Gluesticks Blog

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Summer
  • DIY
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Summer
    • DIY
    • Recipes
    • About Me
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Sewing Projects

    Sew Your Own Pajama Pants Without a Pattern! (Video)

    Modified: Mar 27, 2025 · Published: Nov 25, 2019 by Brandy · This post may contain affiliate links.

    I like sewing pajama pants like this for my kids because it eliminates the guesswork. Printed PDF sewing patterns and the finished measurements have been hit-and-miss for me, but these pajama pants work! I’ve been making pajama pants and pants for Halloween costumes using this method for years. It's one of the most popular tutorials on the blog because it's so simple! This post contains affiliate links.
    Sewing your own pajama pants is easier without a pattern for a perfect fitting pair every time!

    Watch Our Step By Step Video Tutorial!

    Does your family have the Christmas pajama tradition too? Our kids (and sometimes mom and dad) always receive pajamas on Christmas Eve. Sometimes homemade like these darling 1-hour nightgowns, sometimes store-bought. They were so threadbare this year that I made some quick pants to wear from now until Christmas and I will be ordering flannel pajama sets for Christmas Eve.

    Types of Homemade Pajama Pants

    If you look at store-bought toddler-big kid pajama pants you’ll notice that they look exactly like the ones that I am showing you how to make today. They are cut on the fold, without outer side seams, and are made out of 2 pieces of fabric. The front of the pants looks identical to the back. In contrast, if you look at a teen-adult pair of pajama pants, you’ll notice they are made using 4 pieces of fabric and have side seams, as well as inner seams. The back is a bit baggier than the front, allowing for curves, hips, and more movement. If you are looking to make teen-adult pajama pants I’d recommend using a pdf pajama pants pattern for the right size and best fit. If you are looking to make basic elastic waistband pajama pants for toddlers, all the way up to big kids, without pattern pieces to cut out or pockets to sew let’s get started!

    Pajama Pants Supplies

    • existing pair of pajama or lounge pants
    • fabric (cotton, flannel)
    • scissors
    • pins
    • elastic
    • sewing machine or serger
    • thread
    • measuring tape

    3 More DIY Easy Sewing Projects That YOU Can Make!

    Fleece Hand Warmer Muff

    Wired Headband Tutorial

    Dino Hoodie Tutorial

    How To Make Pajama Pants Without a Pattern

    Sewing your own pajama pants is easier without a pattern for a perfect fitting pair every time!

    To sew pajama pants without the hassle of a pattern, just grab a pair of pants that you already have and follow my instructions.

    • Use a pair of pajama pants that you already have and fold them in half. Iron if necessary to make sure you have the right shape.
    • Lay the fold of the pants on the fold of the fabric.
    • Pull the crotch area out a bit so that it is pointy.
    • Cut 2 pieces (one for each leg) on the fold, using your old pair as a guide (you can trace the cutting line onto the fabric before cutting if you'd like).
    • Make sure to leave at least ½" for seam allowances on the sides. You will need about 3" on the top for the elastic casing, and an inch or so for the bottom hem, depending on how big you make it.
    • Make sure to be generous in the crotch area (where the back comes to a point) so that there is plenty of room to bend over and move around without stressing the seam. I usually go at least an inch away instead of ½" for the seam allowance in the crotch area.
    • Note: Because you are using an existing pair of pajamas, the elastic waist is already scrunched, so you can also add an inch or so when cutting that area if you'd like for a bit of extra room.
    DIY Pajama Pants
    Sewing your own pajama pants is easier without a pattern for a perfect fitting pair every time!
    • Fold them inside out and sew (straight or zig-zag stitch) along outer leg length edge (from the bottom, to where the crotch begins to curve). Trim close to seams.
    Sewing your own pajama pants is easier without a pattern for a perfect fitting pair every time!
    • Turn one pant leg right side out and stuff it inside the other pant leg. Right sides of the fabric will be facing each other.  Make sure that the long seam that you just sewed on each leg matches the other.
    • Pin in the center to keep it in place.Sewing your own pajama pants is easier without a pattern for a perfect fitting pair every time!
    • Sew the crotch seam of the pajama pants. Begin at the waist, sew along and end at the top again.
    Sewing your own pajama pants is easier without a pattern for a perfect fitting pair every time!
    • Sew once more close to the seam line to reinforce since this area will get a lot of wear.
    Sewing your own pajama pants is easier without a pattern for a perfect fitting pair every time!
    •  Turn the pajama pants right side out. Almost done!
    Sewing your own pajama pants is easier without a pattern for a perfect fitting pair every time!
    • I used ¾" wide elastic. The length of the elastic should be the same size as your child's waist + 1".
    • Fold down the waist ¼" inch and press it.
    • Fold it another 1 ¼ inch and sew the casing all the way around with a ¼" seam, also leaving a 2" gap to insert the elastic into later.
    Sewing your own pajama pants is easier without a pattern for a perfect fitting pair every time!
    • Insert your elastic using a safety pin to help guide it through the waistband.
    Sewing your own pajama pants is easier without a pattern for a perfect fitting pair every time!
    • Sew ends together. Stretch the waist, pulling the elastic back into the opening.
    • Sew the gap closed.

    Sewing your own pajama pants is easier without a pattern for a perfect fitting pair every time!

    • Fold up the hem and press, then fold up one more time and press. (This one is about ½"). Sew around on both legs. Flannel is so easy to work with. You don't need pins since it pretty much just sticks together.
    If you are looking for a beautiful knit fabric nightgown pattern to switch things up my girls both have these! It's a fabulous pattern from Sew Much Ado and comes together quickly. So cozy and soft! Maybe make the pj pants for the boys and nightgowns for the girls!
    Sewing your own pajama pants is easier without a pattern for a perfect fitting pair every time!

    For 60 more sewing projects for beginners, check out my sewing book for kids!

    This post was originally shared in 2013.
    Share
    Pin

    More Sewing Tutorials

    • 30 felt tutorials
      30 Felt Craft Tutorials (Toys, Gifts and More!)
    • collage of cheap and easy halloween crafts
      16 Cheap and Easy Halloween Crafts to Make
    • Kids Lacing Craft {Printable Template}
    • Teddy Bear Rice Pack Tutorial (Free Template)

    About Brandy

    Welcome! I'm Brandy, mother to 5 darling kiddos and a cute black lab named Toby. My husband is in the Coast Guard so we've lived all over the place, turning each house into a home. I love baking, sewing, making cute things with my kids, and sharing what I've learned with all of you!

    Comments

    1. Fee says

      February 08, 2024 at 12:31 pm

      Hey there, could you not just use an adult pj pants to cut around to give the extra allowances you might need for an adult. Lovely simple method. Simple is always the best! Thank you. Fee

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        February 08, 2024 at 1:46 pm

        You can try! Most adult pajamas that I have are made with 4 pieces instead of two (with seams on both sides of the pant leg). This method only uses two pattern pieces so it’s different. Let me know if you have success!

        Reply
        • Fee says

          February 12, 2024 at 12:41 pm

          Hey Brandy it did work quite well using adult pants as a template. I should have made a bigger allowance for my hips though as its a squeeze getting them over but comfortable once they are on. Thank you. Fee

          Reply
          • Brandy says

            February 12, 2024 at 4:35 pm

            Good to know! Thank you for updating me. Now I know what to tell others if they have the same question!

            Reply
    2. Becki says

      January 20, 2024 at 7:46 am

      Hi! This is question. Do you think this method would work well for the average 12-13 year old? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        January 20, 2024 at 1:40 pm

        Hi Becki! I’ve only ever made them for my younger children, but it might work if he/she doesn’t have hips! My 12 year old is a bean pole and I’m sure this method would still work for her.

        Reply
    3. Marlene Jonew says

      September 24, 2023 at 12:56 pm

      I'm 74, looking to make pajama pants for myself. I have used this method in the past but could not recall the steps for putting them together. Thanks to you I will be doing this. I will adjust my pattern according to my size. It's not hard. Thanks. I'm using two old fitted sheets. Torn at the fitted area. Will make use of that fabric.
      Thank you for this. Makes my life a little easier.

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        September 24, 2023 at 7:52 pm

        Hi Marlene! Thanks! I hope this works out for you!

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Welcome!

    I'm Brandy! I love to create and share my ideas through easy-to-follow recipes and tutorials.

    More about me

    As an Amazon Associate, I make a small commission on qualifying purchases.

    sew with me kids sewing book
    My Book

    Summer Posts

    • mini s'mores pie on white plate
      Mini S'Mores Pies
    • loaf pan with ice cream sandwiches stacked inside
      M&M Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe (Video)
    • soda bottle sprinkler
      $1 Soda Bottle Sprinkler For Summer Fun
    • hand dipping chip into cowboy caviar
      Easy Cowboy Caviar Recipe
    See more Summer →

    Latest Posts

    • To Die For Blueberry Muffins
    • slab pie on white plate
      Peach Slab Pie
    • baba bar on spatula
      Frosted Banana Nut Bars
    • tray of baked cookies on parchment paper
      Martha-Stewart-Fired-Me Cookies

    Footer

    ↑ Back to Top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Gluesticks Blog