Who doesn’t love a pair of cozy pajama pants? Perfect for lounging around the house, PJ bottoms are my go-to for lazy weekends. This pattern is very simple to make up, and the pants feature a comfortable elastic waistband and cute cuffs on the bottom. Try making the cuffs in a contrasting fabric for an extra cute factor!
Related Video: How to Make Pajama Pants
All seam allowances are 1⁄2″ throughout the pattern, except where noted.
Supplies Needed:
- 2-5/8 yards fabric for pants
- ¼ yard contrasting fabric for cuff
- ¾” elastic for waistband (as needed for waist measurement)
- Pattern: click here to download
Pattern printing instructions: Download and print out all pattern pieces. All sizes are included on the pattern; simply follow the size line of your choice when cutting out the pattern. To tape the pattern pieces together, lay the printed pages next to each other, not overlapping, and align the marks and corresponding numbers. For example, the ‘1’ on Front page 1 should match up with the ‘1’ on Front page 2.
Pattern Sizing Information:
- Small: waist (24″-25″), hip (33″-35″)
- Medium: waist (26”- 28”), hip (36”- 38”)
- Large: waist (29”- 32”), hip (39”- 42”)
- X Large: waist (41”- 44”), hip (43”-46”)
Sewing the Legs
Step 1: After cutting out your pieces, find a front leg and a back leg and match them right sides together along the long edge. Sew together.
Step 2: Finish the seam allowance by running it through a serger, or sewing a zig zag stitch down the seam allowance.
Step 3: Now match the short sides of the legs (keep in mind you will have to pull the front over so they line up), pin, sew, and finish that edge as well.
Step 4: Repeat this process with the other leg!
Sewing the Legs Together
Step 5: Turn one finished leg right side out, and stuff it into the other leg, matching up the seams at both sides (the right sides should be together).
Step 6: Match the seams, and pin all along the curved inseam. (Not the waist!)
Step 7: Sew the U-shaped inseam, and finish the seam allowance with a serger or zig zag.
Step 8: Pull the one leg back out of the other, and flip them right side out. They should look like pants!
Creating the Waistband
Step 9: Fold the waist down ½” all the way around the top of the pants, pressing as you go.
Step 10: Then, fold the pants down another 1”, pressing and pinning as you go. This 1” channel will hold the ¾” elastic once sewn.
Step 11: Place a pin sideways to remind yourself to leave a hole for the elastic to go in.
Step 12: Stitch very close to the inside folded edge to create the channel! Don’t forget to backstitch at either end of the elastic opening, but don’t sew it shut!
Step 13: Pinning one end of the elastic to the pants (so it doesn’t slip too far in as you pull), place a safety pin on the other end, and thread it all the way around the waist through the channel until it comes out the other side.
Step 14: Pull some slack in the elastic, and overlap the edges ½” (being careful not to twist!), then sew a zig zag stitch all the way down the overlapped elastic, then backstitch all the way back to the beginning. This will secure your elastic waist into place!
Step 15: Tuck the elastic into the channel, and finish stitching the hole closed.
Sewing the Cuff
Step 16: Fold the cuff in half (hamburger style) so the short edges are matched with right sides together.
Step 17: Sew the short sides together, and press the seam open.
Step 18: Turn the pants wrong side out, and place the cuff inside the pant leg at the ankle so the right sides are together. I like to put the seam on the cuff to match the seam on the inside of the leg.
Step 19: Sew together, finish your seam with a serger or a zig zag stitch, and then press the seam down toward the cuff.
Step 20: Fold the bottom of the cuff up ½” (as you did with the waist). In this picture, I have finished the edge, so I did not fold the ½”. You do not need to finish this edge; simply fold it over ½”, then when you fold it over again, it will hide the raw edge.
Step 21: When you are pinning the inside of the cuff upward to the pant leg, make sure that your cuff is covering the seam that has sewn your cuff to the pants! This way, you will not miss the cuff edge in the next step.
Also, be sure to put the pins perpendicular to the seam since you will not be able to see them, as you will be sewing on the front side!
Step 22: Gently turn the pants inside out, trying not to stab yourself with all of the pins.
Step 23: Stitch (using a 3.5” stitch length) on the cuff fabric very close to the pant leg. This will catch the folded over cuff on the underside, and hold it in place!
And there you have it! Now pop a bowl of popcorn, grab your favorite movie or book, and tuck in for a cozy evening in your new PJ pants!
To follow along with step by step instruction, check out this video
Happy sewing!
Have something to add? Leave a comment or email editor@nationalsewingcircle.com.
I am having surgery in one month and I am looking for something comfortable to wear.
I am just in the process of getting the pattern but can’t wait to try & make these. This will be my first attempt at going by a pattern.
Question: after I’ve printed the pattern as directed (100%, no scaling), how wide is the waist supposed to measure? I get 10.5″ for each leg on the pattern, or 42 inches total for a SMALL, which is supposed to fit a 24-25″ waist. How wide is it supposed to be? Thank you.
Hello,
Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.
If you are interested in becoming a member, please click on the special offer below:
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Thanks!
Hello! I have not yet made these fabulous PJ pants – but I will be making them soon. THANK YOU for the pattern and the instructions and the video! Your efforts and generosity are appreciated. Your patience in handling all the comments is extraordinary! Again, thank you for this free pattern and instructions!
I want to make these
Are these pj pants unisex? I’m thinking of making some for my husband. But he has a 36″ waist; what size would I use? The large is 29″-32″ (too small) but the XL is 41″-44″ (way too large!). Thanks for any guidance!
Hello Nancy,
Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hundreds of hours of Premium content.
If you are interested in becoming a member, please click on the offer below:
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Please send pajama pants pattern
Hello,
Thank you for contacting us.
The PDF pattern for the pajama pants is linked under the “Supplies Needed” heading.
If you have any other questions, please chat, email, or call Customer Service.
Sincerely,
Sarah
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
inspired
Hello Jamila,
Thank you for your feedback. I have forwarded your comment to the proper department. We value your opinion, and it will help with the development of our online streaming community. We will continue to listen and work hard for your complete satisfaction.
I wear size 3plus. What would my dimensions be? Thank you
Hi Bonnie, this pattern goes up to an XL, however here is a video on how to grade a pattern if you are wanting a larger size:
https://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/video/pattern-grading-015114/
Thanks
Sarah
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
When cutting out the fabric do we cut both front and back pieces the same or should the pattern be flipped for one front and one back piece?
Hello Constance,
Thank you for contacting us.
You should cut one mirror-image pair of the front and the back pattern pieces. The easiest way is to fold the fabric so either the right or wrong sides are touching, so you’re cutting through two layers at once. Or if you’d prefer, cut one piece through only one layer, and then flip the pattern piece to cut the opposite piece as a mirror image of the first.
If you have any other questions, please chat, email, or call Customer Service.
Sincerely,
Sarah
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
Bummer that I would have to pay to become a member in order to watch the video.
Hello Penny. There is no obligation to be a paid member to access our free content. We send weekly e-newsletters that feature free videos and article content from our experts. If you would like access to our Premium content, we do require a paid membership that will give you access to hundreds of hours of videos. I have provided a link below to view our free content and I have also provided a link for our paid content. Please reach out via Facebook message anytime if you have questions.
(https://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/vtag/free/)
(https://go.nationalsewingcircle.com/a19773) Thanks!
Looking forward to joining your club
Does the pattern include EXLG?
Hi Virginia. Yes, the pattern is sized for S, M, L and XL. Click the pattern link in the Supplies list and the PDF will download.
Nicki
National Sewing Circle
I really gone a try this one
Nice but lengthy process
Was just looking for a pattern to make a pair. Thank you so much.
Going to make them today!!
There’s an easier way to make these! Tape the front and back together at the side seam and cut as one piece! Pajama pants are generally looser anyway. I also see the waistband and use 2 inch elastic. You need to make an adjustment to the pattern because you don’t need the fold over for elastic. I topstitch the wide elastic to the pants.
Great tutorial. You used a woven for this. How would you change it for a knit fabric? Would you recommend 2-way or 4-way stretch and what percentage? Thank you!
I’m new at sewing. Thank you for these instructions.
I’d like to make PJ shorts using this pattern. Can I alter the leg so that it isn’t so narrow?
Hello Elaine,
Please let us know if you have any further questions:
Yes, you can absolutely do that. The easiest way would be to taper out the leg from just under the waistband to wherever you want the short length to end. This will allow you to widen the leg without having to adjust the waistband at all.
Sincerely,
Sarah
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
I like the pajamas
Please send me the pajamas pants pdf
Hi!
Here is the link, we cannot add the pdf: https://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/article/pajama-pants-pattern/
Have a great day!
Terri
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
I would like to make the pyjama pants
Looks comphy to wear.
great video. I don’t know how long the elastic should be cut. The pattern I am making is a size small.
Hi I wanted to know if you print the pattern out on A4 or A3? I have never printed a pattern off in my life? Thank you
Thank you for such a useful pattern! Regarding sizes, I have noticed the waiste measurement jumped from L 29-32 to XL41-44. What are the correct measurement? Also, my size is usuall Small or Medium (waiste 29). According to this sizing, I will be in Large. Is this pattern rather tight fitting? I will appreciate your reply!
Hello Mayumi,
Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge in sewing. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.
If you are interested in becoming a member to National Sewing Circle, please click on the special offer below:
https://go.nationalsewingcircle.com/C25120
Thanks!
Joan
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
The photo shows a front tie. How did you attach? Just tie and handstitch it on? I want actual drawstring pajamas. Any suggestion?
Hello Phillis,
Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge in sewing. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.
If you are interested in becoming a member to National Sewing Circle, please click on the special offer below:
https://go.nationalsewingcircle.com/C24723
Thanks!
Joan
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
I believe it states to use your own personal measurement for the waist. Cut a piece of elastic half that measurement. Sew some ribbon to the ends of elastic….enough ribbon to finish going around waist and tying. You can tack ends of elastic to side seams of PJs to make gathers neater.
nice digital pattern! thanks, I look forward to trying that tomorrow
that is a nice online digital pattern… I think its a great trend to improve patterns online, and make a great product
Interesting. Like to try this
WHERE IS THE DOWNLOAD LINK PLEASE
Hello Maria!
The Download link is in the Supplies Needed section. It says “Download Pattern Here”.
Thank you!
Jessica
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
I am trying to save.
Excellent. I’ve been waiting for this pattern. Thank you. I would like having my own pattern
Excellent. I’ve been waiting for this pattern. Thank you
Didn’t quite understand the putting one leg in the other and pinning around the edge
Hi,
This is simply how you align the legs with right sides together – slipping one inside the other.
Here is a video tutorial that will give you a better visual:
https://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/video/make-pajama-pants-010728/
Cheers,
Ashley
National Sewing Circle
No copier,picked up a few tips,on Pj pants
Loved it and would like more simple patterns for dresses pants tops and patchwork coats
Love it
I would love to make these😊
Does this pattern come in a plus size? Or are there instructions on how to modify patterns somewhere on the website?
Hi,
I believe this pattern goes up to an XL, however here is a video on how to grade a pattern if you are wanting a larger size:
https://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/video/pattern-grading-015114/
Cheers,
Ashley
Hi, since these have a loose fit, would it work for males as well? Thanks so much for sharing!
Love it is so simple 😄
I wuld like to learn some basics
I love the PJ pattern and instructions!!
I wonder if these pajama pants could be used to make a pair of summer weight woven casual pants?
It would be nice to download the instructions, so when I finally make them, everything is together. Having just the pattern is not enough. It’s like downloading a free knitting pattern without the needle size, and missing every other row.
I believe I sewed these pajama pants several years ago during a sewing class at a sewing machine and fabric store in my area. They were really comfy, cute and easy. Looking forward to sewing them again.
All directions are great and the photos are excellent but…you never posted a photo of the finished pajama pants with contrasting cuff! I sooo wanted to see one!
Is this a free project ?
Dear Susan,
Thank you for contacting us. This pattern is for our Premium members. I show you are a Premium member with us. Please login to your Premium membership to access this pattern.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us at 1-855-208-7187 or chat us on our website.
Sincerely,
Taylar
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
NB Ticket 20512 I am confused about taping pattern together. Do we cut out along the lines and line up the arrows or place the entire sheet edge to edge (without cutting)?
Dear Danielle,
Thank you for your patience. In regard to your question-
The dotted lines and the arrows need to be lined up. You can either trim away the extra paper or just overlap the pages.
We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first-year membership.
https://go.nationalsewingcircle.com/C14629
Cheers,
Ashley
Hi: I am also having problems with downloading the pattern.
I am notable to download. I would like to make these for my grandson for Xmas.
Dear Debi,
Thank you for contacting us. I’m sorry you are having trouble downloading the Pajama Pants Pattern. Please click on the DOWNLOAD PATTERN under Supplies Needed.
The pattern will start to download to your computer
Once it is done downloading, you can open the PDF to view the pattern
I hope this helps!
Sincerely,
Taylar
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
NB Ticket 19609 What is the general inseam length(how determined) for these? Trying to make for taller person and wanting to find out how much to add before cutting. Thank you
Dear Teresa,
Thank you for your patience. In regards to your question-
Here is a great article on how to determine your inseam measurement based on your height:
http://searchbyinseam.com/MeasureMyInseam
We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first-year membership.
https://go.nationalsewingcircle.com/C13999
Cheers,
Ashley
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
I needed help and this instruction was perfect! Is their video or instruction for pajama tops and sleeveless arm? And no collar, just scoop neck??
I cannot download the pattern. Can you help?
Dear Linda,
Thank you for contacting us. Please follow the instructions to download the pattern.
-Click on the Download the Pattern tab under the SUPPLIES NEEDED
-This will take you to the video
-Under the video is the description
-In the description there will be a link to click to download the pattern
-Click on the link in the description and let the pattern download to your computer
I hope this helps! If you have any other questions, please contact us at 1-855-208-7187 or chat us on our website.
Sincerely,
Taylar
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
Hi. Trying to print out pattern. Is it for letter or A4? Is it possible to put a sized reference square in it please so that I can check it’s the right size print? Thanks.
I am having to purchase a non metric tape measure from UK as we are all metric. No problem as my cutting area has been taken over. We also use A4 paper so that could make a huge difference. Can you give a reference so we know we are using the correct settings. Thanks.
I have had a sheet of the pattern printed out for me on a US printer and then compared it to an A4 printer sheet (same page). Neither printer could be assessed for accuracy as you have not put a standard 4″ square for adjustment. The difference in sizing on page one is 1/2″ in width and 3/4 in length. That is probably wrong (as no checking available BUT it does mean that non USA users will get a badly sized pattern). I will have to print it out and then compare my measurements carefully. I don’t have a cutting table to use at the moment so it will have to wait but a warning to anyone using any PDF pattern who does not have a US printer.
Thank you for the pattern. I’ve made pjs for years, but I like to do the inside seams on legs & center “crotch’ seams before the outer leg seams. I find it easier to manipulate on the machine. I also like elastic waist, but put it with a drawstring, using only half of the elastic normally called for (1″ non-roll elastic) & on the ends attach 1” wide grosgrain ribbon for ties. I add a buttonhole at the center-front, on top of the seam allowance (this makes for a reinforced hole & stitches down the seam allowance, to make it easier to thread ribbon through). You normally would put it below the fold-line for the waist, showing on the front, but some like the drawstrings on the inside – your choice. Anchor at the back seam, as the instructions stated, but not sewn into the seam (I thread through the casing after it is constructed. I put fray check on the ribbon ends, to keep from unraveling. The contrasting cuff is a cute option.
)
That’s the way I see PJ pants Front and back seams first and pockets before anything! Sew pocket and top stitch on outside makes it easier. I just use an old pair of pajama bottoms that fit well . Cut off for shorts in summer with contrast on bottom.!!too cute
I have been wanting to make matching pajamas for Christmas and this is the perfect pattern to pair up with a t-shirt. Thanks for the pattern!!
Sew each leg seam “from the crotch to the bottom” so you do not stretch the bias near the crotch. Directional stitching is “from the widest to the narrowest”.
For pajama pants I like to add a side pocket in the right side seam, it makes it easier to identify the front from the back when I pull them out of the drawer.
I use a small piece of ribbon or woven tape, folded, and add it to the centre back seam (i.e. the horizontal waistband seam) to identify the back. If you make the loop large enough, it could be used to hang the pants too.
Looking forward to making this. Is the pattern designed for letter size paper. We work on A4 here in the UK. Is it possible to print a check test square please? Thanks
NEVER MADE ANY THING RIGHT YET !!!!
My first time to the site and I’m loving everything I see. I haven’t sewn anything for the past few years. What type fabric should I use for the PJ’s? I guess the most forgiving and ease of sewing.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
Winter – I’d use a light weight flannel
Thank you for the pajama pattern, I am soon to sew up a few sets for myself, thank you for the quick course
Pagama pants pattern please!!
I cannot understand how to put the paper pattern together/ are the noses of the arrows supposed to touch and are the lines supposed to link to each other and do I just cut off the broken lines
her
I really like ideas..New sewer must be given all details….you can’t assume that we know.Like how to serge…( give the setting on the machine etc.) I very new to sewing, and I need everything in detail. (Very simple details)! thanks.
I love sewing.I want to learn
I think each pattern should have the web page information on it so that we can continue to come back here to do it again. I might not get around to making it for months and then won’t be able to remember which pattern it was. It shouldn’t be hard to add inside the pattern somewhere the name of the pattern and the whole web address to get back to this page.
I would to learn free hand cutting at a later stage, I have used a pattern for a long time for pants, dresses and tops.
I’m about to start on these but the pattern pieces look huge based on the measurements suggested. For example Large says a waist of 29 – 32″ but the actually pattern waist seems to measure around 48″ which of course would be huge.
Want a proofreader? Step 3 should be match.
Hello Tina, thank you for pointed out this error, we have passed it along to the proper department to be fixed.
Is it possible to have the option at the end to print a PDF on the how-to instructions?
Hello Lorraine,
We appreciate your feedback and it has been forwarded to the proper department. Your comments are important to us and help with the development of new programs and offers. We will continue to listen and work hard for your complete satisfaction.
Thanks,
Becky NSC Video Membership
If you put “Print Friendly ” onto your browser as an extension, you can then download the instructions as a PDF.
Thank you! That is exactly what I was thinking to sew but I did not have a pattern.
When I print the written instructions for the pattern, some parts are left out. For example, part of the Printing Pattern Directions does not print. Also, Steps 12, 15 and 16 are left out. The pattern states the seam allowance is 1/2″, but in one of your customer service answers, you say 5/8″. I really want to enjoy this pattern – hope you can help me.
Hello Sharon,
The printing issue is a setting within your printer. Please try adjusting your printer settings and try printing again.
Thanks
Becky NSC Video Membership
Becky, Thanks for the printing info; I got it to print correctly. Can you verify the correct seam allowance? Thanks!
Hi!
Yes, thank you for pointing this out! It is a 1/2″ seam allowance that should be used. I am simply used to always saying 5/8″ seam allowance when it comes to garment construction. I apologize for any confusion- and again, thank you for bringing this to my attention.
Cheers!
Ashley
So, 1/2″ or 5/8″?
Hi,
1/2″
Sorry for any confusion created by my original wrong answer!
Cheers,
Ashley
Just wondering can this be made out of fleece. And put elastic in ankles to make as sweat pants?
Hi,
Yes, you can absolutely do that- and that sounds like a wonderfully cozy idea!
Cheers,
Ashley
Could you save a step by sewing the contrasting cuff on by folding it in half after making the seam in step 16 and 17 and sewing through all three layers at once (pant leg and both layers of the cuff)? This would eliminate the need for turning up the cuff and sewing as shown in step 23. I think I’ll try it that way. Thanks for the pattern and instructions. Looks like a fun project.
Hi,
Yes you could definitely do the stitching as you just described. The main reason why the cuff was not originally constructed like that is due to us wanting to attach the cuff to the pant leg using a construction stitch of 2.5 and then once it is folded and pinned in place the stitching done to hold it (that is seen on the outside of the pant leg) is a longer stitch length of 3.5. If you do decide to attach the cuff as you described, I would do the stitching using a construction stitch length and just be extra careful that I am stitching in a straight line.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Ashley
unable to download Pajama Pants Pattern!
Hi Jaya,
We are sorry to hear you are having issues downloading this pattern. Please check your e-mail, we have sent you an alternative link.
Thank you,
Hallie NSC Video Membership
Thanks for the pj’s!!
Good
Excellent video. I should have watched it first. ½”
What is the seam allowance? I did’t see it mentioned.
Hello Patricia,
A 5/8″ seam allowance should be used with this pattern.
Cheers,
Ashley NSC Video Membership
Correction! I meant to say that a 1/2″ seam allowance should be used. Sorry for any confusion!
I would like to add side pockets
Hello Joan,
The easiest way to do it is to add the pockets right at the seam. Here is a great tutorial on how to do this (the photos show a skirt but it is the same idea for pants as well, as they discuss).
http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2013/03/adding-hidden-side-pockets-to-anything-skirt-pants-shorts-etc.html
Cheers,
Ashley
Hello Joan,
The easiest way to do it is to add the pockets right at the seam. Here is a great tutorial on how to do this (the photos show a skirt but it is the same idea for pants as well, as they discuss).
http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2013/03/adding-hidden-side-pockets-to-anything-skirt-pants-shorts-etc.html
Cheers,
Ashley NSC Video Membership
Wrong link provided
Dear Rene,
Thank you for contacting us. What link is not working for you? We have tested the links successfully.
Sincerely,
Taylar
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
I love to watch videos of your every project
I am a beginner sewer and love your site.
How to adjust for large women sizes? 1x, 3x etc.
This was a great help as I used a pair of my pajama’s to draft a pattern from but I found this video very helpful in what steps to make when sewing them up. Thank you
Excellent instruction! I Would like to add two or three ruffles to the bottom what is your suggestion?
The pattern must it be printed on A4?
Great! But I would like to learn to draft the pattern to my own measurements. Thanks