learning how to sew underwear is meditative. Most websites will talk about how great these types of projects are at using up scraps, how they’re quick and easy to do, you know, practical stuff. Me, on the other hand, like to sew undies for one main reason:

Sewing my own underwear means that I can wear outrageously loud prints on my bootie every single day.

Seamwork Geneva panties, how to sew video tutorial | Vintage on Tap

I’m actually a huge sucker for the Victoria’s Secret PINK line, with it’s bright and funky prints, so this is 100% on-brand for me. The PINK briefs usually go on sale on a regular basis: 5 pairs for $30 (£22 // €25), which in the grand scheme of things isn’t ridiculous, but since I try to be a Me Made girl, making them myself just made sense. Especially when a fun jersey print can be insanely inexpensive.

sHow to Sew Underwear, sewing tutorial | Vintage on Tap

Enter the Seamwork Geneva undies.

For this particular video walkthrough, I decided to use a slightly more demure fabric print, picked up from a local San Francisco shop. It was also a great opportunity to pull out a little bit of stretch lace that I’ve had in my sewing stash for a while to make View B.

To be honest, I was extremely impressed by this pattern, mainly because of how straight forward it was. It’s simple enough that it could be stitched up in an afternoon, but also leaves enough room for variation and for you to play around with the design.

Examples of things you might want to switch up:

  • Fabric type, including sewing with lycra, nylon, cotton, or polyester blends
  • Using all over lace, or just lace appliqués
  • Elastic type (as I did) using fold over or decorative
  • Creating visual interest with color blocking

 

To pick up this pattern, subscribe to Seamwork Magazine (and get $3 off your first month!) by clicking here.

 

Or, buy the pattern as a standalone by clicking here.

 

A post shared by Bianca / Retro Sewing Vlogger (@vintageontap) on Apr 10, 2018 at 12:13pm PDT

How to Sew Underwear, video tutorial | Vintage on Tap

Tips for Sewing the Seamwork Geneva Panties

Tip #1: Get comfortable with jersey and stretch needles and pins

While switching out your sewing machine needle to a more appropriate needle makes sense for knits, most people aren’t aware that they should also switch out the rest of their notions! These include both pins and hand sewing needles that might be used for basting. I discuss needles more in depth at 2:50 in the video.

Why?

Using universal (sharp) pins, sewing needles, and hand sewing needles will stab holes into your fabric, which over time will begin to run (similar to pantyhose.) Ball point needles and pins, however, are dull enough that they part the fibers, which helps the integrity of the fabric remain intact at the stitch line.

You can purchase the same sewing needles and pins I used for this project, over on my Recommended Sewing Tools page!(Amazon)

Seamwork Geneva, How to Sew Underwear | Vintage on Tap

Tip #2: Plan out your lace motif (View B)

Taking how to sew underwear to the next level means LACE! Take a moment to decide on the repeat that you’d like to feature on your Seamwork Geneva undies, and what your desired motif looks like mirrored to the opposite side of the underwear.

In my View B of the Seamwork Geneva, I spent some time “mapping out” how I wanted my lace to look on either side of center panel. Things I looked out for:

  • Is there a full, equal amount of the repeat on both sides of the center panel?
  • How does the stretch lace look “reversed”?
  • Does the placement of the repeat make sense for my seam allowances?

Keep in mind that you can use a similar lace cut out technique anywhere on the panties that you might like! Since I made View B, my lace was strictly on the sides of the center panel. However, adding a giant circle lace piece on the bootie piece could have totally been possible! Pin the lace in place with your ball point pins, zig zag along the outside as shown at 0:58 in the video, and cut out the underlying fabric for that peak-a-boo reveal.

Elastic detail on Seamwork Geneva panties | Vintage on Tap

Tip #3: Chose your elastics wisely and sew slowly.

It’s extremely temping to start sewing up a storm as you’re nearing the finish line, but be careful! You’ll thank yourself later by slowing down and being cognizant of maintaining a straight and steady stitch line.

There are several types of elastic you can use for your garment, and I highly recommend the following article by Colette Patterns about sewing lingerie elastic for additional information:

Lingerie Elastic 3 Ways

When learning how to sew underwear, keep in mind that the elastic you chose should be comfortable to wear, so test it against your wrist before committing to it:

  • Does it have a comfortable amount of stretch?
  • Does it itch or potentially aggravate?
  • Does it have a good level of bounce back and recovery?

For the pair of Geneva panties I made for this post, I decided to use fold over elastic, which fits smoothly and comfortably against the skin, and also creates an encased seam. I cover this elastic insertion at 4:45 in my walkthrough video.

How to sew underwear, made with the Seamwork Geneva pattern | Vintage on Tap

The Seamwork Geneva pattern is a great staple to make comfy undergarments at home.

The fit is great, though it does run a little bit on the large size, so please keep that in mind when starting out your project.

You can also have a lot of fun picking both classic and crazy knit fabrics to use, but be sure that the crotch lining is 100% cotton to protect your personal bits!

Also, making underwear matching other boudoir inspired fashion is a total must. For example, why not make a pair that matches a Seamwork Almada robe?

Completed Seamwork Alamada Robe | @vintageontap

Cute pair of undies and matching robe? Gorgeous! (Click here to learn how to sew this kimono robe!)

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Learn How to Sew Your Own Underwear, video tutorial! Let's make the Seamwork Magazine Geneva undies! | Vintage on Tap

Have you ever learned how to sew underwear at home? How did you like them? Did you like them more than store-bought ones? Leave me a comment down below to let me know!

And don’t forget, get $3 off your first month of Seamwork Magazine by clicking on this link!


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Filed Under: Lingerie, Seamwork Magazine Tagged With: knitwear, Seamwork, stretch lace, zig zag stitch

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jennifer Sandoval says

    July 5, 2018 at 6:55 pm

    I think I’m gonna start using my ig. Ohhh (3 Hs) Lulu and Evie La Luve are the 2 brands I use. I’ve only ever seen indie and I love them!!! Both have YouTube channels/blogs and it’s so easy to adjust your cup. I see you’re full busted like me.
    IRL, I’m a 32DDD and that usually matches well with patterns. Evie doesn’t go above C, but it’s super easy to adjust–much easier than a FBA for a princess seam.
    I saw that you got engaged and CONGRATS!!!! Your fiancé looks Latino. Am I crazy? He is, no? The reason I ask is, and I know I’m jumping the gun, but y’all are gonna make beautiful babies!!!
    You do already have a fur baby whose cute meow is in the background. Fur babies are so much cheaper and lower maintenance XD. Yours does have long hair, so there’s grooming and all that.

    Reply
    • Bianca says

      July 18, 2018 at 3:29 pm

      Hi Jennifer! Yup- just got engaged! My fiancé is Peruvian! And yes to the fur babies hahaha! I will take their long hair any day of the week haha!

      As for the Lulu and Evie La Luve patterns, so many people have recommended their designs that I’m thinking I really have to check them out already! Too difficult to resist now!

      Reply

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My name is Bianca, I'm 34 years old, and a California girl through and through 🏖

I inspire people to sew, to feel comfortable and confident in their bodies, and am an avid lover of tiki culture and Vintage Style Not Vintage Values!

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