I find this style of panties very comfortable. Jon likes them too (-: Read all the instructions before you start!

First I took a pair of panties that fit well. I measured across the top of them for the back and the front. I deducted one inch from each side for the back and about two inches from the front. Then I took my lace and cut two wedge shaped pieces using those measurements. I completely winged the shape (I don't have a picture of the lace pieces, but you can see their shape in the next picture.

Then I took the back piece of lace, laid it on top of and then pinned it to the fabric that I was going to make the crotch from. Don't bother trying to match up the edges, leave an inch overlap or so. Do the same with the front piece (I used my original panties to determine how far apart they should be)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/th_DSC00851.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/DSC00851.jpg)


I used a breathable silky microfibre knit but cotton lycra is lush too. I used a triple zig zag stitch (for stretch) and stitched along the edge of the lace.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/th_DSC00848.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/DSC00848.jpg)
(here it is from the wrong side, I stitched it on the right side but you can see it better on the wrong side)

Next I trimmed the excess fabric away...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/th_DSC00849.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/DSC00849.jpg)

If you have lastin, you can apply a piece to the scalloped edges of the lace on the "waist" edges to give them more stretch.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/th_DSC00854.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/DSC00854.jpg)


Fold the panties in half and cut this approximate shape. You can make a few pairs and try out which shape suits you best, but honestly I just took my rotary cutter and sliced and then feel fine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/th_DSC00852.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/DSC00852.jpg)

Take your FOE, make one tail (I like mine about 12" and mark that with a pin) by folding the end in and stitching along until you get to the pin mark. IMPORTANT -- stretch the elastic as hard as you can while stitching it otherwise the stitching will break as it stretches.

When you get to the pin mark, insert the leg of your panty (stuff it in well so it doesn't pop out) and stitch all along pulling gently while sewing the front and a little more when sewing the back....you want to have some give, not big gathers.

When you get to the other end of the leg make another tie the same length, make sure to stretch like billy-ho again.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/th_DSC00857.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/DSC00857.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/th_DSC00858.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/DSC00858.jpg)

Lastly, I like to do a bartack (small row of narrow satin stitch) on the FOE where it meets the waist edges of the lace.

Didn't take pics of putting in a gusset, but basically if you want one do it just before you do the FOE. What you do is to take a scrap of fabric bigger than you need. Lay it on top of the inside of the panty where it should go. Fold under one end and stitch down. Fold under the other end and stitch down. Flip it inside out and trim the excess off the seams so you have a tiny seam allowance. (scroll down a couple of posts to see clickable pic of one)

Then turn it over so you see the right side of the panty. Use a narrowish and long zig zag (I use about a 3 width and a 3 length) to baste the gusset to the panty leg and then trim it off afterwards... basting the two together makes applying the FOE a breeze later.

;cool:

very cool sew along :thumbsup:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/th_DSC00876.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/DSC00876.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/th_DSC00877.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/DSC00877.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/th_DSC00878.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/bethan/Feb05%20sewing%20journal/DSC00878.jpg)

more pics... the fabric is a joke between Jon and I. We have all sorts of things with flames on... liar liar hats/shirts/shorts/(under)pants on fire. I used brown for the gusset because I couldn't lay my hands on my black cotton lycra and this brown is just yummy, so soft and smooth.

A bump because I'm amazed that noone commented on the flaming panties.

Okay, I'll comment - I like your flaming panties! :thumbsup:
"Baby, you're on fire! (GRRRRRR!)" ;)

where do ya'll find all these cool knits. I think we are knit deprived around here. Very cool flaming undies.