Tuesday 2 August 2011

The Final Pants

In precisely the same vein as my post on my 'final' skirt creation, I don't for one moment really believe that these are the last pants I'll make myself. But my pant-making addiction has to be curbed because my undies draw is fit to bursting and won't close properly (TMI?).

Making pants is so satisfying. They need very little fabric and can be made from the fabric left-overs of other projects or from old stretch garments which are no longer wanted in their original form. Not only is pant-making cheap, it's also quick. Start to finish I reckon I could have a new pair whipped up in half an hour, including cutting out. Though making a few pairs in a production line is also very satifying and more efficient. Also, it doesn't matter if the finish isn't so great, as they are (most likely) safe from the critical eyes of the public. You can have a good old experiment with different fabrics, elastics, construction techniques, embellishment, much of which might not go quite as you wished, but you'll still most likely have something you can actually wear.

I've done heaps of experimenting since I first tried making my own undies about a year and a half ago. I've learnt that, personally, I prefer to make my pants from jersey fabric that has an elastic content to it, rather than a fabric that relies solely on being knitted rather than woven for any degree of stretch, (i.e. I don't like using normal T-shirt fabric). These black pants are made from the stretch scraps left over from making a T-shirt. The fabric is really soft and very stretchy, yet not too 'floppy/drapey': ideal for making pants. And who couldn't use a couple of pairs of plain black knicks? I had yet to try out this black frilly elastic that I'd bought on ebay ages ago. It was easy to apply though not the highest quality, so I think the end result is pretty humourous rather than glamourous!

Speaking of glamour:

I pulled out all the stops and made the trashiest undies I'm capable of! Sheer leopard print and red frills; tell me you don't want some! Which is not to say they aren't wearable. I lined the gusset in some flesh coloured stretchy stuff. I actually haven't worn these yet, I'm a little intimidated by them! Oh wait, I just remembered my dad has recently figured out how to use the internet and where to find my blog. Ah well, I can shield my folks no longer, there are surely more damaging things you might find on the internet, no?!

To summarise: I am trying to prevent myself from spending my sewing time making items I have in abundance, but don't let that stop you! If you haven't, heartily recommend giving pant-making a whirl (remember, you can find my how-to/tutorial on constructing pants here). If you have, please leave a link in the comments section to your pant-creations if you've blogged about them, I'd love to see. I'll show you mine if you show me yours! We know each other well enough now to show each other our undies, right?!

15 comments:

Louise said...

I had a go at making underwear from a t-shirt as part of my thing-a-day challenge last year: http://sewidiotic.blogspot.com/2010/08/day-7.html. I really ought to try this again. Thanks for the reminder.

Anna said...

I've used your tutorial and made 4 pairs so far. I'm limiting myself to leftover fabric from other projects so I don't go cutting into all the knits I've got in my stash! You can see what I've made in my Flickr folder for this years sewing http://www.flickr.com/photos/16846790@N00/sets/72157625945515628/

I left a comment on the tutorial post a little while back asking if you'd ever posted the pattern you mention. I traced a pair of undies that I like the fit of but I'd be interested to see how the shape compares to your pattern as mine still needs a little tweaking here and there for a completely cofortable fit!

Anonymous said...

I, too, have become a wee bit obsessed with this panty making business ... well, as I have many t-shirts in my wardrobe I'll never wear again, and my panty drawer still has loads of space, that's A Good Thiing (tm), I reckon!
For pattern, I drew several of my existing/bought ones, and finally have arrived at what works well for me ... totally second the "fancy frills" thing, too - great fun!

weriem said...

Hoho, I love the wild panties :D Great idea to recycle old jersey dresses!

Amy Stanton said...

Woo hoo! Those look great! I tried making pants this afternoon, but the pattern didn't work out for me. I might try tracing a pair, but if upload your pattern, I'd be very excited. :)

Shelly said...

What fun, animal print with red frilly elastic! I made undies many years ago when knit sewing was just becoming fashionable. I had forgotten about it till your post. I think I might just give it another try as I saw my pattern a couple of days ago when I was trying to sort the pattern box out.

MrsC (Maryanne) said...

How fabulous to have the dilemma of too many memade undies! Not the kind of dilemma the average gal on the street has eh!

Roobeedoo said...

Hee! Leopard print with red lace eh?!
I have had two bouts of knicker-making, here: http://roobeedoo.blogspot.com/2010/06/fo-liberty-underpants-x-5.html
and here:
http://roobeedoo.blogspot.com/2011/07/knicker-elastic-comparative-study.html
The ric rac was a mistake as it shrank in the wash and pulled itself away from the elastic, fraying in the process. But as you say, they are not on public display!

Kathryn said...

Nice pants! Can you make these without an overlocker though? I want to have a go but suspect they would take a bit longer to make on a sewing machine.

Zoe said...

Hi peops,

Thanks everyone for your comments and ofr sharing your pant-creation links!

A couple of you have asked if I could share my pants pattern, and I'd be happy to do that, but I'm not sure how. I think I can figure out how to make a PDF, but where can I upload it (aside from Burdastyle) so it can be accessed? Any ideas? If not, I'll do some research next week and work on making it happen.

@Kathryn, you totally can make pants without an overlocker, just as you can make a T-shirt or anything else in jersey. I would recommend practising stitching the type of jersey you plan to use with your normal machine. Find out which stitch works best and whether or not you need to adjust the tension. The Built By Wendy: Homestretch book is really good for advising how to use a normal sewing machine with stretch fabric. Good luck and don't let it put you off. Experiment and I'll sure you'll figure out a method you are happy with.

xxx

Caroline said...

Brilliant! I've always wanted to try making my own knickers but I'm terrified of stretch fabric... But one day I'm going to give your tutorial a go!

Rehanon Mackenzie said...

Those leopard pants are epic doll! I love them :) xxx

Anonymous said...

I love the leopard print knickers! I'm still intimidated, but must be getting closer to making my first pair, as I purchased a few yards of cute elastic trim in several colors. I bet if you uploaded the PDF to google docs, then posted a link to it, the pattern share might work?

Fleur said...

It's taken me a few days to remember to add this, but heres a great you tube video from an american lady on how to sew gussets so that NO seams show at all!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBtxkx9kgq4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I never thout I'd be so excited about gussets before seeing this!

LC said...

Like you I have become obsessed with making panties (Canadian here), I just started my blog, 11 posts so far and 4 of them about sewing your own underwear. It is so easy. I do envy you the fold over elastic you can buy so easily, can't find it here at all. Oh well.

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