Making homemade pajama pants is a lot easier than you might think. In fact, it’s fun, inexpensive, and kind of addictive. All you need are some basic materials, a sewing machine, and a little time. Whether you’re a beginner or just want a simple project, these DIY pajama pants are perfect. They’ll make you feel comfortable and proud. Let’s dive into how to sew your own — from creating the pattern to sewing the final hem.
While making pajama pants, you might want to try other fun sewing projects too. For example, if you have an old pair of trousers, why not turn them into a skirt? It’s a great way to upcycle and refresh your wardrobe. If you’re interested in this project, check out this guide on turn trousers into skirt.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take your sewing skills further? You can create your own perfect-fit pants from scratch, tailored to your measurements. It’s a great way to make pants that are truly your own. Learn how to do it step-by-step in this detailed guide: Make Your Own Perfect-Fit Pants from Scratch. This DIY pants tutorial will walk you through everything from drafting your pattern to achieving a flawless fit.
1. Gather your materials first
Before you do anything else, let’s make sure you have everything ready. No one likes a mid-project panic!
You will need:
- 1.5 yards of knit or facecloth fabric
- Fabric scissors
- Double-action thread (Coats & Clark is a great option)
- Sewing machine
- Sewing clips (or tacks)
- Water-soluble markers
- Iron
- Newspaper or wrapping paper (for patterns)
- Grommet foot
- A half-inch wide elastic band
- A pair of pajama pants you already like
- Ribbon
Tip: Choose soft, stretchy fabrics for maximum comfort. acecloth is perfect for colder seasons. Knit is breathable and works year-round.
2. Make your patterns like a pro
This is the magic step. Once you learn to draw your favorite pair of pants, you can make dozens!
Steps:
- Unfold your paper (wrapping paper works great).
- Fold your pajama pants in half, legs folded over legs.
- Lay them flat on the paper and trace around.
- Add another 1 inch to each side and 3 inches to the top and bottom.
- Cut this out — this is your pattern!
FAQ: Why do you add the extra inches? It’s for the seam allowance and for a comfortable waist/leg edge.
FAQ: Can I use regular paper? Yes, but make sure it’s big enough to fit your pants.
3. Cut and sew the legs
Now, bring the fabric to life.
- Place your pattern on the fabric.
- Trace it twice, turning it over to make a mirror image of each leg.
- Cut out four pieces of fabric.
- Place the fabric right sides together.
- Clip the outer edges. Don’t clip the inside seam yet!
- Sew the outer sides of both legs.
- Now, take one finished leg, turn it right side out, and slide it into the other leg (which is still inside out). Line up the inside seam and sew along.
Case Study: Maya, a novice sewer, tried this for the first time. She says, “The part about one leg bumping into the other totally blew my mind. But once I did it, it all made sense!”
4. Make a belt with ribbon and elastic
Here comes the pretty part — the grommets and elastic!
Steps:
- Fold the top down to create a waistband.
- About 3 inches apart, mark where your ribbon will come out.
- Use the grommet foot of your machine to attach and create the grommets.
- Carefully cut out the holes.
- Fold the waistband down again, clip it, and sew — leaving a 2-inch gap!
- Use a clip or safety pin to thread the elastic through the waistband.
- Once the ends meet, sew them together.
- Thread the ribbon through so that each end comes out through a grommet hole.
- Sew up the opening.
Tip: Elastic is stretchy, while ribbon adds glamour (and gives you another tightening option).
5. Finish with a clean hem
Now let’s finish it off in style.
- Fold the bottom of each leg twice (½ inch each time).
- Press with an iron.
- Sew along the folded edge.
That’s it — you made pajama pants!
Bonus tip: If you want to change or roll up the style, cut the hem a little shorter. Personalize it!
To summarize: Celebrate your sewing triumph
You just made a pair of pajama pants from scratch! That’s no small feat. You saved money, learned something new, and created something unique to you. Next time, maybe try some fun fabrics — think donuts, clouds, or galaxy patterns.
Have a favorite old T-shirt? Turn it into matching shorts! Pajama sets also make great gifts.