Ready to bring DIY to your loungewear?
Pajama pants are not only a great beginner project, but they’re also a fun way to bring a little joy to your day. DIY projects that make me smile and make my day a little happier are always a winner for me.
In this blog post, you’ll learn step-by-step how to sew up a pair of comfy DIY Pajama pants.
But first, you need to have a pattern.
Do you already have a pair of pajama pants you love?
Or does the mention of patterns freak you out?
Either way, I’ve got you covered.
Just check out my DIY Pajama Pants – Without a Pattern Post.
Don’t have a current fave pair of pajama pants?
In the mood to try a new pattern?
Then check out my list of Fave FREE Pajama Pants Patterns.
Once you have your pattern cut out, it’s time to get started!
For this project, you’ll need the following supplies.
Supplies for Sewing Your Own Pajama Pants!
A few notes about the above-listed supplies:
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.
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 –
Step by Step
Step 1: Iron Out Your Fabric
The first step to any well-made project is to iron your fabric!
Step 2: Lay Out Both Pajama Pant Pattern Pieces –
Right Side Up
Lay both pattern pieces right side up on top of your fabric
Trace both pieces.
Step 3: Lay Out Both Pajama Pant Pattern Pieces –
Right Side Facing Down
Lay both pattern pieces right side down on top of your fabric
Trace both pieces.
Once you have all four pieces traced, cut them out.
Step 4: lay out both Front Pieces of Your Pajama Pant
Lay one front pajama piece right side up.
Lay one front pajama piece right side down.
Right side is the side of the fabric you want to be showing when you’re wearing your pajama pants.
Step 5: Align Both Front Pieces of Pajama Pants
Lay your face-down front pajama piece on top of your face-up front pajama piece – like in the photo.
Line up all edges.
Step 6: Pin in and Sew Front Crotch
Once everything is lined up, pin in the front crotch as shown.
Then sew in place with a 1/2″ Seam Allowance*
*Seam Allowance is the distance from the edge of the fabric to the stitch line.
Step 7: Lay Out Both Back Pieces Of Your Pajama Pant
Lay one back pajama piece right side up.
Lay one back pajama piece right side down.
Step 8: Align Both Back Pieces Of Pajama Pants
Lay your face down back pajama piece on top of your face-up back pajama piece – like in the photo.
Line up all edges.
Step 9: Pin In And Sew Back Crotch
Once everything is lined up, pin in the back crotch as shown.
Then sew in place with a 1/2″ Seam Allowance
Step 10: Align Front and Back Pajama Pants
Lay your back pajama pants out flat on your work surface, right side facing up.
Then lay your front pajama pants directly on top of your back pajama pants, right side facing down.
Your pajama pants should look similar to the photo.
Step 11: Line Up and Pin One Side Seam
Line up the side seam on one side of the pajama pants
Pin in place.
Side Seam is the seam that runs down the outer side of the leg.
Step 12: Line up and Pin the Other Side Seam
Line up the second side seam.
Pin in place.
Sew both side seams using a 1/2″ Seam Allowance.
Step 13: Line Up Front and Back Crotch Seams
Lay your pajama pants out in the same position as the previous steps.
Now we’re going to work on the inseam.
The inseam is the seam that runs along the inside of the leg.
Start by lining up the front and back crotch seams as shown.
Step 14: Pin Front and Back Crotch Seam in Place
Pin the front and back crotch seam in place to make sure it stays lined up as we sew.
Step 15: Pin in the rest of the inseam
Pin in the rest of the inseam like you see in the photo.
Sew in place using a 1/2″ Seam Allowance.
Step 16: Celebrate!
Turn your pants right side out and Voila!
You just constructed a pair of pants!
Now that we’ve assembled our pajama pants, all that’s left is finishings!
Omg, how exciting!
Share your progress in the DIY Fashion Rebel Facebook Group so we can all cheer you on.
Once you’re done sharing your sweet success, it’s time to finish your PJ’s so you can finally get to lounging!
Head here to see the see how easy an elastic waistband can actually be!
