So, you want to sew your own women’s underwear—welcome to the world of stretchy fabrics, delicate details, and the occasional thread-covered meltdown. Whether it’s a dreamy lace bra or the perfect pair of comfy-yet-cute panties, creating your own lingerie is a skill that’s as practical as it is empowering.
But before you dive in headfirst, you need to know this: lingerie sewing isn’t like sewing a tote bag or hemming curtains. It’s a whole new ballgame, with unique supplies designed to make your life easier (and your undies comfier).
Let’s break down the top 10 sewing supplies you’ll need, why they’re essential, and how to use them without losing your sanity—or your patience.
1. Stretch Fabrics: The Backbone of Lingerie Sewing
What Are Stretch Fabrics?
Stretch fabrics, like jersey knit, spandex, or lace, are the bread and butter of lingerie sewing. They’re what make your bra or panties, well, underwear—because nobody wants a stiff, scratchy bra that feels like it’s made out of cardboard.
Why You Need Them:
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They stretch and recover (so your undies fit like a glove).
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They move with your body—whether you’re lounging on the couch or breaking out in a victory dance.
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Available in all sorts of colors, textures, and patterns to suit your style.
How to Use Them:
Before you start cutting, test the stretch by tugging the fabric—gently! You’ll want to choose fabrics with 2-way or 4-way stretch, depending on your project. Pro tip: rotary cutters are your best friend when cutting stretch fabrics. Think of them as the ninjas of precision cutting.
2. Lingerie Elastic: The Glue That Holds It All Together
What Is Lingerie Elastic?
Lingerie elastic is like the quiet hero of your project. It’s soft, stretchy, and comes in varieties like picot (with cute scalloped edges), fold-over elastic (FOE), and plush-back elastic.
Why You Need It:
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Keeps your lingerie snug but not suffocating.
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Adds a decorative touch with scalloped or fancy edges.
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Super comfy on the skin (because no one likes itchy undies).
How to Use It:
Attach elastic with a zigzag stitch, stretching it just enough to match your fabric’s length. Be gentle—think of it as convincing the elastic to cooperate, not starting a wrestling match. Picot elastic works wonders for waistbands and leg openings, while FOE is great for finishing raw edges.
3. Bra Cups and Underwires: Your Built-In Support System
What Are They?
Bra cups give shape, and underwires provide structure—like the scaffolding of a beautifully designed building.
Why You Need Them:
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Add lift, support, and definition.
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Transform a simple bralette into a structured bra that rivals anything from a boutique.
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Come in all sizes and styles, so you can make your lingerie truly you.
How to Use Them:
Take your measurements carefully—no guessing here. When inserting underwires, encase them in fabric channels so they don’t go rogue and poke through later. Nobody wants a bra with a bad attitude!
4. Lace and Decorative Trims: Because You Deserve Fancy
What Are They?
Lace and trims are the frosting on your lingerie cake. Whether you’re adding delicate lace overlays or sparkly accents, these details take your work from functional to fabulous.
Why You Need Them:
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Make your lingerie look professionally made.
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Let you unleash your inner designer (channel that inner Parisian chic).
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Lightweight and easy to add, even for beginners.
How to Use Them:
Cut carefully—symmetry is key unless you’re aiming for abstract art. Use a narrow zigzag stitch to attach lace to stretch fabrics, and stabilize it with wash-away stabilizer if it starts acting slippery.
5. Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat: The Power Couple
What Are They?
A rotary cutter is a pizza cutter for fabric (don’t worry, it’s much more precise), and the cutting mat protects your table while guiding your cuts.
Why You Need Them:
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Gives you clean, precise cuts—especially on tricky curves.
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Makes slicing through delicate fabrics feel like a breeze.
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Saves your kitchen table from looking like a DIY crime scene.
How to Use Them:
For tight curves, use a smaller rotary cutter (28mm). Always pair it with a self-healing cutting mat—it’s like magic. Keep those blades sharp; dull ones are no fun.
6. Stretch Sewing Needles: Tiny Tools, Big Difference
What Are They?
Stretch needles (or ballpoint needles) are specially designed to work with stretchy fabrics without tearing them.
Why You Need Them:
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No more skipped stitches.
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Prevents snags and runs in your fabric.
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Ensures your seams stay stretchy and durable.
How to Use Them:
Use the right size for your fabric (e.g., 75/11 for lightweight fabrics). And don’t be a hero—change your needle regularly. A dull needle is a recipe for frustration.
7. Transparent Ruler: For Perfectionists and Proud of It
What Is It?
A transparent ruler is a clear, grid-marked tool that lets you measure and mark with laser-sharp precision.
Why You Need It:
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Perfect for aligning patterns and marking seam allowances.
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Helps you grade patterns or tweak sizes without the guesswork.
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Makes you feel super professional (bonus points if you use a matching chalk marker).
How to Use It:
Lay it flat over your fabric or pattern, and use the grid to guide your cuts and marks. It’s like having a GPS for your sewing project.
8. Lingerie-Specific Sewing Patterns: Your Map to Success
What Are They?
Pre-designed templates tailored for lingerie projects, accounting for stretch, fit, and style.
Why You Need Them:
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Save you time and headaches.
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Provide clear instructions for construction and fit.
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Available for every style—from sporty bralettes to high-waisted retro panties.
How to Use Them:
Start with beginner-friendly patterns, and don’t be afraid to tweak the fit. Sewing is all about making it work for you. Explore a variety of lingerie patterns here to get started on your next project.
9. Stretch Stitch or Overlock Machine: Seam Dreamers
What Are They?
Stretch stitches (on your sewing machine) or overlock machines create flexible seams that can handle all the bending, stretching, and lounging life throws at them.
Why You Need Them:
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Your seams won’t snap under pressure.
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Creates a professional, polished finish.
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Speeds up the process by sewing and trimming at the same time (overlock machines FTW).
How to Use Them:
For regular machines, try zigzag or lightning stitches. If you’ve got an overlocker, thread it carefully (YouTube is your friend) and adjust tension for stretchy fabrics.
10. Bra Straps and Rings/Sliders: Adjustability Is Sexy
What Are They?
Bra straps, rings, and sliders are the finishing touches that make your lingerie adjustable and super functional.
Why You Need Them:
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Allow you to tweak the fit to perfection.
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Come in various colors, materials, and widths to suit your style.
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Add a professional touch to your finished project.
How to Use Them:
Thread your straps through the rings and sliders, securing them with a few sturdy stitches. Pro tip: match strap width to ring size to avoid slipping.
Final Thoughts: Lingerie Sewing Is Totally Worth It
Yes, sewing lingerie can feel intimidating at first, but with these supplies and a little practice, you’ll be crafting gorgeous, custom-made underwear in no time. And remember: every mistake is just a lesson in disguise (or, at worst, a hilarious story).
So, grab your stretch fabrics, your elastic, and a good cup of coffee—and let’s get stitching!
If you’re looking for materials to begin your lingerie sewing projects, here’s a helpful list of resources for fabrics, elastics, and other essentials:
Fabrics:
4 Way Stretch Mesh: https://amzn.to/3ZqeluH
Lycra: https://amzn.to/3V8zcjm
Lycra: https://amzn.to/4114DQD
Metallic Stretch Fabric: https://amzn.to/3OrXgtS
4 Way Stretch Velvet: https://amzn.to/3Zownxa
4 Way Stretch Lurex: https://amzn.to/3CMUqx1
Elastics:
Fold Over Elastic 1.5cm (5 meters): https://amzn.to/3Zbi4ef
Fold Over Elastic 1.5cm (25 yards): https://amzn.to/4fKKjau
Fold Over Elastic 1.5cm (Mix Color): https://amzn.to/4964gWZ
Fold Over Elastic 2.5cm: https://amzn.to/4i6bo9I
Picot Elastic: https://amzn.to/3CPGUcc
Picot Elastic: https://amzn.to/3CGoFpi
Picot Elastic: https://amzn.to/4eNksxl
Picot Elastic Black: https://amzn.to/4fMXKXC
Picot Elastic Black/White: https://amzn.to/4g4Nwlg
Picot Elastic Pink: https://amzn.to/3Z9uUcH
Picot Elastic Red: https://amzn.to/3OpTnpc
Straps Elastic (Black/White): https://amzn.to/49buvLt
Straps Elastic (Multi-Color): https://amzn.to/4g5rMFF
Accessories:
Rings/Sliders: https://amzn.to/4eNi4qz
Sliders (White): https://amzn.to/3Vce4ZS
Bra Hooks: https://amzn.to/4fQmUVo
Bra Straps Sliders (Heart Shape): https://amzn.to/4ib0D6j
Buckles (Black): https://amzn.to/3Zf9D1j
Garter Belt Clip Hooks Suspender: https://amzn.to/3VcNFuT
Ribbons:
Ribbon (15mm): https://amzn.to/4iav3p8
Ribbon (25mm): https://amzn.to/4fKrQuS
Ribbon (40mm): https://amzn.to/4eUF7zy
Ribbon (Multicolor): https://amzn.to/3CLYwFK
Velvet Ribbon: https://amzn.to/4fIWfd7
This list provides a range of options for sourcing the materials you might need for your next project.
