Pajama pants are a fun, easy way to start creating your own clothing.
In this blog post, you’ll see step-by-step how to use your current fave pajama pants to create your first (or next) #MeMade apparel without having to read a pattern.
Ready to learn how to make your own pajama pants (or shorts) with easy to follow step-by-step instructions?
Then let’s get started!
For this project, you’ll need the following supplies.
Supplies for Sewing Your Own Pajama Pants–
Without a Pattern!
A few notes about the above-listed supplies:
Your Current Fave Pajama Pants
Don’t have a current pair of comfy pajama pants? Don’t worry. You have two options:
- Use a pair of sweatpants, athletic shorts, pajama shorts, etc. Think outside the box a little. Any loose fit pair of pants with an elastic or drawstring waist will work for this project. And, if you really don’t have anything loose fit, you can always…
- Use a pattern! Check out my other blog post, FREE Pajama Pant Patterns for Beginners to see my top picks!
Large Piece of Paper for Tracing Pajamas
You need a piece of paper large enough to lay out your pajama pants and trace them. Wrapping paper (the back of it) and large rolls of craft paper are great options for this.
1/2″ Wide Elastic
You’ll need enough to wrap around your waist one time.
Not sure what your waist measurement is?
Head to my How To Take Measurements post and I’ll show you how to take measurements like a pro.
Standard Sewing Supplies
No matter what you’re sewing, there are a few tools you’ll always need. For example,
- Sewing Machine
- Scissors
- Etc
Not sure if you’ve got all the standard tools?
No worries! Check out my blog post 10 Tools You Must Have To Start Sewing.
How Many Yards of Fabric do I need to Make Pajama Pants?
2.5 – 3 Yds of Fabric (For both 45″ and 60″ wide fabric)
The exact amount of fabric depends on your size and if you’re making shorts or pants.
NOTE: If you’re making shorts or capris you will end up using less fabric.
If you’re not sure, go for 3 yds. You can always use the extra to make matching DIY Headbands or Beginner Friendly Zippered Pouches!
What fabric is Best For Pajamas?
The shortest answer is: whichever feels the best to you!
But let’s get a little more detailed.
Lightweight Cotton (Best for Warm Temperatures)
This fabric is a natural fiber (i.e. eco!) that’s light, airy, and breathable. This means it’ll help keep you cool during those hot summer nights.
It comes in about a million colors and patterns, making it a really fun and versatile option.
Plus! It’s great for beginners! With little to no stretch – depending on the exact type of fabric – sewing with this fabric will be super easy.
Flannel (Best for Cold Temperatures)
Soft, cozy, and warm! This type of fabric is probably the most common option for making pajama pants.
Flannel also comes in a ton of bright colors and patterns, so no worries about limiting your creativity.
And flannel is also a great option for beginners since it has very little stretch.
FREE
Pajama Pant Checklist!
This printable shopping list also includes all the steps needed to complete this project.
Keep it with you as you work to keep track of your progress. That way you never get lost or confused.
Click below to download the FREE checklist now!
Now that we have all of the supplies together, it’s time to get started!
Or scroll down if you’d rather read through the steps!
How to Sew Pajama Pants and Shorts without a Pattern –
Step by Step
Step 1: Lay Out Paper
Grab your large piece of paper and lay it out on a large, flat work area.
Step 2: Fold Pajama Pants in Half
Fold your pajama pants (or shorts) in half, with the front of the pants facing up.
Lay your pants out as flat as possible to get the most accurate trace.
Be sure to line up the bottom edge (hem) of the pants, not the waistline.
Step 3: Mark Front Waistline
Mark the position of the front waistline on both sides of the pants.
Step 4: Trace Around Pajama Pants
Trace along both sides of your pajama pant.
Step 5: Example of Pajama Pant Trace
Your trace should look similar to this.
NOTE: If you are tracing full-length pants (not shorts), your trace will be much longer.
Step 6: Connect Waistline Marks
Connect the two front waistline points you drew in Step 3.
Step 7: Measure Pajama Pant Leg Length
If you are using full-length pants, skip this step.
For Shorts ONLY:
Put on the shorts you are using for this project.
Measure the distance from the bottom edge of your shorts to the floor.
Step 8: Extend Pajama Shorts into Pants
If you are using full-length pants, skip this step.
For Shorts ONLY:
Draw two lines straight down from the sides of your pajama short trace.
Both lines should be the length that you measured in Step 7.
For example, the distance from the bottom hem of my shorts to the floor was 30″.
So the line I’m drawing in the photo will be 30″ long.
Step 9: Example of Final Pajama Pant Trace
For Shorts ONLY:
Connect the bottom points of the two lines you drew in Step 8 to create a large rectangle.
Continue here for both shorts and pants.
Now all traces, for both pants and shorts, should look like this.
Step 10: Add 1″ Seam Allowance
Add a line 1″ away from the sides of your original trace.
The original trace does not include a seam allowance, so we are adding our own now.
Step 11: Add 2″ Waistline Allowance
Add a line 2″ away from the top of your original trace.
This 2″ addition will be used to create the elastic waistband of our pajama pants.
Step 12: Add 3″ Hem Allowance
Add a line 3″ away from the bottom line of your original trace.
This 3″ addition will be used to create the bottom hem of our pajama pants.
Step 13: Repeat For Back of Pajama Pant
Roll out a new piece of paper.
Fold pajama pants in half again, but this time, with the back of your pajama pants facing up (as shown)
Mark the top of the back waistline on both sides of the pajama pants.
Repeat Steps 4-12
Step 14: Final Pajama Pant Pattern – Front and Back
Once you’ve traced out both the front and the back, you should have (2) pattern pieces that look like this.
Fold pajama pants in half again, but this time, with the back of your pajama pants facing up (as shown)
Mark the top of the back waistline on both sides of the pajama pants.
Repeat Steps 4-12
Wow! You just made your very own Pajama Pant Pattern!
Celebrate! You Rock!
You are taking action and getting that much closer to #MeMade Pajama Pants.
I’d love to celebrate with you so head to the FB group and post pics of your success!
Once you’re done celebrating, grab your pattern and head to my How To Sew Pajama Pant Post!
