Lately, I’ve been seeing a whole lot of sewists make their own underwear, elastic webbing and it’s really inspiring me-but there’s one element that I don’t want to include in my me-made underwear: elastic.

If you’ve ever made underwear before, you probably know that many finishing methods for the legholes and waistline embrace elastic, both fold-over elastic, picot, or even braided elastic encased in fabric. I don’t find out about you, but none of my ready-to-put on underwear have elastic in the legs-and generally they don’t in the waist either. This is the type of underwear I like greatest.

So, where does this leave me? I’m not a fan of elastic in my underwear as a result of it feels too restrictive, but I need to make my very own underwear. That is where knit bands come into play for me. I’m going to show you find out how to swap elastic for a knit band to complete your underwear!

You’ll Need:

– Fabric

– Pattern

– Tape measure

– Ruler

– Extra paper

– Pencil

How to Draft and Sew a Knit Band

Let’s do that.

Be sure that your fabric meets the stretch necessities said in the sample you’re using. I’m making the Sophie Hines Median Knickers pattern, and it requires 50%-75% stretch.

If you’re using a Seamwork sample, it features a stretch information that can assist you see if the fabric you need to make use of has sufficient stretch in it. Here are some Seamwork patterns you should utilize:

– The Geneva panties are a traditional selection, especially in order for you to use stretch lace.

– The Kaye shorts are excellent for biker-brief style underwear.

– The Dana underwear would work properly with a knit band as a substitute of elastic.

– The brand new (and free!) Flo period underwear. You may make these with out the absorbent fabric if you want to make a comfy pair of on a regular basis underwear.

Cut your pattern out and sew collectively all the fundamental items. Here is my constructed garment except for the leg holes and waist.

Measure the leg opening and waistline that can assist you decide how long your knit bands must be. My leg holes turned out to be 27 1/2 inches, and my waist is 34 1/2 inches. Next, I should do some math.

Ugh, math!? I do know-it’s not my favourite, however we bought this!

You want some math because in case you cut the knit band the same length as the leg gap or waistline, it won’t have the stretch to imitate the elastic end. You need to find the proper quantity of negative ease to your knit band to stay in place and match securely-however comfortably-to your physique.

I consulted with Wallis, our patternmaker-and the queen of knits-right here at Seamwork, and she advised me to follow a easy equation when making knit bands for closures. Make the knit band 90% of the total circumference of the opening.

I want to emphasise that 90% is a suggestion and a great place to start! Depending on your fabric’s restoration, you could should do some testing to get the suitable circumference. If you loved this informative article and you would love to receive more information regarding woven elastic band (click here.) kindly visit our web page. You can all the time baste your band to your underwear to test the match first.

So, since my leg gap is 27 1/2 inches, my equation is: 27.5 x .9 = 24.75. I minimize my leg bands at 24 3/four inches.

My waist measured 34 1/2 inches, my equation is: 34.5 x .9 = 31. I minimize my waistband at 31 inches.

I need my bands to be a bit wider, so I minimize them 2 inches wide, however you may make them a bit narrower or wider. Try not to go underneath 1 1/2 inches or over 2 1/2 inches. In the event you reduce your bands too slender, they may need some extra bulk at the seam allowance. If you happen to reduce them too broad, you may have problems fitting your gusset.

Sew the two short ends of your knit band together. Press the seam to one aspect. Helpful hint: woven elastic band If you’re utilizing a serger, use only one needle to cut down on bulk when serging.

Press the band in half lengthwise.

With fallacious sides collectively, baste the uncooked edge.

With proper sides together, pin the knit band evenly alongside the leg hole. You will have to stretch the knit band as you go.

A trick to evenly pinning the band is to mark your band in quarters. Then, mark your leghole and waistline in quarters. Stretch to match the quarter markings and pin in place, evenly distributing the band.

Using a serger or a zigzag stitch, sew the knit band to the underwear at 3/eight inch. Stretch the knit band as you go to ease it in. You’ll be able to see this in motion on this video tutorial for including a knit band woven elastic band on our YouTube channel.

Press the seam allowance in the direction of the underwear and topstitch with a narrow zigzag to carry the seam allowance in place.

Now repeat that very same process on your other leg hole and waistband and marvel at the no-elastic undies you simply made! Great job!

Taylor Pruitt

UX Designer

Taylor has an eye fixed for design. As the Product Manager for Seamwork, she wants to ensure your online experiences are fun and gratifying.