Joggers are loose-fitting pants that are similar to sweatpants.They are more fashionable than plain sweatpants and can be made from any type of material.They are easy to make and can be expensive if you buy them from the store.You can either modify an existing pair of yoga pants or sew them from scratch.
Step 1: You can get a pair of yoga pants.
As long as they are made from stretchy jersey fabric, you can use other types of pants.The waistband should be elastic.Make sure the pants fit you.The pants will be a little shorter than they are now.
Step 2: Take the hem and 6 inches from each leg.
Cut the hem off of each leg just above the stitching by spreading the pants out on a flat surface.Cut 6 inches (15 cm) off each pant leg, starting from the raw, cut edge.These 6 in pieces will become cuffs for joggers.To make sure the lines you are cutting are straight, use a straight edge.
Step 3: Make your cuffs narrower by 2 to 3 inches.
First, turn the cuffs inside out.Cut 2 to 3 inches off the side seam to make the cuffs narrower.You can cut 1 side seam on each cuff.How much you cut off depends on how skinny your calf is and how wide the pant legs are.
Step 4: Along the short ends, sew the cuffs back together.
The cuffs should be folded in half so that the edges match up.Make sure the right and left sides are facing in.Use a 2 inch (1.3 cm) seam allowance to sew along the raw, short edge.If you have access to a serger, you can use it.You can use a thread color that matches the color of your pants.There isn't a seam allowance.You just need to sew along the edge.The stitches hold the edges together.
Step 5: To shorten the cuffs, fold them inwards.
Take the top edge of your first cuff and fold it down to match the bottom edge.Work your way around the cuff to get a shorter one.The right side of the fabric should face out on the inside and the wrong side should be inside the cuff.This step is repeated for the other cuff.The folded edges can be made nice and sharp by pressing the cuffs flat.
Step 6: The yoga pants need to be turned inside out.
If you like the new length, it would be a good idea to try them on.Depending on your seam allowances, joggers will end up 2 to 2 2 inches (5.1 to 6.4 cm) longer.Take them off if you think they are too long.
Step 7: Put the cuffs in the pant legs to match the raw edges.
Put the cuff over the pant leg.The pant legs should be aligned with the raw edges of the cuffs.The side seams on the pant legs should match up with the cuffs.
Step 8: Place the cuffs on the pant legs.
Place a sewing pin on each side seam, and another pin in the front and back of each pant leg.Don't stretch the cuffs to fit the legs.If you have to, use more sewing pins.The pins should be moved vertically into the pant legs.
Step 9: Put the cuffs on the pant legs.
Use a thread color that matches the fabric, a zigzag stitch, and a 2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowance.When sewing, backstitch to keep the thread from unraveling.If you want a nicer finish, you can finish the seams with a stitch.
Step 10: The pants should be turned right-side-out.
If necessary, remove the cuffs from the pant legs.If you want, you can press the seams flat with an iron; they can be either downward or upwards.
Step 11: You should wash, dry, and iron your fabric.
Joggers are usually made from stretchy fabric, such as jersey or sweatpants, but you can also use lightweight denim, cotton, or linen.According to the instructions on the bolt, wash, dry, and iron the fabric.If you forget to take down the washing instructions, use cold water to wash the fabric.If you want the fabric to hang dry, use a warm setting.
Step 12: Set a pair of pajama pants on top of the folded fabric.
The wrong side of the fabric should be facing out.Place pajama pants on top by folding them in half.The top edge of the pants should be 2 2 inches from the fabric.The pajama pants should fit you.
Step 13: Leave room for the seam allowances by cutting around the pajama pants.
If you're worried about accidentally cutting through your pajama pants, trace around them with a tailor's chalk or pen and cut them out.Along the side edges, leave a 2 in seam.The top edge/waistband should be added to the bottom cuff.Joggers will end up too narrow if you don't stretch out the elastic waistband of the pajama pants.
Step 14: To cut the back half of the pants, repeat the process.
If your pajama pants are symmetrical on the front and back, you can keep them folded and cut another set of pieces.If your pajama pants are larger in the back, then you will need to refold them and make a new set.
Step 15: If you want, you can cut out 4 pocket pieces.
Make 4 U-shaped pieces large enough to fit in your hand.Keep in mind that you will be sewing these, so make the pockets larger than you want them to be.It is possible to make the top edge straight.
Step 16: If you made them, sew the pocket pieces to the pant pieces.
The pocket pieces should be pinned to the side edge of the pant leg pieces.Make sure the sides are touching and the edges are straight.Using a 2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowance and matching thread color, sew from the top edge of the pocket down to the bottom edge.This is the step for the pocket and pant leg pieces.Straight and zigzag stitches are used for woven/non-stretchy fabrics.The pockets should be at least 4 inches down from the pant pieces.Make sure they are all in the same place.
Step 17: Put the front and back pieces together.
The curved crotch should be Pin the 2 front pieces together.The crotch can be sewn using a 2 in seam allowance and a matching thread color.This is the second step for the 2 back pieces.Press the seams open for a nicer finish after cutting a V-shaped notch into the crotch.Straight and zigzag stitches can be used for woven/non-stretchy fabrics.
Step 18: Pin and sew.
The front and back pieces should be put together.To sew straight down from the waistband to the cuff, use a 2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowance and a matching thread color.Start from the crotch and finish at the cuff if you want to repeat the process for the inseams.If you wish, open the seams.Straight and zigzag stitches are used for woven/non-stretchy fabrics.Make sure you sew around the pockets if you added them.If you sew straight across the pockets, you won't be able to open them.The pockets have curved edges.Keep them about 1 inch apart.You can backstitch at the crotch.You want the stitching to be strong and nice.
Step 19: Attach the cuffs and waistband.
After folding the cuffs and waistband, press them with an iron.The cuffs and waistband should be folded by another 1 inch.After pressing them with an iron, sew along the inside folded edges as close to the edge as possible.Between your first and last stitches, leave 2 in.Straight and zigzag stitches are used for woven/non-stretchy fabrics.The fabric should be matched with the thread color.If you want a nicer finish on the inside, fold the cuffs and waistband down by 2 inch.
Step 20: Attach the cuffs and waistband with elastic.
Pull elastic through the cuffs with safety pins.Overlap the ends of your elastic by 2 inch, then sew them using a zigzag stitch.When you are done, put the sewn end of the elastic back through the gap.The elastic can be cut to your calf/waist measurement or the inner circumference of your joggers' cuffs.For the cuffs and the waistband, use 1 in and 2 in elastic.
Step 21: There are gaps on the cuffs and waistband.
You should sew as close to the folded edge of the cuff as you can.There are two ways to use a matching thread color and straight or zigzag stitching.Remember to backstitch after you overlap your stitching.You will need to stretch the elastic in order to get the fabric to lay flat.