This quick sew pajama project was part of my decision to get rid of some jersey scraps I have had for months. They were nice quality jersey fabric and came together really quickly.  I do not like throwing things away as I feel I have paid good money for it. Pyjama’s are always useful and make nice gifts for grandchildren as well as useful for yourself. I made three tee shirts, one sleep shirt and a pair of shorts. It took me about an hour and a half to cut them out. I put them together the next day and it took me a full afternoon. If you want to use up some of your scraps in a quick sew pajama project then read on…

How big do your scraps of jersey fabric need to be to sew pajama’s?

I used the bigger left over scraps. You do not have to make tops in the same colour only a similar weight and type of fabric. You can use different colours for the front and back of the top any up to 4 different colours for the shorts. I have also made these by just sewing scraps together using an overlock stitch to make a whole new patchwork fabric.

  

What type of jersey fabric is best for this quick sew pajama project?

Single knit or double knit jersey fabric is very nice to use for this project as they are light and drapey. You can make these pajamas from a thicker fabric like French Terry.

•  Single jersey

  This is a jersey-knit fabric which weighs less than 140g per square meter.  Single jersey  has one flat side and one piled side Just like stocking stitch knitting it has a plain side and a purl side. It often curls at the edges due to it’s weight and the knit.

• Double knit or Interlock jersey

  Double jersey, also known as interlock jersey, features two sides of jersey fabric attached along their piled sides. The fabric does not have a plain side and purl side, both sides are the same. Since it has double the thickness of single jersey, it is more insulative and durable. I does not curl on the edges.

 

     

What patterns are best for quick sew pajama’s?

• I used a very simple t shirt pattern with sleeve “grown on” to the front and back panels. This meant I just had to sew it together, no sleeve fitting.
• For the pants, I used a simple elastic waist pants and made them into shorts. A long pants may be nice for the Winter.
• For the sleep shirt, I extended the top pattern to make it longer. Just ensure you make it wider as you extend as you need more room to move around your hips.
• I used the sewing pattern which I downloaded from the lovely Threads website. See the free Downloads links below. You can subscribe to get their weekly free pattern downloads. Most are suitable for beginners.

TOP TIP:  you can use other fabrics to sew quick pajama’s. Brushed cotton and French Terry make nice pants to go with a jersey top.

Download Free online patterns which can be used for pajama’s tops or for leisure wear as there are free t-shirt patterns as well as shirt patterns.

Download Free online patterns for pajama pants

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What stitches and needles are best for sewing quick sew pajamas in jersey fabrics?

• Always use a new needle for your project. See my blog on needles if you are a beginner.
• Make sure to try sewing on a scrap using your chosen stitch before you sew the main project.
• You don’t always have to use the set stretch stitches on your machine. A simple zigzag set to length 2.5 and width 0.5 to 1 will give you a good stitch which allows for stretch. This is my go to stitch as it has a good finish. See how I make the top neckline and pants elastic.
• Use Ballpoint or Stretch Needles. Using a ballpoint or stretch needle, makes sure the stitches go through the fabric cleanly without ripping the fabric.
• Don’t pull or stretch the fabric as you sew. Rather use a walking foot if you are a beginner as it feeds the fabric through evenly and does not stretch it out of shape.
• To finish or top stitch you can use a double needle or simply sew two rows of stitching 5mm apart.

 

 

Quick sew pajama’s are a good batch sewing project.

This is a good project for sewing pajama in batches for yourself or for the whole family in different sizes.

Preparation:

Always wash your fabric first. This stops it from shrinking in the first wash. If you intend the pajamas to be tumbled dried the make sure that is how you dry the fabric before you cut it out.

Cutting out:

I generally cut out one day, making mounds of pieces that fit one garment to keep the sizes or colour choices together. I sew on a different day. It is your choice.

• Make sure you have the right size and all the relevant pattern pieces.
• Your fabric should be nice and smooth after a wash, if not lightly iron it so that there are no rumples or creases.
• When laying you fabric out make sure the grain is straight and try get the best out of the scraps.
• Lay the patterns flat on the fabric when cutting out, pin or use pattern weights, as it can move about when cutting out.
• Keep enough fabric that is long enough for binding the neckline.

Batch sewing:

This is a personal preference,

1. Sew one set at a time. This is my preference as I just sew one “mound” and move on to the next one.
2. Sew each top or pants first doing each “mound” same seems one after the other.

Caution:  don’t get the sizes muddled up if you are sewing the 2nd method.

 

RESULTS: 

It did not take me long to make quick sew pajama’s. I cut out 3 t shirts, 1 sleep shirt and 1 pair of shorts in about an hour and a half. I spend roughly 5 hours sewing them all together. I did not include pockets as that adds time. I made the all for myself in an XL size from odd bits of jersey fabrics left over from other projects.

 

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