And every year I put pajama pants on that list.
I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of it before but the other day I realized that I would make pajama pants almost exactly the same way that I make leggings. So after I put Ruth down for a nap I pulled out a pair of Simon jeans and went to town.Here’s what I came up with:
(Honestly…these are the easiest things to make…really you don’t need a pattern you just need a good fitting pair of pants and you are good to go.)
The following tutorial from start to finish is only 7 steps. That’s it!
So let’s get going.
#1. Fold your jeans in half lengthwise and place the straight side (the side seams) on the fold of your fabric.
#2. Cut out your pants. When cutting follow the shape of your pants EXCEPT:
*Add 3/4 to 1 inch on the bottom for hemming.
*Add about 1/2 inch along the legs and front middle for seam allowance.
*Add 1 and 1/14 inch to 1 and 1/2 inch to the top for your elastic casing.
Note: You are going to need to cut 2 of the shapes shown above.
(You know…one piece for each leg…)
#3. Now hem the bottom of both pant legs.
(I don’t have a serger so I turn my hem under 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch and sew. Then I turn it under and sew again which gives me a finished edge.)
#4. Now put both pant pieces right sides together and sew from your waistline to that point on the crotch. Do this on each side.
(Yes, I’m sure there is probably more correct (and less ugly sounding) terminology for “crotch point” but I don’t know what it is so just go with it ok?)
#7. Push your elastic around the entire casing until it comes back out the opening.
(I use a safety pin to help me guide the elastic through.)
Then sew your elastic together and close the opening.
You are finished!
And I swear to you it took me at least twice as long to write this post as it did for me to make these pants. Which is a good thing…since someone wanted to wear these pants to bed last night and now I need to make another pair for Christmas pajamas.
But really, how could I say no to this face.
Ahhhh, 9 year old boys. They’re a crazy breed.
And speaking of crazy…
I actually love that we sew everything exactly opposite of one another (case in point—sleeves). I usually sew the leg seams first…then stick one leg inside the other and sew up a “u-shape” crotch. YAY for yin and yang…..and new perspectives….
~e
Having one of those “Why didn’t I think of this?” moments! I’ve linked to your tutorial over at Craft Gossip: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-use-kids-jeans-to-make-a-pajama-pants-pattern/2013/11/07/ –Anne
We seriously don’t sew anything the same! Like nothing!
(That’s because you sew things the right way and I am the hillbilly-let’s-make-it-work girl. 🙂 )
-liZ
I seriously though you made the pjs out of jeans and thought to myself, “How uncomfortable”, just proves I really should be getting more sleep. And I’m with Elizabeth, I sew the legs up first…my mom always told me it was a stronger seam that way for the crotch. Not sure if it’s true, but it is now tradition
I love making PJ pants! They are the quickest sew-up EVER.
I love the way you broke it down. I have a hard time explaining things that are so easy.
You did it well!
~M
This is super helpful and with perfect timing because I’m drafting and sewing pajamas tomorrow!
Thanks for the easy tutorial (with pictures!). Trying to figure out how to sew pajama pants with no pattern to give as Christmas gifts. Hope it’s a success!