I Made ENORMOUS Vintage Knickers from a 1940s Sewing Pattern

[@ceruleanskies001]

I envisioned them under a 40s skirt and they seem less huge. But for the modern eye, they look like could be beachwear. They look cute!

[@EngineeringKnits]

I honestly thought they were a pair of shorts at first - they do look very cute and comfy. I can definitely imagine that they help with the vintage line!

[@belkusuma]

I am very much tempted to make my own enormous vintage knickers. They look so comfy and so long and honestly, the temptation of wearing what I know to be knickers out in public without getting scandalized looks is very much tempting me. Also love the very real depiction of messing up French seams🙃🙃

[@MisSiszY]

I have a couple of different patterns for 40s pants and one of them is horrifiiiiiicccc. Vintage pants are definitely an experience, and are definitely way larger than first anticipated 😂😂👌

[@RetroClaude]

They're so hilarious 🤣 I love them they're so wacky

[@Ompe8]

you really could wear them outside as shorts! love the polka dots.

[@RetroClaude]

Definitely! They've got the feeling of culottes!

[@jgordy4840]

Cute, love the random polkadots. Interesting that they button up on the side.

[@kaytiej8311]

They look like excellent pj's to me. But so good to have you posting a fun little project. Always happy to spend time with you and a cuppa!

[@RetroClaude]

They'd be perfect PJs ~hatches a plan~

[@speedfinder1]

Being a chap, I'm into 1940s menswear myself. But, I have to comment, you are an inspiration with your passion for all things (Properly) vintage. Whenever I need a bit of a lift, I watch how clever you are and am energised to get back to my own "Non Sewing" craft and home projects! Thanks!

[@RetroClaude]

Oh thank you that's so lovely to hear!

[@MarcelaNaranjoG]

They do look comfortable for sure

[@heathermayfield4247]

I asked my Mum about these type of knickers, she is 94. She said that this long type took the place of knickers and a slip, they covered the top of your stockings so worked well under an unlined wool skirt. And yes they had linen buttons so they were flat but apparently they are hard to do up or open.

[@RetroClaude]

Of course! Thanks for sharing it's great to get some personal insight. I did always wonder about the gap at the top of stockings. Didn't people's thighs get cold? It makes so much more sense now. And I'm glad it's not just me who struggles with those buttons 💚

[@Miniver765]

I prefer to think of them as a hybrid between knickers and a slip, so you were totally correct. You could even wear them with an unlined wool skirt, and be completely fine. As usual, excellent work!

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! They also make a bit more sense with stockings as they cover that exposed bit of leg 😊

[@rebeccacuthbertson1271]

these knickers came out so cute! I had no idea what you were doing (like I couldn't quite envision it) but I totally followed your explanation as you went because of how clearly you explain things. And you could 1000% wear them out as shorts or a bathing suit coverup because they are cute as hell (and no one would know you're wearing modern underwear or a bathing suit underneath)

[@Michael-if6my]

Very cute! Love the little intro too. You could legit wear those as some cute as hell shorts out in public.

[@RetroClaude]

All I need now is some sunny weather so I can wear them 🇬🇧🌦️

[@Michael-if6my]

@@RetroClaude Just gotta have em ready for the one day a year when the sun comes out.

[@ellecee453]

Beautiful even sewing and nice attention to detail, including careful pressing.

[@janisi9262]

I have a similar pair I made from a 1930's-inspired pattern (I think the person who made it drafted it off an extant pair.) They are enormous and comfortable and great for warm weather!

[@jerutimahler6685]

So impressed by you lovely channel. Just what I was looking for.

[@ModernChinglish]

Did not realize you could french seam a curved edge! Learn something new every day

[@RetroClaude]

Yes! It's fiddly and I don't recommend it for anything more curved than this because the fabric starts to pucker but you can do it 😊

[@sarahva]

So cute! Thanks so much for sharing!!

[@mistydover3726]

Those are fabulous!!

[@KellyAK]

They're huge, I love them!

[@stevezytveld6585]

Those actually look really comfortable. And the side closure answers a bunch of questions I didn't know I had (like how do you handle bulk from the buttons...). Well done. You've just added to my internal list of 'what to make'...
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown

[@juliabreckner2759]

They look super cute and comfy!

[@GwensShenanigans]

Yes! Using up scraps is what I live for 🥰
I love that fabric, it's so cheerful, and your sewing is so neat and pretty❤ #goals

[@ladypinkbagsetc.9116]

I think they are perfect. Really pretty and they look so comfortable too!

[@knittingstitchingmontana]

Those are simply adorable. You could add a flap in front and make a skort. Wore those as a young girl. Really loved them.

[@Grace_x68]

Love the knickers.

[@liadanducky]

Oh Wow this is very interesting!

[@SewSewDrew]

Enjoyed. The way you did the darts is so smart! my new method

[@annereidy7981]

Brilliant as always! New fashion in mini pants? Thanks for such an absorbing few minutes, I always look forward to experiencing your vids.

[@lauraoergel6003]

I've had a pattern by Vera Venus four pair of jeans vintage knickers for a while now, and this was just the motivation I needed to get my granny panty on

[@blktauna]

Those knickers could double as a slip. Fun and cute :)

[@vb7794]

I need some !

[@joanclare1873]

As so many have commented ''Love your videos''! The background music just adds to the fun, shades of Al Bowlby. By the way the buttons are so that they can go through the mangle without breaking. Apologies if someone's already said this and I'm just repeating known information 😉

[@GraciePattenSewing]

I want to make a pair of these to wear under skirts! I always used to wear bicycle style shorts under my skirts, but I outgrew those, and I feel like these would be a more comfortable replacement. yours are so cute!

[@JO-rx4tk]

I was actually just looking at making myself a pair of linen knickers to wear under dresses and skirts - I live in Florida and like dresses and skirts, but I always have to wear tights to fight the chafing of dreaded chub rub :( I pair of linen knickers would help prevent that, and keep me dry and cool in our sweltering summers, so really, they're a practical garment even under modern clothing!

[@TheMetatronGirl]

😭RUclips didn’t notify me. So glad I stumbled across this video.
Edit added after watching: I think that gusset point looked pretty fab! I also think the pattern, while definitely long, is super cute. You’re absolutely right that wearing vintage clothes, underwear or otherwise, gives invaluable insight into history. Wishing you tons of better than standard days.

[@RetroClaude]

I think I caught RUclips out posting this video not at my usual time 😂 but I'm so glad you found it in the end 💚

[@Absintheskiss]

So cute! No VPL with those either.

[@lucylovegood62442]

Love these! Vintage knickers truly are enormous aren't they 😅 I've made a few pairs of these to wear under skirts & dresses to prevent chub rub. Works a charm!!

[@dees3179]

Genius. Better for the under carriage than wearing cycling shorts frequently.

[@RetroClaude]

I hadn't thought of that! As someone who doesn't do a lot of walking it's not usually an issue but these would be perfect! And probably cooler in hot weather than nylon or polyester shorts ☺️

[@lucylovegood62442]

Yes, definitely cooler! I can't get on with cycling shorts on hot days, but the floatiness of these provides great breathability! 😅

[@deannastevens1217]

This was a very well cone video. Thank You. So easy to follow and understand what is necessary because You have all ready shown us. I have to say. I would REALLY LOVE to know where you got your pattern weights. Those are awesome.!!!
Thank you again for such a great video.

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you so much! My pattern weights came from my local craft store but I've seen very similar ones on Amazon and Etsy

[@valerieberesford1407]

I like them.

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you ☺️

[@valerieberesford1407]

Where can I purchase them?.

[@saritshull3909]

So... Can we agree that it's basically a 1/4 skirt with slits in the CF and CB and a folded rectangle in the crotch?
Is it the back side gusset that's rounded? I assume to draw it closer to the bum.
I'm going to try it with my straight skirt block 🤞 because this pattern is hard to find which makes sense since its the best looking pair of tap pants I've seen.
I think if you want this for chafing (like me) raise it from the waist so the crotch is higher.

[@terriwilson1521]

Well done! What number was that Butterick pattern? It would be fun to try it out

[@lynn858]

Lovely!
How are you finding the side buttons? They seem like they could be an annoyance in terms of dexterity, or balance and twisting.
Would you choose to wear these on a day where your mobility or you hands are less than your baseline? Or do you expect they would give you some troubles?
Do you think inauthentic Velcro would be a good solution or do you foresee that causing some other issue?
I suppose as long as I considered in advance which side the closure is on to be on the side that is more convenient …

[@RetroClaude]

I do find the buttons inconvenient. Particularly as the style of button I've chosen is very grippy so really difficult to unbutton.
I think velcro would work but I'd make sure to put the soft side facing towards the skin or you might feel it. Alternatively a zip would also work and no need for a placket then 💚

[@lynn858]

@@RetroClaude I like the no placket solution! Thanks!

[@eleanor.shadow]

Goodness, they do look a bit long 😅 Perhaps they would double as parachutes in an hour of need? 😆

[@Gandellion]

Claude what sewing machine do you use? It sews nice and evenly and slowly, which would be really good for me since I’m disabled too

[@RetroClaude]

It's a Bernina Activa 220. Unfortunately this model is now discontinued and I've been having trouble with the circuit board, but then again I do really hammer this machine! If you can pick one up second hand I do recommend them but there's a known circuit board fault so ask before you buy. I hope that helps, I believe Bernadette Banner has one too so you'd be in very good company!

[@lynn858]

As to the circuit board: If a machine hasn’t been plugged in for a length of time - months, years, it may not start when plugged in. It needs to be plugged in for a few hours before it will turn on. I believe this applies to more machines than that specific Bernina.
Therefore might be possible to find someone giving away a “dead” Bernina for parts, that isn’t actually dead, they just couldn’t get it to turn on and assumed. If money is in shorter supply than effort and driving time, this could be worth a try.
Or, ask a prospective seller to please plug it in the day before, you come by to test and buy, to ensure you can actually test it.
Good luck!

[@LualaDy]

Welp, guess who started a pair of 40's knickers today? (before seeing this video though)

[@RetroClaude]

You can do it! Maybe just measure them and see how long they are 😂

[@LualaDy]

@@RetroClaude I'm going for wearable mock-ups anyway, so, adjustments will be made as needed ^^

[@lesleyharris525]

Hi,if you added a pocket you would have nice shorts.💖

[@RetroClaude]

I could! Maybe that's a pattern hack for the future ☺️

[@chazhoosier2478]

That's how it always looks when I try to top stitch the inside and the outside at the same time. :/

[@RetroClaude]

Phew it's not just me! I don't know how people do it?

[@chazhoosier2478]

@@RetroClaude I hope I figure it out soon. You have to do it multiple times for dress shirts and it never turns out quite right!

[@chazhoosier2478]

@@RetroClaude I did research! There are two ways to do it. 1: Hand baste for ultimate precision. 2: Just live with the stitching being wonky on one side.
I was surprised at how many professionals went with 2. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@RetroClaude]

@@chazhoosier2478 Amazing! Thanks for letting me know this! I've always been like, how come I have to baste this to make it work?? Turns out I'm not just awful at sewing, it's genuinely difficult!

[@ceemartin5624]

Back then ladies did not remove their the hair in their bikini line, hence the huge knickers.

[@TealCheetah]

These dont look like underwear at all!