I like sewing pajama pants like this for my kids because it eliminates the guesswork. Printed 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 is really very simple. This post contains affiliate links.
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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 pajamas 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 pajama 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 pattern for the best fit. If you are looking to make pajama pants for toddlers, all the way up to big kids, without a pattern let’s get started!
3 More Sewing Projects That YOU Can Make!
To sew pajama pants without the hassle of a pattern, just grab a pair that you already have.
- 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.
- Make sure to leave at least 1/2″ 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 1/2″ 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.
- Fold them inside out and sew along outer leg edge (from the bottom, to where the crotch begins to curve). Trim close to seams.
- Turn one leg right side out and stuff it inside the other 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.
- Sew the crotch seam of the pajama pants. Begin at the waist, sew along and end at the top again.
- Sew once more close to the seam line to reinforce since this area will get a lot of wear.
- Turn the pajama pants right side out. Almost done!
- I used 3/4″ wide elastic. The length of the elastic should be the same size as your child’s waist + 1″.
- Fold down the waist 1/4″ inch and press it.
- Fold it another 1 1/4 inch and sew the casing all the way around with a 1/4″ seam, also leaving a 2″ gap to insert the elastic into later.
- Insert your elastic using a safety pin to help guide it through the waistband.
- Sew ends together. Stretch the waist, pulling the elastic back into the opening.
- Sew the gap closed.
- Fold up the hem and press, then fold up one more time and press. (This one is about 1/2″). 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 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 pajama pants for the boys and nightgowns for the girls!
For 60 more sewing projects, check out my sewing book for kids!
This post was originally shared in 2013.
As a novice sewer I searched everywhere for a great tutorial for pjs. I finally bought a pattern and managed to really just confuse myself.
Your instructions are the easiest to understand and the pictures are perfect. Thanks for sharing!!
That poodle fabric is just way too cute!
Thanks Tonia! I found it at Joanns! My daughter saw it and that was that!
Great tutorial, thanks! I stocked up on flannel that day!
The crotch is never right when I do this. The but is too tight. Any suggestions?
Hi! I’ve had this problem too (for my toddler who still wears a diaper and needs a little more room). I just added an inch or so when cutting out the pattern and brought out that curved crotch area out a little more. It worked for hers!
That’s because on an actual sewing pattern, the back of pants is always larger than the front – to wrap around the butt and legs. Doing this “works” but you should really trace the front, then flip the pants you’re using as your pattern and trace the back. Your back piece will end up larger. This is correct.
I am making this style pant for my son. I took a pair of his pants, just tried them on (he is taller than I) and the inseam is too short. Do you have an suggestions how I could correct the waist band so the back is taller/fuller than the front? Now that I made these, I see your point.
Hi Jean, the pants are already made and you need to make the alteration? I’m not sure what to do at that point. I’m sorry!
Hi, thanks for sharing. I’ve made several PJ pants using this same method and found that adding a tiny bit extra to the “point” at the crotch when cutting out, just gives that bit of ease so one doesn’t get as much creasing over the front.
GREAT tip, I will have to try that too!
thank you for such an easy way to make pj bottoms. i am a very beginning sewer & found this to be very easy to understand & make. i wanted the bottoms to be extra baggy for my son & so i exaggerated the point in the crotch area along with adding an extra inch & they came out perfect.
Wonderful! I’m so glad it worked out for you!
The same sale at Joann’s is going on Wednesday too! (Just got a flyer in the mail for it)
Awesome! Thanks for the heads up!!
Any idea how many yards you would suggest for an adult male?
Hi Lori! I would measure how long you’d need the pant leg to be and (from waist to hem) and then multiply by 2.5 so that you have a little extra. I am 5’7″ and would probably need 3 yards.
Hi there- maybe I missed it but at what step do you sew the hem of the pant leg? Having a hard time visualizing….
Hi Meghan! The last instructional photo shows how to hem the pants 1/2″. Is is the last thing you do before you are finished. Good luck! 🙂
Hello, do you have the fabric to make a ladies large in the black poodle print? If so, what would be the cost? Thank you
Hi Claire! Unfortunately I do not have this print since it was a couple of years ago. I’m sorry! I also do not have an etsy shop right now to sell my sewing projects, but I’m thinking you may be able to find someone on there who might be able to help you more than I can!
Thanks for this tutorial! I am a beginner and this was really easy to follow. I made pajamas for my boyfriend and myself. The PJs fit my boyfriend perfectly (he’s long and skinny) but are a little tight around my hips (I’m curvy). I wonder if that’s because our hips go inside the straight fold?
I have started doing Christmas PJ’s with the same theme be it different colors. I did penguin, and for 2018 the only thing I did was vinyl with elf. for 2019 I am going to sew some. I am a little nervous so have been checking out lots on pinterest. 1. Is they say sew the crotch first. 2. Then sew the legs. 3. to reinforce the crotch sew it up to 3 times as that is the first place it comes undone when wearing for a while. 4. When you put the elastic in tack it down front/back, and sides for adults. It keeps the elastic from moving around as in turning under. I can say I have some that happened. I hope mine turn out as I am putting in pockets and the crotch area for the guys. Kind of nervous but think I have it figure out. Also a little afraid to use my button hole maker, but I will practice before I actually do it. Thank you for sharing your method. It is really different than most.
That’s awesome! I love that you make homemade themed pajamas every year. With 5 kids now, I usually just buy them, but I’m hoping to get back into making them for my kids again every Christmas!
Good luck. I have two steps left to go. Sew the elastic and then put on the top buttons. Then done.
This is so easy, I just can’t believe it! Your instructions are so clear that I felt I was standing right next to you watching you work. Thank you so much!
Thank you so much Kathy!
I feel like both my front and my back look identical. Like the butt could fit in both, so its baggy in the front top. Any ideas?
Thanks!!
Hi Leia! It should be roomy in the front and the back because there really is no differentiation from the front and back. Once you add the elastic it should cinch things down a bit, but if you’ve already done that I’m not sure what to tell you!
Excellent idea! Leave an extra inch of room and try a french seam 🙂
Very cute idea! I love how your method is easy to understand! Great directions! New pajamas are my families thing on Christmas Eve! It is so much fun! Thank you for sharing at Celebrate It!
Love the fabric you used Brandy. That dancing poodle is too adorable and the tutorial is really easy to follow too
I made some pyjama bottoms following these instructions. I wanted to add pockets though, so I followed the advice of a commenter above about making a front and back leg pair, and inserted pockets into the resulting seam. It all worked brilliantly! The instructions and photos are so clear, and easy to follow. I’m really pleased with the result! Many thanks!
I’m so glad it worked out, and pockets would be AWESOME to have!
Will this work for shorts for children?
Absolutely! You can totally make shorts using this method.
I had the same problem, bunch crotch and tight butt, since there’s no front or back to this method. I’m using an pattern next time.
I’m sorry! I’ve made these many times, but always for my kiddos for Christmas pajamas or Halloween costumes. I haven’t tried this method on myself with a female shape own shape (bigger hips, etc.) so I’m thinking that would make a difference.
I made two pairs this way and won’t make any more because of the issues mentioned above (bunchy crotch, tight butt since there’s no differentiation between front/back). It’s a great idea, but for me it was much better the third time when I printed an actual pattern!
I’m sorry! I’ve made these many times, but always for my kiddos for Christmas pajamas or Halloween costumes. I haven’t tried this method on myself with a female shape own shape (bigger hips, etc.) so I’m thinking that would make a difference.
Hi, where is the video for this?
Hi Casey! The video is embedded in the post, in the top 1/3 of the post. Do you happen to have an ad blocker on? I’m not sure why it isn’t showing up for you. I can see it on my end. I can try sending it to you another way if it still isn’t showing up! Just let me know!
This was so fun! I’ve sewed NOTHING before and this came out perfectly and took such a short amount of time! Do you happen to have a tutorial for flannel pyjama top?
Yay! I’m super impressed!! Unfortunately I don’t have a pattern for a pajama top. We always just wear t-shirts with our homemade pajama pants.
I just wanted to tell you thank you for explaining the steps on how to sew the crotch.. it just came out much better from you than any tutorial I’ve seen, you explained it pretty well..
Amanda, thank you for letting me know! I’m so glad that your pants turned out!
A few years ago, I learned how to use my daughter’s old sewing machine (I’m almost 60!). For the past two years, I’ve sewn pillows for family, faculty, and friends. My goal was to learn how to sew pajama pants. As a busy teacher, I could never find the time for a one-on-one tutorial…until I watched your video. I am so lucky that your site popped up. Thank you for the simple instructions and well-designed blog and video. 🙂