A classic two-piece pajama set for slow Christmas mornings. The shirt is a woven button-up with a notched collar, long set-in sleeves and soft bust darts, and it falls in a gentle A-line to the low hip. One long interfaced facing finishes the whole front edge and holds the collar, so the inside is neat and there is no separate collar stand to fight with. The pants are quick pull-on straight-leg pants in a stretch knit, with in-seam pockets and a folded elastic waistband. Sew the shirt in a Christmas print or a tartan flannel and the pants in a plain matching knit, or make two sets as a gift.
Download the free PDF sewing pattern in A4 and US Letter, in 13 sizes from XXS to 4XL (US 00–22, plus sizes included), and sew your own Christmas pajama set!
Materials
- Shirt fabric (woven): 1.9–2.3 m (2 1/8–2 5/8 yd) of 150 cm (60″) wide fabric, or 2.5–3.0 m (2 3/4–3 3/8 yd) of 115 cm (45″) wide fabric. Cotton flannel, brushed cotton, poplin, lawn, seersucker, double gauze or viscose challis
- Pants fabric (knit, at least 20% crosswise stretch): 1.3–2.4 m (1 1/2–2 5/8 yd) of 150 cm (60″) wide knit. Cotton jersey, interlock, brushed jersey, French terry, stretch velour or modal jersey
- Pocket bags: 0.35 m (3/8 yd) of cotton jersey, lining or a light cotton
- Lightweight fusible interfacing, 90 cm (36″) wide: 1.1–1.2 m (1 1/4–1 3/8 yd) for the facings and collar
- 8 buttons (9 for sizes 14–22), 1 cm (3/8″) across: flat buttons are the most comfortable to sleep in
- Elastic 3.3 cm (1 1/4″) wide: 1 m (1 1/8 yd)
- Matching thread for both fabrics, a ballpoint (jersey) needle, a buttonhole foot and a large safety pin
Pre-wash both fabrics before cutting: flannel and cotton knits can shrink 3–5%. For a plaid shirt, cut single layer and add 10–15% fabric to match the checks.
Pattern pieces
Shirt
- Front, main fabric: cut 2 (mirror pair)
- Back, main fabric: cut 1 (single layer, drawn whole)
- Sleeve, main fabric: cut 2 (mirror pair)
- Front Neck Facing, main fabric + interfacing: cut 2 + 2 (mirror pairs)
- Back Neck Facing, main fabric + interfacing: cut 1 + 1 (single layer)
- Collar, main fabric + interfacing: cut 2 + 2 (single layer, drawn whole)
Pants
- Pants Front, knit: cut 2 (mirror pair)
- Pants Back, knit: cut 2 (mirror pair)
- Waistband, knit: cut 1, with the long side across the fabric (the stretch direction). In size 22 the waistband comes in a front and a back piece
- Pocket Bag, lining or jersey: cut 4 (two mirror pairs)
The shirt Back, Back Neck Facing and Collar are drawn in full, so cut them from a single layer, not on a fold. The Front Neck Facing runs along the whole front edge, from the shoulder to the hem. Transfer the darts, notches, centre-front lines, collar roll line and button positions, and fuse the interfacing to the facings and collars before you start sewing. The shirt and the pants are separate files, so you can pick a different size for each.
Download the free PDF sewing pattern
One file per size for the shirt and one for the pants, in the paper format that suits you. Share your finished pajamas with #cozysewpatterns!
A0 + Step-by-step guideGet it here ↓Unzip the folder first: the shirt and the pants are in separate folders. Print page 1 at 100% (actual size) and measure the 10 cm (4″) calibration square before printing the rest. Trim the margins and tape the pages together, matching the markers. The A0 file comes with the illustrated guide below.
Design details and fit
A cosy two-piece set for Christmas mornings: a classic woven pajama shirt with easy pull-on knit pants. Here is what makes it:
- Collar: notched convertible collar with an upper and under collar
- Front: button front with 8 buttons (9 for sizes 14–22), finished with one long interfaced facing
- Shaping: side bust darts and small back shoulder darts
- Sleeves: long set-in sleeves
- Body: relaxed A-line shape to the low hip
- Pants: straight full-length legs, in-seam pockets and a folded waistband with 3.3 cm (1 1/4″) elastic
The shirt has about 6–9 cm (2 3/8–3 1/2″) of ease at the bust, so it feels relaxed without being boxy. Shirt and pants come as separate pattern files, so you can choose the shirt by your bust and the pants by your hips.
Sizing guide
Drafted for a height of 1.68 m (5′6″). Choose the shirt by your bust: it has about 6–9 cm (2 3/8–3 1/2″) of ease there, so go up a size if you like it roomier or sew it in a thick flannel or sherpa. Choose the pants by your hips: they fit close at the hip and pull on thanks to the stretch knit. Shirt back length is about 70 cm (27 1/2″) and pants inseam about 72 cm (28 1/4″) in size 12; lengthen or shorten the shirt between the dart and the hem, and the pants between the knee and the hem.
Letter sizes: 00 = XXS · 0/2 = XS · 4/6 = S · 8/10 = M · 12/14 = L · 16 = XL · 18 = 2XL · 20 = 3XL · 22 = 4XL
Body measurements (cm)
| cm | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 80 | 82.5 | 85 | 87.8 | 90.3 | 92.8 | 95.3 | 99.3 | 104.3 | 109.3 | 114.3 | 119.3 | 124.3 |
| Waist | 63.5 | 66 | 68.8 | 71.3 | 73.8 | 76.3 | 78.8 | 82.8 | 87.5 | 93.3 | 99 | 104.8 | 110.5 |
| Hips | 87.8 | 90.3 | 92.8 | 95.3 | 98 | 100.3 | 102.8 | 106.5 | 111 | 115.5 | 120.8 | 125.8 | 130.8 |
Body measurements (inches)
| in | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 31.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 35.5 | 36.5 | 37.5 | 39.1 | 41.0 | 43.0 | 45.0 | 47.0 | 48.9 |
| Waist | 25.0 | 26.0 | 27.1 | 28.0 | 29.0 | 30.0 | 31.0 | 32.6 | 34.5 | 36.8 | 39.0 | 41.2 | 43.5 |
| Hips | 34.5 | 35.5 | 36.5 | 37.5 | 38.6 | 39.5 | 40.5 | 41.9 | 43.8 | 45.5 | 47.5 | 49.5 | 51.5 |
Finished garment measurements (cm)
| cm | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shirt bust | 85.6 | 88.2 | 90.9 | 93.8 | 96.5 | 101.1 | 102.1 | 106.4 | 111.8 | 117.2 | 122.6 | 128.2 | 133.3 |
| Shirt hip | 91.8 | 94.2 | 97.2 | 100.4 | 104 | 108.9 | 110.5 | 114.6 | 119.3 | 124.8 | 130.1 | 135.8 | 141 |
| Shirt back length | 69 | 69.2 | 69.9 | 69.9 | 70 | 69.9 | 70.2 | 70 | 70.3 | 70.6 | 71.2 | 71.7 | 72.1 |
| Sleeve length | 57.9 | 57.9 | 58 | 58 | 58 | 58.1 | 58.1 | 58.2 | 58.2 | 58.3 | 58.4 | 58.5 | 58.5 |
| Pants hip | 89.7 | 88.1 | 90.4 | 92.7 | 95.3 | 97.4 | 99.8 | 103.3 | 107.5 | 111.7 | 116.6 | 121.3 | 126 |
| Pants inseam | 74.6 | 74.3 | 73.9 | 73.5 | 73.1 | 72.8 | 72.4 | 71.8 | 71.2 | 70.5 | 69.8 | 69.1 | 68.4 |
| Elastic length | 53.2 | 55.2 | 57.4 | 59.4 | 61.4 | 63.4 | 65.4 | 68.6 | 72.4 | 77 | 81.6 | 86.2 | 90.8 |
Fabric and notions per size
| Sizes 00–6 | Sizes 8–14 | Sizes 16–22 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shirt, 150 cm / 60″ | 1.9 m / 2 1/8 yd | 2.1 m / 2 3/8 yd | 2.3 m / 2 5/8 yd |
| Shirt, 115 cm / 45″ | 2.5 m / 2 3/4 yd | 2.5 m / 2 3/4 yd | 3.0 m / 3 3/8 yd |
| Interfacing 90 cm / 36″ | 1.1 m / 1 1/4 yd | 1.2 m / 1 3/8 yd | 1.2 m / 1 3/8 yd |
| Pants knit, 150 cm / 60″ | 1.3 m / 1 1/2 yd | 2.3 m / 2 5/8 yd* | 2.4 m / 2 5/8 yd |
| Pants knit, 115 cm / 45″ | 2.4 m / 2 5/8 yd | 2.4 m / 2 5/8 yd | 150 cm wide only** |
| Pocket bags | 0.35 m / 3/8 yd | 0.35 m / 3/8 yd | 0.35 m / 3/8 yd |
| Buttons 1 cm (3/8″) | 8 | 8 (9 for size 14) | 9 |
| Elastic 3.3 cm (1 1/4″) | 1 m / 1 1/8 yd | 1 m / 1 1/8 yd | 1 m / 1 1/8 yd |
Common fit adjustments
- Longer or shorter shirt: lengthen or shorten between the bust dart and the hem on the Front, Back and Front Neck Facing.
- Longer or shorter pants: change the length between the knee and the hem on the Front and Back.
- Between sizes or like it roomy: go up one size for the shirt.
- Thick fabric: in fleece, sherpa or a heavy brushed flannel, or over a warm top, choose one size up for the shirt.
Sewing notes
Fit and style
A relaxed, classic pajama fit: the shirt skims the body with a little shape from the bust and back shoulder darts, then flares gently to the low hip; the pants are straight and full length. Try the shirt on after the side seams with the fronts pinned closed: the bust dart points should end 2–3 cm (about 1″) before your bust point. Try the pants on before you join the elastic ends and adjust the length if needed.
Cutting out
Lay every grainline arrow parallel to the selvage, and cut the waistband with its long side across the knit, in the stretch direction. Staystitch the shirt necklines 6 mm (1/4″) from the edge right after the darts so the curve does not stretch, and take your time on the collar and facing: clip the curves and press after each step.
Choosing fabric
Shirt: soft wovens such as cotton flannel, brushed cotton, cotton poplin, lawn, seersucker, double gauze or viscose challis. A Christmas plaid or a small print looks great.
Pants: knits with at least 20% crosswise stretch and good recovery: cotton jersey, interlock, brushed jersey, French terry, stretch velour or modal jersey.
Fabrics to avoid:
- Stretch knits for the shirt: the collar and button front need a stable woven
- Non-stretch wovens for the pants: they will be too tight to pull on
- Knits with poor recovery, which bag at the knees and seat
Pre-wash both fabrics before cutting: flannel and cotton knits can shrink 3–5%. For plaids, add 10–15% fabric and cut single layer.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
Seam allowances are 1 cm (3/8″). Sew with right sides together and finish the edges as you go. If you are new to sewing, make the pants first: they are quick and easy.
The shirt
- Sew the bust and shoulder darts and staystitch the necklines.
- Sew the shoulder and side seams.
- Make the collar and baste it to the neckline.
- Join the neck facings at the shoulders and finish the outer edge.
- Attach the collar and facings in one seam, then understitch.
- Hem the shirt.
- Sew, hem and set in the sleeves.
- Make the buttonholes and sew on the buttons.
The pants
- Sew the in-seam pockets and the side seams.
- Sew the inseams and the crotch seam.
- Attach the folded waistband and thread the elastic.
- Hem the legs with a stretch stitch or a twin needle.
Stuck on a step? Sew it with pictures.
The full illustrated guide for the Christmas Pajama Set shows every step in clear drawings, from the notched collar and front facing to the buttonholes and the elastic waistband.
- A diagram for every step, 25 pages
- Size charts, finished measurements and fabric amounts
- Shirt and pants in one guide + video guides with QR codes
- A0 + Step-by-step guide · instant PDF download
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Tips and common mistakes
- Wavy knit seams: use a ballpoint needle and a stretch stitch or an overlocker, and do not pull the fabric while you sew.
- Uneven collar points: go slowly at the collar and facing, clip the curves and press each step before moving on.
- Stretched curves: lift the iron instead of sliding it, so the neckline and pocket edges keep their shape.
- Plaids that do not match: cut single layer and match the checks at the centre front and side seams.
- Messy buttonholes: test one on a scrap with interfacing first; flat buttons are the most comfortable to sleep in.
How to style it
- Classic: a pink Christmas print flannel shirt with plain cranberry knit pants, as shown, or red tartan with green pants.
- Little details: cut the collar in a contrast fabric and pick buttons in the same colour as the pants.
- Matching family: sew our free Girls Christmas Pajama Set for mother-and-daughter pajamas.
- More cosy nights: wear the pants on their own as lounge pants with our Pullover Hoodie.
Care
Wash cotton flannel and brushed cotton at 30–40 °C, then tumble dry low or dry flat and press with steam. Wash the knit pants at 30 °C inside out and dry them flat so they keep their shape.
Questions
Is the pattern really free?
Yes. The A4 and US Letter pattern files for the shirt and the pants are free. The illustrated step-by-step guide and the A0 files are available for a small coffee.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, for confident beginners. The pants are a great first project. The shirt asks for a little more patience: a collar, a facing, set-in sleeves and buttonholes, all explained step by step. Go slowly on the collar and press after every seam.
Can I sew the pants in flannel?
Not as drafted. The pants fit close at the hip and pull on over it, so they need a knit with at least 20% stretch. In a woven flannel they will be too tight to pull on. Choose a cotton jersey, interlock or brushed knit in a colour that matches your shirt.
What seam allowance is included?
1 cm (3/8″) on all seams, 1.5 cm (5/8″) on the curved edge of the pocket bags and 2 cm (3/4″) on all hems. They are all included in the pattern.
Can I sew the shirt and the pants in different sizes?
Yes. The shirt and the pants have separate pattern files: choose the shirt by your bust and the pants by your hips.
Which paper sizes can I print?
A4 and US Letter are free to download, one file per size. The A0 files come with the illustrated guide.
What should I sew next?
For more cosy nights, try our Victorian Nightgown #CS1008 in a soft cotton. If you liked sewing the shirt, the Bishop Sleeve Blouse #CS1004 is a lovely next button-up.
Happy sewing!
