Boxer Shorts for Kids and Adults

Project preview

This video is for members

Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.

What you’ll make

Sew comfortable boxer-style underwear for kids and adults, with a knit body, shaped center-front panel, short legs, and an exposed elastic waistband.

The same practical design is provided for children and adults, so you can sew everyday underwear for several members of the family.

For other underwear projects, see the Baby Doll Panties and Period Underwear.

What you’ll learn in this class

Sew a layered, curved center-front panel in stretch fabric.
Join knit seams with a serger or stretch stitches on a regular machine.
Match the pattern notches while assembling the body.
Finish the leg openings with a twin needle, zigzag, or another stretch stitch.
Join waistband elastic into a flat loop.
Quarter-mark, stretch, baste, and stitch the elastic evenly around the waist.

Fabric and notions

Choose an elastic knit such as jersey or Lycra. Use a jersey, stretch, or super-stretch needle suited to the fabric.

You’ll also need wide elastic for the exposed waistband.

A serger is useful but optional. The class also covers zigzag, overcasting, and twin-needle alternatives for a regular sewing machine.

Sizes and fit

The kids’ pattern covers ages 2–13. The adult pattern covers sizes 34–56.

The project is straightforward if you have sewn knits before. Attaching the waistband takes patience because it is basted and stretched evenly before the final stitching.

The complete class includes separate printable patterns for kids and adults and covers both regular-machine and serger construction options.

Pattern & materials

Patterns are included with membership

Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.

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