Unisex Pajama Pattern And Tutorial: Part One

unisex pajama pattern

This Unisex Pajama Pattern is part of a new storyboard that I will be sharing with you called “Feelings”.  It's made up of clothes that either match or improve your state-of-mind.  With this pajama pattern, we will be focusing on comfort and warmth.

This is Part 1 of the pajamas in which we make the pajama top.  There will be a subsequent Part 2 where we will make the pajama bottoms to match.

unisex pajama pattern

I decided on this design because it seems like it's cold everywhere (even in Singapore if you can believe it).  It'll be 23 °C (73.4°F) tonight, so I will be leaving the windows and doors wide open 🙂 .  Everyone, including my daughter, seems to be getting the flu too, so why not make things more comfortable with a new pair of PJs?

The key to this pattern is the fabric you choose to use.  Use silk for a luxurious feeling, flannel for winter comfort, or cotton for a Sunday morning breakfast.  I've provided examples of each of these in the fabric recommendations below.

unisex pajama pattern

Another important detail will be the piping on this unisex pajama pattern.  Therefore, I would push this project up to the Intermediate Level of difficulty.  If you are a beginner sewist and still want to make these pajamas, avoid working with the piping and make sure you own a serger.  You may want to wait for the video to come out to help complete this project.  But, by all means, go ahead and push yourself if you want a challenge.  I would never discourage anyone from trying and pushing out of your comfort zone.

unisex pajama pattern

More than a year ago I wrote a tutorial on how to apply piping to a collar the super easy way but I never shared the cape coat pattern with you that was part of the tutorial.  If capes are your thing, do let me know in the comments below and I'll get it ready to release.

adding piping

Read More HERE

The fabric I have used a plaid 100% cotton flannel.  I washed and dried the fabric in the dryer before I started, both to remove some of the fuzz and to shrink the fabric.  I bought 4 1/2 meters because I am planning to make both top and bottom for my son.

unisex pajama pattern

The pattern has no seam allowance so be sure to add the seam allowance according to your level of expertize.  Beginners, please add 3/4 to  5/8″ (1.5cm), Intermediate to Advanced add 1/4″ to 3/8″ (1cm).

unisex pajama pattern

Materials:

  • 2 1/4 yards to 3 yards of crepe de chine, cotton batiste or cotton flannel
  • Piping
  • Thread to match
  • 4 cover buttons or normal buttons of 18mm diameter
  • 1 yard of thin fusible interfacing

Tools:

Fabric Recommendations

Pattern Download

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Download the Pattern

The FREE sewing pattern along with detailed PDF instructions are available on Payhip.

You can download it FREE there or contribute a small price to keep us going.  Your choice.

 

Pattern Layout

unisex pajama pattern

Unisex Pajama Pattern Finished Measurements

  S M L XL 2XL
Chest 43 45 46.5 48 50
Length 30 30.5 31 31.5 32
Sleeve 23 23 23 23 24

Choose your size according to your preference for the amount of ease you want to be able to sleep comfortably.  Add a 1-inch hem allowance to the sleeves and front and back pieces.

How To Sew Your Pajamas

The first thing you need to do is to apply fusible interfacing to these places; one of the collar pieces, the front facings, and two of the four pocket sides. (This bit is optional since these pajamas don't have to have pockets).

Piping is optional in this project. However, piping offers a touch of elegance found in more expensive garments.  The following sewing technique is similar to a factory way of sewing.

Apply Piping To The Collar, Pocket And Front Pieces

There is no easy way to apply piping to a corner, however, I will show you what I think it the best way.  When applying piping to a corner, the corner will have to be left a bit rounded.  The key is to make the corner as small as possible.

Use a ruler to find the pivot point between the seam allowances.  In my case is 3/8″.

Mark the corner of the collar. Pin the edge of the tape on top of the collar.

Sew until the corner, leave the needle down and pivot the corner.  Cut a slit in the piping tape but not on the fabric of the collar.  Repeat on the other corner of the collar.   

unisex pajama pattern

Sewing The Pockets

We will need to use the same technique to apply the piping to the pocket.  Apply the piping the same way as above with only one change to the curves of the pockets as is shown below.

Slash the tape of the piping to be able to bend the piping around the corner.

Place the other side of the pockets prints sides together.  Sew from the bottom of the pocket to the corner then the other and down again.  Leave a gap of one inch to turn the pocket around.

Iron. Place the pocket on the front piece. Use your pattern for placement or as you like.  I tried to match the plaid prints so I had to move it a bit towards the sides. 

unisex pajama pattern

Assembling Your Pajamas

Sewing the facing (make sure it has fusible interfacing).

Step One

Serge the curved edge of the front facing and the shoulder.  If you do not have a serger use your zigzag then fold the zigzag edge.

Step Two

Place the front piece print side up.  Place the front facing print side down on top of the front piece.  Sew the front facing to the front of the pajamas.

unisex pajama pattern

Step Three

Start sewing from the hem to the collar ending on the notch. 

*Please note I forgot to serge the facing but I still can do this before I sew the collar down.*

Step Four

Pin the two fronts to the back at the shoulders.

unisex pajama pattern

Sew the shoulder seams and use your serger to neaten the seam allowance. Do not finish sewing the facing yet. Iron.

Step Five

The next step is to assemble the collar so stitch the collar pieces together placing the right sides facing each other.

Sew at 3/8″ or at the seam allowance you have chosen.  Stop at the corner 3/8″  before the edge. Leave the needle down then pivot the collar and continue sewing. 

Trim the seam allowances by half and clip the corners diagonally. Turn the collar print side out and press using a pressing cloth iron. 

Step Six

Attach the collar to the back of the pajamas.  Align the center of the collar with the center of the back piece.  Sew.

unisex pajama pattern

Step Seven

Working on the inside of the pajamas pin the facing along the collar opening and over the collar. Turn the top edge of the facing in about 1/8″.

Step Eight

Sew the facing to the collar opening at your chosen seam allowance. My seam allowance is 3/8″. Serge the collar from the corner of the facing to the other corner of the facing.  This step will neaten the collar seam allowance.  This step will be sewed differently if we did not have a serger. 

Step Nine

Secure the facing to the shoulder seam by topstitching either the seam allowance

unisex pajama pattern

or sewing on the shoulder seam.  This step can also be accomplished by hand sewing the point is to secure the facing to the shoulder seam.

Attaching The Sleeves

Step One

Sew two rows of very large stitches, 1/4″ from the edge.  Gather by pulling the two threads from the bobbin then straighten the second thread from the edge. 

unisex pajama pattern

Step Two

Pin the center of the sleeve to the shoulder seam and sew at 3/8″.  Iron. 

unisex pajama pattern

Step Three

Sew the sleeves starting from the wrist to the armhole and continue sewing the sides of the pajama to the hem.

Step Four

Hem the pajamas at the bottom and the sleeves.  Serge the edge or zigzag and fold 1″ then use a blind hem stitch or just sew 1/8″ from the edge.

Step Five

 Make the buttonholes by using the pattern to mark the position of the buttons.

Step Six

Iron the pajamas using your pressing cloth if you are using satin or silk.

And you're done!  Now you have cosy, elegant pajamas, that are good enough to spend a lazy Sunday wearing them.

See you in Part 2 where we make the matching pajama bottoms. Enjoy!

Got to Part 2: Unisex Pajama Bottom

unisex pajama bottom

Go to Part 2


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Candice L. Mason
Candice L. Mason

I love this tutorial. It seems very easy to follow. By the way, I love capes and would be interested in a tutorial on how to make one. Thanks for everything.

Mayra Cecilia
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Noted Candice, fall time will be the soonest.

Allison
Allison

I’m excited to try these. I really love the idea of them in a lightweight, super breathable fabric for multi season wear. I’d also love to learn more about that cape. One tiny photo isn’t enough, it looks lovely. Is it elbow length? Hip? Are there pockets available? My mind is bubbling with curiosity. And really, is there anyone who can’t IMAGINE themselves in a cape? NOTt I!

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Allison

HI Allison, love your enthusiam, i will post a photo on my Instagram @soseweasyoffcial so you can see it better.

Kathryn Rife
Kathryn Rife

Thank you for the pj’s pattern. I will be giving them a try.

Also, I am very interested in capes.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Kathryn Rife

My pleasure!

Yolande Bergeron
Yolande Bergeron

Merci Mayra
I am very happy to have a pyjamas pattern for free. As a retired person it is extremely appreciated
Yolande

Mayra Cecilia
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Je vous en prie Yolande!
C’est toujours agréable de lire vos commentaires. S’il y a autre chose que je peux faire pour vous, demandez simplement!

Randy Hall
Randy Hall

I love capes and coats with a cape/capelet. I would appreciate it being released.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Randy Hall

Indeed!

ryan nguyen
ryan nguyen

do i add seam allowance to the plackets and collar too?

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  ryan nguyen

When there is no seam allowance to a pattern you need to add it everywhere you will sew.

Lynn Christensen
Lynn Christensen

Hello,

I am about the sew the pajamas but I am concerned about using a fusible interfacing on a double napped flannel (brushed on both sides). What fusible interfacing did you use? I have had bad luck in the past and I want this to be a success! I would appreciate any guidance you can offer.

Mayra Cecilia
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I used a very thin interfacing this is not really necessary if you have a double napped fabric mine is not, I used it because I like the support that offers to the button holes.

Tracy King
Tracy King

Just wanted to say thank you! Very much appreciated.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Tracy King

My pleasure Tracy:)

Sherri Wormser
Sherri Wormser

Can you please tell me what size piping you used? Thank you. Hope your new year is a good one!

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Sherri Wormser

Hi Sherry, I used 1/2” piping.

Cathy Wallace
Cathy Wallace

My granddaughter asked for a sewing machine for Christmas. I really wanted to get one for her but can’t. We will be using my oldie to make pajama pants!

Eilea Princeton
Eilea Princeton

Very detailed instructions. Learned something about sewing interfacing. I’ve been looking for a cape coat pattern and will be interested in looking at yours.

Benton Grimes
Benton Grimes

Great article, thank you!
It gave me an idea to improve my sleep quality and I decided to start from new pyjamas.

Monica
Monica

Hi! I am trying to make this top but the measurements seem very large! In any case, there are 5 sizes on the pattern and only measurements for four of the sizes- does it go up to XXL? Thank you!

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Monica

yes it does the finished measurements are after the pattern layout.

Masuma
Masuma

Hi, This is will be my first time using a pattern. Can you tell me why do you need to gather the sleeve before attaching it? I’m sorry if its a stupid question. I am just a beginner.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Masuma

This is because of the pattern, if you do not gather them the sleeves will not fit in the armhole, this is also a tailoring method not mass produced method.

Candice
Candice

Thanks for the pattern(s)! My daughter is still a bit of a novice, so these should be easy for her to do – with a bit of help! I do wonder if it’s okay to switch the buttons to the opposite side?

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Candice

HI Candice, absolutely, it will not make a difference at all other than make it easier for you if you desire the buttons on the other side.

Michelle Steele
Michelle Steele

I just LOVE capes and haven’t been able to find a decent pattern. Please, please share yours as your patterns and instructions are so straight forward and simple to follow. Just love your posts.

Mayra Cecilia
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Thank you for letting me know Michelle, I will do my best to post ASAP.

Christine DANNEELS
Christine DANNEELS

Thank you so much !

ardie
ardie

I am going to make the PJ’s, with piping. I would like to have you get the Cape pattern for release as I want to make a cape & would need a pattern.
Thanks for your excellent tutorials as you make everything so easy to understand. Primarily I am a quilter but in my past life (lol) I sewed most of my clothing as I worked in a Doctors office and couldn’t afford to buy all I needed.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  ardie

You are welcome Ardie, enjoy the pattern 🙂

Cheryl Masters
Cheryl Masters

Hey, ladies, do you think the pattern and tutorial will be out in time to make the bottoms to go with the top in time to make them for Valentine’s Day.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Cheryl Masters

Check back tomorrow Cheryl.

Lois E Kujawa
Lois E Kujawa
Reply to  Cheryl Masters

Wonderful idea and gift; what could be better than another set of PJs.?
I could live in them!

Cheryl Masters
Cheryl Masters

Talk about good karma. I looked up a pajama pattern, and it was $11.49. Now, with the money youjust saved me, I can get fabric to make them.
Thanks so much for your generosity and caring. I think you 2 are the best.
XO
Cheryl

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Cheryl Masters

:)Good Karma Indeed. XO!

MADELINE NEWTON
MADELINE NEWTON

you give such great instructions for someone to be able to make a great pair of pajamas …all of your patterns are great and are so easy to follow …thank you very much for this great pattern…

Mayra Cecilia
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You are welcome Madeline, enjoy and please do post a picture, I would love to see your pajamas and the fabric you use.

Sandra
Sandra

I love capes! Would love to make one to wear once spring. Need a pick me up after a long snowy winter.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Sandra

I hear you, Sandra, I have the pattern and the cape done I just haven’t graded and written the tutorial yet.

Eva
Eva

Hej Mayra,

Thank you for sharing this pattern, PJs for my son are now on my planning!
I have downloaded the pattern, but is there a way to download the instructions as PDF?

And yes, I’m also very interested in your cape pattern!

Kind Regards,
Eva

Mayra Cecilia
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Noble Member
Reply to  Eva

HI Eva, When I load the PDF instructions the pattern will no longer be free, check the site still free there. Kind Regards,

Eva
Eva
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

Thank you for the info, Mayra!

Fiona Taylor-Williams
Fiona Taylor-Williams

I can get the pattern in PDF but not the instructions for putting them together any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Fiona

Mayra Cecilia
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Noble Member

HI Fiona, on the site, the instructions are there free for now. When I change the pattern to paid I will add the PDF instructions.

Shirley
Shirley

This looks like a practical pattern. Somehow I have downloaded the instructions including the pattern layout, but don’t have the pattern itself. Can you help?

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Shirley

Hi Shirley, please try again we had a bit of a glitch 🙂

PAM
PAM

Wow – these PJs are very stylish. I will be making them for the family Christmas party for all our family members. I would also love to look at the CAPE pattern. TY for posting this. How much piping would you suggest that I buy?

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  PAM

3 yards per size. Enjoy Pam, I would love to see a photo of the party, what a great concept for Christmas, just imaging makes me happy! 🙂

Toni Avance
Toni Avance

Thank you so much for this pattern. I have several people in mind for these. Think I will make some with boxer type bottoms.
You are always so generous, I almost hate to say that I love capes and so do my sister’s ( birthday gifts ). ??

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Toni Avance

HI Toni, boxer bottom sounds perfect for the top. I am making the long bottom with a fly front for next weekend, (hopefully, I will finish). The cap requires a very good quality wool fabric with good drape. 60″ wide about 2.5 yards, see if you can get your hands on it now so when I publish you will be ready to go.

Toni Avance
Toni Avance
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

Thank you, I will start the hunt for the wool. You make sewing fun again.
I was a historical costumer for thirty years. I retired this year and had no idea how much sewing could be again.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Toni Avance

WOW, Tony! I loooove historical costumes, would you like to collaborate? I think many would enjoy a few of them. Can I send you an email?

LadyD
LadyD

Thank you for the PJ’s pattern. My hubby wants me to make us a matching set, so I am thrilled to find this unisex pattern.

As for the cape you mentioned above, in reference to adding piping to a collar, yes, capes are my thing; especially in the winter. I would love that pattern as well.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  LadyD

Stay tuned LadyD, do post a picture, I would love to see the matching pair 🙂

Mrs. P
Mrs. P
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

I’m hoping to lengthen the top a little and do a nightshirt for me and pyjamas for my hubby!

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Mrs. P

Fun and fantastic idea. enjoy! Lengthening will not be hard. Do you need help with this?

Nellene Jooste
Nellene Jooste

Hi there! Thank you SO much for this free pattern. I was just looking at pj patterns to buy and here I find this free gift in my inbox!
Have a lovely week

Itto
Itto

Thank you so much for your pattern. A warm pajama is useful by the winter.
This pattern and its size possibilities will be of a great help to the whole family.
Cheers. itto

WheelyBad
WheelyBad

Hi Mayra

Thank you so much for this pattern, I need new PJs!

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  WheelyBad

Looking forward to your picture 🙂

jeni
jeni

Ooh, lovely – there’s nothing like a pair of PJ’s to pop on for a relaxed bit of down time! Thank you!

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  jeni

You are welcome Jeni:)

Sylvia
Sylvia

I love capes, You can’t have too many. Cute pajamas. Can’t wait to try making them.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Sylvia

I hope to see a picture of your pajamas Sylvia:)

Yubisay
Yubisay

Thank you so much, It’s exactly the project that I Was looking for, winter is coming soon to Chile. A Big hug from here!

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Yubisay

Hi Yubisay, as luck should have it, I will be in Santiago on the 10th of February. Fancy a meetup and some fabric hunting?:) winter is coming indeed…

Lucy
Lucy

I’ve been wanting to make me a pair of pajamas, this is great! Thank you so much!

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Lucy

You are welcome Lucy!XOXO

Linda Kittmer
Linda Kittmer

Thanks for the pattern. I’ll be making a cozy pair of flannel pjs for my husband ?.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Linda Kittmer

Hi Linda, i think he will appreciate them very much:) I will be making a pair for mine too.

Agathe Meherio
Agathe Meherio

I really like the details on this (and how easy it seems to assemble), but I would love to see that cape coat pattern indeed!
I first grew up in a place when it could get cool in the evenings in January (like, 25°C), but where I live now, in France, I just want to hibernate all through Winter…
Thank you for all the useful patterns, tutorials and tips!

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Agathe Meherio

Do try the pajamas before attempting the cape. I love France…always will. The cape is not long but will look tres chic with boots and riding pants. Enjoy your Winter.

Linda
Linda

Great basic pattern. I am so used to enlarging or adjusting patterns… my son is 2XL 2T …. so I will be adjusting this one too. But I can print out lots of copies instead of tissue….

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Linda

Yes for you Linda I think it will be easy for you to adjust to a tall boy.

Lee
Lee

Thank you so much! Yesterday my daughter requested pjs just like these for her birthday so she could snuggle into bed like she did as a child – she is turning 18! Believe it or not we are in the midst of a heat wave (42c today – 107f). How wonderful that you have a pattern for me to make the pjs she wants.
?

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Lee

Enjoy Lee! and happy birthday to your daughter!

Michelle C Faustermann
Michelle C Faustermann

I tried downloading this pattern and it gave me the sexy dress pattern.