Kids Pants with Free PDF Pattern

This is my second time grading a pattern and although I hit some frustrating moments including trying to fix the wonky curves, the categorizing/naming part of the pattern turned out to be trickier. Lounge pants? Pajamas pants? But they’ve been worn outdoors too. Yes, I usually make these pants out of cute flannel prints for around the house but I’ve also made them out of cotton, cotton jersey, denim, linen blend, fleece and also sweater fleece. So, finally I just went with something simple and less ambiguous…The Kids Pants Pattern. Ok, so the name is not so snazzy but these pants can be as fancy as you can get it to be! Like cropping the legs and adding some fun ruffles to the hem. Or sewing some patch pockets on top which is faster and easier than seam pockets in my opinion. Oh, a lady recently asked if these pants were from the bloomers I had made a while back, *right here*. Actually, the bloomers (or shorts) were made from this pattern. If I’m making shorts for my daughter, I’ll just lop off the pattern’s legs and leave a 1.5” inseam and about 7” for my son. Just play around with the length of the inseam to make different types of shorts.

For now, let’s make these simple and less ambiguously-named pants.

Things You Will Need:

Fabric of choice (I’m using a flannel here)

¾” Knit elastic

Ribbon

Matching thread

Print pattern *here*

This pattern is FREE to all my newsletter subscribers. Check both your inbox and junk folder for the confirmation email. Be sure to have your pop up blocker disabled. Print from a laptop or computer.

The first page of the pattern has the one inch test square so I always recommend printing out the first page and checking the test square before printing out all the other pages. Make sure to check off “Do Not Scale” or “Actual Size” on your printer. Also, be sure to check the proportions between the finished garment measurements and the child’s measurements before cutting out the fabric.

Put the pattern together by matching the gray rectangles and either tape or glue the papers. After checking the measurements cut out the size that you want.  My daughter is 2 and will be turning 3 by the end of this month. I usually sew the 5T for her because I like roomy pants for lounging around the house but I decided to go with the 3T this time to see how they would fit her. I really like how the 3T have a slenderer fit on her which I think will look great in denim or even a heavier knit. The 3T’s inseam also hit her just right on the ankles. I’ve also added a “Lengthen/Shorten Line” so the pants’ legs so that it can be adjusted to the child’s height. When I sew the 5T for her, I’ll shorten the legs to the size of the 3T and then redraw the curve of the legs.

*The inseam and outseam have a 3/8” seam allowance included. I added another ¼” seam allowance because I’m using my serger. So, feel free to add or detract from the seam allowance.

1.Press fabric so there are no wrinkles and then fold it. Place the pattern on top and cut out the fabric. *I didn’t press my fabric and the pieces came out larger than my pattern. Learn from my mistakes. LOL.

2.Fold each piece and sew the inseams with a 3/8” seam allowance. Serge or zig zag the raw edges to keep them from fraying.

3.Turn one inside out and insert it into the other piece. Match the crotch seams and then pin all around.

4.Sew with a 3/8” seam allowance and then finish the edges with a zig zag stitch or a serger.

5.Cut a piece of ribbon that’s about 2 ½” long. This is will be the tag the goes on the inner back side of the pants.Cut the waistband 2 ½” wide. The length of the waistband should be the same as the waist measurement of the pants. *My waistband ended up being 23” instead of 22” because I skipped pressing the fabric before I started cutting. Oops!

6. Fold the waistband in half and make a ring by sewing it closed with a ¼” seam.

7.Place the ribbon tag on the inside of the pants and tack it down about 1/8” from the raw edge but within the ¼” seam allowance.

8. Pin the waistband to the pants right sides together and sew with a ¼” seam.

9.Press the waistband up.

10. Fold and press the raw edge of the waistband under ¼”.

11. Bring the fold down so that it’s touching the first seam line.

12. Sew close to the edge. Leave about a 2” opening for the elastic to be inserted.

13. For the elastic – I usually cut it 2” shorter than the waist measurement plus ½” if I’m overlapping. So, my elastic was 17 ½”. Mark the measurement on the elastic and pin a safety needle through one end.

14. Insert the elastic through the opening of the waistband and pull on the safety pin until it comes out on the other side of the opening.

15. Overlap the elastic edges and zig zag stitch over it several times. Shut the opening by sewing close to the folded edge.

16. The hem is the last thing that needs to be done. Fold up ¾”. If you’re using cotton, you can use an iron to keep the fold up neatly. I’m using flannel and pressing the fold doesn’t do it any good so I used pins to keep it folded.

17. Fold under again ¼” so that the fold that’s facing you is only ½” big. Then sew all around close to the hem.

And that’s it! They’re so easy to make that sometimes I’ll end up making 2 or 3 pairs at once. I’ll be adding more variations like adding ruffles to the hem in another tutorial so be on the lookout for that.

If you end up making these, let me know what you think and what other patterns you’d like to see here. Happy sewing!

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129 Comments

      1. Hi Zune, I did sign up and received the confirmation email…I clicked the link on the email but I still cannot download the pattern to print it out,.. any suggestions?

        1. Hi Chris,

          Are you downloading and printing from a computer? Some users try to download and print from a smart phone or tablet, which will not work as most are not optimized for all file types. I highly recommend using a computer for the pattern.

    1. Thank you so much! Yes, more kids and womens patterns to come. I’m also planning to do some give aways so keep checking back. 🙂

  1. Hello
    > The pattern is ” Kids Pants with Free PDF Pattern”
    > Q1: Would you please tell me if these pants can be used as pajamas or are
    > they just regular pants?
    > Q2: What other fabrics can be used besides flannel ? Cotton?
    > Cotton/Blend? Demin?
    > Q3: When do you think you will have a ruffles tutorial to add to the
    > pants?
    > Thank you Beaa

    1. Hi Beaa,
      Thank you for the terrific questions! I’ll try and answer as best as I can:

      1 – I use this pants pattern to make lounge pants, regular pants for outings, and have cropped them to make shorts for summer. They can be used as pajamas too just be sure to check the fiber content of the fabric you will be using to make the sleepwear and that they are FLAME RETARDANT. Here are some useful links if you’d like to find out more – Washington Post and CPSC.gov
      2. You can use any type of fabric to make the pants – I’ve used flannel, linen, quilting cotton, denim, sweatershirt fleece, and also sweater knit fabrics. Just use different weight fabrics suitable for the weather. In this tutorial – Fleece-Lined Pants with Free Pattern– I doubled the pants for our cold Christmas outings. One reader suggested using a windproof performance fabric as the outer layer for some serious warmth!

      3. I plan my free patterns and tutorials based on trends and seasons but I keep it flexible so that I can add requests from my readers. Ruffle pants tutorial will be coming in March after the Clone Your Favorite T-shirt tutorial. If you have any more requests, please let me know. I’m always looking for exciting new projects to make and share!

      Happy sewing!

      Zune

        1. Hi Neicee,

          Thank you for joining my creative journey!

          Did you receive a confirmation email after subscribing? Please check both your inbox and junk folder.

        1. Hi Natasha,

          Are you having problems downloading and printing the pattern? I just checked and the pattern file is there. Are you viewing/printing from a computer and not a smartphone or tablet?

  2. Hi, please could you tell me how wide the ribbon for the waistband should be? I know how to work out the length, but not what width of ribbon to use. Thank you, and thank you for a great pattern

      1. Thanks. For the yellow waist band ribbon? Apologies, but I’m confused as with the yellow waistband shown, it’s folded down 1/4” to hide raw edge and still seems quite wide? Sorry – I’m just confused how it looks so wide on the pattern and is only 1/4” or 1/8” wide

        1. Hi Nicola,

          I thought you had meant the ribbon for the tags. The waistband is 2 1/2″ wide including 1/4″ seam allowances.

  3. Hi, apologies, the width for the waistband (the yellow band shown on the trousers in the pattern.) I can’t understand that it’s only 1/8” or 1/4” as you have to fold the raw edge in by this much to start with. Unless I’m reading the pattern incorrectly, but it looks much wider on the photos

    1. These are fun pants to make! But FYI.. make waistband piece wider. I’m making these now and I followed the waistband dimensions but I couldn’t fit three-quarter inch elastic inside – I couldn’t even fit half inch elastic. I even tried to not fold the top edge 1/4 inch and tried to serge the edge instead (not as nice but thought I’d try) but still wouldn’t be able to fit elastic. I just ripped out the waistband I’m going to redo with a much wider waistband piece.

  4. I need two different sizes. A size six and a size three. I am making Apple Jacks and Rainbow Dash for my grandchildren for Halloween.

    1. This pattern goes from 6m to 5T. Size 3T is included, however you may have to grade up for the 6T. Since it is only 1 size up, simply add 1/4″ or so to the 5T or slash and spread to the desired measurements.

  5. hi there. i have signed up & confirmed but i still can’t get the cute kids pants pattern. i so desperately need it. and also, this pattern. you have used woven fabric but cant stretch knit be used too? 35% stretch only 2 way stretch?

    1. Are you viewing/downloading from your smart phone or tablet? I highly recommend viewing/downloading from your computer.

      Knit fabric can definitely be used. I have made these pants in both woven and knit fabrics.

      Happy sewing!

    1. Are you viewing/printing the pattern from a smart phone or tablet? I highly recommend using a computer to view or print. Happy sewing!

    1. Hi Agi,

      This pattern is free for all my subscribers. After signing up for the newsletter, you will receive a confirmation email. After which, you can download/print all the free patterns.

    1. Hi Terri,

      I just finished drafting a size M which is equivalent to the M 8-10 size from Target. After it is digitized, it will be included in the upcoming Free Patterns.

  6. Hi Zune, thanks for your pattern, Can you put a note on your pattern that the waistband casing is 2 1/2″ wide? Thank you.
    I used this pattern as the basis for some shirt sleeves pants. They turned out great thank you. My sleeves were wide and I made the crotch longer to accommodate sizes 2-4 yrs ( the pants get shorter as the child grows,.) I had 2 rows of elastic in the waist as well. Very cool pants. Thanks again.

    1. Hi Haydee,

      I’m so glad to hear that they turned out well!

      Thank you for letting me know, I just edited the post to include the waistband’s width.

      Happy sewing!

    2. Made these today with a light stretchy knit. They are great! Thank you for sharing the pattern. Growing twin 2 year old girls to keep up with!

  7. I subscribed, confirmed my email, am looking via computer not smart phone, and I still do not see a pattern download. When I click on the pattern, it takes me back to the subscription page again.

    1. Hi Becca,
      We checked the pants pattern file and it’s working. It may be a problem with Mailchimp so tech support is looking into that. Please let me know if you’re having the same issue with my other pattern downloads.

  8. yes, I tried to see another pattern, same results. when I click the button ‘here’ above where I should be directed to the pattern, it goes to the subscription page. Where do I go from there? I have already subscribed?

    1. Which browser are you using? As certain conditions, security settings or browser cookies, on your computer can prevent you from viewing the PDF files.

  9. Hello I subscribed to your page, but it is not letting me download the Kids pants pattern sizes 6M-5T. How do I go about fixing this issue?

  10. I Currently read through the comments and seen that you already answered my question. The size I need is a 4T-5T pattern. Also I have followed you as well in addition to subscribing. You do amazing patterns. I can’t wait for your next design/tutorial.

  11. I Currently read through the comments and seen that you already answered my question. The size I need is a 4T-5T pattern. Also I have followed you as well in addition to subscribing. You do amazing patterns. I can’t wait for your next design/tutorial!

    1. I’m so glad to hear that and thank you so much! I have an amazing new free pattern coming this month and many more exciting patterns/tutorials as well.

      Were you able to print the pattern?

  12. I’ve confirmed the email and still can not access the pattern. I’m really looking forward to using it. Can it be emailed?

    1. Hi Jacque,

      Are you downloading/printing from a computer? Most smart phones and tablets are not optimized for all file types so I highly recommend using your computer or laptop to print.

      Happy sewing!

  13. Hi, I have subscribed and had a confirmation email but cannot see the download for these trousers. Please can you email me the free pattern for a 4 year old. Thank you.

      1. Yes, I tried from a pc but had no luck. Tried several times. The trousers are so lovely, I would really like the pattern. Please help! 🙂

        1. Thank you! It is one of my popular patterns and I’ve personally use it all the time to make different variations of it.

          As for the pattern file, I’ve just checked and it is in working order. The pattern file will open in a new tab so it will depend on which web browser you are using and how you’ve configured that browser. You will need to go into your browser setting and allow popups in order for the pattern pdf to open in a new tab.

          Hope that helps! 🙂

        2. I’ve tried several times now…After subscribing all I see in your pattern page are ads featuring software downloads but no actual download button for the pattern. Am I missing something?

          It’s such a shame, I would really like to make these trousers for my little boy.

          1. Are you on the “Free Patterns” page or on the pants post? If you’re on the Free Patterns page, there is a link under the image that will take you to the pants post. The pants pattern file is under the “Things You Will Need” list on the pants post where it says, “Print Pattern Here”.
            I’ve also checked with Mailchimp for your email and everything seems to be in order.

      1. Your finished size for the size 5 says 24″ waist. The pattern piece itself is 12 1/4. So, after sewing the two pieces together with seam allowance, its under 24″. How does this allow for an elastic waistband? Am I missing something?

        1. Is the 1″ test square measuring correctly on your paper? The 5T waist is approximately 12.8″ and includes 3/8″ seam allowances. The waistband is cut separately – the length being whatever the pant’s waist measurement is plus seam allowance to sew it into a loop. Hope that helps!

    1. Yayyy I have the pattern now – the pattern didn’t pop up before but I tried again and it worked. Thank you so much for your help. I just need to decide on some lovely material now! Thanks again and hoping to have some lovely trousers for my little one soon. 🙂

      1. Terrific! I’m very glad to hear it finally worked.

        Choosing the fabric is one of my favorite parts! I’d love to see your finished pants so please feel free to post your pictures on the Zune’s Sewing Therapy Facebook or tag Sew_Zune on Instagram.

        Happy sewing!

  14. Hello! I’m looking to download this pattern but every time I click the link it brings me to the subscribe screen and I’m not sure why…I’m subscribed and confirmed but it’s still not showing up. Any help would be appreciated! 🙂

      1. Yay! Please feel free to share your finished projects on the Zune’s Sewing Therapy Facebook or tag me on Instagram #zunessewingtherapy. I’d love to see your style! 🙂

  15. You said the elastic is the waistband size minus 2 plus 1/2 inch. Your waistband was 23 inches so how did you get 17 1/2 inches from that!?

    1. The 23″ waistband measurement is taken from the pants (Step 5). The elastic measurement is from the wearer’s waist (Step 13).

    1. Hi Wendy,
      This pattern is free to all my subscribers. If you don’t see a confirmation email in your inbox, check your junk folder as it may have gone there.

      Happy sewing!

  16. I feel so bad for you reading all the “how do I download this pattern” messages.

    This pattern was just the thing for me to make my son and I matching PJs. Apparently I miscalculated the amount of room to move he needs, though, so I cut open either leg from waist to cuff and added a “color block panel” AKA a 2” x 22” knit panel to give him room to grow.

    Really love your site—you’re hilarious! Look forward to sewing with you in the future!

    1. Hi Mariah,

      Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely comment! It really made my day, and also encourages me to keep making and sharing cute little patterns. 🙂

      What a cool idea to add the color block panel! I will have to try that idea the next time I sew with that pattern.

      Stay safe and Happy Sewing!

        1. Hi Ashwini,

          Thank you for subscribing!

          You will need to turn off the pop-up blocker on your internet browser in order for the pattern to open in a new tab.

          Happy sewing!

  17. Hello: I am not able to download pattern. I did subscribe and received confirmation email. I really appreciate getting the pattern.
    Thank you.

    1. Hi Anna,

      Thank you for being a subscriber!

      Is your pop up blocker on your browser turned off? The pattern will open in a new tab.

      Happy Sewing!

  18. Hi! Thank you for all the lovely patterns you have shared. Your bio also made me tear up. I’m a beginner sewer & was browsing for patterns I could try out for my kids. Also, I might also have RA. I’m waiting to see a rheumatologist but the symptoms align with RA.

    Thank you for what you do and for sharing your creativity.

    1. Hi Marivic,

      I really appreciate you for taking the time to write this lovely comment, it makes it all worth it!

      I’m so sorry to hear about your RA symptoms, but keep sewing, do whatever exercise you can to help with the stiffness and pain, and eat healthy. I know some days can tougher than others because of flare ups, but stay strong! 🙂

      Warmest wishes,

      Zune

    1. Hi Ilze,

      The free patterns are not emailed. I have it set up to where subscribers can download/print the free patterns at their convenience from the site. If you have any issues viewing the patterns after subscribing, please let me know.

  19. Hi, just subscribed & downloaded this pattern to make some summer trousers (Pants in US) for my grandson. He is only 14 months so is still in nappies (Diapers. Have you allowed for this extra bulk?
    Thanks

    1. Hi Denise,

      Great question!

      When my daughter was in diapers, I would measure around her hips over the diaper. Then, compare that measurement to the pants’ hip measurement, which is about 2″ above the pants’ crotch. I go for a 2″-4″ difference in the 2 measurements, based on if whether I’m using knit or woven fabric and how fitted I want the pants to look.

      Hope that helps. Stay safe and happy sewing!

        1. You’re most welcome!

          I’d love to see your finished project, as I’m sure others will as well. So please feel free to share your finished project on the Zune’s Sewing Therapy Facebook. Happy sewing!

  20. Hi zune, appreciate if u could advise how to download the print patterns?

    I had subscribe to ur page but cannot download the patterns .

    1. Hi Chloe,

      This free pattern are available to all my newsletter subscribers. Check your inbox or junk folder for the confirmation email after signing up. Be sure to have your pop up blocker disabled on your browser. Also print from a desktop or laptop, and not a tablet or smart phone. Have fun sewing!

  21. I want to add a casing for elastic (instead of the ribbon.) How much should I add to the waistband? Has anyone done this? I would like to add elastic to the legs too, like jogging pants. What should I add there?

    1. Add 2.5″ from the waist for 1″ wide elastic band, and 2″ if you are using a 3/4″ wide elastic. Those measurements include a 1/4″ fold along the raw edge like you see in step 10.

      The pants include a 3/4″ hem allowance, so instead of the 3/4″ you can add the desired hem allowance to make a casing using similar measurements as above based on the width of the elastic you are using. Hope that makes sense. Please let me know if you have any questions.

    1. Hi there,

      The download link is already included in the tutorial. The pattern is free to all the newsletter subscribers. Did you receive a confirmation email after signing up? Also, be sure to have your pop up blocker turned off on your internet browser in order for the pattern to open in a new tab.

  22. Hi Zune
    I am so happy to have found you! I would love the 5T pants pattern.
    I look forward to making more for the kids now.

    1. I’m so glad to hear that, Hayley! Please feel free to share your finished project on the Zune’s Sewing Therapy Facebook, I’d love to see it.

  23. Hi, I’ve signed up to your newsletter and received the email to confirm. However, I still can’t see how to download patterns. Please could you advise, thanks

    1. After you have confirmed your email, you can start clicking on the pattern links under each “Supply” list of the tutorials. Be sure to have your pop up blocker on your internet browser turned off in order for the pattern to open in a new tab. Happy sewing!

  24. Hello Zune,
    I have just joined your sewing group and have downloaded and printed my pattern for the kids pants.

    My question is: Should this pattern be printed in landscape or portrait.
    I have printed 8 pages of pattern but page 4 has some of the printed pattern lines missing on my A4 portrait print.

    Should the entire pattern be printed in Landscape, and will the pattern keep its’ sizing correct if it is.

    1. Hi Carol,

      For page orientation, are you able to select “Auto Rotate” on your printer setting? Also, are you printing from the internet browser or from Adobe Reader? Printing from the browser preview can cause the pattern to print incorrectly. I highly recommend using Adobe Reader – it is free to download from the Adobe website and you will be able to print accurately. Happy sewing!

  25. Good Evening

    I have tried to download the pants pattern as a friend would like for me to sew a pair for her son. Usually, it says page can not be found. I tried to sign up, but have received no confirmation mail as of yet.

    I have used your bloomers pattern to make shorts for my granddaughter and it worked wonderfully.

    Thank you for your work and for sharing with those of us who have just begun sewing.

    Cindy
    cindylou.suter@gmail.com

    1. Hi Cindy,

      I’m so glad to hear that the bloomers worked out! For the confirmation email, be sure to check your junk folder as well and look for zune@zunessewingtherapy.com. Mark it as safe sender. If you have any questions, please let me know! You can also reach out to me any time at the Zune’s Sewing Therapy Facebook page. Happy sewing!

  26. Hi, thank you for the great pattern! I’m looking into purchasing some flannel and I wanted to know how much fabric I would need for a size 4T?

    1. Hi Katy,

      You’re welcome, thank you for reading!

      For a size 4T, 3/4 yards should be more than enough if the fabric has already been pre-shrunk. If not, I would get 1 yard and then pre-wash it to avoid shrinkage later. Hope that helps.

  27. I’ve subscribed to the newsletter, but it’s not letting me download the pattern. (I am viewing it on a laptop, I clicked the confirmation email, I did all that multiple times, but it’s not letting me download the pattern.

    1. Does it take you back to the sign up page when you click to download the pattern? If it is, you will need to turn off the pop up blocker on your internet browser. Hope that helps!

  28. Hi! Thanks for this terrific pattern. I have made waterproof trousers for my grandson who is 18 months old and just discovered stomping in puddles! I had to amend it a fair bit because it needs to go over warm clothes, and he is quite short, I added an elastic drawstring waist and put Velcro on the legs to tighten them and keep them dry. Thank you!

  29. Love your patterns!!!
    I made 5 different sizes of these pants for a kid’s gathering next week!!!
    Michelle
    PS
    I have had RA since I was 29. I am 65. Sewing is therapy!

    1. Hi Michelle,
      Thank you so much for the wonderful comment! It totally made my day!!

      I’m so glad to hear from a fellow RA warrior with a sewing passion. Stay strong and keep sewing! 🙂

  30. Hi! I’m so excited to whip these up for my friend’s 18 mo girl/boy twins. I’m looking for how much fabric to buy but I can’t find a reference. I’ve read the 3 years of comments and no one has mentioned this so I just must be missing it. I’m sorry if this is right in front of me but…Help please.

    1. Hi Joan,

      3/4 of a yard should be more than enough for a size 18m. Be sure to preshrink the fabric before cutting and sewing.

    1. You’re very welcome! 🙂
      You can share your finished project at the Zune’s Sewing Therapy Facebook page, I’d love to see your beautiful creation!

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