inside: Sew yourself super comfy shorts with this Women’s Pj Shorts Free Pattern. Sew with knit or woven fabric this PJ shorts pattern is perfect for sleep or lounge wear.
I just can’t stop with the free patterns. I’m loving simple-clean styles and they patterns just whip up so easy- I have to share with you! Today I’ve got a Women’s PJ Shorts free pattern and tutorial for you all. I’ve done so many PJ patterns/tutorials for kids, I thought it was time I get in on that action… These PJ shorts come in sizes xxs-xxl and have two leg lengths. I’m still wearing flannel Pjs around here, but dreaming of spring coming soon and being able to wear these.
Have you joined our FB group? It’s a great place to keep up with the free patterns and also get support on using them.
Womens Pj Shorts Free Pattern
You can find the full long leg version of these with my wide leg lounge pants pattern HERE. I love how my two new pairs turned out. One with knit and the other with a vintage sheet {cotton}.
Here you can see the same size shorts sewn with different fabrics for two fun looks! I also added pockets in the cotton version and the waistbands are different heights.
This is a really fun pattern to make with vintage sheets… like my floral pair. You can also find a capri vintage sheet version in this post here.
You can lengthen the pattern if you also want to use these as lounge wear. I personally like the shorter ones for sleeping, but they are a bit short if I’m going to be around other people. Here are the longer ones in action… perfect for relaxing!
Both shorts fit great, but the knit version is a bit roomier. They both are SO comfortable and I think the floral pair would be fun for wearing out and about as well.
I end up wearing comfy shorts a lot when I’m home… reading… relaxing or gardening.
The short ones are cute too! Great for sleeping and hot summer nights.
Which do you prefer? The 3″ inseam or the 6″ inseam?
Want to make you own cute PJ shorts? Let’s get started with the full photo tutorial. As always, let me know if you have any questions! I’m here to help.
Free Pattern Sewing Tutorial –
PJ Shorts Supplies:
- 1 yard of fabric {maybe just over for the largest sizes}. Use lightweight cotton, vintage sheets or knit fabric. LINK to vintage sheets here.
- satin {or satin-like} for the waistband. 1/4 yard is plenty. You can also use the same fabric as the shorts.
- 2″ or 1.5″ wide elastic- enough to go around your hips.
Print your pattern Women’s Pj Shorts free pattern HERE and let’s get started!
Here is the layout guide.
All Seams are sewn at 3/8″- unless otherwise noted.
Cut out your fabric as instructed on the pattern pieces. The waistband piece is a chart on the pattern. Cut waistband according to chart.
NOTE: This is a very fun pattern to make with vintage sheets… just lay the edge of the pattern on the finished sheet edge. If you want shorter shorts, fold the pattern edge up or cut to shorten.
With right sides together sew the two front pieces together at the crotch seam and the two back pieces together at the same place.
{optional side slit directions} Finish the sides of the front and back pieces with a serger or zig zag. DO NOT sew together yet.
If adding pockets do so now. See pocket directions in LONG Pants version OR video tutorial of this post. You can draw your own pocket piece or use the one in the long pants version – print only pages 23/24 of that pattern for pocket piece.
It’s fun to use a different fabric for the pocket. I like how it peaks in the side seam.
Starting at the top of shorts, sew side seams together at 3/8″ seam allowance until you are 3″ from the bottom of the shorts. {sew around pockets if included} Stop sewing and secure.
Sew the inseam with right sides together. Hem the shorts by folding and pressing up 1/4″ then another 1/2″ to finished hem. Sew {you will have openings on both side seams still}
Now you have hemmed the shorts and you still have an opening like this on the sides.
Turn to the inside of shorts and pin the seam allowance over.
Turn to right side and sew around the slit as shown here.
If you don’t want to add the side slit {I didn’t in my short versions} simply sew side seam and them hem the bottom of your shorts or use a pre-hemmed sheet .
Womens Pj Shorts Free Pattern Waistband
The waistband dimensions listed on the pattern pieces are for 2″ wide elastic. You can easily use 1.5″ elastic by removing 1″ of width from the waistband when cutting. The chart is on the printable pattern pieces, but you can also cut with this chart here.
Lay the waistband piece along the top of the shorts to make sure the length is right. Depending on what fabric you are using you may need to shorten the waistband a bit to fit. Sew the short ends together.
Fold the long edges of the waistband together. Match the seam to the back seam of the shorts, then match the other half to the front seam and work between the two to pin the waistband to the shorts.
Sew the waistband to the shorts and leave a 2″ opening at the back of the shorts to thread the elastic.
Sew the ends of the elastic together then pull it into the waistband and sew the opening closed. Stretch the elastic to spread gathers evenly, and stitch on the side seams to secure elastic in place.
And you are done! They are the same except for the length. The more you wear these, the more comfortable they will be! Please let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns!
Here’s one last link to go download the pattern in case you missed the first one. Women’s FREE PJ shorts Pattern LINK.
Other Womens patterns you may enjoy!
The Long pant version of these shorts... with soft knit waistband
Womens classic fitted tee – perfect companion to these shorts.
Chichi says
Wow… Emily, this is beautiful. I’m off to the store to get some cotton fabrics for the two versions. In fact I’d love one that’s a bit longer, and I also love the satin elastic enclosure. Thanks!
Rachel says
Totally going to make these! Love the short short length.
Jemma says
Wonderful tutorial and what cute, cute shorts! These would be perfect for some of my daughters and I think that I really could make them
We would love for you to share this post or any others with us At Thoughts Of Home On Thursday!
Thank you so much,
Jemma
http://www.athomewithjemma.com/2016/03/thoughts-of-home-on-thursday-4.html#.VtrP3Jw4GM8
Frugal Hausfrau says
I need to pull out my machine! I know so many people who would love a pair or two! Thanks for stopping by Throwback Thursday! We can’t wait to see what you’ll have for us next week!
Mollie
Pam says
I really love these shorts. Is there anyway to add pockets to them, especially the longer verion? I definitely am going to make me several pairs of these for summer. Thanks for sharing your pattern.
Yael Smith says
Hi Emily. I’m really REALLY struggling with sewing the elastic onto the waist band. Any advice?
Yael
Martha says
And this is how you do a tutorial!! Awesome awesome awesome!! I’m totally a visual person and have problems following patterns without detailed pics!! Thank you so much! Off I go to download the free pattern. I might get busy tonight making 2 or 10 pairs lol
P.S. I found you through Pinterest and I’m your newest follower 🙂
Pepper says
Well that was a miserable failure. I followed the measurement on the chart rather than the sizes because I’ve learned that patterns are not like modern day clothes….I was wrong. Since I have a 41 inch waist and bicycle quads, I made the XXL. I ended up with a pair of balloon britches. LOL. Your directions were great, Thanks, I may try again tomorrow with the L.
Trisha says
So cool and amazing. I want them.
Sara says
When I download the pattern from Craftsy, it’s missing pages 4, 8 and 12. The first time I thought it was because I did it from my iPad, but I’m having the same trouble with the computer.
Jackie says
Hi, I made a pair of these for myself and they turned out great. I wanted to make a pair now for my daughter but the tutorial seems to be missing. I’m a beginner sewer so I really need the great step by step that you provided. Can it please go back up? Thanks!
Alice says
This looks wonderful! However, I am a little confused on two points:
1. As has been mentioned before, there are three pages in the PDF missing. Is it still possible to construct the pattern without these pages?
2. According to the size chart I would need a size XL for my 48 inch hips. I am usually an American size 10-12 and wear jeans with a 31 inch waist. In another comment I read that someone using the size chart ended up with way too big pants. Would it be better to use the clothing size instead of measurements?
Dara says
I’m also struggling with the pattern, I’m missing the 3 pages. Do you have an image of how the pattern goes together? Can’t wait to give this a go!
Emily says
not missing pieces. They were blank so I just didnt’ include them to save paper.
Liz says
Made these in an in-between length and they’re perfect! I went with a large for a 29″ waist and pant size 12. They fit right off the bat. Thanks for the great tutorial and pattern (it DOES include all the pieces you need; don’t worry about missing pages).
Emily says
Yeah! So glad they worked well for you. I’d love for you to share photos in the fb group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/naptimecreationspatterns/
Virginia Mumford says
Does this pattern need to be trimmed before putting it together? Thank you
Jane says
Hi Emily, I can’t see the instructions for the pockets. Can you help me please? Thank you, Jane. PS. My toile came up true to size ?
yheng says
hi emily i just new to sewing worl w/ o experience just downloaded this pattern with like to try it i just joined already fb group subscribed in your site if i will succeed i will buy pattern too ?
Anel says
Thank you very much for your generous sharing of the free pattern and tutorial. I made two pairs of shorts. The first one from left over fabric from a previous project. (Butterflies) The second pair from a vintage hand embroidered table cloth and silk I bought from a Thrift shop. I am very happy with the results and will email the photos to show you the results.
Sarah says
Hi, loves! Sarah here.These PJS are cute and comfy.I love the pjs sets with long (or short) sleeves and pants.For summer when it’s hot and humid i wear them with the shirt and shorts pj sets (below) to keep cool.