Yes, you can turn those old pajama pants into comfy shorts right at home! This beginner-friendly guide on how to cut pajama pants into shorts gives you options for sewing or skipping the needle.
Grab your favorite pair of pajama pants, sharp scissors, a ruler, some pins, and chalk. You’ll find the steps easy to follow. If you ever want your shorts professionally made, Friendtex can help with custom orders or bulk production.
Key Takeaways
Gather all needed materials like pajama pants, sharp fabric scissors, measuring tape, chalk, pins, and an iron before starting.
Measure and mark the desired shorts length carefully, adding extra fabric for hemming to ensure a neat finish.
Cut the pants evenly by folding them and using chalk or a ruler to guide your scissors for smooth, steady cuts.
Choose between no-sew iron-in hem tape for quick finishing or sewing a folded hem for a stronger, professional look.
Try on your shorts after cutting to check fit and make adjustments by pinning and sewing if needed for comfort and style.
How to Cut Pajama Pants Into Shorts?
Gather Materials
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. You want this project to go smoothly, so gather your supplies first. Here’s a quick checklist:
Pajama pants, you want to transform
Sharp fabric scissors (regular scissors can leave jagged edges)
A measuring tape or a ruler
Tailor’s chalk or a washable marker
Straight pins
A pair of shorts you like (optional, for reference)
Iron (for pressing hems later)
Tip: Lay your pajama pants flat on a clean, hard surface. This helps you measure and cut accurately.
Choose Length
Now, let’s figure out how to cut pajama pants into shorts that fit just right. The best way to pick the desired length of shorts is to use a pair you already love. Lay your favorite shorts on top of your pajama pants. Line up the waistbands. This gives you a clear idea of where to cut.
If you don’t have a pair to use as a guide, grab your measuring tape. Measure from the top of the waistband down to where you want your shorts to end. This is called the outseam.
Most pajama shorts have a relaxed fit, so you can go a little longer if you’re unsure. Always add about 1.5 inches (4 cm) to your measurement for hemming. This extra fabric lets you fold and finish the edge neatly.
Here’s a quick table to help you with measurements:
Measurement Type | Description |
|---|---|
Waist | Measure the flat waistband with the elastic relaxed, double for circumference |
Outseam Length | From the top of the waistband to the hem (used as shorts length) |
Leg Opening | Measure width at the bottom of the shorts, double for circumference |
If you want to avoid sizing mistakes, measure your pajama pants before you cut. Use a measuring tape or even a piece of string and a ruler if you don’t have one handy.
Mark and Cut
You’re ready to mark a cut line. Fold your pajama pants in half so the inside seams line up. This helps you cut both legs evenly.
If you’re using another pair of shorts as a guide, lay them on top and trace along the bottom edge with chalk or a washable marker. If you measured instead, use your ruler to draw a straight line across both legs at your chosen length.
Pin the fabric together along the line to keep it from shifting. Double-check your markings. When you feel confident, grab your scissors and cut your pant legs off along the line you marked. Take your time—smooth, steady cuts give you the best results.
Pro Tip: Always cut a little longer than you think you need. You can trim more off, but you can’t add fabric back!
Learning how to cut pajama pants into shorts is all about careful measuring and marking. Pattern makers and garment factories use similar steps, like laying fabric flat, pinning, and tracing with chalk, to get precise results. You don’t need fancy tools—just patience and a steady hand.
Make Shorts from Pants: Hemming Options
No-Sew Hem
If you want to make shorts from pants without sewing, iron-in hem tape is your best friend. This tape lets you create a clean edge in minutes. Just fold the raw edge of your shorts up by about ¾ inch, tuck the tape inside the fold, and press with a hot iron.
The heat bonds the tape to the fabric, sealing the hem. This method works well for most cotton pajama pants and is one of the top quick refashioning sewing hacks for beginners.
However, fabric care experts and sewing enthusiasts point out that some iron-in tapes can melt or get messy if you use steam or if your fabric is delicate.
For lightweight or thin fabrics, you might see the tape through the material or notice puckering. If you want a temporary fix or you’re working with sturdy cotton, iron-in tape is a solid choice. For a more durable finish, though, sewing is the way to go.
Tip: Always test your hem tape on a scrap piece of fabric first. This helps you avoid surprises and keeps your shorts looking sharp.
How to Sew Pajama Shorts?
Learning how to sew pajama shorts gives you a long-lasting, professional finish. Start by folding the raw edge up by ½ inch, then fold again to hide the cut edge. Pin the fold in place.
Use a straight stitch on your sewing machine or sew by hand with a needle and thread. Go slow and keep your stitches even. This method works for almost any fabric and holds up well in the wash.
Many beginner sewing guides recommend pajama shorts as a great project to practice straight seams and hemming. Expert books like ‘The Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing’ offer step-by-step instructions for how to sew pajama shorts and even show you how to sew simple shorts for the summer.
Online classes and sewing communities can help you master these skills, so your shorts look store-bought.
If you want extra durability, finish the raw edge with a zigzag stitch or use a serger (overlocker) before hemming. This prevents fraying and keeps your shorts looking neat. Always press your hem with an iron for a crisp, professional look.
Note: Practice on leftover fabric before you hem your shorts. This builds confidence and helps you get the best results.
Turning Pants into Shorts: Fit and Adjust
Try On and Check Fit
Now that you’ve cut your pajama pants, it’s time to see how they fit as shorts. Slip them on and stand in front of a mirror. Look at the length and check if both legs are even.
Move around, sit down, and make sure you feel comfortable. Sometimes, shorts look different when you wear them compared to when they’re flat on the table.
Here are some tips to help you get the best fit:
Try on the pants before cutting to see where you want the shorts to end.
Always cut a little longer than you think you need. You can trim more later, but you can’t add fabric back.
After cutting, try on the shorts again. This lets you see if you want to adjust the length or shape.
Mark any changes with chalk or pins while you’re wearing the shorts.
Expert tailors recommend checking the fit in the hips, waist, and thighs for a neat finish.
Tip: Careful fitting helps you avoid mistakes and gives you shorts that look and feel great.
Adjust Length or Sides
If you want to tweak the length or make the shorts wider or slimmer, now’s your chance. Use pins to mark where you want to adjust. For the sides, leave about a ½ inch seam allowance.
This gives you room to make the shorts a bit bigger or smaller if needed. If your shorts feel tight at the hips, you can let out the sides a little. For a curved waistline, use a ¼ inch seam allowance for a smoother fit.
Sew along your new lines with a straight stitch. Test your stitch on a scrap piece first to check the tension and length. Use a thread that matches your fabric. For a clean finish inside, use a zigzag or overlock stitch.
If you want extra comfort or style, try making small side slits at the hem. Just cut a short slit at the outer edge of each leg and finish the raw edges with a zigzag stitch or fabric glue.
Jan Minott’s fitting method shows that making small changes to length and width can really improve comfort. You can also add a drawstring or adjust the elastic in the waistband for a better fit. Turning pants into shorts gives you the freedom to customize every detail, so take your time and enjoy the process!
Turn Old Pants into Shorts: Extra Tips
Prevent Fraying
When you turn old pants into shorts, you want your new edges to last. Fraying can make your shorts look messy and wear out faster. You have a few easy ways to keep those raw edges neat. Overlocking, also called serging, wraps the edge with thread and works great for most fabrics.
If you don’t have a serger, use a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine. This method helps stop the threads from unraveling. For a quick fix, fabric glue seals the edge and works well for no-sew projects.
Check out this table for the best ways to prevent fraying based on fabric type:
Fabric Type | Best Fray Prevention | Extra Tips |
|---|---|---|
Jersey Knit | Zigzag or serging | Use a ballpoint needle |
Rayon | Zigzag or French seams | Pre-wash to avoid shrinkage |
Linen | French seams or serging | Longer stitch, press seams flat |
Before you sew, pre-wash your fabric. This step removes chemicals and helps manage shrinkage. Many sewists overlock or zigzag the raw edges before washing to keep things tidy. When you turn old pants into shorts, these steps help your shorts stay strong and look good after every wash.
Creative Ideas for Leftover Fabric
After you cut your old pajama pants, you’ll have some leftover fabric. Don’t toss it! You can use these scraps in fun and useful ways. Upcycling turns leftover fabric into new items, saving resources and reducing waste.
Try making headbands, scrunchies, or even small pockets for your shorts. Zero waste pattern cutting lets you use every bit of fabric, so nothing goes to the landfill.
Here are some creative ideas to inspire you:
Sew a matching headband or hair tie.
Make a patchwork pouch or coin purse.
Add extra pockets to your new shorts.
Create fabric bookmarks or keychains.
Use scraps for quilting or appliqué projects.
Many designers now use leftover fabric to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Brands like E.L.V. Denim and Collina Strada show how upcycling can turn old pants into shorts or other cool fashion items.
In fact, countries like India, Bangladesh, and China produce enough fabric scraps each year to make billions of garments. When you turn old pants into shorts, you join a movement that helps the planet and sparks creativity.
If you want to know how to transform old pants into new shorts, remember these extra tips. You’ll get more from your project and help reduce waste at the same time.
Conclusion
You just learned how to turn pajama pants into stylish shorts! Measure, mark, cut, and hem—these steps make the process simple. Give it a try and enjoy your new comfy shorts. If you want custom or bulk pajama shorts, Friendtex can help.
Tip: If you see uneven hems, trim carefully. For fraying, use zigzag stitches or fabric glue. Anyone can do this—just take your time and have fun!
FAQ
How do I make sure both legs are the same length?
Lay your shorts flat and fold them in half. Line up the seams and edges. Use a ruler or measuring tape to check both sides. Trim any uneven spots. You can also use pins or chalk to mark the same length on each leg.
Can I cut pajama pants with regular scissors?
You can, but fabric scissors work much better. Regular scissors might leave jagged edges or snag the fabric. If you only have regular scissors, make sure they are sharp and cut slowly for a cleaner edge.
What if my shorts start to fray after washing?
Try a zigzag stitch or fabric glue on the raw edges. You can also use iron-on hem tape. These methods help stop fraying and keep your shorts looking neat after every wash.
Do I need a sewing machine to hem my shorts?
No, you don’t! You can use iron-on hem tape or sew by hand with a needle and thread. Both options work well for beginners and give you a clean finish.
Can I add pockets to my new shorts?
Absolutely! Use leftover fabric from the pant legs. Cut pocket shapes, sew them onto your shorts, and enjoy extra storage. Pockets add style and function to your new shorts.
