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.
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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 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!
How To Make Pajama Pants Without a Pattern
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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 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!
For 60 more sewing projects for beginners, check out my sewing book for kids!
This post was originally shared in 2013.
Fee says
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
Brandy says
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!
Fee says
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
Brandy says
Good to know! Thank you for updating me. Now I know what to tell others if they have the same question!
Becki says
Hi! This is question. Do you think this method would work well for the average 12-13 year old? Thank you!
Brandy says
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.
Marlene Jonew says
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.
Brandy says
Hi Marlene! Thanks! I hope this works out for you!
Cindy says
Coasties Rock! Thank you for your service!
Also, I think I am going to try making a pair of pants for myself! Thanks for sharing your Instructions.
Brandy says
Thank you!! 🙂
Jane Locke says
Hi,
Was wondering if I can use this for making leggings, I mean use old leggings to make a pattern? Not having much luck with the one piece so wanted to try and make the 2 legs way of making them? Hope you understand my garbled question! Thank you. Love the way you have done the PJ’s will defs try this method out.
Jane
Brandy says
Jane, I'd imagine it would work just fine for leggings!
Anira says
Thanks so much for this super video. You do a great job explaining what to do and your video compliments what you say. Hard to find this on the internet! Feeling confident now to start those xmas pajama pants for my kids!
jan tiffany says
I am trying to make "I dream of Jeannie" pants for a costume. ... I think this will work! I have pj bottoms that are elastic waist and ankles which should work for my pattern and I have a deconstructed 50's PINK party dress for the fabric....I have a sewing machine but have never sewed much past a hem or straight line.
Brandy says
Fun! Good luck!
Donna says
I want to make these PJ bottoms for my adult daughter, and I really don’t want to use a store bought pattern. Is there some change to your instructions that would provide the extra room needed for the hips? If not, is there a pattern you would recommend?
Brandy says
Hi Donna! I did a quick search for "Free pajama pants pattern" and most of the ones that I found used the same method that I used (even with a printed pattern. They just had you cut out two legs and stitch them together---which would make them the same as the ones that I made). If you allow a bit of extra space in the crotch area (the point at the back of the pattern) it will help.
Lisa Fitzpatrick says
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. 🙂
Amanda L. Frederickson says
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..
Brandy says
Amanda, thank you for letting me know! I'm so glad that your pants turned out!
Sarah says
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?
Brandy says
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.
Casey says
Hi, where is the video for this?
Brandy says
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!
Brandy says
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.
Brandy says
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.
Jean says
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.
Brandy says
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!
Connie says
Will this work for shorts for children?
Brandy says
Absolutely! You can totally make shorts using this method.
Kate Hall says
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!
Brandy says
I'm so glad it worked out, and pockets would be AWESOME to have!
Michelle Leslie says
Love the fabric you used Brandy. That dancing poodle is too adorable and the tutorial is really easy to follow too
The Freshman Cook says
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!
Bridget | Confessions of Parenting says
Excellent idea! Leave an extra inch of room and try a french seam 🙂
Leia cole says
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!!
Brandy says
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!
Kathy Antis says
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!
Brandy says
Thank you so much Kathy!
Diane Livingston says
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.
Brandy says
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!
Diane Livingston says
Good luck. I have two steps left to go. Sew the elastic and then put on the top buttons. Then done.
Maria says
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?
Claire Nichols says
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
Brandy says
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!
Meghan says
Hi there- maybe I missed it but at what step do you sew the hem of the pant leg? Having a hard time visualizing....
Brandy says
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! 🙂
Karlene Ball says
The same sale at Joann's is going on Wednesday too! (Just got a flyer in the mail for it)
Brandy says
Awesome! Thanks for the heads up!!
mindy says
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.
Brandy says
Wonderful! I'm so glad it worked out for you!
Marina says
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.
Brandy says
GREAT tip, I will have to try that too!
Brandy says
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!
Tina says
Great tutorial, thanks! I stocked up on flannel that day!
Tonia Jeffery says
That poodle fabric is just way too cute!
Brandy says
Thanks Tonia! I found it at Joanns! My daughter saw it and that was that!
Becca says
I'm a novice sewer, venturing into sewing clothes as opposed to quilt tops and curtains, and I found some of the directions confusing. Can you clarify the directions on sewing the waist of the pajamas to insert the elastic?
Brandy says
Hi Becca! Did you watch the video? I talk about the waistband a bit in it as well. If you still have questions let me know!
Jen says
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!!