Knickers! – Sew Your Own Retro Lingerie with Delia Adey

Introduction

Welcome to the delightful world of handmade lingerie with Knickers! by Delia Adey. Published by David & Charles, this charming hardcover book is a must-have for sewing enthusiasts in India who love vintage-inspired fashion and quick, rewarding projects. Whether you are a beginner looking to try your hand at garment making or an experienced stitcher seeking fresh ideas, this book offers a playful collection of flirty, frilly pants that you can create at home.

Book Overview

Knickers! is a complete guide to sewing your own underwear, featuring six distinct styles of handmade lingerie. Authored by Delia Adey of the renowned Flo-Jo Boutique, the book combines retro aesthetics with practical sewing techniques. It includes graded patterns for UK dress sizes 8 to 22, making it accessible to a wide range of body types. With an emphasis on fun and creativity, this book encourages you to host your own knicker-making party with friends, wine, and fabric.

Key Highlights

• Six Unique Styles: From Liberty print briefs to lacy cotton pants, French knickers, stretch lace briefs, and even a pattern to transform a silk scarf into the perfect pair of knickers.
• Vintage Appeal: Patterns feature sweet retro styling with design details like ribbon ties and ruching.
• Inclusive Sizing: Graded patterns for UK sizes 8–22 ensure a great fit for many body shapes.
• Quick Projects: Knickers are perfect for a fast sewing session, ideal for beginners and busy crafters.
• Patterns Included: The book contains patterns at 50% scale, with instructions to download full-size templates online.

Inside the Book

Inside Knickers!, you will find step-by-step instructions, clear illustrations, and full-colour photographs that guide you through each project. The book covers essential techniques such as working with stretch lace, inserting elastic, and creating ruching. Each style is presented with a materials list, cutting layouts, and sewing tips. The patterns are designed to be easy to follow, making this an excellent resource for learning lingerie construction.

Key Topics

• Choosing fabrics for lingerie: cotton, lace, silk, and stretch materials.
• Understanding pattern markings and grading for different sizes.
• Techniques for sewing with delicate and stretchy fabrics.
• Adding decorative elements like ribbon ties and lace trims.
• Tips for customising patterns to create your own unique designs.

Reader Benefits

Reading Knickers! will empower you to create beautiful, custom-fitted underwear that reflects your personal style. You will save money by making your own lingerie, reduce waste by using fabric scraps, and gain confidence in your sewing skills. The projects are perfect for gifting or for hosting a fun craft party with friends. Plus, the vintage-inspired designs add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe.

Learning Outcomes

• Master the basics of sewing underwear, including elastic application and seam finishing.
• Learn to read and use sewing patterns for lingerie.
• Develop skills in working with different fabric types, from cotton to lace to silk.
• Gain the ability to modify patterns for a perfect fit.
• Build a collection of handmade knickers in various styles.

Who Should Read

This book is ideal for sewing beginners who want a simple, satisfying project, as well as experienced crafters looking to expand their repertoire. Fashion students, home sewists, and anyone interested in sustainable fashion will find it valuable. If you love vintage style, enjoy handmade gifts, or want to host a creative gathering with friends, Knickers! is for you.

About the Author

Delia Adey is a talented designer and co-founder of Flo-Jo Boutique, a brand known for its playful, vintage-inspired sewing patterns. With a passion for retro fashion and accessible design, Delia has created patterns that encourage sewists of all levels to explore lingerie making. Her work combines practicality with whimsy, making sewing fun and rewarding.

About the Publisher

David & Charles is a respected publisher based in the UK, specialising in craft, sewing, and lifestyle books. With a rich history of producing high-quality instructional titles, they are committed to helping readers develop creative skills. Their books are known for clear instructions, beautiful photography, and inspiring projects that appeal to hobbyists and professionals alike.

Conclusion

Knickers! by Delia Adey is a delightful addition to any sewing library. With its mix of vintage charm, inclusive sizing, and easy-to-follow patterns, it offers endless opportunities for creativity. Whether you are making your first pair of knickers or adding to a handmade lingerie collection, this book will inspire you to stitch with joy. Pick up your copy from Bookshops.in today and start sewing your own flirty, frilly pants!