23 February 2020

Make It Simple: The Juno Pyjamas have landed!

Juno pyjamas sewing pattern - Make It Simple - Tilly and the Buttons

One of my favourite patterns from my new book Make It Simple has to be the Juno pyjamas. These fitted jersey PJs are oh so cute and snuggly, you won't want to take them off!

And even though they include two pieces - the top and bottoms - they'll still only take you an afternoon to make. Like the other patterns in the book (go through the previous few posts to see more of them), they are simple to sew, easy to fit and overall a pleasure to make - whether you have a lazy few hours to yourself or are squeezing in some sewing in little pockets of time through your week.

Juno pyjamas sewing pattern - Make It Simple - Tilly and the Buttons
Juno pyjamas sewing pattern - Make It Simple - Tilly and the Buttons

The Juno pyjama top is made from the same pattern as the Tabitha T-shirt, with added slim-fitting ribbed cuffs. The leggings-style bottoms also have a cuff at the ankle, with narrow elastic holding them up at the waist.

One of the best things about making pyjamas is that you can really go to town with your fabric choice as you're only going to wear them behind closed doors, hehe.

Designed for light- to medium-weight jersey, you can make them on either a regular sewing machine or overlocker (serger).

Like the other patterns in Make It Simple, Juno comes in ten sizes, from UK 6-24 / US 2-20. Paper patterns are included in the back of the book ready to trace off, or you can download them following a link in the book and print them on either A4/Letter or A0 paper.

Juno pyjamas sewing pattern - Make It Simple - Tilly and the Buttons
Juno pyjamas sewing pattern - Make It Simple - Tilly and the Buttons

Fancy making these cute little shortie PJs? In the book I show you how to hack the pyjama bottoms to make these slightly flared shorts, paired with the short sleeve version of the top. Fluffy cat optional ;)

Juno pyjamas sewing pattern - Make It Simple - Tilly and the Buttons
Juno pyjamas sewing pattern - Make It Simple - Tilly and the Buttons

Another fun way of making the Juno pyjamas your own is to embellish the top with this sleepy eyelid design. I talk you through making this applique, which would be easy to turn into any design of your dreams.

Juno pyjamas sewing pattern - Make It Simple - Tilly and the Buttons

And turn some heads while you catch some zzzs on the plane or train with this sweet kitty cat sleep mask. This project only takes half an hour and would make a lovely gift for friends or family.

Juno pyjamas sewing pattern - Make It Simple - Tilly and the Buttons

FABRIC SUGGESTIONS

Pick a light- to medium-weight jersey or pointelle knit fabric for your Juno pyjamas - something that feels soft and breathable against your skin, and which stretches crosswise at least 10%. You'll also need some ribbing for the neckband and cuffs.

We used our Allsorts organic jersey to make the blue long-sleeved, long-legged sample worn by Sam. The shortie version in pink and white is made in jersey bought from MyFabrics.

HOW MUCH FABRIC DO I NEED?

If you're out and about fabric shopping and forgot to check how much fabric you needed before you left the house, we've got your back! Here's what you'll need:

Main (long) version

If your fabric is around 150cm (60in) wide:
Sizes 1-6 (UK 6-16 / US 2-12): 2.3m (2½yd) fabric
Sizes 7-10 (UK 18-24 / US (14-20): 2.8m (3 1/8yd) fabric

If your fabric is around 115cm (45in) wide:
Sizes 1-5 (UK 6-14 / US 2-10): 2.7m (3yd) fabric
Sizes 6-10 (UK 16-24 / US 12-20): 3.9m (4 1/4yd) fabric

Plus:
  • 0.6m (3/4yd) ribbing for the neckband and cuffs, 70cm (27in) wide
  • Matching thread
  • Your low waist measurement (about 2.5cm/1in below your natural waist) of 2cm (3/4in) wide elastic
  • 30cm (12in) of 6-9mm (1/4-3/8in) wide satin ribbon, clear (swimwear) elastic, stabilising tape (stay tape) or strips of knit interfacing to stabilise the shoulders
  • Ballpoint sewing machine needle

Shortie version

If your fabric is around 150cm (60in) wide:
Sizes 1-6 (UK 6-16 / US 2-12): 1.5m (1 3/4yd) fabric
Sizes 7-10 (UK 18-24 / US (14-20): 2m (2 1/4yd) fabric

If your fabric is around 115cm (45in) wide:
Sizes 1-3 (UK 6-10 / US 2-6): 1.9m (2 1/8yd) fabric
Sizes 4-10 (UK 12-24 / US 8-20): 2.7m (3yd) fabric

Plus:
  • 0.1m (1/8yd) ribbing for the neckband and cuffs, 70cm (27in) wide
  • Matching thread
  • Your low waist measurement (about 2.5cm/1in below your natural waist) of 2cm (3/4in) wide elastic
  • 30cm (12in) of 6-9mm (1/4-3/8in) wide satin ribbon, clear (swimwear) elastic, stabilising tape (stay tape) or strips of knit interfacing to stabilise the shoulders
  • Ballpoint sewing machine needle

Eyelid applique

  • Small scrap of black low-stretch knit fabric (such as jersey, Ponte or French terry)
  • Black thread
  • Fusible webbing such (as Bondaweb)

Sleep mask
  • 0.2m (1/4yd) main fabric - medium-weight cotton, or jersey fused with lightweight knit interfacing
  • Matching thread
  • 0.2m (1/4yd) lining fabric - satin or similar
  • 0.2m (1/4yd) wadding (batting) or fleece
  • 38cm (15in) - a bit more or less if you think your head is particularly large or small - of 15-25mm (5/8-1in) wide foldover elastic or other pretty elastic

Juno pyjamas sewing pattern - Make It Simple - Tilly and the Buttons

I hope you enjoy making and wearing your Juno pyjamas as much as I do! We'd absolutely love to see you in yours, so please share a snap with us on Instagram @TillyButtons using the hashtags #SewingJuno #MakeItSimpleBook so we don't miss it :)

*****
Author: Tilly Walnes
Make It Simple is published by Quadrille (Hardie Grant)
Model photography: © Ellie Smith
Model shoot props and styling: Clare Nicolson
Models: Samantha Waude & Paige Joanna

 Make It Simple - sewing book