A handmade pajama set is a rewarding project that combines comfort with timeless style. Sewing your own sleepwear allows you to choose breathable fabrics, achieve a comfortable fit, and create a matching shirt and pajama bottoms that you'll enjoy wearing year-round. It's also a practical project that helps build essential garment-making skills.
The Winslet's Arbor Men's Pajama Set Sewing Pattern includes a relaxed-fit button-down shirt and matching pajama bottoms designed for comfort and everyday wear. With detailed sewing guides for both garments, it's an excellent project for sewists looking to create a coordinated sleepwear set with professional-looking finishes.
Why Sew a Men's Pajama Set?
- Create a comfortable matching sleepwear set for everyday use.
- Learn a variety of garment construction techniques, including pockets, collars, cuffs, button plackets, waistbands, and buttonholes.
- Enjoy a relaxed fit that provides comfort while sleeping or lounging.
- Customize your pajama set using your favorite woven fabrics.
- Build confidence by completing a practical wardrobe staple you'll wear repeatedly.
Why Choose the Winslet's Arbor Men's Pajama Set Sewing Pattern?
Relaxed Fit Shirt
Pajama Bottoms
Skill Level: Very Easy (Pajama Bottoms) and Intermediate (Relaxed Fit Shirt)
Pattern Features:
- Relaxed fit long-sleeve button-down shirt
- Classic shirt collar with collar stand
- Functional front button placket
- Long sleeves with button cuffs
- Front chest patch pocket
- Relaxed-fit pajama bottoms
- Elastic waistband with fabric waist tie
- Side pockets
- Back patch pocket
Available Sizes: US 34 - US 54 | UK 34 - UK 54 | EU 44 - EU 64
Supplies & Notions
The sewing guides recommend the following tools and supplies:
- Lightweight woven fabric
- Matching polyester sewing thread (3-ply)
- Sewing machine
- Sewing needles
- Fabric shears
- Thread cutter
- Measuring tape
- Pins
- Tailor's chalk or fabric marking tool
- Iron
- Fusible interfacing
- Buttonhole presser foot
- Buttons (shirt)
- Elastic band (pajama bottoms)
Fabric Recommendations
The Arbor Pajama Set is designed for lightweight woven fabrics that are soft, breathable, and comfortable against the skin.
Recommended fabrics include:
- Lightweight cotton
- Satin
- Linen
- Crepe
The sample garment shown in both sewing guides is made from cotton stripe fabric, which is recommended because it is:
- Comfortable and breathable
- Colorfast
- Easy to sew, making it ideal for beginners
Size Charts
Check the size charts and measure yourself to select the correct size, using the garment and body measurement tables in the guide.
Verify how much fabric you need by referencing the fabric yield table in the guide.
Pattern Inventory: What Pieces to Prepare
Relaxed Fit Shirt
Prepare the following pattern pieces:
- Front Left — cut ×1 fabric
- Front Right — cut ×1 fabric
- Back — cut ×1 fabric
- Back Yoke — cut ×2 fabric
- Sleeve — cut ×2 fabric
- Cuff — cut ×4 fabric
- Collar — cut ×2 fabric
- Collar Stand — cut ×2 fabric
- Sleeve Placket — cut ×2 fabric
- Sleeve Bind — cut ×2 fabric
- Patch Pocket — cut ×1 fabric
Ready templates included:
- Cuff Ready
- Collar Ready
- Collar Stand Ready
- Patch Pocket Ready
- Sleeve Placket Ready
Pajama Bottoms
Prepare the following pattern pieces:
- Front — cut ×2 fabric
- Back — cut ×2 fabric
- Waistband — cut ×2 fabric
- Waist Tie — cut ×1 fabric
- Side Pocket — cut ×2 fabric
- Back Patch Pocket — cut ×1 fabric
- Back Patch Pocket Ready — cut ×1 fabric
Pattern Marking
The Arbor Pajama Set includes clear pattern markings to help you align pieces accurately and achieve a professional finish.
Relaxed Fit Shirt
The shirt pattern includes markings for:
- Grainlines
- Center front
- Front placket and placket sewing lines
- Buttonhole placements
- Neckline
- Shoulder and shoulder drop
- Shoulder drop notches
- Armhole and armhole notches
- Chest and waist lines
- Pocket placement
- Back across line and notches
- Sleeve placket marking
- Sleeve pleat notches and pleat direction
- Center armhole notch
- Back armhole notch
- Collar stand notches
- Pocket sewing lines
- Cuff markings
- Seam allowance reference lines
Pajama Bottoms
The pajama bottoms pattern includes markings for:
- Grainlines
- Waistline
- Side seams
- Inseams
- Hip line
- Thigh line
- Knee line
- Crotch line
- Hemline
- Pocket opening line
- Pocket notches
- Back pocket placement
- Waistband notches
- Buttonhole markings
- Center notch on the waistband
The guide also explains that the inseam represents the measurement from the crotch to the ankle, helping you correctly identify the leg pieces during construction.
Cutting Layout
Relaxed Fit Shirt
Pajama Bottoms
Both sewing guides provide cutting layouts for 45-inch and 60-inch fabric widths.
To achieve the best results:
- Arrange the pattern pieces according to the illustrated layouts.
- Keep every grainline arrow parallel to the fabric selvage.
- Pin the pattern pieces securely before cutting to maintain accuracy.
- The layouts are designed for non-directional fabrics.
- If using fabrics with nap or one-way prints, purchase additional fabric to accommodate the pattern direction.
- The illustrated layouts use US Size 40 as the example.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Before sewing, prepare your fabric carefully to ensure every piece is cut accurately.
The sewing guides recommend:
- Arrange all pattern pieces according to the cutting layout before cutting.
- Align each grainline parallel to the fabric selvage.
- Trace the pattern pieces if using fabric shears before cutting.
- Cut all notches accurately, as they help align the garment during assembly.
- Transfer all pattern markings—including circles, fold lines, buttonholes, and center markings—to the wrong side of the fabric using tailor's chalk or a fabric marker.
Seam Allowance
Relaxed Fit Shirt
Please follow the seam allowances as indicated on the pattern file layers. These are provided specifically for each piece to ensure accurate construction.
This pattern uses:
- 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance all around
- 1.5 cm (5/8") at the hem
- 1.25 cm (1/2") at the side seam
- 3.5 cm (1 3/8") at the left placket
- 2.5 cm (1") at the right placket
- 3.8 cm (1 1/2") at the top of the pocket
- 1.3 cm (1/2") on the remaining three sides of the pocket, collar, and collar stand
Pajama Bottoms
Please follow the seam allowances as indicated on the pattern file layers. These are provided specifically for each piece to ensure accurate construction.
This pattern uses:
- 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance all around
- 5 cm (2") at the hem
- 3.8 cm (1 1/2") at the pocket edge
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
Relaxed Fit Shirt
1. Attach the Chest Patch Pocket
1a.
Fold the seam allowances of the bottom and side edges of the Patch Pocket (Pattern K) toward the wrong side and press them with an iron.
For the top edge, first fold 1 cm toward the wrong side, then fold again along the seamline to enclose the raw edge. Sew along the folded 1 cm seam allowance to finish the top edge of the pocket.
1b.
Place the prepared chest pocket on the pocket marking transferred from the pattern onto the left front piece (Pattern A).
Sew around the side and bottom edges, approximately 0.3 cm from the edge, leaving the top edge open to create the finished chest pocket.
2. Finish the Front Plackets
Fold each front placket toward the wrong side along the center front.
Trim the excess seam allowance to approximately 1 cm so the remaining seam allowance can be folded under neatly to hide the raw edge and align with the front placket.
Sew along the placket seamline to secure the fold.
Repeat the same process for the opposite front placket.
3. Create the Back Pleats
Bring the two pleat notches on the Back (Pattern C) together toward the pleat direction marking.
Pin the pleats in place and sew across the back across seam allowance to secure them before attaching the yoke.
4. Attach the Back Yoke
Position both Back Yoke (Pattern D) pieces with their right sides together, sandwiching the prepared Back (Pattern C) between them.
Match the back across notches, align all edges carefully, and pin the layers together.
Sew along the back across seamline to join all three layers.
Turn the yoke right side out and press the seam flat.
5. Attach the Front Shoulders
Fold the shoulder seam allowance of both Back Yoke pieces toward the wrong side and press.
Insert the shoulder seam allowance of the Front piece between the two back yoke layers.
Align the shoulder seamlines carefully and sew along the shoulder seam.
Repeat the same process for the opposite shoulder.
6. Attach the Collar
6a.
Place the two Collar (Pattern G) pieces with their right sides together.
Sew around the collar, starting from one corner of the collar stand seam allowance to the opposite corner of the collar stand seam allowance.
6b.
Clip the collar corners.
Turn the collar right side out and use a pencil or another pointed tool to shape the corners neatly.
6c.
Take one Collar Stand (Pattern H) piece.
Fold the neckline seam allowance toward the wrong side, press it flat, and secure the fold with basting stitches.
6d.
Place both collar stand pieces with their right sides together, sandwiching the prepared collar between them.
Sew along the collar stand seamline, joining both collar stand pieces and enclosing the collar.
6e.
Turn the collar stand right side out and press along the stitch line to create a crisp, stable collar shape.
6f.
Place the unfolded collar stand onto the neckline of the shirt with the right sides together.
Pin the collar stand to the neckline and sew along the seamline, leaving the folded collar stand unstitched.
6g.
Carefully sandwich the neckline seam allowances between the two collar stands.
Remove the temporary basting stitches from the folded collar stand.
Fold the prepared collar stand over the neckline seam allowance so it completely covers the raw edges, pin if necessary, and stitch along the folded edge to achieve a clean, finished neckline.
7. Attach the Sleeves
Match the center point of the sleeve (Pattern E) with the shoulder seam of the prepared bodice.
Align the back armhole notch of the sleeve with the corresponding back armhole notch on the bodice.
Place the sleeve and bodice with their right sides together and pin them in place.
Sew along the armhole seamline to attach the sleeve.
Repeat the same process for the second sleeve.
8. Attach the Sleeve Plackets
8a.
Place the Sleeve Bind (Pattern J) on the sleeve placket marking closest to the pleat notch.
Position the Sleeve Placket (Pattern I) on the opposite side of the placket marking, ensuring the right side of the placket faces the wrong side of the sleeve.
Pin both pieces in place and sew along the placket marking line.
8b.
Cut along the center of the stitched placket opening.
Clip small V-shaped notches at both ends of the opening without cutting through the stitching.
8c.
Turn both placket pieces through the opening to the right side of the sleeve.
Press the placket flat with an iron.
8d.
Fold the seam allowance of the Sleeve Bind twice to enclose the raw edge.
Trim any excess fabric if needed to reduce bulk, then sew close to the folded edge.
8e.
Fold the seam allowance of the Sleeve Placket toward the wrong side, then fold it again along the center to cover the sleeve opening neatly.
Fold the top of the placket over to conceal the raw edge.
Pin everything in place.
Sew from the bottom edge of the placket toward the top, finishing with an inverted V-shaped stitch across the top to secure both sides of the placket together.
Repeat the same process for the second sleeve.
9. Sew the Side Seams
Align the underarm seam of each sleeve with the corresponding side seam of the bodice.
Pin the seams together, ensuring the armhole seam intersections match accurately.
Sew continuously along both side seams to join the sleeves and body of the shirt.
10. Attach the Cuffs
10a.
Fold the top seam allowance of one Cuff (Pattern F) toward the wrong side and press.
Place this cuff together with the matching cuff piece that has not been folded, keeping their right sides together.
Sew around both side edges and the bottom edge.
Turn the cuff right side out and use a pointed tool to shape the corners neatly.
Tip: Trim the seam allowances at the cuff corners to reduce bulk. You may also apply fusible interfacing to the cuff pieces before sewing to provide additional structure. Use the Cuff Ready template to cut the interfacing accurately.
10b.
Bring together the two cuff pleat notches nearest the sleeve placket and pin or baste them in place.
Repeat the same process for the second pair of pleat notches to create the sleeve pleats.
10c.
Place the prepared cuff onto the sleeve cuff edge.
Align the unfolded cuff seam allowance with the sleeve edge and pin.
Sew along the seamline to attach the cuff.
10d.
Fold the cuff downward over the sleeve and press.
Tuck the stitched seam allowance inside the cuff so the folded cuff edge covers the raw seam on the inside.
10e.
Topstitch close to the folded cuff edge to secure the cuff and achieve a clean finish.
Repeat Steps 10a–10e for the second sleeve.
11. Finish the Hem
Fold the bottom hem of the shirt toward the wrong side according to the seam allowance provided in the pattern.
Press the fold.
Fold the hem once more to enclose the raw edge.
Sew close to the folded edge around the entire bottom hem to complete the shirt hem.
12. Sew the Buttonholes and Buttons
Create the buttonholes along the right front placket at the positions marked on the pattern.
Open each buttonhole carefully using a seam ripper or buttonhole cutter.
Align the corresponding button positions on the left front placket.
Sew each button securely in place.
Give the completed Arbor Relaxed Fit Shirt a final press, ensuring the collar, plackets, cuffs, sleeves, and hem lie neatly before wearing.
Pajama Bottoms
1. Attach the Side Pockets
1a.
Place one Side Pocket (Pattern E) on the corresponding Front (Pattern A) piece with the right sides facing together.
Sew from the pocket top notch to the pocket bottom notch along the side seam. Clip the seam allowance at both the top and bottom pocket notches.
1b.
Spread the seam open and press it flat with an iron.
1c.
Turn the side pocket toward the wrong side of the front piece and press along the pocket opening line.
1d.
Fold the pocket piece in half with the right sides together.
Sew along the waist seam allowance and the side seam of the pocket using basting stitches to secure the pocket in place.
2. Attach the Back Patch Pocket
2a.
Fold the seam allowances of the Back Patch Pocket (Pattern F) toward the wrong side, leaving the top edge unfolded. Press the folds.
2b.
Fold 1 cm of the top seam allowance toward the wrong side and press.
2c.
Fold the pocket again from the pocket top seamline toward the wrong side to enclose the raw edge. Sew along the folded edge to finish the top of the pocket.
2d.
Place the prepared pocket on the right side of the Back (Pattern B) piece, aligning it with the back pocket marking.
2e.
Topstitch around the two sides and bottom edge of the pocket, leaving the top edge open.
3. Prepare the Leg Pieces
Repeat Step 1 to attach the second side pocket to the remaining front piece.
Repeat Step 2 if sewing another garment or preparing additional pieces as required by your project.
Press all prepared pieces before continuing to assembly.
4. Sew the Crotch Seams
4a.
Place the two Front pieces with their right sides together.
Align the front crotch seam carefully.
4b.
Sew along the front crotch seamline.
4c.
Repeat the same process with the two Back pieces, sewing the back crotch seam.
5. Sew the Inseam
5a.
Spread the prepared front and back pieces open from the crotch seams.
Place the front and back with their right sides together.
5b.
Match the inseam from one bottom hem, through the crotch, and down to the opposite bottom hem.
Sew continuously along the entire inseam seamline.
6. Sew the Side Seams
Align the side seams of the front and back leg pieces.
Sew along both side seamlines to complete the basic trouser shape.
7. Prepare the Waistband
7a.
Cut a piece of fusible interfacing to match the designated center area of one Waistband (Pattern C) piece.
Ensure it covers the buttonhole markings and aligns with the four waistband notches.
Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the waistband.
7b.
Using a buttonhole presser foot, sew the two buttonholes at the marked locations.
7c.
Place both waistband pieces with their right sides together and align one long edge.
7d.
Sew along the aligned long edge following the seamline.
7e.
Open the seam and press it flat.
Fold the waistband at the center notch with the right sides together, aligning the short ends.
7f.
Sew along both short ends of the waistband to enclose the ends.
8. Attach the Waistband
8a.
Place the unfused long edge of the prepared waistband against the wrong side of the pajama waistline.
8b.
Match the center notch of the waistband with the center back of the pants.
Align the waist edges and sew along the waist seam.
8c.
Turn the pajama right side out and press the seam.
8d.
Fold the waistband in half along the center seamline.
Turn the remaining seam allowance toward the wrong side of the waistband.
Position the folded waistband so it completely covers the waist seam allowance inside the garment.
Topstitch along the lower folded edge to enclose the seam neatly.
8e.
Sew two parallel stitch lines, approximately 0.75 inches apart, around the waistband to create the casing for the waist tie.
9. Create the Waist Tie
9a.
Fold the Waist Tie (Pattern D) in half lengthwise with the wrong sides facing out.
Press to create a center crease.
9b.
Using the crease as a guide, prepare the tie for stitching.
9c.
Sew along the long side seamline.
9d.
Turn the waist tie right side out using a loop turner.
Hand stitch the raw ends closed if desired.
9e.
Insert the finished waist tie through one buttonhole and guide it through the waistband casing until it exits the opposite buttonhole.
A safety pin can be used to help thread the tie through the casing.
Note: Use the same fabric as the pajama bottoms for the waist tie. The contrasting color shown in the illustrations is for demonstration purposes only.
10. Finish the Hem
Fold each hem approximately 0.5 cm toward the wrong side.
Fold again along the hem seamline to enclose the raw edge.
Press the fold and sew close to the folded edge to complete the hems of the Arbor Pajama Bottoms.
Ready to Sew Your Own Men's Pajama Set?
A handmade pajama set is a practical and satisfying sewing project that you'll enjoy wearing night after night. The Arbor Men's Pajama Set combines a classic button-down pajama shirt with comfortable elastic-waist pajama bottoms, creating a timeless sleepwear set that's equally suited for relaxing at home.
Whether you choose lightweight cotton, linen, satin, crepe, or the recommended cotton stripe fabric, this pattern provides the opportunity to build valuable sewing skills. From sewing collars, cuffs, plackets, and buttonholes on the shirt to constructing pockets, an elastic waistband, and a waist tie on the bottoms, each step helps you develop confidence while creating a polished handmade garment.
Ready to get started? Pick up the Arbor Men's Pajama Set Sewing Pattern and create a comfortable, classic sleepwear set you'll enjoy for years to come.
Explore More Sewing Patterns
Browse our Men's Sewing Pattern Collection for more handmade wardrobe essentials, including shirts, hoodies, joggers, trousers, shorts, and coordinating loungewear.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Arbor Men's Pajama Set on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
