{"id":58472,"date":"2016-11-08T06:15:47","date_gmt":"2016-11-08T11:15:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/?p=58472"},"modified":"2016-11-08T06:15:47","modified_gmt":"2016-11-08T11:15:47","slug":"how-to-add-cuffs-to-knit-patterns-to-make-pajamas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2016\/11\/how-to-add-cuffs-to-knit-patterns-to-make-pajamas.html","title":{"rendered":"how to add cuffs to knit patterns to make pajamas"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shelley<\/a>, everyone’s favorite pattern modifier, is back with us on the blog today to share a fun tutorial for adding cuffs on knit patterns in order to make pajamas. This would be a perfect project for any time of the year but especially right now for Christmas pajamas, since now is a good time to start holiday sewing. Keep in mind that for babies and toddlers, you could use the Lullaby Layette<\/a> pants for pajama bottoms using this tutorial. Now I\u2019ll hand it over to Shelley.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"How<\/a><\/p>\n

When I joined the Oliver + S community I learned of this lovely North American tradition of sewing a new pair of pajamas for the kids for Christmas. While I think the ruffled version of the Sleepover Pajamas<\/a> should be on everyone\u2019s sewing bucket list, I know how busy we can all get in December and that\u2019s not a project to be started after the 20th!<\/p>\n

So, here\u2019s a really quick and easy way to make some new Christmas pajamas. Just add cuffs to a School Bus T-Shirt<\/a> and a pair of Playtime leggings<\/a>. But of course, adding cuffs isn\u2019t just about pajamas. A cuff can also be a great way to extend the life of a long-sleeved tee or a pair of leggings if your kids grow up<\/em> faster than they grow out<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"Oliver<\/a><\/p>\n

What makes them look like pajamas? I think it\u2019s down to the tops and bottoms matching and the fabric you choose. But hey, if your kid wants to pair jeans with that pajama top, or throw a skirt over those pajama leggings, who\u2019s to know they\u2019re not dressed for the day!<\/p>\n

The \u201ctechnique\u201d for adding cuffs is exactly the same as how you attach the neckband. It\u2019s perfectly set out in the School Bus T-Shirt pattern instructions, the only difference being that the circumference of the cuff is much smaller and hence it\u2019s slightly fiddlier. Be sure to use either a stretch stitch on your sewing machine or use your serger so that hands and feet can easily get through.<\/p>\n

\"Adding<\/a><\/p>\n

What I will talk about is how to determine the dimensions for your cuff pattern pieces. The first thing to consider is how deep you want the cuff to be. It\u2019s entirely your choice and simply a matter of aesthetics. Anywhere from \u00bd\u201d up to 2 or even 3 inches can work. For the pajamas I\u2019ve sewn here I\u2019ve chosen a cuff that is 1 3\/4\u201d deep, yet for the short summer versions on my kids I went with a slightly narrower 1 \u00bc\u201d.<\/p>\n

The height of your cuff pattern piece needs to be twice the desired cuff depth plus \u00bd\u201d. Then, when it is folded in half lengthwise there is a \u00bc\u201d seam allowance for attaching the cuff.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re lengthening an outgrown T-shirt, or sewing for kids with monkey limbs (like mine!) then you may not make any changes to the sleeve length. To achieve the length as per the pattern you trim your pattern piece as follows:<\/p>\n

Cut the cuff depth plus \u00bd an inch from the bottom of the sleeve and the same for the hem of the leggings.<\/p>\n

\"Adding<\/a>The width of the cuff piece doesn\u2019t need to be precise, I\u2019ve cut mine at about 80% of the width of the new bottom edge. In the same way, a band can be added to the bottom of the T-shirt saving any requirement for hemming.<\/p>\n

\"Oliver<\/a><\/p>\n

Finally, you can even add a cuff style waistband at the top of the leggings. Normally the top waist edge is folded to the inside by 1\u201d. We\u2019ll remove that one inch, plus the height of our waistband, but then add back in \u00bc\u201d for seam allowance.<\/p>\n

The waistband elastic is sewn into a loop, then marked into quarters. Mark the waistband cuff similarly. Align the join in the elastic with the back of the waistband, then stitch the elastic at the sides, where marked, to the sides of the waistband. This will stop the elastic from twisting or rolling inside the waistband.<\/p>\n

\"Adding<\/a><\/p>\n

If that looks familiar, it\u2019s because it\u2019s exactly how you do the waistband and elastic in the Nature Walk pants<\/a> pattern. And of course, they would make a great alternative pajama pants pattern.<\/p>\n

Since it\u2019s heading into summer in Australia I went with short sleeves and short legs for my kid\u2019s pajamas. Both kids measure true to Oliver + S sizing for their age, and you can see the leggings are perfectly snug. If your kid prefers looser pants (especially the boys?) consider sizing up on the leggings, or using the Nature Walk pants instead.<\/p>\n

\"Oliver<\/a><\/p>\n

Finally, don\u2019t forget that if you\u2019re presenting these as special Christmas pajamas, nothing beats a matching drawstring bag<\/a> from Little Things To Sew<\/a> to pop them in.<\/p>\n

\"Oliver<\/a><\/p>\n

When I discovered my scraps bucket had all the right fabric colours and some embroidery floss I couldn\u2019t help myself but embellish the bag. I\u2019ve used waste canvas to mark out the grid for my cross stitch. Watching that stuff disappear in warm water and seeing my stitching remain is a bit of Christmas magic right there!<\/p>\n

\"Oliver<\/a><\/p>\n

Warm, snuggly pajamas and snowflakes don\u2019t suit our Aussie Christmas at all, but I loved the idea of sewing some Christmas pajamas and joining in with this lovely tradition. If you\u2019re curious to know who they\u2019ll be gifted to now that they\u2019re made, then visit my blog Bartacks and Singletrack<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you haven\u2019t tried sewing with knits yet, or if you\u2019re nervous about hemming knits then I\u2019d be delighted if I\u2019ve inspired you to give it a go. Cuffs are not just a design element but also a secret way of making knit sewing even easier.
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\nThanks Shelley!<\/em><\/p>\n

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