Sew comfortable pajamas for girls with our PDF sewing patterns. Our collection includes pajama pants, pajama shorts, sleep shirts, nightgowns, and pajama sets. Each instant download pattern features detailed instructions with color photos, plus options for different elastic waistbands, sleeve lengths, and style variations. Create sleepwear that fits perfectly - customize length, waist comfort, and fabric choices for cozy sleep. Whether you need everyday pajamas, seasonal sleepwear, or matching sets for photos, find patterns for every skill level. Download your pattern and start sewing pajamas today.
Comfortable pajamas matter for good sleep, and girls need several sets for weekly rotation. Store-bought pajamas are expensive, wear out quickly, and rarely fit properly - wrong length, uncomfortable waistbands, or scratchy fabrics. When you sew girls' pajamas, you create perfectly fitting sleepwear in soft fabrics, customize length for her height, add details she'll love, and make durable sets that last. Choose cozy flannels for winter, lightweight cotton for summer, and fun prints in her favorite colors. From simple pajama pants to complete sets, nightgowns to sleep shorts, sew comfortable sleepwear she'll actually want to wear to bed.
Pajama pants: Essential sleepwear bottoms with elastic waistbands - comfortable, versatile, and easy to sew. Pair with any sleep top.
Pajama shorts: Summer sleepwear bottoms - cooler for warm weather and perfect for warmer climates.
Sleep shirts and pajama tops: Comfortable tops for sleeping - t-shirt style, button-front, or pullover designs.
Pajama sets: Coordinating tops and bottoms - classic sleepwear that looks complete and works great for photos.
Nightgowns: One-piece sleepwear - simple to sew, comfortable to wear, and perfect for girls who prefer dresses.
Lounge pants: Cozy pants for relaxing at home - similar to pajama pants but can wear during the day too.
Pajamas are ideal beginner sewing projects - perhaps the best way to start sewing for kids. Why pajamas are beginner-friendly: Very quick to sew (often 1-2 hours for pants, 2-3 hours for sets). Simple construction with elastic waistbands - no zippers, buttons, or complex closures. Forgiving fit - pajamas should be loose and comfortable. Small size uses less fabric than adult garments. Mistakes become "play clothes" or stay hidden at home. The techniques learned - elastic waistbands, hemming, working with knits - transfer to other projects. Best starting projects: Simple pajama pants with elastic waistbands - just two seams and a casing, takes 1-2 hours, instant gratification. Basic nightgowns - straightforward construction creates wearable results. Pajama shorts - same as pants but faster. Confidence building: Success with pajamas builds confidence for more complex projects. Many sewists start with kids' pajamas before attempting other garments. Our beginner patterns include pajama options designed specifically for new sewists.
For winter pajamas: Flannel (classic warm winter sleepwear, soft and cozy), brushed cotton (soft with fuzzy surface, very warm), French terry or fleece (cozy for cold nights), or minky (extremely soft and warm, though trickier to sew). For summer pajamas: Lightweight cotton jersey (breathable and cool), cotton lawn (crisp and lightweight), bamboo or modal jersey (naturally cooling and soft), or thin cotton knit. For year-round pajamas: Medium-weight cotton jersey (works most of the year), cotton-spandex blends (stretch and comfort), or interlock knit (smooth on both sides, comfortable). Fabric considerations: Choose soft fabrics without scratchy texture - kids are sensitive to rough fabrics against skin. Breathable natural fibers help regulate temperature during sleep. Machine-washable fabrics are essential - pajamas get washed weekly. Pre-shrink all fabrics before cutting - you don't want pajamas to shrink after first wash. Fun prints in her favorite characters, colors, or patterns make pajamas she'll want to wear. Avoid fabrics with excessive stretch - pajamas should maintain shape.
Comfortable waistbands are crucial for good sleep. Casing method: Most common for pajamas - fold over waistband, create tunnel (casing), and thread elastic through. Simple and reliable. Elastic hidden inside casing. Exposed elastic method: Elastic sewn directly to waistband edge, then folded over and topstitched. Faster than casing method once you master technique. Drawstring additions: Add decorative drawstring to front of elastic waistband - functional and cute. Girls can adjust tightness. Elastic width: Typically 3/4" to 1" width for girls' pajamas. Wider elastic is more comfortable and doesn't roll. Elastic length: Measure her waist and use 90% of that measurement for comfortable fit - not too tight, not too loose. Should be snug enough to stay up without being constricting. Quality matters: Use good elastic that maintains stretch through washing. Cheap elastic loses elasticity quickly and waistbands get loose.
Length matters significantly in pajamas. Pajama pants length: Should reach ankle or slightly above - not dragging on floor (trips and gets dirty) or too short (looks outgrown). Add 1-2 inches for growth and cuff them initially. Sleeve length on tops: Long sleeves should reach wrist, short sleeves should cover shoulders comfortably. Adjust pattern at marked lengthen/shorten lines. Nightgown length: Varies by preference - above knee for active sleepers who kick off covers, below knee for more coverage, or ankle length for maximum warmth. Top length: Should cover waistband of pants comfortably - too short rides up during sleep. Growing girls: Add extra length at hems for growth. Cuff pants now, let them down later. Nightgowns can grow from knee-length to above-knee and still work. Height variations: Tall girls need extra length in pants and sleeves. Petite girls need shorter inseams. Measure and adjust before cutting.
Winter pajamas: Long pants in flannel or brushed cotton, long-sleeve tops, cozy fabrics that keep warm, and nightgowns in flannel for girls who prefer dresses. Summer pajamas: Shorts in lightweight cotton, short-sleeve or tank tops, breathable fabrics that stay cool, and lightweight nightgowns. Spring/Fall pajamas: Medium-weight cotton jersey, pants with short-sleeve tops, or capri-length pants for transitional temperatures. Climate considerations: Hot climates might only need lightweight options year-round. Cold climates need heavy winter pajamas. Most families need both summer and winter sets. Practical approach: Make 3-4 winter sets and 3-4 summer sets for complete rotation. This ensures always having clean pajamas available. Hand-me-downs: Seasonal pajamas in good condition work great as hand-me-downs between siblings or friends.
Matching pajama sets look adorable and photograph well. Classic sets: Make tops and bottoms from same fabric - coordinated and cute. Perfect for holiday photos and special occasions. Mix and match approach: Make pants in solids that work with multiple tops. Make several tops in prints that coordinate with solid bottoms. Creates more outfit combinations with fewer pieces. Sibling sets: Coordinate pajamas for siblings - same fabric in different sizes, complementary colors, or matching prints. Adorable for holiday photos and creates sweet memories. Special occasion pajamas: Make matching sets for Christmas morning, birthday sleepovers, or family vacations. Holiday-themed fabrics make traditions special. Practical mixing: While matching sets are cute, girls mostly wear mismatched pajamas at home. Making separates that mix and match provides more flexibility and longer wear.
Nightgowns offer simple, comfortable sleepwear. Why girls love nightgowns: No waistband to bind or twist during sleep, easy to put on - just pull over head, comfortable and unrestricting, and many girls prefer dress-style sleepwear. Construction simplicity: Nightgowns are very easy to sew - often just a simple shift shape with hem and neckline. Great beginner projects. Style variations: Short-sleeve for summer, long-sleeve for winter, sleeveless with shoulder ties, or dress-style with gathered skirts. Length options: Above-knee for active sleepers, knee-length for coverage, or long nightgowns for maximum warmth and modesty. Fabric choices: Flannel for winter warmth, lightweight jersey for summer, or soft knits for year-round wear. Practical features: Add pockets for small treasures, create empire waists for growing room, or use soft elastic at neckline and armholes for comfortable fit.
Pockets: Girls love pockets even on pajamas! Add patch pockets to pajama pants for holding small treasures. Side seam pockets in pants work well. Nightgown pockets hold tissues, chapstick, or small comfort items. Contrasting fabrics: Use different fabric for cuffs, waistbands, or pockets - creates custom looks from basic patterns. Mix prints with solids. Appliqués and embellishments: Add her name, favorite characters, or fun shapes. Simple appliqués personalize pajamas. Ruffles and trim: Add ruffles to nightgown hems or pajama pants. Ribbon or lace trim adds feminine touches. Cuffs: Ribbed cuffs on pants keep them from riding up during sleep. Cuffs on long sleeves prevent sleeves from pushing up. Special touches: These details transform basic pajamas into special favorites she'll choose first from the drawer.
Handmade pajamas make wonderful gifts. Birthday gifts: Make pajamas in her favorite colors or characters - thoughtful and practical. Holiday traditions: Many families give new pajamas on Christmas Eve - handmade sets make this tradition even more special. Make matching sibling sets. Sleepover parties: Create matching pajamas for birthday sleepover guests - memorable party favors. Special occasions: Big sister pajamas for welcoming new baby, birthday number pajamas, or vacation-themed sets. Quick turnaround: Pajamas sew quickly enough to make as last-minute gifts. Appreciated by parents: Parents appreciate practical, well-made clothing gifts. Quality handmade pajamas are genuinely useful and valued.
The line between loungewear and sleepwear blurs. True sleepwear: Designed specifically for sleeping - soft fabrics, loose fit, comfortable for bed. Loungewear: Comfortable for relaxing at home - can wear during day for lazy weekends, homework time, or sick days. Slightly more structured than sleepwear. Crossover pieces: Many pajama pants work as loungewear. Cozy joggers work for both sleep and home wear. Comfortable t-shirts serve double duty. Practical approach: Make comfortable pieces that work for both purposes. Girls often wear pajama pants as loungewear on weekends. This extends wear and value of handmade items.
Store-bought pajamas create frustrations despite being "just sleepwear." Quality pajamas are expensive ($20-40 per set) for clothes that wear out quickly with frequent washing. Nothing fits properly - pants drag on floor or are too short, tops ride up, waistbands are uncomfortable. Cheap pajamas use thin, scratchy fabrics that pill and fade. Cute prints and styles sell out quickly in popular sizes. When you sew girls' pajamas, you get perfect length for her height - no tripping or outgrowing quickly, soft, quality fabrics that feel good against skin, comfortable elastic waistbands that don't bind, fun prints in colors she loves, durable construction that survives weekly washing, and custom details like pockets and matching sets. Cost savings are substantial - handmade pajamas cost $6-12 per set in materials compared to $20-40+ for quality store-bought. Make a complete pajama wardrobe for less than buying 2-3 store sets. Plus handmade pajamas often last longer with better fabrics and construction. For tall girls, petite girls, or slim/athletic builds, sewing provides properly fitting pajamas - store sizes rarely work well.
Let her choose fabrics - she'll wear pajamas she helped pick. Pre-shrink all fabrics before cutting - you don't want pajamas to shrink after first wash. Add extra length to pants and sleeves for growth - cuff them initially, let down later. Use quality elastic that maintains stretch through washing. Make waistbands comfortable - not too tight for sleeping. Choose soft, non-scratchy fabrics - comfort matters for good sleep. Test elastic length on her waist before sewing into casing. Add pockets - girls love them even on pajamas. Make multiple sets for weekly rotation - 4-5 sets means always having clean options. Consider seasonal needs - winter and summer pajamas in different fabrics. Use ballpoint needles for knit fabrics. Press hems and seams for professional appearance even on casual sleepwear. Make matching sets for photos but separates for everyday wear. Consider making doll pajamas from scraps - girls love matching. Take photos of her in handmade pajamas - sweet memories. For detailed pajama construction tutorials and tips, visit our sewing blog for comprehensive guidance.
How long does it take to sew girls pajamas?
Pajama pants take 1-2 hours. Simple nightgowns take 1-2 hours. Complete pajama sets take 2-3 hours. Pajamas are among the fastest garments to sew, making them perfect for quick projects.
Are pajamas good beginner projects?
Yes! Pajamas are ideal beginner projects - simple construction, forgiving fit, quick results, and useful outcomes. Many sewists start with kids' pajamas to build confidence.
What's the best fabric for girls pajamas?
Depends on season. Flannel for winter warmth, lightweight cotton jersey for summer coolness, medium-weight cotton for year-round wear. Choose soft, breathable fabrics that feel good against skin.
How much fabric do I need?
Pajama pants typically need 1-1.5 yards. Tops need 1-1.25 yards. Complete sets need about 2-2.5 yards total depending on size. Each pattern includes detailed yardage charts.
Should I use knit or woven fabric?
Either works! Knit pajamas (jersey, French terry) are stretchy and comfortable. Woven pajamas (flannel, cotton) are classic and cozy. Choose based on pattern recommendations and personal preference.
How many pajama sets does a girl need?
4-5 sets for comfortable weekly rotation - enough that she always has clean pajamas while others are in the wash. Mix winter and summer weights based on climate.
How do I make elastic waistbands comfortable?
Use 90% of waist measurement for elastic length - not too tight. Choose quality elastic that doesn't roll. Use wider elastic (3/4" to 1") for more comfort. Test fit before finishing.
