Barbara #4452 Underwear Set to Sew, by Jalie

Jalie’s Description of Barbara:

Bralette with choice of four bottoms with different coverage (full, cheeky, briefs and thong) and waist height options. Views B, C and D are finished with a fold-over elastic at the waist and hemmed at leg opening. View E is finished with fold-over elastic at both the waist and leg openings.

Barbara Fabric Requirements:

Light-weight knit with spandex and at least 50% stretch in the width and length.
For the lining: self fabric, solid jersey (to line a sheer printed fabric).

My Barbara Sewing Experience:

I had ordered a “Panty Pack” of fabric from Discovery Fabrics when I was making samples for a panty class I taught, and I had some pieces left.  For my Barbara sample I used a piece of Bamboo Stretch Jersey in a green tie-dye colour.

I like to wear a “high-cut” panty with a regular waist, so chose to sew View “D” because of the high-cut leg. They went together well. Unfortunately, my fabric choice wasn’t ideal.  It has very little “memory” so the leg openings (with no elastic) didn’t hug my backside and I found the back of the leg rode up which made them uncomfortable.  

If you compare the line drawings above, you’ll notice that view “C” has more back coverage, so I will make that view next.  With better suited fabric.

I cannot get this style of bralette on easily, but decided to sew one anyway, partly because I had enough of the matching fabric, AND, because I teach sewing, I wanted a hands-on experience.  It also went together easily, even though my fold-over elastic was a bit narrow.  I think the bamboo stretch jersey would be very comfortable to wear.

Barbara #4452, in Conclusion:

This is another great pattern from Jalie, and it includes. 28 sizes, from child’s age 2, to a 53 7/8-inch hip.   If I’d had a sewing pattern like this when my girls were growing up, it would have paid for itself in no time flat.  For fabrics with little “memory” I would add clear elastic to the inside of the leg hems to make the leg openings stay put.

Another Jalie panty pattern that I really like is Sarah.  Read more about it by clicking here.

Have you sewn panties?  What are YOUR observations?  I’d love to hear from you.  Email me at yvettechilcott@yahoo.ca