Trendy Ruffle Hem Jaimie PJs Hack (+ video tutorial!)

Never without a need for new PJs, I'm no stranger to sewing loungewear-esque clothes, especially PJ bottoms and shorts. It's Abi here (the social media & content creating button *waves*) and with so many homemade pyjamas under my belt, it's time to get creative with them! 

If you're after the ultimate PJ pattern, look no further than our Jaimie Pyjama bottoms and shorts sewing pattern - it's a must-have. Not only a fabulous pattern for complete beginners, but Jaimie is also a great place to start pattern hacking! Whether that's adding your own in-seam pockets or trying out this ruffle hack, you'll be able to create your perfect PJs using Jaimie as your base. 

Jaimie is available in sizes UK 4-34 (US 0-30 / EUR 32-62). Get your copy HERE and come back to this post for ruffle hacking goodness!

Ruffle hem PJ bottoms have been popping up in RTW shops and have slowly been creeping into my future sewing hack plans, so my need for cute PJs that I don't mind answering the door in just became my top priority. And let's face it, PJs this trendy might even get a trip out the house too...maybe (plain white T, sandals, straw bag - I can see it!).

I'll be making 3/4 length Jaimie PJ bottoms in the video tutorial and the shorts in this blog post, but these steps will apply the same way to the shorts or longer PJs. To decide where I wanted my leg length, I measured from where the waistband of the PJs sit on me to halfway down my shin and made a rough judgement, knowing there would be an inch or so added to the length with the finished ruffles.

Let's make some PJs...

Sew your Jaimie PJs as normal, following the instruction booklet or by following our handy sew-along below. Up until the hemming of the legs (which is the last step). 

Fitting the Joe Pyjama Bottoms and Shorts

If you're making the Joe pyjama bottoms and shorts and want to get a great fit, then this is the post for you!

The Joe pyjamas are mega easy to fit, thanks to their straight cut and waistline cinched in with elastic or a drawstring. Hooray! As they'll be worn mostly round the house (hey, we won't judge you if you pop to the corner shop in your PJs to get some emergency sewing snacks), don't worry about making them perfect as hardly anyone will see them. The most important thing is that they're me-made, whether they're for yourself or a very lucky partner, friend or loved one. 

If you're looking for some hints and tips to fit our sister pyjama pattern, Jaimie, check out our dedicated fitting Jaimie blog post. There's a lot of crossover with the fitting tips between the two patterns, although the Jaimie pyjamas are drafted with more curve at the hips and bum, so do check out the post if you're making Jaimie.   

For more involved projects we often recommend you make a toile or wearable toile (a practice version made in cheap fabric to test the fit) but it's not necessary here. Sure, if you have your eye on some expensive and stunningly beautiful, one-of-a-kind fabric, you might want to make a practice pair in cheaper fabric so you're not devastated if they need a bit of tweaking. Otherwise, just go for it!

In this post we're going to cover:

• Choosing your size
• Lengthening or shortening the pattern pieces

Choosing your size

Using a flexible tape measure, find the circumference of the low waist. This is below the belly button, and where menswear jeans and trousers tend to sit (under the stomach). Check the tape measure is sitting level with the floor all the way round. 

Compare your low waist measurement to the body measurements chart. If it falls between sizes (for example, if it's 41in rather than 40in or 42in), it’s better to choose the larger size as you can take the pyjamas in more easily than you can let them out. 

If you're making these as a gift and don't want to spoil the surprise, see if you can sneakily find out the waist size of the recipients jeans. The Joe pyjamas come in sizes 28-46, which correspond to low waist measurements. If the recipient usually wears size 44 jeans, cut a size 44 for their PJs. Easy peasy!

If you or the person you're making them for often feels like they need a bit more room in the thigh area - our model Dan is a very keen cyclist, and therefore has quite prominent thighs - you can always go up a size from your waist size, or sew with a smaller seam allowance at the side seams to give yourself a bit more room in this area. 

Lenghtening or shortening the pattern pieces

Meet the Joe Pyjamas - Our First Menswear Pattern!

We have a very exciting new release to share with you - meet the Joe pyjama bottoms and shorts, our first menswear sewing pattern! 

After the success of our Jaimie PJs, we decided to create a matching digital-only menswear pyjama pattern so you, or a loved one, can lounge at home in me-made style! They're are perfect for all manner of activities, from relaxing at home, sleeping, or pairing with a smart shirt during Zoom meetings (#2020).

This pattern is so easy to make, it's ideal for complete beginners. If you're new to sewing and want an extra guiding hand, we have a free video tutorial on how to sew pyjama bottoms from start to finish. The video shows Tilly making the Jaimie pyjama bottoms, but the steps are exactly the same for Joe - yay! 

One of the best things about the Joe PJs is you can match your me-mades with a partner, family member or friend. If you don't yet own the Jaimie pyjama bottoms and shorts, you can purchase the Jaimie and Joe PJs sewing pattern bundle at a discount and match to your heart's content. 

Is it too early to mention Christmas? Because this is a great pattern from which to whip up a load of handmade prezzies! Wacky fabric isn't obligatory but is highly encouraged.

The PJs are modelled by my (Nikki's) lovely husband Dan (that's me with him in the photo above). He was a great sport and even agreed to match with me in cats in Christmas hats fabric!

 

THE DESIGN