Want to sew something comfortable, practical and pretty difficult to stop making once you’ve started? Learning how to sew pajama pants is a great way to get into sewing your own clothes while making something you’ll actually use.
You can make lightweight cotton PJs for warmer nights, cozy flannel pajama pants for winter or matching pairs for the whole family. And because pajama pants are supposed to be comfortable and relaxed, you don’t have to worry about the precise fitting you’d encounter with a pair of tailored pants or jeans.
Our Unisex Pajama Pants sewing pattern gives you the pattern pieces and instructions you need, while our Pajama Pants video tutorial lets you watch the construction process as you sew.
Below, we’ll show you how to sew a pair of pajama pants step by step, from choosing your fabric and sewing the pockets to adding the elastic waist and finishing those hems.
How to sew pajama pants for beginners
If you’re learning how to sew pajama pants for beginners, a simple pull-on pattern is a very nice place to start.
The relaxed fit gives you plenty of room for comfort and movement without requiring the precise fitting of more tailored pants. An elastic waist also keeps things manageable because there’s no zipper fly, fitted waistband or complicated closure to worry about.
That doesn’t mean you won’t learn anything!
You’ll still practice plenty of useful garment-sewing skills, including cutting pattern pieces, sewing seams, constructing pockets, joining pant legs, making a waistband, inserting elastic and hemming.
If this is one of your first garment projects, read through the pattern instructions before cutting anything. You don’t need to memorize them. Just get an idea of what’s coming and where the different pieces fit into the process.
You can also browse our easy sewing patterns when you're ready for more beginner-friendly projects.
What you need to sew pajama pants
Before you start, check the requirements for your particular sewing pattern.
For a typical pair of pajama pants, you’ll need:
- A pajama pants sewing pattern
- Fabric suitable for sleepwear
- Waistband elastic
- Coordinating thread
- A sewing machine
- Fabric scissors or a rotary cutter
- Pins or sewing clips
- Measuring tape
- An iron and ironing board
If you’re planning to use stripes, plaid or another print you want to match across the seams, you may need some extra fabric.
Better to discover that before cutting than halfway through your second pant leg.
Choosing fabric for pajama pants
Comfort is the main priority here. They are pajamas, after all.
Think about when you plan to wear them, how warm you want them to be and whether you prefer something crisp and lightweight or soft and cozy.
Always check the fabric recommendations for your chosen sewing pattern too. The fabric still needs the right amount of stability and movement for the design, even if you’re only planning to wear the finished pants between the sofa and your bed.
How to sew cotton pajama pants
If you’re wondering how to sew cotton pajama pants, start with a woven cotton that meets the fabric recommendations for your pattern.
Cotton is a great option for pajamas because there are so many colors and prints to choose from. Go classic, choose something ridiculous, make matching family pajamas – this is one garment where you can have quite a bit of fun with the fabric.
Many woven cotton fabrics are also relatively stable under the sewing machine, which can make cutting, pinning and stitching easier when you’re still developing your skills.
Remember to wash and dry the fabric before cutting so any initial shrinkage happens before you spend several hours turning it into pajama pants.
How to sew flannel pajama pants
The process of how to sew flannel pajama pants is largely the same, but flannel needs a little extra preparation.
Wash and dry it before you begin because it may shrink. You may also notice more lint and fraying than with some other woven fabrics, so keep those cut edges under control and use the seam finish recommended by your pattern.
Using plaid flannel?
Take a little time before cutting to look at where the prominent horizontal and vertical lines will meet.
You don’t necessarily need every single line to match perfectly (these are pajamas, not an exam!) but paying attention to the most visible seams can make the finished pair look much neater.
And if you do want to pattern-match, remember to allow extra fabric.
How to sew a pair of pajama pants step by step
Ready to actually make them?
Use the following steps as a general overview alongside the instructions included with your pajama pants sewing pattern.
Step 1: Cut your pajama pants pieces
Arrange your pattern pieces according to the cutting layout and check the grainline before you cut.
If you’re using patterned fabric, take an extra look at the direction of the print.
Cats, Christmas trees, flowers or anything else with a clear top and bottom look very different when one pant leg ends up upside down.
Unless that’s the look you’re going for, of course.
Transfer the notches, pocket positions and any other construction markings you’ll need later.
Step 2: Get the pieces ready for sewing
Separate the front and back pieces so you can easily tell which is which.
Complete any preparation your pattern calls for at this stage, such as finishing selected edges or preparing your pocket pieces.
It might seem unnecessary when everything looks obvious laid out in front of you.
Five minutes later, when you're holding two almost-identical pieces and wondering whether you’ve somehow sewn two left legs, you may feel differently.
Keeping everything organized now makes the next steps much easier.
Step 3: Sew the pockets
Pajamas need pockets too. If your pattern includes them, position the pocket pieces according to the markings on the front and back pieces.
For inseam pockets, stitch the pocket pieces in place and check that the openings sit at the same height on both sides. You’ll complete the pocket bags when joining the relevant side seams.
We’ll look more closely at how to sew pockets into pajama pants below.
Step 4: Construct the legs
Match each front piece with its corresponding back piece, keeping the right sides of the fabric together.
Sew the required side seams and inseams, following the order and seam allowance specified by your pattern.
If you have inseam pockets, you’ll sew around the pocket bags as part of the relevant side seams.
Finish the raw edges using a method suitable for your fabric and give those seams a press.
Step 5: Join the pajama pants at the rise
Now things start looking like actual pants.
Turn one completed leg right side out while leaving the other wrong side out. Slide the right-side-out leg inside the other and match the crotch and rise.
It may look slightly strange. That’s okay. Sewing pants has its moments.
Pin carefully, check that the relevant seams meet and stitch the rise using the seam allowance specified by your pattern.
Turn everything right side out afterward and, yes, those really are pajama pants taking shape.
Step 6: Create the waistband
Your pattern may use a separate waistband or create a casing from the upper edge of the pants.
Prepare yours according to the instructions and press any folds before stitching. Take your time around the waist so you create an even casing with enough space for the elastic to pass through comfortably.
Which brings us to...
Step 7: How to sew elastic into pajama pants
Learning how to sew elastic into pajama pants is what turns that waistband into a comfortable pull-on fit.
Start by cutting your elastic to the measurement specified by your pattern.
Leave the required opening in the casing and attach a safety pin or bodkin to one end of the elastic. Feed it through the waistband while keeping hold of the other end.
And keep checking as you go. Elastic has a remarkable ability to twist inside a casing the moment you stop paying attention to it.
Once both ends meet, make sure the elastic is lying flat, test the waistband and join the ends securely according to your pattern instructions. Distribute the gathers evenly around the waist and close the opening in the casing.
Almost done!
Step 8: Finish the pajama pants
Try on your pajama pants before hemming so you can check the length.
Prepare each hem according to your pattern and press it into place before stitching. Compare the two legs before finishing to make sure the hems sit evenly. Then give everything a final press.
Congratulations – you have pajama pants!
Whether you immediately decide you need another pair in a completely different fabric is between you and your fabric stash.
How to sew pajama pants with pockets
If you specifically want to learn how to sew pajama pants with pockets, choosing a pattern that already includes them makes life much easier.
You’ll have the correct pocket shape and placement markings from the beginning rather than having to work out where they should go yourself.
Our Pajama Pants pattern includes pockets, so you can position them using the markings provided on the pattern pieces.
When learning how to sew pockets into pajama pants, you’ll most commonly come across inseam or patch pockets. Inseam pockets are tucked neatly into the side seams, while patch pockets are sewn onto the outside of the garment and can become more of a visible design feature.
For inseam pockets, attach the pocket pieces at the marked positions before joining the front and back pieces. When you sew the side seam, continue around the pocket bag before returning to the leg seam.
If you’re adding pockets to a pattern that doesn’t already include them, think about how you’ll actually use the finished pajamas before deciding on their position.
You want to be able to comfortably put your hand in the pocket without it interfering with the waistband or sitting halfway down your thigh.
How to sew children’s pajama pants
The basic process for how to sew children’s pajama pants is much the same as sewing an adult pair, but you should use a pattern drafted specifically for children’s proportions and sizing.
Our Pajama Pants sewing pattern for children is designed for ages 3-12Y and follows the same general fit and sewing approach as our Unisex Pajama Pants.
Which means, yes, matching family pajamas are absolutely an option!
Choose comfortable fabrics appropriate for sleepwear and follow any applicable fabric and garment safety requirements when sewing for children.
You can also browse our kids’ sewing patterns for more projects designed specifically for children.
Make a matching pajama set
Once you’ve made the pants, why stop there? A handmade T-shirt is an easy way to turn them into a complete pajama set.
You can follow our Classic T-shirt video tutorial for help with the sewing process or browse our top sewing patterns for styles to pair with your pajama pants.
Choose coordinating fabrics for a classic matching set or mix different colors and prints.
They’re pajamas. You’re allowed to have some fun.
Sew pajama pants for the whole family
Once you know how to sew pajama pants, you can use the same core skills again and again in different sizes, fabrics and prints.
Make breathable cotton pajama pants for warmer weather, cozy flannel versions for winter or matching sets as handmade gifts. It’s a relatively simple project, but you still get to practice genuinely useful garment-construction techniques – and there’s plenty of room to make each pair your own.
Follow our Pajama Pants video tutorial while you sew, and visit the Wardrobe By Me YouTube channel for more sewing tutorials and sew-alongs.
Ready for another project? Browse our pants and shorts sewing patterns or explore all Wardrobe By Me PDF sewing patterns.
Frequently asked questions about sewing pajama pants
Are pajama pants easy to sew for beginners?
Yes. Simple pull-on pajama pants can be a great beginner garment because you don't need to tackle a zipper or fitted waistband. You’ll still practice useful sewing skills such as constructing seams, joining pant legs, inserting elastic and hemming, but within a relatively straightforward garment.
What is the best fabric for pajama pants?
It depends on your sewing pattern, the season and how you want the finished pajamas to feel. Woven cotton is a versatile option for lightweight pajama pants, while flannel is soft and cozy for colder weather. Always check the fabric recommendations included with your pattern before choosing your material.
How much fabric do I need to sew pajama pants?
The amount depends on your pattern size, fabric width and the length of the pants. Use the fabric requirements provided with your sewing pattern rather than trying to estimate the yardage yourself. You may also need additional fabric if you want to match plaid, stripes or other directional prints.
Can I add pockets to pajama pants?
Absolutely. If your pajama pants pattern already includes pockets, use the supplied pattern pieces and placement markings. Inseam and patch pockets are both practical options. If you’re adding pockets to a pattern that doesn't include them, pay attention to both size and placement so they’re actually comfortable to use.
Should I prewash fabric before sewing pajama pants?
In most cases, yes. Wash and dry your fabric before cutting using the same method you expect to use for the finished garment. This is particularly useful for cotton and flannel, which may shrink after washing.
