Let me see that DIY thong. Photo by the author.

When the Wall Street Journal takes a break from its regularly scheduled programming to write about thong underwear, it’s safe to assume it’s not just any panties. So famous is Hanky Panky’s signature lace thong that it is known in many circles simply by its style number, 4811. Promising to banish panty lines and muffin tops, the panties have become a cult favorite for celebrities and civilians alike.

But if you want “lace butter” on your bum, it’s not going to be cheap. One famous thong will set you back $18! Even the Victoria’s Secret knock-offs retail for $16.

When in doubt (and in debt), DIY! Upon careful investigation of my unmentionables, I devised a pattern, picked up some lace, and sewed away. One hour later, I added the new skivvies to my stash — and they were Halloween-themed, to boot!

*Note: The craft is for the moderate to experienced crafter. Some sewing skills required.

Time: 1 hour or less

Materials:

• Stretch lace (Sold by the yard. You can make about 50 pairs of underwear from 1 yard! Check out Vogue Fabrics on Main Street in Evanston)
• 21″x½” stretch lace trim (Sold by the yard)
• 28″x2″ stretch lace trim (Sold by the yard)
• Old t-shirt
• Thread
• Needle
• Scissors
• Sewing Machine (The machine is optional. The panties can easily be hand-sewn, but if you have a machine it’s much quicker!)

Cost: $10

Preparation:

1. Use these patterns to cut the front and back panels out of the stretch lace.
2. Use the pattern to cut the cotton crotch piece from an old t-shirt.
3. Cut the 2in trim into 2 13in pieces.
4. Cut the ½ trim into 2 10.5 in pieces.

Instructions:

1. Lay the front and back panels front side down on the table with the thinner ends touching. Lay the cotton panel front side up on top of the back panel. Pinch the last 1/8 inch of the panels up and sew across, securing all three panels.
2. Flip the cotton panel down so it is now laying on the front panel and the front side is facing up. Sew the cotton panel to the front lace panel.
3. Sew the ½” trim along the curved edges of the fabric piece.
4. It is now time to assemble the waistband using the 2″ trim. Sew the 13 in strips together in the front and back. One of these seams will be centered over the front panel, the other over the back.
   Finally, sew the waistband onto the body of the panties.