Sew Comfortable Underwear That Fits
Finding girls' underwear that fits well and feels comfortable is challenging. Store-bought options rarely fit properly - wrong rise, leg openings that dig in or gap, and nothing fits growing bodies consistently. When you sew girls' underwear, you create perfectly fitting pieces in soft fabrics, customize rise and coverage for her comfort, choose fun prints she'll love, and make underwear at a fraction of store-bought costs. Sew comfortable underwear she'll actually want to wear.
Perfect Beginner Projects
Girls' underwear is an excellent beginner project once you're comfortable with basic sewing. Why it's beginner-friendly: Very quick to sew (20-30 minutes per pair once you get the hang of it), uses tiny amounts of fabric (perfect for scraps), simple construction with minimal pattern pieces, and mistakes happen in private - no one sees imperfect underwear! Skills learned: Working with knit fabrics, applying elastic, and serging seams transfer to other garment sewing. Many sewists find underwear addictive - once you make one pair that fits perfectly, you'll want to make dozens in different fabrics and prints. Our beginner patterns include underwear options designed for new sewists.
Best Fabrics for Girls Underwear
Choose soft, comfortable fabrics that feel good against sensitive skin. Cotton jersey: The most popular choice - soft, breathable, comfortable, and affordable. Perfect for everyday underwear. Cotton-spandex blends add stretch and recovery for better fit. Modal or bamboo jersey: Extremely soft and gentle on skin - naturally moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic. Cotton rib knit: Nice stretch and recovery - creates fitted underwear that holds shape through washing. Microfiber: Smooth and thin - works well under fitted clothing and dries quickly. Lining fabric: Cotton jersey or cotton interlock for crotch lining - 100% cotton is recommended for health and comfort. Fabric considerations: Always prewash fabrics before cutting since underwear gets washed frequently. Choose soft fabrics without scratchy texture. Look for good recovery so fabric returns to shape after stretching. Fun prints in her favorite colors or characters make underwear she'll want to wear. You only need 1/4 yard to make multiple pairs.
Essential Elastic and Notions
Fold-over elastic (FOE): Most common elastic for underwear - folds over edges to create soft, finished waistbands and leg openings. Available in 5/8" or 3/4" width and many colors. Stretches with fabric and lies flat against skin. Picot elastic: Decorative elastic with pretty scalloped edge - adds feminine detail girls often love. Plush elastic: Soft, wide elastic (usually 1") that's very comfortable for waistbands with no-roll construction. Regular elastic: Standard elastic can be used in casings if preferred. Thread: Use polyester thread for durability. Buying elastic: Purchase in bulk spools for best value - you'll use it quickly. Match colors to fabrics or choose neutrals.
Applying Fold-Over Elastic
FOE creates professional-looking underwear edges. How to apply: Stretch the elastic while sewing (fabric stays relaxed), fold it over the fabric edge, and stitch down the center. The elastic contracts when released, creating a neat edge. Getting even tension: This takes practice - stretch elastic consistently as you sew. Too much stretch creates tight edges, too little creates wavy edges. Practice on scraps until comfortable with the technique, especially around leg opening curves. Alternative method: If FOE seems intimidating, create casings for regular elastic instead. Both work - FOE is faster and sleeker, casings are more forgiving for beginners.
Customizing Fit
One of the best reasons to sew girls' underwear is customizing fit. Rise adjustment: Add or remove length between crotch and waistband to create comfortable rise for her torso length. Leg opening adjustment: Adjust curves to prevent digging in or gaping. Coverage preferences: Modify back coverage for more or less coverage based on what's comfortable. Once fitted, repeat: Once you perfect the fit, make the pattern repeatedly with confidence.
Building an Underwear Wardrobe
Everyday basics: Make 7-10 pairs in neutral or favorite colors for daily rotation. Fun prints: Use fabric scraps to make special pairs in fun prints - favorite characters, florals, polka dots. School week rotation: Having 7+ pairs means always having clean underwear without constant laundry stress. Cost savings: Each pair costs $1-3 in materials compared to $3-5+ store-bought. Make a dozen pairs for less than buying 2-3 packages. Practical approach: Make 2-3 test pairs to perfect fit, then cut multiple pairs assembly-line style for efficiency.
Why Sew Girls Underwear Instead of Buying
Store-bought girls' underwear creates frustrations. Packages cost $15-30 for questionable quality that fades quickly. Nothing fits properly - wrong rise, leg openings that dig in, waistbands that roll. When you sew girls' underwear, you get perfect fit customized to her body, exactly the rise that's comfortable, soft fabrics that feel good, fun prints she loves, and quality construction. Handmade underwear costs $1-3 per pair compared to $3-5+ store-bought. Make a complete wardrobe for less than buying 2-3 packages. For girls with sensory sensitivities or non-standard proportions, sewing provides comfortable underwear that actually fits.
Tips for Sewing Girls Underwear
Take accurate measurements - waist, hips, and rise. Let her help choose fabrics. Use ballpoint needles and change frequently. Test stitches on scraps. Prewash all fabrics. Practice applying fold-over elastic on scraps first. Use 100% cotton for crotch lining. Don't stretch fabric while sewing - only stretch elastic. Make one test pair to perfect fit first. Once fitted, cut multiple pairs at once for efficiency. Store elastic away from heat and sunlight. Keep fabric scraps - you only need small amounts. For tutorials, visit our sewing blog for underwear sewing guidance.
Common Questions
How long does it take to sew girls underwear?
Once you're familiar with the process, each pair takes 20-30 minutes. Your first few pairs take longer as you learn techniques.
Is sewing underwear hard for beginners?
If you can sew basic knit garments, you're ready. The main new skill is applying elastic. Practice on scraps first.
How much fabric do I need?
Each pair needs 1/4 to 1/2 yard depending on size. Perfect for using fabric scraps and remnants.
Do I need a serger?
No - a regular sewing machine with zigzag stitch works fine. A serger is helpful but not required.
What type of elastic should I use?
Fold-over elastic (FOE) is most popular - soft and creates professional finishes. Regular elastic in casings also works if you prefer that method.
Is handmade underwear really cheaper?
Yes - materials cost $1-3 per pair compared to $3-5+ store-bought. Plus you get perfect fit and exactly what you want.
How do I get the right fit?
Take accurate measurements and make one test pair first. Adjust rise, leg openings, or coverage as needed. Once fitted, the pattern works repeatedly.
