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making own Ostomy undies

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Posted 1/21/2013 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
Has anyone sewed a pocket into their undies for their bag? I don't like getting sweaty under the bag during exercise and wonder if this may cause any skin irritation in the summer. Buying the undies are so expensive.

Is there any particular brand of undies good for this and is there a wicker/moisture absorbent fabric to use?
Any sewing tips would be helpful. I don't have a sewing machine and I wonder what the best way to make a pattern.
Posted 1/21/2013 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
With a little practice I am sure you could come up with something. I would assume a PRE-SHRUNK cotton type material would be the best. Use pinking shears to cut out the pattern you will be hand sewing onto the undies so they will not shred. It will be less bulky overall using shears and not having to tuck material under on all 3 sides which might give you an extra outline under some clothing that may be more form fitting.

If you know someone with a portable sewing machine ask to borrow it to make it easier on yourself?
Posted 1/21/2013 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
If I remember correctly, there is at least one person on here who does her own undies. I can't remember who though.

Unless you want to drop $20 per pair for special breathing underwear, typically cotton is best. And probably the easiest to work with material wise. Special breathing underwear seems to have stretch or not sewing friendly material.

I have personally found bands more comfortable for exercise. I use ostomy secrets underwear for day to day (bought the "cheapest pairs) but found that they are kind of loose for my taste for exercise. The bands keep the bag closer to the skin.
Posted 1/21/2013 7:27 PM (GMT 0)

I set out to make my own by purchasing bikini or low rise underwear and also briefs.  My intent was to cut the bikini/low-rise ones on the sides and crotch and sew the panel onto the insides of another pair of briefs.  This looked like it would create the same panel/pouch that is inside the expensive ones.

I tried them on first to see how it might work with the bikini/low-rise pair going on first and then a pair of briefs over top and they fit perfectly.  The top of the bikini/low-rise pair stops perfectly at the bottom of my flange.  After my "fitting", I did not feel the need to cut and sew anything.

So, now I wear 2 pair of underwear all the time.  They are made of light t-shirt material and they work like a charm.  They are not cumbersome and my pouch does not lie on my skin because it sandwiches perfectly in between both pair and stays put very nicely.  I do angle my pouch towards the middle and that keeps it from going down and out the bottom of the leg.

Posted 1/22/2013 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
I make my own, based off the ostomy secrets idea. I don't like the fit of the ostomy secrets ones, plus they aren't as cute as I'd like, plus I can't afford them.

I am a fairly experienced sewer, but they are really easy to make. You could probably do it by hand. I just buy hi-cut briefs (currently my favorite brand is Victoria's Secret--just got 7 pairs for $20 on sale!) and then bikini briefs (got some generic ones at Target because they don't show anyway). I just cut the bikini briefs at the sides and crotch, pin them into the front of the hi-cuts, and then sew along the sides and bottom seams. Then the elastic is already in there.

If you're not experienced in sewing, I'd do what I just described...making your own undies from scratch isn't the easiest if you want a good fit.

If you have questions, let me know!
Posted 1/22/2013 4:24 AM (GMT 0)
I like that suggestion with the bikini underwear even better. I bet if you try that it will be a good solution for you....plus the elastic already in place on the bikini panel will be supportive.

For the ladies above advising this process.... can you get 2 panels out of one pair of bikini briefs by also using the rear part of the panties?

I am asking as my sister uses the Ostomy Secrets underwear like my husband but this might be a nice affordable way for her to retrofit some underwear herself.
Posted 1/22/2013 10:35 AM (GMT 0)
Buy a few cheap cotton baby bibs to use under your bag. If you need to keep it in place, use the neck ties to tie it loosely around your bag.
Posted 1/22/2013 12:06 PM (GMT 0)
UC wife, yes, I definitely use the back panel as well. It still has elastic at the top. You just need to do a little more cutting on the sides. :)
Posted 1/22/2013 1:37 PM (GMT 0)
     I just wear my granny pants, stick the bag under them and good to go!
Posted 1/23/2013 12:44 PM (GMT 0)
Aloha,
We purchase a little larger T shirts, cut off the arms at the seams (leave the seam) & use an arm to sew into the T shirt a pocket to hold the bag. Keeps the bag off the skin + holds bag up & remains loose for bicycle riding or exercising. The bike shorts come up just below bag, but on the adhesive so the bag is free to fill.
Joe
Posted 7/4/2015 12:03 PM (GMT 0)
"PERFECT-POCKETS" Homemade OstoUndies I know this is an older thread but info here--is VALUABLE! I bought 2 PR 100% cotton brief + 1 bikini-same color/material/brand-size as brief... cut bikini crotch and leg openings off straight--the "elastic topped panel" will become pocket top (after sewing). Sew front sect. of cut bikini panel to full brief starting zigzag wide-stitch on bottom first-then sides to prevent gathering,.. Zigzag all 3 sides (no seam allowance/sew edge to edge... then go back and sew reg. straight stitch next to zigzag to finish off-make a stronger seam, looks polished. Repeat with back of bikini(panel) & other brief making 2nd pair. Can use reg. cotton-poly thread as long as Z-Zag at edges of material then reg. straight stitch. Voila-2 prs ostomy undies @1/4 cost! (can Pin "pocket" inside briefs-undies to make pocket--use straight pins....remove after sewing)
*Want a real sexy pair-use full brief front thong, use same basic instruct. for sewing (bikini piece stitched to full front thong making pouch) save back piece as left over or make 2 pair* {hope directions are not terribly hard to follow-- think of sewing bikini front to the brief to make a pocket... Ostomy system will fit into top elasticsized "pocket" in full brief or full brief front thong. As long as the tummy is covered, the bikini will make "perfect-pockets"}
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