Contact Us: 604-276-9332
     

Boxerbrief D.I.Y.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Many people today have become disillusioned by the “fast fashion” industry. There are environmental concerns as well as ethical concerns about an industry that creates inexpensive clothes that are considered “disposable”. These concerns have encouraged many people to consider the values of the stores at which they shop. Many people, if they are able, are investing in higher quality clothes that will last longer. These concerns have also led some to shop at thrift stores in order to opt out of the “fast fashion” cycle. However, one category of clothing that may be less practical to purchase from the thrift store is undergarments. Although they may be perfectly clean, some people can’t wrap their head around wearing underwear that someone else has worn. If you are one of those people, you may want to learn how to sew your own!

I’ve enjoyed making underwear for years, not just for environmental or ethical reasons, but also because it’s super fun and you can customize the materials so your undies are of high quality and completely unique to you!

Before we get into the techniques, let’s talk about supplies. I used Jalie Pattern 3242. It’s a great value with multiple styles for the whole family ranging from children’s to adult’s sizes. I selected a nice, heathery blue shade in Fabricana’s high quality organic cotton knit with 5% spandex. Some high quality contrast elastic and matching thread round out the supply list.

There are simply two pattern pieces for the boxer briefs; the main back piece that wraps to the front and the pouch piece. I cut one of the main pieces on the fold and 4 of the front pouch pieces – two for the outside and two for the lining.




The next step was to connect the pouch to the main piece on one side. Because this is a curved seam, I basted this seam first and then serged it (option 2: you can stitch the seam with a stretch stitch on your sewing machine). I then repeated the same process on the other side.



The first thing I did was stitch the centre seam of the pouch pieces. I layered two pieces (face in) on top of the other two pieces (face in) and stitched through all four layers with a stretch stitch down the centre front seam. Then I pressed the top layer and the bottom layer to the left creating the lined pouch.



I then topstitched the seam allowances toward the body of the briefs (i.e. away from the pouch) to keep the seams nice and flat. At this point they’re starting to look a little more like boxer briefs (but extremely breezy!).

The inseam is a little finicky, so I basted this seam first and then serged. 


For added comfort (optional) I topstitched the seam allowance of the inseam toward the back of the briefs.

Fabrics like this tend to want to curl up on the edges. To keep it from curling too badly, I serged the edge of the leg openings.


I stitched the hem from the inside using a zigzag stitch for maximum stretch. I didn’t mark the depth of the hem, but simply used the presser foot and the throat plate as a guide (the throat plate is the metal surface with the seam allowances marked).


Okay. We’re almost finished, but we’re missing a crucial element – the waistband! I selected a nice soft, wide elastic and cut it to the size specified by the pattern.



I then stitched the ends together in a manner that enclosed all of the raw edges for maximum comfort and durability.


I then stitched the waistband to the top of the briefs, easing it in evenly around the waist, and using a ¼” zigzag stitch. I then pressed the seam allowance down toward the briefs and used the same zigzag to topstitch the seam allowance in place. Voila! We have finished our new undies. What you can’t see from this article, is that I actually made three pair at the same time. I figured, as long as I had the machine set up for this colour, I should make the most of it; you can never have too much underwear!

Share:

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Easter Craft DIY: Fabric Carrot Decor

This easy Carrot Craft is perfect for creating seasonal decor for your home in preparation for Easter. It’s easy enough to do with your kids too to start off Spring time! Our wonderful staff at the Coquitlam store put together this tutorial and have even put together sewing bundles for in-store shoppers to grab and go with this DIY.

Stuffed Animal DIY: Make a cat stuffed toy

Includes the free downloadable pattern! Now, I’ve never sewn a stuffed animal let alone made a stuffed animal pattern, but I think it turned out pretty darn cute. You can make the stuffy quite unique by using different coloured fabrics, or even one colour of fabric. I’m calling him King Cat and I hope he is well loved for years to come.

Boho Crocheted Heart Mobile

As someone who is fairly new to crochet, I loved how quick these little hearts were to make. If you’re looking for a quick and fun way to bring a little bit of St. Valentine’s Day into your décor, this Bohemian-styled, crocheted heart mobile is perfect. Perfect for a Boho-chic home decor look!

Lunar New Year: Year of the Rabbit Door Garland

Whether you’re new to celebrating Lunar New Year (or Chinese New Year) or you’re a seasoned celebrator, one of the best ways to get ready for the festivities is to decorate your door to bring in the new year and spring weather. We put together this easy DIY to elevate your door decor and help celebrate in style. Plus you can use it again and again each year!