Free Unisex Sweatpants Pattern

Inside: Sewing for Children is my favorite thing. Check out this free unisex sweatpants pattern that will give you a free pattern as well as a tutorial for how to sew sweatpants.

***UPDATED 1/22***

I love making patterns for my kids… I usually take a piece of clothing we already own and then try and recreate it myself. Today’s free unisex sweatpants pattern is one of those items. My husband has a pair of well loved sweats, with pockets… so I created a mini pair for my son, then decided it would also work for girls… So this pattern is great for girls and boys, has two pocket options and three finishes for the bottom of the pants. This pattern is newly updated with all new sizes, video and pocket options.

Join the LifeSew Savory Pattern Group for support on this pattern!

Unisex sweatpants sewing pattern –

The video in this post has a little intro and also a full walk through tutorial of the side pockets AND waistband. I think these are the two aspects of this sewing pattern that might be tricky, so this video should help. If you can’t see it please disable your AD blocker OR try a different web browser.

Here is one photo from the original post… I made these pants many many years ago for my son and his friend. These two were best friends from the time they were born until they were about 6 and we moved away. I love seeing how cute and tiny they were.

ok! So now let’s take a look at the new photos and how cute all my kiddos look in their new sweatpants. Sewing for my kids makes me happy and I also love when they wear what I sew! All three of them said they would wear these pants, and that makes my sewing heart happy.

I think the sweatpants look great with both the elastic and band bottom, but I’m also including the option for a hem, because my middle child asked for that. These pants are made to fit loose in the crotch { I really don’t love that word, but how else do you describe this area? if you have a better word, I’ll change it!} They are also made to be full throughout the legs. The length should be on the long side to keep the loose look.

You can adjust the style and fit of these pants as you desire, but I’m giving you a very basic sewing pattern for kids sweatpants that you can adjust or restyle to fit your needs. It comes it a wide range of sizes now so hopefully this can work for your kids.

Here they are showing the pocket option. There is no side seam, so this was my first time with no seam pockets, but it went well, so if you have basic sewing skills, I’m sure you will be able to follow my tutorial, otherwise… just leave off the pockets! The update also as a template for the outside pocket option as shown on the striped pants.

Looking for other pants styles? Here are a few other options that I have developed over the years.

Classic Leggings – Slim Fit Athletic Pants – Loose Fit Athletic Pants

DIY sweatpants pattern

 Okay, on to the free pattern! You can download the Free Unisex Sweatpants Pattern here from my shop using the button below.

After you download and tape it together, it should look like this:

NOTE: when I printed this pattern there were a few extra lines on page one. I can’t find them anywhere on the digital version or my design software to delete. Please just cross out if this happens to you.

When you print, {always print at 100%, or actual size}.

You can always make it shorter or longer by just adjusting the leg length.. I would go by waist measurement for size. This chart is also on the pattern pieces.

How to make Sweatpants –

 These sweats make great kids playwear or could even be Pjs… I think my son with the hemmed ankles look kind of like pjs.

Ok, let’s get started! {all seams are 3/8″ unless otherwise stated} Sew all seams with a stretch stitch or serger. Pockets, waistband and hem can be sewn with a straight stitch.

Use 1″ elastic for the waist and 1/2″ elastic for the ankles. . Measure waist and ankles of your child to determine the size.

I like to measure my kids low waist and then also measure from that waist spot down the outside of the leg to the ankle bone. The outside leg is better for these loose pants to determine leg length.

Supplies needed:

• 1 or 1. yards Sweatshirt fleece {mine is from Raspberry Creek Fabrics} This fabric is unbelievable soft on the inside!
  • French Terry Fabric would also work well for this pattern.
• Elastic
• optional ribbing for cuffs

How to Sew Kids Sweatpants –

Make a few decisions as you cut out your fabric. What type of pocket? No pocket? Decide on elastic or banded bottom. If using the cuff, start here by cutting off 2″ from the pant leg if you didn’t already.

If you are adding a cuff, take the band piece and fold in half as show in the picture. Stretch and pin along the bottom edge of pants, with right sides together and sew.

It should look like this from the right side. If you are adding elastic of hem, just leave the leg for now. I like to sew the cuffs on now as it’s easier to really stretch the fabric. You can also sew in a circle later… see my post here on cuffs.

For the side pockets version we will now add the pockets. Skip ahead for front pockets or no pockets.

For the side pockets copy the markings from the pocket pattern piece as shown below. These lines are the pocket opening. You can also refer to the post video for pocket tutorial details and a visual walk through of all these next steps.

Sew all around the pocket leaving it open between the marks and on the top… I used a narrow seam allowance for the pockets.

Fold the front side of the pants towards the top, but leave the back side extending one inch. This will make sure the back is wider than the front and the pockets aren’t too far back.

I like to refold so that the right side of the fabric is out. See the pin from above step. Use a ruler to line up the pocket 2″ from the top of the pants. I’ve shown this below. The top of the pocket should be 2″ below the top of the pants. Cut a 1/4″ slit at the top and bottom of the pocket opening. This is also the location you copied from the pocket pattern.

Use the pocket markings and small cuts to cut an opening in the side, try to make it as exact as possible. It should be a straight line with the small slits on either end.

With right sides together, pin the pocket and pants together. Sew in a circle around the edge. You can just use a straight stitch to sew this part.

Make sure that you caught both layers of fabric all the way around the pocket.

Push the pocket inside the pants with the right side of the pants towards you. You can top-stitch or understitch the pocket seam allowance to hold it in place. Pin the top of the pocket towards the FRONT of the pants.

For the outside front pockets cut two of the template on the fold. Sew the top and bottom curved edge leaving the top small side for turning. Turn the pocket right side out and press.

Also press in the top opening seam allowance. Place the two pants pieces side by side with the front curved edge towards each other. Fold over the top 1.25″ to show where waist band will be. Place the long curved side of the pocket towards the center and the flat side towards the side. Pin in place and top-stitch to pants. Line up both pockets evenly on the fabric. Do not stitch the small curved opening {this is where the hand goes in.} Open up the top fold and proceed to next step.

Now we will place the two pants pieces together and sew the front and back curved seams.

Open up the legs and with right sides together, sew the inseam of the pants together.

Fold the waistband casing over 1.25″. Be sure to catch the top of the pocket under the waistband. Sew around the waistband, leaving 2″ gap in the back for threading the elastic. Measure your childs’ waist to cut the elastic. Stitch closed the opening you used the thread the elastic.

I like to add one more row of top-stitching down the middle of the elastic. I do this with a long {3.0} straight stitch. Stretch the fabric as you sew. No puckers in the fabric from sewing. This will also keep the elastic from twisting.

If you plan to use elastic in the legs, not is the time to fold over .75″ on the bottom of the pant leg and sew around. leave an opening to thread the elastic, just like the waist. Measure your childs’ ankle and add 2″, you don’t want it too tight.  Thread the elastic, and sew together, then close the opening.

Here are the three ankle finishes.

Here’s another link to the free unisex sweatpants pattern if you need to download it. Please e-mail me or leave a comment if you have any questions at all, I’m happy to help!

And a few outtakes… The boys were trying to keep Rose down… she cannot be contained.