Logan always seems to need pajamas in multiples. He outgrows them all at once, so I make them all at once, thus perpetuating my problem...
But I can't refuse that sweet face.
I pulled some stash flannel that I think was given to me several years ago. There wasn't any identifying mark on the selvage, so I don't know where it came from , but both pieces were very soft and thick. Perfect for PJs.
I used the Goodnight Sweetheart PJ pattern from
Sewing for Boys. Logan and I have been really happy with it. It looks great and the external facings are perfect for my sensitive guy. I used prong style snaps for the closure.
I made the pants a little long, so hopefully he'll be able to wear them a while.
They're great for jumping!
Today's Tip
The PJ pant has an elastic waist, and the pattern calls for a casing, but I prefer to attach the elastic in the round and fold it over for a more RTW finish that doesn't shift, bunch, twist or curl. I've had trouble doing this with my serger, but I found a method that works for me and I wanted to share it.
For my serger, it seems like it is critical for the blade to be disengaged and the elastic to be on top for a clean serge. Before I begin, I drop the upper blade. This is a quick operation on my serger, but check your manual for how to do it to your machine. Since the blade can't trim, you have to make sure your fabric and elastic are aligned well with nothing hanging off the edge. Then stretch the elastic to fit the waistline and serge it on!
The serger does a nice job cleanly finishing the edge for you.
Once it's folded over and stitched down, it looks totally pro.
16 comments:
I put in elastic the same way! I haven't been dropping the blade, though. I have just been lining the elastic up with the inside edge of the blade so it wouldn't cut into it at all. It would probably be faster if I drop the blade. lol Thanks for sharing the tip!
same here. I love to do elastic that way. I don't drop my blade either, though. I should totally do that from now on! These look so cute and warm. Makes me want to go make some :D
I noticed you did this on the pants you gave baby Ed (nearly 4 years ago!) and I've been doing it ever since. Love not having a casing there. Great tip.
I've done it this way (minus the blade dropping) for a while, and agree that it's definitely faster than making a casing! Now if only I had a coverstitch machine to stitch it down instead of pulling it tight and using my sewing machine....
BTW, are you referencing the book Sewing for Boys by the Figgy's patterns gals? The eldest is already at the top (or probably past the top) of the size range, but the one on the way would probably get a lot of use out of this...
Yes! It is from the Sewing for Boys book! I should probably say that... Logan is wearing the largest size now, and I'm going to have to grade it up for him. We both love it so much.
Has it really been that long?! Time is really flying!
They are cozy! I kinda want some for me... :)
My serger really didn't like it when I left the blade up. It made a mess...
I don't think I've ever serged with the elastic on top. Will try that next time and see if it improves the process. Logan looks really happy in his new PJ's, way to go Mom.
Highly recommend! The differential feed helps pull the fabric onto the elastic evenly too, so you don't have to stretch as much.
Wow, thanks, I definitely want to try this. Looks so niced!
You mention using the differential feed. What do you set it at?
On my machine, I usually have it set on 2 for knits and 1 for wovens.
Such cute pjs! I can tell he loves them. =)
Serging the elastic like that is exactly how I did it when I worked as a cheerleading uniform sample-maker. Serge it and then fold and coverstitch. (It's really great unless you need to replace the elastic.)
True that! Picking out all that serging is painful!!
Thank you!
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