Making your own panties is a great way to use up fabric scraps. They’re the perfect introduction to working with stretchy knit fabrics, and are usually suitable for beginners. I found 27 great sewing patterns for all sorts of underwear styles, including bikinis, thongs, hipsters, shorts, and more. 9 of them are free! In this post, you’ll find helpful information about each pattern like sizing, required materials, format, and level of difficulty. I also outlined the most popular fabric types for sewing panties at the end.
Contents list:
- Bikini
- Thong & Tanga
- Hipster
- Mid & High Rise
- Shorts
- French knickers / tap shorts
- Other styles
- Bundles
- What fabric to use for panties
Bikini style panties:
Bikini style panties pattern with edge trim (+ Video)
Download now from Melly Sews – FREE (with newsletter subscription)
- Sizes: 2XS – 3XL. Hip: 34” – 55” (86 – 149cm).
- Design: Classic style panties with low rise. The waistband sits on hip bones. Moderate coverage on the front and back. Optional trim detail.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight stretch knit fabric like cotton, viscose, bamboo, or rayon jersey. You can also use Stretch lace, lycra, or satin.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size.
- Instructions: Video instructions are available here. The paid version of the pattern includes printable instructions.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This pattern would be great for an adventurous beginner wanting to advance their skills with knit fabrics. The elastic insertion could be slightly tricky but panties are a perfect garment to practice.
“Acacia” Bikini Style Panties
Download now from Megan Nielsen – FREE (with newsletter subscription)
- Sizes: 0 – 34. Hip: 34” – 62” (86 – 157 cm).
- Design: Classic bikini-style panties with moderate coverage. Medium/low rise. Gusset with fully enclosed seams. Three options for attaching the elastic.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight stretch fabric scraps with at least 20% stretch, like cotton, viscose, bamboo, rayon jersey, stretch lace, lycra, or satin.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Illustrated instructions are included with the pattern. A photo sew-along is available on this blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This is a simple pattern with detailed instructions.
“Stevie” classic medium rise panties
Download now from Paper Theory – FREE (with newsletter subscription)
- Sizes: UK 6 – 20. Hip: 34” – 47.5” (86 – 120cm).
- Design: Basic bikini-style panties. Medium rise with full coverage on the back. Scoop front. Double gusset with enclosed seams. Elasticated waist and leg openings.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight stretch fabric scraps with at least 20% stretch, like cotton, viscose, bamboo, rayon jersey, stretch lace, lycra, or satin.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A0, A4 and US letter size. Illustrated instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This is a simple pattern with detailed instructions, and it’s a great scrap buster.
“Montgomery” hipster bikini briefs
Buy now from Orange Lingerie – $13.99
- Sizes: XS-XL. Hip: 34.5” – 46” (88 – 117 cm).
- Design: Hipster bikini panties. Low rise. No bottom elastic for a smooth profile. Lace front panel. Power mesh back panel.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabric. Lace, cotton, and power mesh are recommended.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A0, A4 and US letter size. Illustrated instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. Suitable for an advanced beginner as the style is slightly more involved since it includes a lace front panel. The recommended fabrics are very sheer and could be difficult to sew.
Thong and Tanga (slightly more coverage) style panties:
“Lyla” Thong with panel detail and optional lace
Buy now from Evie La Luve on Etsy – approx. $11.43
- Sizes: 3XS – 2XL. Hip 33” – 48” (84 – 123 cm).
- Design: Classic thongs with low rise. Front panel detail. Optional lace overlay. Optional scalloped edge elastic.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabrics like cotton, rayon, bamboo or viscose jersey, or lace and satin for a more luxurious feel.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A0, A4 and US letter size. Photo instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. Suitable for an advanced beginner who is looking to get into lingerie-making. You can use a stable cotton jersey to make the sewing process easier.
“Thursday” thong with V-shaped lace waistband
Buy now from Emerald Erin – $12.60
- Sizes: XS – 3XL. Hip: 34” – 59” (85 – 150 cm).
- Design: Thongs with flattering V-shape lace waistband. Invisible under clothing. Optional scalloped edge elastic and bow detail.
- Fabric: Stretch knit or lace with spandex with a four-way stretch. At least 50% stretch in the direction of greatest stretch, and 40% in the direction of lesser stretch. For example bamboo, cotton or polyester knit or jersey, stretch lace or mesh. You will also need stretch lace trim with at least 80% stretch.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Illustrated instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. Suitable for an advanced beginner who is comfortable with stretchy fabrics. Stretch lace and mesh can be difficult to sew, so use a more stable jersey for an easier make.
“Arielle” tanga panties with optional lace inserts
Buy now from Evie La Luve on Etsy – approx. $11.43
- Sizes: 2XS – 2XL. Hip 33” – 43.5” (84 – 110 cm).
- Design: Tanga fit panties with low coverage on the back. Different front and back styles are included. Optional lace overlay. Fold over elastic.
- Fabric: Bamboo, cotton or polyester knit, or stretch lace and mesh.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Illustrated instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? No. Suitable for an intermediate sewist as the small pattern pieces, elastic insertion, and the use of thin and slippery fabrics such as lace and mesh can be difficult for a beginner.
Hipster panties:
“SoZo” hipster panties
Download now from SoZo Blog – FREE
- Sizes: Hip: 32” – 50” (81 – 127cm).
- Design: Classic, low rise, hipster-style panties. Exposed fold-over elastic. Great for scrap busting.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight stretch fabric scraps like cotton, viscose, bamboo, or rayon jersey. At least 40-50% stretch.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A2, A4 and US letter size. Photo instructions are included as a separate download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This is a simple pattern that comes with clear and detailed instructions that outline two different construction methods.
Mid and High-waisted panties:
“Peachy” high-waisted panties
Download now from Cool Stitches – FREE (or pay-what-you-can)
- Sizes: EU 34 – 50. Hip: 34” – 48” (86 – 122cm).
- Design: High and medium rise views. High leg cut. Moderate coverage on the front, lower coverage on the back. Enclosed elastic.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight stretch fabrics like jersey, lace, mesh or spandex. Fabrics with 30% stretch are ideal.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Photo instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. A stable jersey can be used to make the process easier. The instructions are clear with photo illustrations throughout.
“Noelle” high-waisted lace panties (+ Video)
Download now from Madalynne – FREE
- Sizes: XS – 3XL. Hip: 33” – 50” (84 – 127 cm).
- Design: High-waisted, everyday lace panties. The front and the back are lined. Waist and leg openings are finished with lightweight picot elastic.
- Fabric: Stretch lace, and nude stretch mesh lining.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size.
- Instructions: No written instructions are included with this pattern, but a video course can be taken here as part of a free trial on Creative Bug.
- Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern could suit a beginner if it is accompanied by the video tutorial. A more advanced sewist can put these panties together without using the instructions since the style is fairly simple.
“Monroe” high-waisted panties with paneling detail
Buy now from Orange Lingerie – $13.99
- Sizes: 0 – 20. Hip: 35” – 49” (89 – 124.5 cm).
- Design: High-waisted, full-coverage panties with panels. Optional lace or sheer panel insertion. Optional color-blocking detail.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabric. Lace, cotton, and power mesh are recommended.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Fully illustrated instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is more suitable for an intermediate sewist due to the use of thin, sheer materials and the elastic insertion steps.
“Median” high-waisted panties with full coverage
Buy now from Sophie Hines – $10
- Sizes: 2XS – 3XL. Hip: 32” – 57” (81 – 144 cm).
- Design: High-waisted, full-coverage panties with panels. Optional lace or sheer panel insertion. Wide crotch. Fully lined.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabric with 50-75% stretch like bamboo, rayon, or blends with cotton, lycra, silk, spandex, nylon, and Tencel. Lace and mesh can also be used.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Fully illustrated instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think View 1 is suitable for advanced beginners with some experience with knit fabrics. The lines of this version are simple and a stable knit can be used. View 2 would better suit an intermediate sewist due to the paneling details.
“Altitude” high-waisted thongs with optional ruffles
Buy now from Sophie Hines – $10
- Sizes: 2XS – 3XL. Hip: 32” – 57” (81 – 144 cm).
- Design: High-waisted thong. High coverage on the front, low coverage on the back. Seamless side panels. Optional ruffle detail.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabric with 50 – 75% stretch like bamboo, rayon, or blends with cotton, lycra, silk, spandex, nylon, and Tencel. Lace and mesh can also be used.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Fully illustrated instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. View 1 is suitable for advanced beginners as it has simple style lines and a stable knit can be used. View 2 would better suit an intermediate sewist due to the added ruffle detail and the thin, slippery fabrics that would need to be used.
“Shorts” style panties:
“Rosy” lace lady-shorts
Download now from Cloth Habit – FREE
- Sizes: US 0 – 14. Hip: 32” – 46” (81 – 117 cm).
- Design: Hipster style, lacey boy shorts that sit at the hips. Elastic lace trim. Center front and back seams with no side seams.
- Fabric: This pattern is designed for a 4-way stretch lace with 60-70% stretch. A stretch mesh or jersey can also be used.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size.
- Instructions: Written instructions are included with the pattern. A photo sew-along is also available on this blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a great pattern for a beginner to start sewing lingerie. There are only two parts to these panties making them a very simple sew. The instructions are clear and simple to follow with illustrations throughout.
“Tuesday” boy-short panties
Buy now from Emerald Erin – $12.60
- Sizes: US 0 – 18. Hip: 35” – 47” (89 – 120 cm).
- Design: Medium-rise boy shorts with no side seams. Optional fully enclosed gusset.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabric with at least 50% stretch like bamboo, rayon, or blends with cotton, lycra, silk, spandex, nylon, and Tencel. Lace and mesh can also be used.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Fully illustrated instructions are included as part of the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This is a simple design and more stable knit fabrics can be used.
“Silvena” lace boy-shorts
Buy now from Primrose Dawn – $9
- Sizes: Hip: 35” – 60” (89 – 152 cm).
- Design: Medium-rise boy-shorts with longer legs. V-shaped waistline. Can be sewn with stretch lace only or with a combination of knit and stretch lace. Lined gusset.
- Fabric: Stretch knits with at least 30% stretch, like cotton/spandex jersey, rayon/spandex jersey, bamboo/spandex jersey, stretch mesh. Cotton jersey for the gusset.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A0, A4 and US letter size. Projector files and fully illustrated instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. Suitable for adventurous beginners. The design is very simple but sewing with stretch lace could be difficult for someone with very limited sewing knowledge. Keep this in mind when choosing your fabric.
Shorts style lace panties
Download now from So Sew Easy – FREE
- Sizes: XS – L. Hip: 33” – 43” (84 – 109 cm).
- Design: Medium rise, lace boy-shorts. V-shaped waistline. Centre and back seams. No side seam for a smooth finish.
- Fabric: Stretch lace.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Photo instructions are available on the corresponding blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an adventurous beginner could try this pattern. The design is simple, but sewing with stretch lace could be difficult for someone with very limited sewing knowledge.
French knickers / tap shorts:
“S8510” Vintage French knickers
Buy now from Simplicity – $16.07
- Sizes: EU 30 – 46. Hip: 31.5” – 44” (80 – 112 cm).
- Design: 1930s vintage style French knickers. Side fastening. Optional lace trim and shaped yoke. Flared leg.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics, like batiste, cotton lawn, crepe, satin, viscose or rayon.
- Format: Paper pattern with instruction booklet included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. Suitable for an advanced beginner, as woven fabrics are easier to work with. Buttonholes and the shaped yoke can be tricky for a complete beginner.
French knickers with flared and fitted views
Buy now from Booby Traps – $18.95
- Sizes: AU 8 – 18. Exact hip measurements are not included, approx. 36” – 46” (92 – 117 cm).
- Design: Fitted lace French knickers with boy legs. Slight frill at the hem. Low rise. Center front and back seam. Full French knicker view that is slightly longer and more flared at the hem.
- Fabric: Double scallop edge stretch lace, cotton for the gusset. Stretch fabric such as lycra, mesh, satin, velvet, tricot, bamboo or cotton blends.
- Format: Printed pattern with instruction booklet included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. Suitable for advanced beginners as the style of the knickers is very simple with only a center seam. The recommended fabrics could be difficult to sew with so some sewing experience would be an advantage.
“Richdale” tap shorts
Buy now from Orange Lingerie – $13.99
- Sizes: US 0 – 20. Hip: 35” – 49” (89 – 124.5 cm).
- Design: Simple tap shorts. Medium rise. Center front and back seam and no side seam. Relaxed fit. Encased, elastic waistband. Optional gusset.
- Fabric: Silk charmeuse, crepe de chine, cotton batiste, cotton lawn, or other light to medium weight woven fabrics.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Fully illustrated instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this pattern would be a great for beginners, as the design is very simple and woven fabrics are easier to sew than knits.
High-waisted French knickers with side split (+ Video)
Download now from Alissa Montanez – FREE
- Sizes: XS – XL. Hip 31” – 47” (79 – 119 cm).
- Design: High-waisted French knicker style shorts. Center front and back seam. Side vents. Elasticated waistband. Optional lace trim at the hem.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics, like cotton batiste, cotton lawn, crepe, silk, charmeuse, satin, viscose or rayon.
- ·Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Instructions are provided in a YouTube video here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this pattern would be great for beginners, as the design is very simple and woven fabrics are easier to sew than knits. Chose a stable woven rather than silk or satin if you want to make the process easier.
Other styles:
“Ivy” lace panties with elastic waist
Buy now from Ohhh Lulu on Etsy – approx. $9.40
- Sizes: XS – XL. Hip: 33” – 42” (84 – 106.5 cm).
- Design: Low-waisted lace panties. Elastic finish at sides. Optional bow detail.
- Fabric: Stretch lace with scalloped edge.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is aimed toward an intermediate sewist since stretch lace is difficult to handle and attaching the elastic waistband could be tricky for a beginner.
“Rose” Vintage style woven panties with cross-over detail
Buy now from Ohhh Lulu on Etsy – approx. $9.40
- Sizes: XS – XL Hip 33-34/41-42” (84-86/104-106.5 cm).
- Design: Vintage style panties. Low rise. Cross-over detail. Wrap detailing. Full coverage.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics, like cotton batiste, cotton lawn, crepe, silk, charmeuse, satin, viscose or rayon.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is aimed toward an intermediate sewist since the cross-over detailing attaching the elastic with this shaping could be tricky for a beginner.
“Mango Fizz” vintage style bloomer panties
Buy now from Fitiyoo – €7 (approx. $7)
- Sizes: XS – XL. Hip: 32” – 45” (82 – 116 cm).
- Design: Vintage style panties. Low rise. Full coverage. Frilled elastic edges. Lined gusset.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics, like cotton batiste, cotton lawn, crepe, silk, charmeuse, satin, viscose or rayon.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A0, A4 and US letter size. Instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The use of woven fabric and the method of elastic insertion make this a good pattern for beginners looking to try lingerie-making.
“Bloody Mary” menstrual panties
Buy now from Fitiyoo – $7.00
- Sizes: 2XS – 3XL Hip 29.5-32/48-51” (75-81/124-130 cm).
- Design: Low and high-rise period panties. Full coverage. Paneled style with no side seams. Optional lace elastic trim.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight stretch fabrics like cotton jersey, micro terry, bamboo or Tencel jersey. Stretch mesh can also be used for the paneling details.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A0, A4 and US letter size. Instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. Suitable for an adventurous beginner. Use a stable knit such as cotton jersey to make the sewing process easier.
Bundles of multiple styles:
“Iris” panties with rise and leg variations (+ Video)
Buy now from Tilly and the Buttons – £15.50 (approx. $18)
- Sizes: UK 6 – 34. Hip: 33” – 61” (84 – 155 cm).
- Design: Classic style panties. Low, medium or high rise options. Fold-over elastic or stretch lace finishes. 36 mix & match styles.
- Fabric: Medium to lightweight stretch fabrics with 40-60% stretch, like cotton, bamboo, Tencel jersey, scuba, stretch mesh, or stretch velvet.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A0, A4 and US letter size.
- Instructions: Instructions are included with the pattern. There is also an online video workshop here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. Suitable for confident beginners. wanting to advance their skills with stretch and knit fabrics.
“Tulip” high-cut panties with rise and leg variations
Buy now from Primrose Dawn – $9
- Sizes: Hip: 33” – 60” (89 – 152 cm).
- Design: High-cut panties. Panel detail. Optional lace overlay. Optional V cut out. Back options include medium coverage or thong. Lined gusset.
- Fabric: Stretch lace trim, bias-cut wovens, or low-stretch knits for the front. Stretch knits like stretch mesh, spandex blend jerseys, athletic knits, or stretch lace fabric for the back.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A0, A4 and US letter size. Instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. Some views like the full coverage options are suitable for advanced beginners, and the more delicate options such as the V cut out and the thong back finishes are suitable for intermediate sewists.
What fabric to use for panties:
- Cotton jersey: Cotton is a natural fiber so using this fabric would make the panties breathable and comfortable to wear.
- Rayon jersey: Rayon jersey is a natural fiber that has more drape than cotton jersey, making it a super comfy choice for sewing panties.
- Bamboo jersey: Another natural fiber with a smooth texture, drape, comfort, and breathability.
- Stretch lace: Usually made from Nylon and may have some spandex or lycra in it.
- Cotton satin: there is no stretch to this fabric, so the fitting is done with elastic. Cotton is a lightweight, natural, breathable fabric and the satin weave gives it a super smooth finish.
- Silk: definitely a more expensive option for making panties but if you can afford it, silk is a super comfy option with great breathability. It doesn’t hold onto odors and it’s incredibly soft.
- Polyester: A synthetic fiber that lacks breathability and the ability to absorb moisture. It is often used for panties as it’s a low-cost option but it’s generally unsuitable for wearing in hot weather and for long periods of time.
- Spandex: This is a stretchy, synthetic material. It doesn’t absorb moisture and lacks breathability, so it isn’t the most comfortable fabric to wear for long periods of time.
- Nylon: Usually used for swim and sportswear, nylon is super stretchy but lacks breathability, so it usually isn’t the best choice for everyday underwear.
What to read next:
- 24 Bra & Bralette Sewing Patterns
- 10 Cute & Comfy Loungewear Sewing Patterns for Women
- How to Sew EASY Pajama Shorts for Beginners + Video Tutorial
This article was written by Sally Gauntlett and edited by Nisan Aktürk.
Sally Gauntlett (author)
Sally started sewing as a child. In 2008, she started a handmade business selling personalized gifts and homeware. She then became a sewing content creator, sharing her makes on Youtube and Instagram. Read more…