This fall, we’re all about layering. In our free time you can find us knitting up a chunky scarf or sewing the Lonetree Jacket in Lightweight Twill. Want to know one more me-made piece that’s an essential basic behind any collection of layers? The bodysuit! Today, Maddie Flanigan, the seamstress behind Madalynne, is here to give us a twist on her iconic bodysuit pattern from Simplicity.

DIY Bodysuit by Madalynne | Spoonflower Blog

Pattern matching on the front placket isn’t hard but requires patience!Maddie: The best part of fall? Being able to use the hashtag #PSL? Nah, take a seat coffee shops, the season is all about the onesie. This autumn, I collabed with Spoonflower to make a robe using their new chiffon fabric. You can find the full deets and the DIY here. Today, I’m sharing more about the bodysuit I made to go with my robe featuring Performance Pique. You may have seen different iterations of this bodysuit here and here, but this is the first time I’m showing the thong version. Because VPLs (explained below) are no bueno.

Pattern, Fabric + Trims:

Click here to shop my bodysuit and lingerie kits for the 8435

DIY bodysuit by Madalynne | Spoonflower Blog
Paired with a skirt or layered under a dress, the bodysuit is just what your wardrobe needs!

DIY bodysuit with Madalynne | Spoonflower Blog

Construction
The construction of the bodysuit was exactly per the instructions, except that I finished the armhole and leg openings with ⅜” picot plush elastic. Plackets in and of themselves are time consuming. Having the stripes on the placket and front match wasn’t hard, but took a lot of patience. I hand basted in place before machine sewing.

DIY bodysuit with Madalynne | Spoonflower Blog

For those of you who prefer photo instructions, I have two FULL (and FREE!) tutorials on how to sew the center front placket and how to sew the snap crotch opening.

Tips for working with Spoonflower’s Performance Pique:

  • Change to a ballpoint or stretch needle, size 65/9 or 70/10
  • Sew slightly taught, keyword being slightly
DIY bodysuit with Madalynne | Spoonflower Blog
Maddie’s bodysuit peeks through under her dress and chiffon robe. See how to make your own chiffon robe here! Featured design: Bohemian Solar Eclipse by liz_sawyer_design

Thong, thong, thong…

My mother told me to use the word hate with caution. She said it is a strong word and should be used sparingly. I agree ma’, especially in today’s world. VPLs – or visible panty lines – come close to that “H” word. They might not bother you, but they’re like nails on a chalkboard to my eyes. When designing the Madalynne X Simplicity 8435, it was important to me to have a thong version because I could foresee myself and others wearing it with tight fitting pants and skirts. The pattern instructions say to finish with a clear elastic encased in a serge or to turn back and use a zigzag stitch to finish. That will work, but I get a better fit if I finish with ¼“ – ⅜” picot plush elastic and having the left and right overlap completely at the narrowest point in the bum area. I don’t suggest using an elastic wider than ⅝”. It will get bulky in between your cheeks ;(

Inspired to make more of your own handmade intimates? Who isn’t! Find even more tips and tricks for DIY undies on the blog.


Maddie Flanigan is the lingerie designer and sewing teacher behind lingerie brand, Madalynne. Operating a studio out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Maddie is a woman on a mission. As she puts it, “My overarching vision is to provide women with feminine lingerie that is equally beautiful as it is functional, whether that be through sewing their own or buying from the market.” With a new made-in-the-USA line of lingerie available through her site, Anthropologie and more, a pattern licensing deal with Simplicity, and bra-making workshops taught in her studio, Maddie is doing just that!