Basic Underwear Sewing Pattern
$12.50 (or 1 credits)
This comfortable underwear pattern fits well and has full bum coverage. There are three rise options, optional elastic and band finishes, as well as the option of having unlined or fully lined knickers.
Instant download digital sewing pattern. Includes Women’s sizes 1-10 & Women’s Curvy sizes 6C-15C.
Options
- Three rise options: low (hipster), mid (belly-button), and high (waist)
- Optional elastic: picot, fold-over, and fully-enclosed
- Optional band finishes
- Optional lining including lining with power mesh to give additional tummy support
- Optional decorative bow
Features
- Beginner friendly
- Full bum coverage
- Packed with pro tips and expert advice
- Includes full size, print-at-home pattern pieces
- Includes step-by-step tutorial with photos
- Instant-download digital sewing pattern
Fabric - You will need a stretch/knit fabric. It can be any weight; however, best results and fit will be achieved with a medium weight fabric such as jersey or cotton lycra.
- Both 4-way stretch and 2-way stretch fabrics will work. For 2-way stretch fabrics, take care to place the pattern pieces as indicated for the grainlines so that the stretch runs at right angles to the grainline.
- Your fabric will need to have at least 40% stretch to get the fit as it's designed.
- The stretch recovery of your fabric is just as important as the stretch percentage. This will ensure your underwear maintains its shape and fit for as long as possible and not become baggy.
Browse suitable fabrics here:
You will also need:
- Elastic OPTIONS ⅜ inch wide - approximately 2.2 yards will be sufficient for all sizes:
- Picot Elastic
- OR Encased Elastic - use Knitted or Lingerie Elastic
- OR Fold Over Elastic
- OPTIONAL Decorative bow - 1x small lingerie satin bow
- Thread to match
Tools
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Pins or clips
- Ruler or tape measure
- Needle
- Serger/Overlocker is optional but not required.
FAQs
How do PDF/ digital patterns work? Simply download, print, and sew. You’ll need a free Adobe Acrobat reader program and any home printer (or a nearby copy shop for A0 printing). Once you’ve printed the pieces, tape or glue them together. You’ll find an easy-to-follow how-to guide inside the pattern instructions, plus support in our Facebook group.
The trim-free pattern comes in A4 or US letter printable sizes and includes full pattern pieces and a detailed tutorial to guide you every step of the way. An A0 format (pattern pieces only) is also included should you wish to have your pattern printed professionally. PDF Layers allow you to select and print only the size/s you want/ need.
When will I get my patterns? You’ll receive a link to download your patterns immediately after purchase. If you haven’t received it, please check your spam/ junk folder. You can also find your patterns in your ‘My Account’ area..
What if I need help while sewing? Join our Facebook group and ask any and all the questions you have! We have a team of admins who know our patterns inside-out and are here to help at any point throughout your RP sewing experience. This wonderful community is friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help! You can share photos of your RP sews, enter giveaways, get sales information, and new-release updates.
“Coverage, fit, and, options are fantastic. Love this pattern.”
Buy More Credits
Shona Young –
Great easy sew, perfect for larger left over bits of stretch fabrics. I can see me having matching knickers for most outfits now.
Vicki Hoggarth-Hall –
Enjoyable sew which did not take too long. The shape is a great fit. I loved the range of shape options available. This pair I overlocked which worked well and ensured it did not take too long. I used cotton lycra for both the main fabric and the bands. The bands are not too thick like other patterns. The bands are nice and neat which I really like.
Donna Jones –
I really enjoyed this sew, I used 5/8 FOE which was all I had and was a bit tricky to sew, but the doubled 3/8 would have been easier for my machine to grip. I still love my finished knickers and the fit is perfect. I will definitely see more. My favourite part of this sew is all the options! Picot, fold over or standard elastic and bands. It’s perfect for any level sewer and for imaginations to go wild in a scrap bucket!!
Abby Batkin –
Super easy to make, pattern instructions are excellent to follow. Final product gives the perfect amount of coverage. Comfort is above and beyond. Best pair of underwear I’ve owned in years.
Jen MacDonald –
Loved this pattern. I chose the band option, and it was a great sew, requiring only a basic sewing machine and fabric. Clear instructions and a really satisfying final product. Nothing better than a perfectly fitting pair of undies!
Samantha Goldberg –
These are ridiculously comfortable! I cannot believe it took me this long to make my own underwear but I seriously don’t think I’ll buy storebought undies anymore because these are so comfortable and easy to make.
Leigh Ann McDermott –
Excellent pattern with a lovely finished look!
Sarah Reddan –
Loved the pattern. Easy to follow, quick to make and they fit well and are so comfy. Don’t think I will be buying underwear from the stores for a while, or ever again.
Emily Anderson –
As a first time underwear maker, this pattern was really easy to follow! The undies fit very well and are super comfy. I definitely will be making more of these.
Catherine Murdock –
Comfiest undies I own ! And I made them. Yippeeee!
Diane Cullum –
Great directions for this fast and easy project. It’s so nice to have 3 rises to choose from as well as instructions for different elastics and bands!
Vikki Parmenter –
The underwear was very easy to make. The pattern was so easy to follow and it’s a great quick sew. I loved it.
Jenni Elizabeth Early –
RP finally as a basic underwear pattern! It is a super-quick scrap buster, and it has so many options: bands, picot/underwear elastic, FOE, and a lined option with powernet if you want it 🙂 This one pairs beautifully with Rebecca Page’s bras, or with any of their camis for a beautiful set.
Grace Elliott –
The basic underwear are a straightforward panty pattern that I think I’ll be able to tweak into a wardrobe staple! It’s perfect for upcycling old tops!
Sally Jacobs –
Fab pattern will be making more!
Agnes Robinson –
This is the pattern everybody needs. This underwear is the most comfortable you will ever have. It is a must to make. You will love it. I do. It is a must of all of the patterns.
Ann Ruysschaert –
Perfect fit, quick sew, had some issues with my serger for I did not get the tension right, love them, from now on I will make my undies myself, the fit is by far much better than the ones in the shop.
Charldene Sauer –
I enjoyed this pattern its great for the bigger scraps and is such an easy sew. I used left over scraps of cotton knit and it is very comfortable. definitely not buying undies any time soon.
Becky Gant Burns –
I really like these. I made the low rise in an XL. I used the band option with the gusset. They finished measurments came out as described in the pattern. The instructions were well written and easy to follow. I have a lot of nylon that came to me. It wasn’t a suggested fabric, but I did make an extra pair using it. I wouldn’t work well for the bands and with the diminished stretch, I would suggest using the next larger size up and current elastic.
Amelia Keating –
Quick and easy pattern with so many options! A great way to use up scraps of fabric I love!
Kirsty Bucholz –
Wow so easy to make, the fit is awesome. Will be making more of these
Lisa Giorcelli –
This is such a quick sew that produces some seriously comfy undies!
Sarah Miller –
This pattern is a super easy and quick sew! It has many options to choose from to fit your style! From cutting the pattern to finishing a pair took me less than an hour.
Leah McGrath –
This is such an simple pattern and can be easily completed in a day. I love the fit!
Deb Carpenter –
A straightforward and easy sew for an advanced beginner! The pdf was easy and quick to tape together and the garment came together easily and fitted perfectly.
I made mine in cotton lycra fabric and will be making more!
Jaime Casselbury –
This pattern was well written and easy to understand. I loved the quick -glance cheat sheet option (as I have made underwear before and understand their basic construction) but no worries for the beginner underwear sewist! There are in depth directions which cover every possible finishing option (with lots of photos). Great pattern!
Liz Faber –
These underwear may be called “basic“ but they could be called “comfy”, “quick” or “perfect”.
I don’t know why, but I never thought of making my own underwear. Now I have, I won’t go back to buying overpriced underwear from the shops! This pattern is clear with lots of options to truely make your own pair of perfect undies. “
Jill Cook –
Never made underwear before. Very simple easy pattern . Good fit and very comfortable . Going to make them for my daughter. Would love a child’s version
Leanne Molini –
I found the fit and the sew to be very clear. I used the band for the legs and waist. There is no pulling are digging in.
Cristy Alexandra –
Simple, fast sew with easy to follow instructions. Super comfy undies to wear. I’ll be making a lot of these!
Katie Weatherly –
This was an easy sew and a nice way to upcycle t-shirts.
Deborah Kraft –
I did the band version and loved it! So I immediately sewed up a bunch more. Never again wearing anything else 🙂 I especially loved the topstitched finished look with a three way straight stitch. So many colorful options to choose from in my closet now.
SSeem Sing –
Loved it, I need to up size depending type of material used and degree of stretch but overall so cool to be able to make yourself some cute undies!
Amanda Cunningham –
I made the high rise version and absolutely love the feel of them. They are really comfortable except for the gusset which is just a bit too wide. I will be making these again, though. I love being able to create underwear that fits ME.
Rosie Lacas –
This pattern was suuuuuper easy and very versatile with the option of elastic vs bands. I do not have any elastic with me at my current location and it is pretty hard to get with the massive effort of people making masks for the pandemic. I opted for the banded midrise and it worked out perfectly because I had a scrap of jersey left over that I squeezed a set of bands out of. I used a contrasting fabric for the body. The fit was perfect right off the pattern and I did not have to make any changes.
Donna Lowe –
This pattern is a great pattern for beginners. It is also perfect for scrap busting and is very easy. It has many options to play with. I see more of these in my future.
Deb Sendelbach –
These are the best fitting underwear I’ve ever made. They fit even better than store bought. I love all the options available also. I’ve never worked with fold over elastic before but the instructions with this pattern made me feel super comfortable with using this type of elastic. This is a must have pattern for everyone.
Debbie Prince –
The Perfect fit – From pattern to bottom in 20 mins. First time making knickers and certainly wont be the last. much better than shop bought!!
Lauri Meinhardt –
This is my favorite underwear pattern to date! The directions are easy to read and very clear. The pattern is a very quick sew and I love the options. Low, Mid and High Rise, fabric band or elastic bands…you can truly make so many different looks just by changing the rise and band options! My new go to underwear pattern!
Heather Luben –
An easy pattern to follow, with lots of options on height and edge finishing. I tried fold-over elastic and picot elastic, as I’m used to bands and wanted to try something new. They both turned out great, and it was easy to make one in each rise option to decide which I liked best!
Katerina –
It is nice to finally have underwear that fit perfectly 🙂 The instructions were easy to follow and the 4 options allow you to create many unique pairs.
Cassandra Morris –
Really easy sew from start to finish! And far more comfortable than any store bought underwear I’ve ever had. May have to make it again!
Nor Aliah Abdul Aziz –
I never thought I could sew my own underwear so easy! Thank you RP!
Elmarie van Deventer –
I have always considered sewing underwear to be just not worth the hard work. This pattern proved me wrong! It was the perfect way to use up some large scraps I have been hoarding and they are by far the most comfy pair of unders that I own! I managed to sew up a whole bunch in just an afternoon and who would have guessed that homemade underwear in geeky prints is exactly the pick me up I needed during lock down !
Jade Angell –
A lovely pattern to sew. These knickers are super comfy, I made the mid and low rise options both with bands. The mid rise was a bit higher than expected, but great if you’re feeling a bit Bridget Jones! The low rise ones are perfect for me. The gusset could be a bit narrower, but all in all a great pattern and a great scrap buster. I will be making man more, that’s for sure!!
Stephanie Springer Leddy –
This was a super easy sew – and that’s coming from someone who normally hates working with knits. I made them in a double-brushed poly and oh my goodness. SO COMFORTABLE! I tried them on when finished and couldn’t take them off because they just felt so soft and comfy. The crotch area is quite wide – definitely a lot wider than any of my other undies – but so far hasn’t been uncomfortable. However if you like a pretty narrow crotch area, you may need to trim it down before sewing these up.
Karla Peterson –
The fit was perfect. Sewing instructions were easy to follow. I used the version with bands since I didn’t have any elastic on hand.
Yolonde Bates –
A very easy pattern to follow. Suitable for beginner and a great pattern for large scraps
Amy Kosandiak –
I absolutely love the banded option – not only is it comfortable, but it means I can use up more knit scraps if I don’t have elastic on hand.
Sharon Courtney –
Beginner pattern, very easy, perfect scrap buster pattern. Pay close attention to fabric type suggestions to get a good fit.
Cindy Matthijssen –
I love this pattern! I never made myself some underwear before, but from now on I won’t be buying anymore. The fit is great, it feels so much more comfortable then the RTW ones I had. I made all three rises, and I like the mid and high rise most. Picot was a bit tricky for me, first time using it. But the FOE was easy and feels te most comfortable to wear as well. Great pattern!
Tania Watson –
This is a great beginner pattern for anyone new to making underwear. I love the fit they are so comfy.
Sabrina Ropp –
These were awesome and fast, great for knit scraps. I used bands instead of elastic, and they don’t slide or bunch. They are so soft and comfortable.
Priscills Shamulailatpam –
It’s very easy to follow the instruction and the fit is perfect. I made with band and love it. Thank you for easy and awesome pattern
Abby Villarreal –
This was a quick and easy pattern to use! The different rise options make this a versatile pattern to have on hand. With the options of how to finish off the waist and leg openings, it is easy to customize and work from stash, or spruce them up by using fancy fabric and elastic.
Bridget Taylor –
I’ve been wanting to make underwear for a while, but kept putting it off. The other reviews on this pattern sold me on the idea of repurposing an unloved skirt and ratty t-shirt (for the gusset lining) into my first pair. It was very easy to cut the fabric and sew, although I’m glad I went with the medium rise option because I think the high one would have been too high for me.
I definitely plan to make more of them and will be keeping an eye out for any fabrics here that I can repurpose into panties! I’m also going to try the fold over option for the elastic instead of the encased style. Oh.. I also made great use of my walking foot.
Jennifer Schonhaar –
I’ve always had learning to sew underwear on my list of things to learn. I was so excited to try this, and I absolutely loved this pattern. It was easy, and the fit is great. I know others have complained about the gusset being too wide. I get what they’re saying, but the wide gusset has not detracted from my enjoyment in wearing this underwear. I may never buy another pair again.
Melissa D –
Such a quick and easy sew and a great way to use up any scraps of fabric. Best of all though, they are so comfortable.
Shaina Mack –
The ladies basic underwear are far from basic! Love that the pattern allows you to make the underwear exactly as you prefer. Low rise, mid rise, high rise, picot elastic, bands, fold over elastic. This pattern allows you to make a wardrobe of underwear giving you variations to help you get the perfect fit. Pattern is simple and straightforward and comes highly recommended.
Jenny Gomez –
These whipped up quickly and were really comfy. I can’t wait to make a ton!
Maja –
Pattern that I will definitely sew again! Great and simple sew, for anyone who need to use small scrap pieces of fabric and also for those who want to make more elegant piece of underwear to wear with pride 🙂
Susan Pearson –
I always thought underwear would be difficult to sew – but this pattern is simple and easy! Instructions were easy to follow, and I am very pleased with the results. Will be making more of these for sure!
Emma Polley –
Great quick sew pattern to make your own underwear – it’s easier than you think!
Victoria Fenner –
This was my first time making underwear, and what a quick fun sew! An awesome way to use up all those fabric odds and ends. I made the mid-rise with bands and gusset options, great for when you don’t have any elastic on hand. They fit perfectly and I can’t wait to make more!
Carmen Brent –
Quick and easy sew! Love all the options for waist and leg bands as well as 3 rise options.
Randie Dodman –
Such a quick, easy sew! Great scrap buster. I will be making many more pairs. I’m going to make some high rise, with power mesh and zorb for post c-section recovery.
Erika Ramsay –
What an amazing pattern. Quick and very simple to make. The fit is awesome, super comfy!
Michelle Mason –
Nice quick scrap buster, very comfy to wear and I did almost all of it on my overlocker, can’t wait to try all the other options.
Sarah Hopkins –
I can’t believe it, I actually made a pair of knickers. Fab pattern with so many options. I made the mid rise with gusset and bands. These are comfy and a perfect fit. I can’t wait or try other elastic options and the low rise. So secure, would make a fab bikini bottom pattern too!
Jessica Kaiser –
Another great stashbuster sew with plenty of finishing options! I enjoyed this quick sew from start to finish. I can see myself making cute matching undies for my summer dresses and I can’t wait to play with more fabric options. This pattern will stay in my regular rotation for sure.
Judith –
This looks like an easy pattern. I’d like it because I’m between sizes!
Manuela Zender –
Super easy pattern. Easy to understand and a lot of options. I made the lower undies and they are super comfortable. Gonna make definitely more probably just gonna wear those in the future
Erica Nemnich –
Love this pattern. All the different options available for the rises. Great scrap busters
Gabrielle Carisse –
Wow, such a good scrap buster, so fast and the fit is perfect! They really hold well on my bosom, and I love the band option, not need for anything else than scraps!
Jocie Goldman –
The gusset is a little bigger than I’d prefer, and the leg bands are a little thin. But, this pattern is very quick and easy. Perfect for a beginner!
Melinda Cornwall –
Very easy pattern to follow and sew. Great scrap busting pattern. I loved using my new coverstitch machine to finish off – it gave a more professional look. These undies are so comfortable – even if they look massive 🙂
Nadine Simard –
Quick project to use scrap fabric!
Janet Cox –
A quick and easy sew! The most comfortable underwear I’ve worn in a long time, I’m definitely making more in the near future.
Ana Miguel –
Easy and quick sew.
Tara Mathews –
Fun and quick sew! I have only been sewing a few months and loved this pattern. Plus my first time using fold over elastic.
Heather Gratton –
This is the easiest underwear pattern I have tried. Such a quick and simple sew, much less complicated than other patterns where I have ended up with inside put pieces!
Amy Joy McDonnell –
This was an easy sew with good instructions and a great scrap buster! I used Cl for all. I measured Small but once made they were too big so I also made a XSmall and the fit was better. The only issue I had was the gusset was a bit wide on me but I believe I am narrower there than most. Just by taking the sides of the gusset in a bit should fix that for sure. Besides that, very comfy underwear and I will adjust and make many more!
Pam Kosirog –
The pattern and the instructions were easy to follow. The measurements were right on for me, I measured in an XL without any adjustment. I made the unlined low rise with the gusset and I used picot elastic. The fit was actually pretty good, maybe just a little baggy in the lower back bottom but that could have been my fabric. I made these out of a cotton knit but I think something with a bit of spandex would work great. I would also use the turned under elastic method next time because I prefer that but I was using what I had on had. I also think I would either use a serger or trim the seams, especially in the area where the gusset was that turned out to be quite thick. Overall I think I would make these again if I could find the right fabric. It was a great pattern and I was impressed with the fit.
Lisa Corriveau –
The basic underwear is a simple, easy to follow pattern with several rise options as well as bands or elastic choices for the leg & waist. I made the low rise bikini style with fold-over elastic & these underwear are already my favourites. The fit is perfect, they don’t ride up at all, & the crotch gusset is a nice generous width–a much better size than most ready-to-wear undies I’ve seen. I’ll definitely be making many more of these.