Pajama Pants Tutorial

  My little girl was in need of some more jammies..cozy warm jammies.  It is still quite cold outside and there are times when spring seems so far away.  As I was looking around in my kids closet I found an old flannel receiving blanket.  It must have missed the baby girl box some how. As I looked at the flannel blanket, I thought FABRIC!  Great for those warm PJ's! Plus they make soft jammies that are instantly broken in. If you are ever in need of fabric and want to be thrifty..look around your house..You would be surprised at what you can find and use.  Re- Purpose! Here is an old pioneer saying:
                                         

                                              USE IT UP, WEAR IT OUT, 

                                           MAKE DO OR DO WITHOUT!

Supplies needed: Old blanket, Scissors, Thread, Sewing Machine, Iron, 3/4" Elastic (or other size)
 1. Fold the blanket so you can cut out 2 legs.  I made a quick sketch of what a leg would look like. You can also get a pair of pants to use as a pattern. I used a pair of pants for length. Cut out two legs on the folds. Note: Measure were you want the waist to fall and add extra length at the waist (approx. 1 1/4") because of the casing that will be made. Also remember 1/2" seam allowance on the legs. I didn't need to hem the bottom of legs because I cut the leg out with the bottom at the hemmed edge of blanket. Be sure to cut extra at the curve to make sure those legs can move.

2. With right sides together sew the inseam of legs 1/2" from edge. Stop when you get to the center. Serge edges or zigzag the edges to help eliminate fraying.  My serger is having problems so I did a zigzag. Iron the seams flat.

3. Pin the 2 legs together at the waists down to the center. Sew from one side of the waist, down to center, back up to the other side of the waist. Zigzag those edges.

4. Cut a piece of elastic the size you want the waist to be plus approx 1" for seam. If using other than 3/4" elastic you may have to change the length you fold over for the casing. With wrong side out, fold the top of pants 1/4" all the way around. Iron it down. Then fold it down 1" and iron. Sew the casing all the way around about 1/8" from edge. Remember to stop when you get near the beginning about 1"-1 1/2"..leaving an opening to pull elastic through. Remember to back stitch.

 

 5. Pull the elastic through. Put safety pins on both ends of elastic. Pin one end of elastic to the pants next to the casing. Push and pull the other end through until you can pull it out the opening.  Pull elastic out a little so it can be sewn together. Overlap the elastic about 1"-1 1/2". Sew the elastic together..sew a box with an x. Put elastic back in the casing. Sew the casing closed. Remember to back stitch.

Before you do away with those old baby blankets..Use them! 

They make good and soft JAMMIES!