Reduce/Reuse/Recycle: Pajama Pants from Bed Sheets!

Pajama Pants from Sheets

A couple of years ago making pajama pants from a pillowcase was all the rage on Pinterest.  I LOVED the idea and used several old pillowcases to make pants for my son.

He's taller now and a pillow case won't work.  I've updated that old idea and now I'm making him pj's from sheets!

The beauty of this project is that you can start with almost any sheet.  I'll post tips for choosing the best sheet at the end of this blog entry.

Standard Twin Size  Flat Sheet

This sewing project is fast and easy.  Experienced sewers can complete this project in less than 30 minutes.

For this project you will need:

1 Twin Size Flat Sheet (Makes 2-4 pairs of pants depending on size)
Thread
3/4" elastic
1 large safety pin
scissors
1 pair of pants (this will be your pattern)
A large flat work surface would be great.  You could use the floor
Marker (optional)
Pins (options)

FIND PANTS FOR A PATTERN

First identify a pair of pants that currently fit well.  My son is a size 10 slim.  I used a pair of his jeans.

Sewing Tip: Use pants that currently fit and are comfortable.

Jeans to use a a pattern

Fold the sheet in half.  Now fold the pants in half with the legs together.

Fold the pants in half with the legs together

Lay the folded pants on the folded sheet.

CUTTING OUT THE PANTS:

Lay the pants on the folded sheet.

Leave space around all sides of the pants

Make sure there is space around all sides on the pants.  You don't want the pants on the edge of the sheet.

IMPORTANT TIP:  The top of the pants should be square.  In the picture below, the pants go in at the waist.  Cut the fabric square as pictured.

Cut square at the waist.

Trace around the pants leaving at least 1" around all sides.  OR, cut around the pants leaving at least 1" around all sides.  (I didn't trace, I just cut).  If you're a beginning, trace an outline of the pants, then cut the fabric.

IMPORTANT TIP:  If you plan to hem the pants leave 2-3" at the bottom for hemming.

Cut extra length if you want to hem the pants

Cut 4 pant pieces that look like this.

You'll need 4 pieces that look like this.

SEWING THE PANTS

Take the first 2 pant pieces and sew the long sides together (as pictured).    Then sew the short sides together.

Sew the long sides together.
Then sew the short sides together.

Repeat this step on the 2 remaining pant pieces.

Now turn the pants right side out.  The completed pieces should look like this.

2 sewn pant legs

Sewing tip:  I only have sons and they DESTROY all things!  To make sure that my seams are extra strong I double or triple sew all seams in their clothes.  This is an optional step, but it may well save sewing repairs later.  

I sew each seam twice and then do a zigzag stitch on the edge.  

Triple Sewn Seam

Now it's time to sew the crotch seam.

With the right sides out, pin and sew the 2 legs together.  Make sure to match up the inseams.  Even if you don't double or triple sew all of seams, the inseam (crotch seam) should ALWAYS be double sewn.

Double sew the crotch seam

CREATING THE WAISTBAND

To reduce fraying, zigzag stitch the top edge of the waistband.

Turn the pants inside out and fold down the waist band.  Make sure the fold is large enough to accommodate the elastic.

Fold pants to create a waist band

I like a top and bottom seam on a waistband.  That is a matter of personal preference.  Make sure to leave an opening to install the elastic.

Leave an opening for the elastic.

Measure elastic around the child's waist.  Clip a large safety pin to 1 end of the elastic and thread it through.

Thread the elastic through

After you thread the elastic through the waistband sew the ends of the elastic together.

Stitch the elastic together.

Sew the opening closed.

HEMMING THE PANTS

I have a dirty little secret.  I don't really hem pajamas unless I really have to.  Instead I just do a zigzag stitch around the bottom edges of the pants.  Depending on the fabric I might zigzag over the edge 2-3 times.

Double zigzag edge instead of a hem

THAT'S IT!  You're all done!

Brand New Pants!!!!

My son LOVES these pants!

He's a long lean kid.  1 Twin size flat sheet makes 3 pairs of pants!!!

PRO TIPS:
How to choose the right sheets

*  If you're using an old sheet, make sure that it's not too worn.  Flat sheets tend not to get too worn out.  Fitted sheets are usually worn in the middle.

*  If you're buying a new sheet try and feel the fabric before you buy.  The silkier the fabric the better.  My son likes brushed cotton.

*  Don't use thin sheets.  Thin sheets are cheaper to buy but they rip and/or get worn out quickly.  It's worth it to spend a little more if you're buying new.

Click HERE for more Sewing Tutorials from Kathy.

This post is courtesy of Mocha Kathy W.

Click HERE for more Crafty ideas from the Mocha Moms.