Pyjamas really are a wardrobe essential!
Summer or winter, we all need a comfortable pair of pyjamas, a pretty nightdress, a little set to relax in at home... and why not a beautiful dressing gown to complete the outfit?
And honestly, pattern designers have spoiled us in recent years. Gone are the sad pyjamas we hide when someone comes to the door or that old stretched-out T-shirt: there are now wonderful patterns with lovely cuts, beautiful details and endless possibilities for enjoying sewing.
That's why I wanted to share my ten favourite pyjama patterns : those I love recommending in the shop, those we've sewn with students in our classes and, of course, a few still on my personal wish list!
There are patterns for different abilities and styles: classic pyjamas with a button-up jacket, a super-comfortable knit set, a more feminine little outfit, a nightdress...
In short, something for everyone.
Let's get started!
First things first: what fabric should you choose for pyjamas?
Before choosing a pattern, we need to talk about fabric.
Since it's autumn, I'll focus on the fabrics I like using now and during winter.
Cotton poplin: a timeless classic
For classic pyjamas with a jacket and trousers, cotton poplin always works beautifully. It's light, comfortable and, above all, very easy to sew.
It's ideal if you prefer not to get too warm in bed and would rather add a thick blanket or cosy duvet.
As for prints, anything goes! The wonderful thing about pyjamas is that you can wear whatever you fancy, even playful, childish or nostalgic designs... little cats, Game Boys or aeroplanes 😂. Have fun without worrying what anyone thinks!
Mini ginghams, florals, more graphic prints, fabrics for children, for him or her... there's something for everyone. Here's a tip: have a look at our three-metre fabric cuts. An adult pair of pyjamas with long sleeves and trousers often needs around that much fabric.
It's also a great choice for a first attempt or wearable toile before cutting into something more precious.
Cats
Birds
Dogs
Cotton sateen for a more elegant pair of pyjamas
I also absolutely love cotton sateen.
It's wonderfully soft, slightly shiny and drapes more fluidly than poplin while still being pleasant to sew. A nightdress, a short set or full pyjamas all look gorgeous in it. And with a little piping in one of the print's colours... stunning!
Such a simple detail instantly makes your pyjamas look much more polished.
Jersey and sweatshirt fabrics for ultimate comfort
If comfort comes first, look at knitted fabrics.
Jersey, French terry, sweatshirt fabric... all work perfectly well for pyjamas.
Just make sure your pattern is designed for stretchy fabric.
And if you can't find the pyjamas you have in mind, why not combine a joggers pattern with a sweatshirt or T-shirt pattern?
You'll create your own completely personalised set.
Cotton flannel: my winter favourite
Then there's THE winter pyjama fabric: cotton flannel, that famous soft, brushed cotton!
It's soft, warm and incredibly cosy once temperatures begin to fall.
Checks are still the classic flannel pyjama pattern, of course, but there are now so many prints: flowers, cats, little animals...
Plenty of opportunities to have fun.
But do check the composition.
For sleeping, I really prefer 100% cotton flannel over polyester flannel. Cotton breathes much better, so you're less likely to feel warm while also sweating far too much.
Now that we've chosen our fabrics, let's look at the sewing patterns!
Gingham
Tartan
and even cherries!
1. Budapest by Ikatee
Let's begin with a real classic we've already sewn many times in our workshops: Budapest by Ikatee.
It's the picture of beautiful traditional pyjamas: a jacket with a tailored collar and matching trousers.
The women's version comes in sizes 32 to 52.
Make the top with short or long sleeves and choose trousers or shorts.
Best of all, you can add piping to the collar, cuffs or ankle bands.
And you know how I love little details like that! Choose matching piping for a chic look or a contrasting colour to brighten the print—even neon!
Another nice detail: Budapest also comes in children's sizes. So if you fancy sewing matching family pyjamas... you know what to do!
2. Maé-Lys by Cha’ Coud
Next is Maé-Lys by Cha’ Coud, available from size 34 to 52 in PDF and printed formats.
You know I love Charlotte's work, and her homewear range has several real gems.
Maé-Lys has the classic pyjama details: a button-up jacket and lovely shirt collar.
The trousers are loose and comfortable, with an elasticated waist and ankle bands.
Once again, you can have fun choosing your fabric.
With stripes, checks or a directional print, why not change the fabric direction on the cuffs or ankle bands?
It's these small touches that turn a classic design into a much more personal garment.
3. The Atelier Brunette pyjama pattern
For the feel of classic pyjamas with a slightly different cut, take a look at the Atelier Brunette pyjama pattern.
It comes in sizes 34 to 46, with two versions:
- a top with shorts;
- a top with trousers.
What I especially like is its more open neckline and kimono sleeves.
It immediately looks different from the previous two designs.
It's still a lovely handmade pyjama set, but with a more modern, feminine feel.
And in a beautiful cotton sateen...
It looks fantastic!
4. Madame Hilda by Studio Schnittreif
Off to Germany with Studio Schnittreif. It's a well-known brand in Germany, perhaps less familiar here, yet there are some wonderful patterns to discover.
My first pick is Madame Hilda, available from XS to XXL.
Another classic: straight-leg trousers with an elasticated waist and a button-up jacket.
Adjust the trouser and sleeve lengths to make a summer or winter set.
The button placket and collar add some technical challenges, so I'd recommend it from intermediate level upwards.
I love Studio Schnittreif's wearable designs and detailed instructions.
Definitely a brand to discover if you don't know it yet!
5. Madame Trixi by Studio Schnittreif
My fifth choice is also from Studio Schnittreif: Madame Trixi.
Why two patterns from the same brand? Because they suit two completely different moods.
Madame Hilda is intended for woven fabrics.
Madame Trixi is designed for knits.
Jersey, sweatshirt fabric... we're firmly in the ultimate-comfort category here.
If your dream pyjamas are a soft set to curl up in on the sofa with a cup of tea, this is the sort of pattern to look at.
And with all today's printed jerseys and sweatshirt fabrics, you can make something truly lovely.
6. Soupir by Maison Fauve
With Soupir by Maison Fauve, we're changing style completely.
What I particularly appreciate is how approachable this pattern is: no complicated shirt collar or long button placket.
The top simply closes at the front with little ties.
They give it plenty of charm without some of the technical challenges of traditional pyjamas.
I think a keen beginner could certainly make it.
Maison Fauve also offers plenty of tutorials to accompany its patterns, which really helps when you're starting out.
Soupir is available from size 34 to 52.
I'd love to see it in a beautiful, soft cotton sateen.
7. Songe & Blush by Maison Fauve
We're staying with Maison Fauve for a much lighter set: Songe & Blush.
Here, little shorts are paired with a camisole. It's feminine, comfortable and much easier to sew than a traditional pyjama jacket. No shirt collar or button placket...
It's a lovely way to start sewing nightwear without jumping straight into something very technical. There's even a nightdress version.
You could choose poplin, cotton sateen or even viscose for extra fluidity.
It's perhaps more of a summer set, but with a pretty kimono or dressing gown over it, I think it works all year round!
8. Honey Girl Lounge Set by Paradise Patterns
I absolutely had to show you this one: the Honey Girl Lounge Set by Paradise Patterns.
If you love pointelle knit fabric, go for it! This is exactly the sort of pattern that suits this material perfectly.
Pointelle instantly gives that soft, cosy, slightly vintage look I love.
It's a very feminine set, with a little elasticated detail to gather the top.
And we also use this pattern in our classes on sewing jersey and pointelle.
Because yes, you can sew pointelle on an ordinary sewing machine: an overlocker isn't essential to get started.
This one is definitely on my list!
9. Romy and Cléo by Cha’ Coud
I warned you: Charlotte from Cha’ Coud has created a whole homewear world.
I particularly love pairing the Romy nightdress with the Cléo kimono.
Romy comes in sizes 34 to 48. It's a beautiful nightdress with a beautifully worked back and gorgeous neckline details.
The straps are adjustable too, which is very handy for getting the fit just right.
I'd class it as an intermediate project.
And to complete the look: Cléo, the kimono you slip on over it.
Its flared sleeves and panels make it look immediately refined.
A beautiful nightdress with a matching kimono...
That's the sort of nightwear you want to show off rather than hide!
10. Lee-Lou-Anne by Cha’ Coud
To finish my top ten, another Cha’ Coud pattern I love: Lee-Lou-Anne.
Charlotte really spoils us here with several pieces in a single set.
You get a little bralette, shorts and an oversized shirt to wear on top.
You can create a complete outfit and wear the different pieces separately too.
It's just the kind of pattern I love: you can make it your own and create lots of versions. And I have a confession... I've already printed my pattern. It's waiting patiently for its turn, but I haven't found time to sew it yet! It's definitely high on my list.
Bonus: the Fantine nightdress by Atelier Guillemette
Okay, I know. I said top ten.
But you're getting to know me... I can never quite stop there! I still wanted to mention Fantine by Atelier Guillemette, a lovely nightdress available in sizes 36 to 46.
It has a pretty crossover neckline, and I think it's a little easier technically than some elaborate nightdress patterns.
If you'd like to sew your first nightdress, it's worth a look.
And because we get cold: the Loup dressing gown by Atelier Jumadi
A winter nightwear wardrobe without a dressing gown? Impossible!
I'll finish with Lou by Atelier Jumadi, available in sizes XS to 3XL.
It's a unisex pattern, so you can make one for your partner too.
Its difficulty level is described as fairly approachable.
Choose lovely towelling or waffle fabric for a genuinely comfortable dressing gown.
I don't know about you, but in winter my dressing gown practically becomes my second home.
In the morning with my coffee, in the evening on the sofa...
What if we sewed our own pyjamas this year?
We spend so much time sewing dresses, shirts, trousers or jackets... and often neglect our nightwear wardrobe. We keep sleeping in an old T-shirt even though there are such beautiful sewing patterns around!
And pyjamas are also a wonderful handmade gift.
Little pyjamas for a child, matching pyjamas for the whole family, a nightdress, a beautiful dressing gown for Christmas...
These are things we wear a lot, and which we can truly personalise by choosing fabric to suit the recipient.
At Christmas I also love the idea of matching family pyjamas. A pretty checked flannel or playful print can make them so much fun. You'll find our pyjama patterns, poplins, cotton sateens, jerseys, sweatshirt fabrics, pointelle and flannels on our website and in our Brussels shops.
And if you want to try but need a little help, you're welcome to make your project with us at one of our workshops in Ixelles or Woluwe-Saint-Lambert.
Now tell me...
Are you more of a classic checked pyjama person, a fan of super-comfortable jersey sets or someone who loves a pretty satin nightdress?
As for me, I've obviously got far too many patterns on my list already!
Happy sewing!
