I like sewing pajama pants like this 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 several years. It is really very simple. This post contains affiliate links.
Does your family have the Christmas pajama tradition too? Our kids (and sometimes mom and dad) always receive pajamas on Christmas Eve. Sometimes homemade, 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. Many readers ask what kind of sewing machine I use because I sew a lot. I love my Janome Sewist 500. It has a hard case on it so it’s durable when I take it places and I’ve never had a problem with it.
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.
- 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.
- Note: I like adding a bit of extra space 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.
- 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″ elastic. 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.
That’s it! Pajama pants without a pattern!
For 60 more sewing projects, check out my sewing book for kids!
If you are looking for a beautiful nightgown pattern to switch things up. Maybe make the pajama pants for the boys and nightgowns for the girls, my girls both have these! It’s a fabulous pattern from Sew Much Ado and comes together quickly. So cozy and soft!
Jen says
January 19, 2010 at 8:53 pmAs 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!!
Tonia Jeffery says
November 25, 2013 at 10:18 amThat poodle fabric is just way too cute!
Brandy says
November 25, 2013 at 2:11 pmThanks Tonia! I found it at Joanns! My daughter saw it and that was that!
Tina says
December 6, 2013 at 7:33 amGreat tutorial, thanks! I stocked up on flannel that day!
Julie says
December 28, 2013 at 2:41 pmThe crotch is never right when I do this. The but is too tight. Any suggestions?
Brandy says
December 28, 2013 at 7:18 pmHi! 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!
Kilomike911 says
December 13, 2018 at 6:52 pmThat’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.
Jean says
June 8, 2019 at 7:05 pmI 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
June 9, 2019 at 9:07 amHi 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!
Marina says
April 21, 2014 at 11:08 amHi, 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
April 21, 2014 at 11:43 amGREAT tip, I will have to try that too!
mindy says
October 11, 2014 at 3:15 pmthank 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
October 11, 2014 at 3:50 pmWonderful! I’m so glad it worked out for you!
Karlene Ball says
November 19, 2014 at 12:52 pmThe same sale at Joann’s is going on Wednesday too! (Just got a flyer in the mail for it)
Brandy says
November 19, 2014 at 7:48 pmAwesome! Thanks for the heads up!!
Lori says
December 26, 2014 at 2:58 pmAny idea how many yards you would suggest for an adult male?
Brandy says
December 26, 2014 at 5:44 pmHi 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.
Meghan says
January 28, 2015 at 6:17 pmHi 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
January 28, 2015 at 7:18 pmHi 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! 🙂
Claire Nichols says
October 28, 2015 at 9:30 pmHello, 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
October 28, 2015 at 10:57 pmHi 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!
Maria says
February 19, 2017 at 9:52 amThanks 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?
Diane Livingston says
February 24, 2018 at 5:41 amI 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
February 24, 2018 at 8:41 amThat’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
March 25, 2018 at 12:39 pmGood luck. I have two steps left to go. Sew the elastic and then put on the top buttons. Then done.
Kathy Antis says
July 31, 2018 at 12:26 pmThis 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
July 31, 2018 at 8:52 pmThank you so much Kathy!
Leia cole says
August 2, 2018 at 11:41 pmI 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
August 3, 2018 at 12:12 amHi Leia! It should be roomy in the front and the back, but definitely more in the back vs. the front. Have you finished them already? 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!
Bridget | Confessions of Parenting says
November 21, 2018 at 8:14 pmExcellent idea! Leave an extra inch of room and try a french seam 🙂
The Freshman Cook says
November 25, 2018 at 10:43 pmVery 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!
Michelle Leslie says
November 29, 2018 at 1:33 amLove the fabric you used Brandy. That dancing poodle is too adorable and the tutorial is really easy to follow too
Kate Hall says
March 19, 2019 at 12:33 pmI 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
March 19, 2019 at 4:49 pmI’m so glad it worked out, and pockets would be AWESOME to have!
Connie says
May 18, 2019 at 12:21 pmWill this work for shorts for children?
Brandy says
May 18, 2019 at 5:49 pmAbsolutely! You can totally make shorts using this method.