Good lingerie is expensive to buy, but with a few skills under your belt, you could make your own! Think of the possibilities: everything from sexy bras to tap pants to saucy corsets. The best part? You can customize to your particular fit with a variety of fabrics and embellish the garments as much you like. Here's how:

• Basic Skills: There are certain techniques for making lingerie that will make the process go much easier. For instance, use a rotary cutter for more accurate cutting. To do it right, you'll want to make sure you have the right machine. If you really want to learn extensively, check out the book Sewing Lingerie That Fits or this tutorial on bra-making.
• Fabric Matters: One of the great things about making your own lingerie is that you can choose the best fabric available. Silk charmeuse is a slinky option that feels great against the skin. Light cotton batiste is also lovely. And of course, stretch satin is great for undergarments like bras and panties.
• Pretty Patterns: This bralette, French knickers, and tap panties set from Colette Patterns is the best of modern loungewear and retro looks. The slip and camisole pattern is also divine. Check out these free lingerie sewing patterns from CraftStew and LoveToKnow. These Cheeky Panties from BurdaStyle and Clare Bare's Undwear pattern from ThreadBanger are great as well.
• Vintage Style: There are plenty of vintage lingerie patterns available online, too. I personally love the designs from the '30s and '40s. At Grandma's House, Mom's Patterns, and Lanetz Living, you'll find a selection that spans decades.
• Just Corsets: Interestingly, corsets have a cult-like following among the Goth DIY crowd. Take a look at how to make a corset in this quick video and then get your corset supplies here - including eyelets and grommets for lacing up. See this recent DIY Design article for more corset info.
• Finishing Touches: Subtle details can really jazz up your lingerie. Try a scalloped hem on your slip or a lace insertion or trim. Create tiny flowers to adorn to panties, camis, and more. Vintage garments can also offer plenty of inspiration. If you don't feel up to making lingerie yet, you could always get creative with your current undergarments.

For more DIY Design articles, click here. Next week, make your own closet accessories.