10+ FREE Underwear Sewing Patterns To Begin Your Lingerie Sewing Adventure
A couple of months ago, I shared some free bra sewing patterns that I was interested in trying in preparation for my participation in BRAugust 2021. I ended up trying 3 out of the 4 patterns I shared, as well as a couple of underwear sewing patterns by Sophie Hines that have been on my to-sew list for the longest time. Today, I want to share a few free underwear sewing patterns with everyone!
Sewing underwear is truly life-changing. I love the fact that I can finish a small sewing project in a single afternoon and that I end up with something that I will definitely wear again and again. More importantly, I love being able to choose specific materials for to use for sewing my own underwear. Specifically, I have been using a soft, organic bamboo jersey (remnant from my Euler Bralette kit) for the crotch lining of my underwear and I love how it feels on my skin!
top down view of my workspace with a sewing planner open and the coherence panty on the sewing machine
Sewing underwear is for everyone!
Image illustrating 7 different underwear styles (via)
If you are new to lingerie-sewing, sewing underwear is definitely a great place to start. Most of the time, all you need is stretch jersey (purchased by the yard or harvested from old t-shirts), some fold-over elastic, and you're ready to go. If you are a seasoned lingerie sewist, I am sure you will find some of these free underwear sewing patterns inspiring and want to try making them too!
Ever since I made my first pair of underwear, I have been learning so much about my personal preference for underwear style and shape. In this round-up of 10 free underwear sewing patterns, you will find a good variety of underwear styles for you to start exploring and to learn about your own preferences too!
Free underwear sewing patterns
1. Be Bashful Bikini by At First Blush Pattern Co.
Pattern download: via blog post here
Sizes: High/half hip 30" - 40" (XS - XL)
Style: Bikini
Image of Be Bashful Bikini by At First Blush Pattern Co. (via)
The Be Bashful Bikini is a free underwear sewing pattern featuring a bikini cut. It has a low-rise waistline, high-cut leg opening and covers approximately 3/4 of your butt.
At First Blush Pattern Co. also has a number of sewing tutorials specific to lingerie sewing, so be sure to check their site out if you are new to sewing lingerie.
Instructions
Written instructions: ✔️YES, included in pattern PDF and blog post here
Photos/illustrations with instructions: ✔️ YES, photos accompanying instructions in blog post here
Video tutorial: ✔️ YES, by At First Blush Pattern Co. on Youtube here
(via)
2. T-shirt Underwear by Indigorchird
Pattern download: via blog post here
Sizes: XS - L
Style: Bikini
Image of T-shirt Underwear by Indigorchird (via)
The T-shirt Underwear is a sewing pattern that Birgitte of Indigorchird developed specifically for upcycling old t-shirts into underwear. Birgitte mentioned that the sizes are "pretty standard" and unfortunately, there is no size chart available for reference. If you are planning to make this pattern, be sure to check the measurements on the paper pattern against your body measurements. Also, be mentally prepared that your first version may not fit perfectly.
Intrigued about the idea of modifying underwear pattern for sewing with jersey? Check out how I made a new halter-top t-shirt using the Noelle Bralette pattern here!
Instructions:
Written instructions: ✔️ YES, included in a blog write-up here
Photos/illustrations with instructions: ✔️ YES, available in the same blog post as above
Video tutorial: ❌ NO
(via)
3. Stevie Knickers by Paper Theory
Pattern download: checkout to download for free here
Sizes: Waist 64cm - 94cm (approx. 25.2" - 37")
Style: Bikini
Image of Stevie Knickers by Paper Theory (via)
The Stevie Knickers (cute name, btw) by Paper Theory is a bikini-style underwear that offers a medium rise and a full booty coverage. Paper Theory is a UK-based company with a passion for slow fashion and sustainability in sewing. So if you want to read a little bit more about using remnant fabrics for sewing underwear, do check out their blog post on sewing the Stevie Knickers.
Instructions
Written instructions: ✔️ YES, steps for sewing found in the "How to sew Knickers" post by Paper Theory here
Photos/illustrations: ✔️ YES, photos accompanying written instructions in the same post above
Video tutorial: ✔️ YES, by Paper Theory available on Youtube here
4. Acacia Underwear by Megan Nielsen
Pattern download: via newsletter sign-up here
Sizes: Hips 34cm - 147cm (approx. 13.4" - 57.9")
Style: Bikini
Image of Acacia Underwear by Megan Nielsen (via)
The Acacia Underwear by Megan Nielsen is a bikini cut underwear that has a low-rise waistline with ample booty coverage. The pattern is listed for purchase at 12.00AUD via Megan's shop but it is also available for free download if you sign up for her newsletter. Out of all the free underwear sewing patterns I have found, the Acacia Underwear boasts the largest size range, so if you are able and willing, do consider purchasing the pattern to support a patternmaker who puts in the effort to have an inclusive size range.
But if you wish to download the pattern for free first, simply follow the link in the Acacia Underwear blog post here to sign up for her newsletter. Following that, wait for a discount code to be sent to your email for you to access this underwear pattern for free. Megan has other free patterns available for people who have subscribed to her newsletter, so do check those out too!
Instructions
Written instructions: ✔️ YES, available in a separate PDF file provided in the download and also via their blog post here
Photos/illustrations: ✔️ YES, illustrations accompanying written instructions in the same PDF file, step-by-step photos in the abovementioned blog post
Video tutorial: ❌ NO
(via)
5. Lace Underwear by So Sew Easy
Lace Underwear, a free underwear sewing pattern, in red lace by So Sew Easy
Pattern download: checkout and download for free or pay-as-you-wish here
Sizes: Half hip 32" - 43"
Style: Cheekies
Image of Lace Underwear by So Sew Easy (via)
The Lace Underwear by So Sew Easy seems to be a great, beginner-friendly underwear pattern for experimenting with sewing with lace. The style of these lace panties is not specified in the blog post and it's hard to find a modelled photo of these undies. But based on what it looks like on a mannequin shown in the blog post and my understanding of underwear, I believe these would fit like a pair of cheekies.
Instructions
Written instructions: ✔️ YES, steps for sewing available in a tutorial on the So Sew Easy blog here
Photos/illustrations: ✔️ YES, photos accompanying the written steps in the abovementioned tutorial
Video tutorial: ❌ NO
(via)
6. Lacey Thong Panty by Fehr Trade
Pattern download: via blog post here
Sizes: Half hip 74.4cm - 98.4cm (29.25" - 38.75")
Style: Thong
Image of Lacey Thong by Fehr Trade (via)
The Lacey Thong Panty is a pair of thong-style panties with a low-rise waistline. The lace design sits on the hips, and the butt is mostly bare. This is a great pattern for anyone who wants to start experimenting with mixing stretch lace with other materials. The contrast fabric used for the body of these underwear can be woven or jersey, which makes mixing and matching remnant fabrics even more fun!
Instructions
Written instructions: ✔️ YES, included in the same PDF file as the free underwear sewing pattern
Photos/illustrations: ✔️ YES BUT MINIMAL, illustrations included with the written instructions
Video tutorial: ❌ NO
7. Hipster Pattern by Make Bra
Hipster Pattern, a free underwear sewing pattern by Make Bra
Pattern download: download here
Sizes: Hips 88 - 108cm (approx. 34.6" - 42.5")
Style: Hipster
Image of Hipster underwear by Make Bra (via)
The Hipster Pattern by Make Bra is a basic, hipster-style underwear sewing pattern that is available for free via the Make Bra website. It is recommended that you use your hip measurement when selecting the size to sew.
I love the simplicity of this design. However, the sizing for this pattern is limited. Also, there is only written instructions available for this pattern, so this might be a little tricky for people new to sewing underwear and process information better with visual aids. The good thing is, the principle of sewing underwear is the same for many designs. If you want to try to this pattern and is having some difficulty with the instructions, try following the instructions for the hipster underwear by So, Zo (pattern no. 8 listed below) for this pattern.
Instructions
Written instructions: ✔️ YES, available on the pattern page on Make Bra's site here
Photos/illustrations: ❌ NO
Video tutorial: ❌ NO
8. So, Zo Undies by So, Zo
So, Zo undies, a hipster cut free underwear sewing pattern by Zoe of So, Zo
Pattern download: via the blog post here
Sizes: Full hip 32" - 50"
Style: Hipster
Image of So, Zo Undies by So, Zo (via)
The So, Zo Undies by Zoe of So, Zo is a hipster-style underwear with a hip-hugging low rise cut. As with other hipster-style underwear, be sure to use your full hip measurement to select the right size for this pair of underwear.
Instructions
Written instructions: ✔️ YES, available as a separate PDF file from the free underwear sewing pattern
Photos/illustrations: ✔️ YES, included in the same PDF file as above
Video tutorial: ❌ NO
9. Peachy Undies by Cool Stitches
Pattern download: checkout for free or pay-as-you-wish here
Sizes: Waist 24.5" - 38.75" (62cm - 98cm), Hips 34" - 48" (86cm - 122cm)
Style: High/french cut with medium/high rise options
Image of Peachy Undies by Cool Stitches (via)
Nicole developed this high-cut underwear pattern because she couldn't find this specific style of high french cut that she liked. I tried this underwear pattern thinking it would be a pair of regular high-waisted briefs and totally didn't realise it's meant to be as cheek-baring as it's designed to be.
But, if you like a high leg-opening on the front and a cheeky cut on the back, this is definitely the pattern you want to try. The option of having a medium and high-rise is also an absolute bonus!
Instructions
Written instructions: ✔️ YES, included in the same PDF file as the sewing pattern
Photos/illustrations: ✔️ YES, photos included with the PDF document for instructions
Video: ✔️ YES, on Cool Stitches' IGTV here
Free underwear sewing pattern by Cool Stitches as modelled by Nicole of Cool Stitches (via)
10. Maxine Panties by Evie La Luve
Maxine Panties, free underwear sewing pattern by Evie La Luve
Pattern download: free at checkout here
Sizes: Waist 24" - 34.5" (61cm - 88cm), Hips (83cm - 110cm) 33" - 43.5"
Style: High briefs
Image of Maxine Panties by Evie La Luve (via)
These Maxine Panties by Evie La Luve seems to be the ~perfect~ underwear for me! I love high-waisted underwear with a full coverage, and the Maxine Panties seem to offer the same waistline, leg opening, and booty coverage as as my favourite Thinx underwear, the Hi-Waist.
The PDF pattern also comes with clear, step-by-step photos and written instructions. For people who love learning through watching videos, Evie La Luve also has a Youtube channel jampacked with lots of fabulous swimwear and lingerie-sewing related tutorials. Thinking about making these high-waisted underwear into a pair of retro, 50's inspired bikini bottoms? Me too, and there's a video tutorial here telling you exactly how to do it (see embedded video below)!
Instructions
Written instructions: ✔️ YES, included in the same PDF file as the sewing pattern
Photos/illustrations: ✔️ YES, included in the same PDF file as the sewing pattern
Video: ✔️ YES, related tutorials using the same pattern found on Evie La Luve's Youtube channel here
Additional patterns added in August 2022
11. Sara Lace Boyshort by Porcelynne
Image of Sara Lace Boyshort (via)
Pattern download: free at checkout here
Sizes: XS - 3X (Waist: 22" - 54", Hips: 32" - 63")
Style: Boyshorts
I was pretty excited when I found the Sara Lace Boyshort by Porcelynne because this underwear sewing pattern is one of the few FREE patterns that has an inclusive size range. While the pattern states “boyshort” in the name, I am unable to confirm the style of the underwear as I am unable to find a styled photo of the underwear. The design appears similar to the Lace Underwear by So Sew Easy (see no. 5 above) so it could end up fitting like cheekies.
To get the free pattern, I suggest creating an account with Porcelynne first. I tried checking out as a guest first but it appeared that there was a bug and I could not proceed with checking out as a guest. The issue was resolved after I created an account and checkout with my account login information. After the checking out, I was immediately re-directed to a page containing a link for downloading the free underwear sewing pattern. (Note: I did not have to enter credit card or other payment information to check out)
The PDF pattern comes with step-by-step written instructions with accompanying illustrations. There are only 6 steps in total! I am excited to try this out soon.
Instructions
Written instructions: ✔️ YES, included in the same PDF file as the sewing pattern
Photos/illustrations: ✔️ YES, illustrations included in the same PDF file as the sewing pattern
Video: ❌ NO
12. Free Panties Pattern by Melly Sews
Image of the panties pattern by Melly Sews (via)
Pattern download: free with newsletter subscription, read paragraph below for more details
Sizes: XXS - 3X (Waist: 25" - 48" Hips: 34" - 55")
Style: Bikini
This underwear sewing pattern by Melly Sews is available as a free download with her newsletter subscription. Upon confirmation of newsletter subscription, you will receive an email containing the password to access Melissa’s library of free sewing patterns here.
This bikini style underwear is such a classic look. Melissa always has such detailed sewing video tutorials so I recommend checking it out if you think you need a little bit more help with putting the pattern together.
Instructions
Written instructions: ✔️ YES
Photos/illustrations: ✔️ YES, illustrations with written instructions
Video: ✔️ YES, available on via Melly Sews’ Youtube channel here
13. Noelle DIY Underwear by Madalynne
Image of Noelle Panty (via)
Pattern download: free download at checkout here
Sizes: XS - 3XL (Waist: 23 - 41" Hips: 33" - 50")
Style: Hi-brief
This high-waisted underwear sewing pattern by Madalynne is part of the Noelle set offered as a free bra + panty download. The Noelle bra is a pattern I tried last year with jersey cotton and is one of the free bra patterns I included in my free bra sewing pattern round-up.
One key thing to note is that there’s no written instructions for this underwear sewing pattern. Detailed written and video instructions is available Madalynne’s Creativebug class. However, if you had sewn underwear patterns before or if you have more experience in sewing with knits and elastics, this pattern is pretty straightforward to put together.
Instructions
Written instructions: ❌ NO
Photos/illustrations: ❌ NO
Video: ✔️ YES, but not exactly. Madalynne has a video tutorial on how to alter the Noelle underwear pattern to make a low-rise version and to sew the underwear together on Youtube here, which I assume is different from the Creativebug version. This video tutorial will give you some insight on the construction of the Noelle panty!
Which of these free underwear sewing patterns will you try?
Whether you are a seasoned lingerie-sewing enthusiast or a newbie at sewing underwear, I'm sure you will enjoy at least one of these free underwear sewing patterns. What's your go-to underwear style? I'm a classic, high-waisted, full coverage kind of gal.
Which of these free underwear sewing patterns are you planning to try? Tell me your favourite in the comments below!
