Review – Evie la Luve Esme Panties Kit

All I needed was a bit of ivory picot elastic… but I can never order just one thing from Elle Joan’s! It makes far more sense to maximise shipping and order a few more things, don’t you think? Good, I’m glad you agree.

Anyway, that is how this Esme Panties Kit from Evie la Luve ended up in my shopping cart. I’ve seen a few of these made up and they all looked so darned cute that I thought it was time I made a pair for myself. And just for fun I’ll review the kit in case you are thinking of making a pair too!

The kit includes the pattern, sewing instructions and all fabrics and trims required to complete the garment.

As you can see I’ve already cut out my pattern. At 97cm my hip measurement was right on the border between a S and M, so I cut between the lines. The size turned out perfect.

The kit includes a small piece of cotton crotch lining fabric, and a generously sized piece of floral printed knit fabric. I could find no information on the fibre content of the floral knit. I don’t know about you, but I like to know these things! In cutting the floral knit there is a lot of waste as you can see:

The extra is necessary for the larger sizes, but I refolded the panel and found there was just enough to cut two fronts in my ‘Small-Medium’ size, and maybe enough scraps leftover to squeeze a bra out of later!

There was plenty of lace too – in my size there was enough for two panties and more potential bra pieces:

If you are a smaller size, being able to cut two pairs from the kit definitely gives it added value! However, you will need additional crotch lining, foldover elastic, and a bow for that extra pair.

The sewing instructions are included in a small booklet with step-by-step instructions and photos:

All the details that you need to know to assemble the panties are there, including the length to cut the elastic, which I thought was helpful.

There are some nice techniques too – I particularly liked how the crotch lining was cut smaller to reduce bulk:

I suggest comparing the crotch width to your favourite pair – I feel it is a teeny bit narrow, although these things are all personal preference! As the crotch width is ungraded you might prefer to add a few millimetres if you have a larger frame just in case.

Construction wise there are some things I would do differently. Next time, I will fully enclose the back seam as I think it looks a little messy this way:

I did enclose the seam between the folded edges (how-to pics below) – but enclosing the seam 100% is an even better way. I’ll do a tutorial when I make my next pair!

I’d also recommend reshaping the upper edge of the lace 5-10mm higher at the CB, so it becomes square with the CB seam. Although this line appears reasonably straight when worn, it is technically wrong and reshaping will give a smoother run for the foldover elastic too:

The sewing instructions have you attach the foldover elastic in two actions, but I attached it in one as that is what I am used to. When attaching the elastic, this happened:

And I don’t mean the messy join in the stitching! I’m referring to the end of the front piece not being fully enclosed in the elastic. The best way to prevent this is to shave 3-4mm off the leg opening at this point before hemming it.

So – a couple of minor/easily fixed issues with the pattern, but don’t let that put you off purchasing – look at what beautiful undies (yes – two!) you end up with:

What I love about the Esme panties is the smooth no-elastic front leg opening, the cheeky hi-cut lace, and the no show aspect. So quick and rewarding to make, I look forward to whizzing up a few more!