Acacia Underwear (Sept. 29 & Oct. 6, 2024)

Two classes: Sunday afternoons from 12-3 p.m., Sept. 29 & Oct. 6, 2024 @ Anthology Studio, 77 Suffolk St. W.

Let's sew some underwear! In this class, you'll learn basic techniques for sewing with knit fabric, including various stretch stitches and when to use them, and three methods for inserting different types of elastics. Make yourself an entire drawer of gorgeous undies and use up all your scraps!

Includes elastic (in three styles, enough to make three pairs of undies) and a printed pattern.

From the designer:

Megan Nielsen's Acacia Underwear are a basic, bikini cut underwear. Pattern features a gusset with fully enclosed seams, comfortable fit, and ample bum coverage. The detailed instructions include three different elastic insertion methods. Perfect for beginners to learn new skills or experienced sewists to whip up quickly. 

Sizing & Fit:

The pattern comes in two size ranges: 0-20 and 14-30 (up to a 52" waist). See the sizing chart here. Please specify which size range you'd like at checkout so I can be sure to print the correct pattern for you!

If this style or sizing doesn't work for you, you're welcome to bring your own pattern. Here's a great list of free underwear patterns in a variety of styles: https://www.simplififabric.com/blogs/blog/roundup-15-free-underwear-sewing-patterns 

You can also use a favourite pair as the basis for making your own pattern.

Sewing Level: Suitable for any level! Beginner to advanced sewists

Recommended fabrics: Knit jersey fabric with at least 20% stretch (if you take a 5" wide piece of fabric and can stretch it to 6", that's 20% stretch). This pattern is the perfect way to use leftover knit fabric scraps. If you've made a t-shirt, or anything from a jersey fabric that has enough stretch, those small pieces will be suitable. Woven, non-stretch fabrics are not suitable. 

Natural fibres are usually preferred for underwear, but fibre content is a personal preference. Organic cotton, cotton, modal, or bamboo are all great breathable fibres. A small percentage of spandex or lycra is often preferred for comfort and for helping your knit fabric recover and retain its stretchiness over time.

You'll need:

- Knit fabric of your choice - I recommend at least 1 m for making multiple pairs, but more fabric means more undies! In my experience, underwear sewing can be an iterative process, and it can often take making a number of pairs before you find your perfect fit, which is why I recommend getting at least 1 m of fabric so you have room for some experimentation.

- Coordinating all purpose thread 

- Ballpoint or jersey machine sewing needle

- Sewing machine (capable of making a zig zag stitch), and walking foot if you have one, and basic sewing kit (although I have lots of shared tools and supplies in the studio, so don't worry about bringing anything if you don't have one). Machine rentals are available; send me an email to reserve one at a cost of $40 for the session.

Cost: $155, including printed and pdf pattern and lingerie elastic, not including fabric

Instructor: Becky Swainson (@gather.and.make)