TIPS AND TRICKS
Shortcuts and tips to make your experience easier Tips from Observing & Interviewing my mom
- Before cutting the pants fold the fabric in half and outline the fabric as seen below with a black pen or pencil. ( I suggest that for a first time sewer you buy a pattern so that you can accurately get precise and well cut measurements.)
- Use the metal caps on your middle and index finger on one hand depending on if you are left/right handed.
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- Hold onto the middle of the needle with clean dry hands so that you will not have trouble grasping onto the needle.
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- Test different sewing techniques to see which one is more suitable and comfortable for you.
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- KNOT after every 8 to 10 stitches and DEFINITELY after finishing a section such as the leg or fold.
MAKING SLEEPING PANTS
Summarized Step by Step guide on making Sleeping pants
STEP 1: GATHER MATERIALS/ MAKE OR COPY A PATTERN
In order to create a fit pair of sleeping pants use already owned sleeping pants or a pattern if you purchased one and trace the fabric as indicated adding 2 inches to top and bottom if it is your own pair. Fold the pants in half and stretch out the crotch modeling or tracing the figure in the image on the left hand side with a pencil or pen.
STEP 2: CUTTING THE FABRIC/SEWING THE LEGS
After outlining the fabric, cut the fabric right on the line or about a centimeter to the right side to avoid cutting to much fabric. Take your time and have a precise grip on the scissors it takes skill to cut in a straight line.
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After cutting the fabric, you are on the verge of starting to SEW!!! First off turn the fabric inside out before doing anything else. You don't want the stitching to be visible on the outside so turn it inside out so the seaming stays on the inside. Now, grab your needle and thread and cut about a foot and a 1/2 of thread knotting the end. Then starting with one leg do an up-down or zigzag stitch going in and out of the fabric and knotting every 8 to 10 stitches. Go from the crotch to the ankle repeating the steps above for the other leg. ( Reference back to the diagram for help )
STEP 3: SEWING CROTCH/ LEGS TOGETHER
After sewing each leg individually, grab your needle and start to sew straight up from the crotch or "in between" the legs and move upwards knotting every 8 to 10 stitches. Repeat this step but now for the back side of the pants. Remember during these steps the pants have to remain inside-out. ( Reference back to the diagram if you are stuck or need aid )
STEP 4: ADDING ELASTIC
Since you are making sleeping pants a button is not necessary or an elastic but an elastic can be an extra touch which makes it more comfortable and wearable. To add elastic, measure your waist and cut the strip. Then fold the top or "hem" 2 inches, sewing it all around leaving an opening on both ends so you can insert the elastic. Grab a safety pin and buckle it to one end of the elastic so you can then move it around the waist's fold. Go around slowly to prevent it from riping until you reach the end. Once at the end, unbuckle the pin and sew both ends of the elastic to each other as well as finish sewing the openings at the waist to complete the top.
OPTIONAL: SEWING THE BOTTOM/FOLD
YOU ARE DONE WITH THE PANTS... To try them on and see the length, turn them inside out and put them on. If you decide that they are too long or that you would like to make them look a bit more professional, add a fold. Repeating what you did in step 4 for the elastics fold the bottom of the legs to a desired length and sew the all around. The diagram at left shows how to do it, however it indicates to do a Zigzag stitch, however, I prefer up and down and knotted because it is easier. It does not affect much which you choose it is just a personal opinion and a determined factor based on experience and level of comfort. It is up to what you prefer.
MY EXPERIENCE
