I did this project and wrote the post for the first time when my now ten-year old was as pictured above, after being inspired by tinyhappy who displayed before and after pictures of her tshirts made into pants.
Now, let’s celebrate my success, people. I took this long-sleeved t-shirt belonging to Ryan, and while Julian was asleep, I cut the two required pieces to make pants. About 5 minutes. It’s just a left leg and a right leg. Then, I sewed them together. Now ten minutes have passed. The kid was still sleeping! Then, Heather and Holden came over. Julian woke up, and while the boys wreaked havoc in my bedroom, tossing plastic shovels, cotton balls and Cheerios this way and that, Heather made 75% of a pair of lounge pants for Holden while I coached her and wrangled her baby. Sure, he had to sit in the Pack and Play for a few minutes, but we had a good time. Later that night, I sewed my elastic waist in. The whole project was about 30 minutes.
1. Identify an appropriate t-shirt or sweatshirt.
2. Fold a pair of baby’s pants with crotch sticking out and trace. I have outlined what it should look like for you. With this placement of the cut, you will not need to hem the bottom.
3. Cut on your traced line.
4. Cut a second pant leg from the other side of the shirt. Look for the arrow on the left in this picture to see how I used my first pant leg as a guide.
5. You have two pant legs now, right?
6. Place right sides facing each other and pin. Sew along curves.
7. Reorient the pants and you’ll see that you just have a crotch to sew up and a waist to fold over and sew. Leave a space to thread the elastic through.
8. Insert elastic, sew waist closed, and you are done!
Now you can make simple toddler shorts or pants from a t-shirt. Please share your successes with us!
Other t-shirt projects:
- Extend the life of a favorite graphic t-shirt
- Make a newborn hat
- Embellish with felt and buttons
- (or just buy cheap baby pants and move on with your day)
i love it! i totally don’t sew, but i’m going to try it.
I’ve just started sewing and have just done pj pants for my toddler. This is a great idea and I can’t wait to try it.
COOOOOL! A useful comment, I know, but it’s just so…cooool!
I can’t do anything crafty except with glue and scissors. But, geez, that would be great if I could sew. Who’s that cute little guy? Someone should put him on a CD sleeve!
Who needs to sew…have you tried Stitch witchery….its an ironable tape that sticks things together instead of sewing…doesn’t last quite as long but I can’t wait to try this and I don’t sew!
I love it! Just adorable. I’m the world’s worst sewer, but it looks like I can’t mess this up.
P.S. I have the same shoes you’re wearing in the photo. Love them!
WOW! thESE ARE WAY COOL! I’m going to give this a try.
FInally! A use for all my husbands old shirts! This rocks.
I’m a grandma of 6 and can’t wait to make some of these. Ingenious!
Thanks very much for the imaginative use for those ubiquitous t-shirts.
Those are fantastically cute! I’m going to try that out!
Wow! How adorable he looks in his cool new pants!! I LOVE recycled clothing projects, they’re so much fun!!! I have a site with free patterns for baby clothes, all based on recycled stuff (there even is a simular pattern up there for making baby-shorts!) and I find it very inspiring to see what other crafty moms come up with!
Suzy – share your site please?
I am not the most accomplishes seamstress by any means and I whipped up a pair of these in about 15 minutes for my daughter and they are too cute. Like another poster said, I finally have a use for my husband’s ever-growing pile of old t-shirts.
Awesome job!
What a smart lady you are! They are just adorable.
these rock! I love sewing w/out a real pattern yay!
What a clever idea. Does anyone happen to have a pattern for making onsies out of t-shirts.
Mary, we don’t have one (yet!) but you can send a cool t-shirt to Nancy Dene and she’ll do it for you. Let us know if you find one.
I tried this pattern and love it. It takes literally 12 minutes to make a pair of pants. Now I made them for friends family etc for all occasions – halloween, christmas, easter, thanksgiving etc. I’ve even made them for kids party favor gifts.
this is the best pattern I’ve seen since sliced bread I have several shirts I can’t wait to recycle.
so cute…………!!!!
Hi, i am a 14, and this a really helpfull tip. I am starting to sew. Thankx
Hi, I just learned how to use my sewing machine, and found this very simple and a great way to use up some old material… perfect for beginners…
i made some of these!!! i posted them on my blog, check them out they are super cute!!!!! thanks for the AWESOME idea!
thanks so much for this clear tutorial. i am officially addicted to making these cool little pants for my son! i only wish i had known about this sooner.
What a great project! Don’t have any little ones to make these for, but will be sharing your pattern and blog with others through my site.
What a great idea! I am going to use this idea to make my pyjama’s.
This is so much easier than trying to follow a pattern. Thank you soooo much!!!!
wonderful, looks super easy, i am not a sewing person, but truly believe i can do this. thank you, looking forward to more ideas.
rhonda
john 3:16
I did this ! You made the instructions clear and the job was so easy! I made 6 pair of pants for my boys. Only thing, though, is that I didn’t leave enough room at the waist at first, so they were plummer pants.
Thanks!
This is fantastic. Just made a pair in 15 minutes. Thank you.
Thank it worked for me I did it! I am a just took up sewing and have a toddler he’s 2 years old and used a fleace jumper 6x used your idea made it to a to 3t. The sweat pants looks so good thanks for the idea. I I can’t stop showing it off to my family!
That is a great idea! Thanks for sharing. I am thinking of doing this with plaid fabric and sew a zipper down the side for punkrock baby Halloween costume.
I made them… Thanks for the wonderful tut!
Oh wow. That is awesome. I’m gonna have to try that!!
Just wanted to say that I thought that this was a really neat idea. I like that it is very simple. Keep up the great ideas.
Thanks so much for this idea! I just made some pants for carnival for my son and, even though I used plain fabric instead of a t-shirt and just used a pijama trouser as template, they took me a max of 15 minutes Wow. This is right up my alley 🙂
Simply put… GENIUS! Thank you!
Man, thank you so much! This was a great help to me. I am potty training my 2 1/2 year old son and wanted him to have a few short/pants that he could take on and off by himself. I whipped up few while he napped. I also took some flannel that I already had and made some out of that. Awesome!
Thank you so much for putting this up! I had an idea to make little capri pants to go with an eastery dress that I just made for Katie (my 9 month old) but I had no idea how to do it! The pictures are super helpful and very easy to follow- yay!
thank you very much
my son loves them.
http://www.tapuz.co.il/blog/viewEntry.asp?EntryId=1223758
Wow that is great! I really liked the step thoughs. I think I CAN do this. 🙂
I’m not a sewer. Can someone help me with Step 6? What is the ‘right’ side, and which bits am I supposed to be pinning to what? (And when do the pins come out?)
Linked to you this Tuesday (05-06) as part of my “Tackle It Tuesday”. I had completed some dresses but had your pants and some reusable grocery bags to go from a box of old t-shirts.
Doing the pants today (Friday) and I’m LOVING how they are coming out!! They are all done but the elastic (thought I had some but don’t). Thank you SO much for this post…even a rookie sew-er like me felt competent doing this! LOL
Thank you for such a great tutorial. My pants turned out great! Here’s a link to my Flickr photo. http://www.flickr.com/photos/maryconner/2487441463/in/photostream/ I’ll surely be making more!
Okay those are too cute. I’m going to have to give those a try!
Do you have to use a special needle in your machine to sew these since it’s stretchy knit fabric?
This tutorial helped me save a beloved old t-shirt that had begun to fall apart. It was a jazz festival shirt with a picture on the front and the list of performers on the back. Now it is a pair of long shorts for a seven year old child, with the art on one leg and the list of performers on the other.
Most t-shirts have the design higher up, and since the top of the shirt is the part which wears out first, it may be hard to make a sturdy casing for the waist. I took fabric from the hem of the shirt and sewed it to the top of the shorts to form the casing.
The shorts are sure to be a hit at this year’s festival. Thank you!
This is just what I was looking for! i have tons of old tees that I wanted to recycle into clothes for my little one on the way and this is just what I needed. Thank you!!
Made some of these for my 4 year old – she is tall for her age and quite little around the waist… made her the perfect pair of track pants from an old maternity t-shirt… the shape of the shirt meant the pants look like bell bottoms! She LOVES them… thank you so much xxx
The directions are great! I admit the “reorient” had me baffled for a minute then I realized I needed to turn them right side out. I made these super quick and instead of using elastic I made a drawstring closure using a 1 inch strip of t-shirt as a draw string
This is just what I need for my toddler. I whipped up a cute pair of pjs in no time. Thank you thank you thank you!! These are awesome.
Here from Balancing Everything. Love this! I wondered why I bothered to pack and move all those t-shirts that I don’t wear. Ta-da. And here I was wondering if I should spend that Carter’s gift certificate on day clothes or jammies. Bah! Now off to search for pj tops to sew. Lalala!
This is just terrific. I gave it a try this morning. I didn’t get it quite right (the pants are a little snug), but it was easy enough that I’ll try it again!
This is totally awesome!
Also, I’m guessing you could use old sweatshirts to make some heftier pants for when the weather is a bit cooler!
I don’t sew, but I’m going next door to borrow my neighbour’s sewing machine!
So I’ve just tried my first pair. But how do you determine the length of elastic to use? I mean, I guess, how do you allow for the scrunch factor?
I’m lost at #6 above. It looks like you sewed down the middle of this, but it just says to sew the curves areas. Also, what does “reorient the pants” mean? Fold it inside out? I haven’t tried this yet, but I am confused as I look at how you got from step 6 to 7. Thanks for any information.
These are totally awesome!! I made my daughter’s from her uncle’s old buttoned shirt and instead of cutting the pieces from the side seams, I cut them from the front and back so I got one side seam (on the pants) from the placket (with the buttons). It adds a nice detail at no extra effort :)……I think I am going to go on a pant sewing spree.
Thanks for sharing
thanks, its great idea…………….
Hi!
How do you get to the cut out for the crotch? Seems like that part of the instructions is missing? I am a little confused over this part, can you help?
Found you via a google search and made pants out of a tea towel: http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2009/04/dish-towel-shorts/
This is exactly what I was looking for to make some outside ‘play shorts’ for my 2 year old for the summer. I’ll try to share the finished product!!
THANK YOU! This was so much fun!!! I had bought a pattern for pants earlier today and didn’t understand a word of it! I found this site and ta-da! Pants are done! 🙂
Thanks for the tutorial! This is the first thing I have ever sewed that actually turned out right! I can’t wait for the baby to wake up from his nap so he can try these on!!
Just made some pyjama bottoms for my little girl using this method, as she has outgrown the bottoms but not the tops. So quick & easy, and saved me some ££ buying new PJs!! Thanks!
Great tute! Here’s my baby wearing her red hot pants
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/3718225237_20e6456c2f.jpg
I had to do this again! This time I decided to take a hand-me-down onesie and put an applique on it with some baby pants to make a complete outfit. Total cost to me? $0!!!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3448/3729515080_d859b53f05.jpg
Those are adorable & look super easy! I’ll HAVE to do some of those when I’m done w/my 5 projects currently on the table, LOL
thank you for the tutorial… it’s so quick and easy. and cost next to nothing! i made one for my 2 year old, and she loves it! i will definitely make more.
http://www.avocadolite.com/expiration/archives/002215.shtml
wow! fantastic. you are so creative!- i luv it! im on a little sewing journey, again..well.. i try..every once & awhile.. thanx for sharing this..my little ones are always rough on their clothing.. so this will be great, even for shorts for my 7 year old! Glad to find this on google:)
ha HA!!!!!!! I GET it now!! Thank you SO much for posting the video. I never attempted this project b/c I didn’t understand how you got from sewing along the curves to suddenly having something that looked like pants. I can’t WAIT to try this now!
http://thehargettfamily.blogspot.com/2009/10/bekahs-new-outfit.html
Thanks for the easy tutorial! I used fabric to make a pair, then added an applique to the behind and ruffles to the bottom. Turned out super cute! 🙂 Thank you!
thank you! will use this tonight to make pants for a monkey costume.
hello! i made these and they were perfect. you could also use some of the left over fabric form the shirt and sew on a pocket on the back. i also made a scrunchie for my hair i always loose the darn little black ones.
next, i am making some thicker pants from a pair of my old pants that dont quite fit so well and they will work for winter for my son!
Wow! Thanks for the video instructions! What a great way to upcycle!
jennine
Oh wow. What a great idea! My husband has so many old tee shirts, and I think these are the cutest pajama pants for little boys. Just like the picture– that is SO adorable. I’m in love! Trying to make these ASAP!
-Sylvia
adding it to my favs right now- amazing tut- so simple yet cute- thank you so much!
Oh my gosh u totally rock. I blogged about this page on my blog too…I’m excited to try these! My son is potty training and he needs more pants to easily come off and on…minimize accidents. THANK YOU!!
I admit, I’ve used this tute before…but I just wanted to come say thanks as I just used it again to make leggings for my daughter this morning!
This is such a fun idea! I plan on making about 100 of these. 🙂
PS–I just found your site, and it’s wonderful. Thanks for the great resource!
Thanks for the video. I made a pair of srub pants in no time.
So cute, and I might even be able to do this! Does it require any kind of special stitch? My sewing machine is pretty basic (as is my knowledge of how to use it).
Seriously… why are patterns so hard when this is so easy?! I adapted this to regular fabric – and yes you have to sew hems but… easy! Thank you so much!
Fab idea! I’m off to the thrift store right now!!
I am going to make each of my kids a pair of these out of my husband’s T-shirts for them to sleep in while he is deployed. They will love to have him close to them. Thanks for the great idea!!
Oh my gosh, I did these as my first sewing project today. He actually sat next to me and was fascinated my the whole process. It took not quite 30 minutes and they fit PERFECT. He’s about to have a whole drawer full of these. Now he’s running through the house yelling “Hi New Pants!!!”
I can’t get over how cute these are… I must make some!
It is a very nice idea!!! I am going to make this project today for my baby sister who is not born yet…… this is my first sewing project….. and i am a little bit scared… but soooooooooooooooooo excited
I just made my first pair of pants, before seeing this, and didn’t realize I could have left it folded over so I wouldn’t have to sew up a side seam. I actually cut the fabric and then sewed it together! It’s great the way you’ve shown it. I’m going to make many more pants from now on, and it’ll be even faster now that you’ve shown me how to skip that step.
Just made a pair for my daughter and your tutorial was perfect! Love it and will be making more! 🙂
seriously great tutorial.
My first real sewing project (besides a pillow in middle school home-ec, and some handsewing w/Grandma)!!! First project with a sewing machine, and it turned out ok! I don’t know how it fits JT b/c he’s sleeping, and I didn’t follow the directions that well and I screwed it up at first. I think it might be a little short. But no worries! It cost me NOTHING to make these pants. Now I know what to do in the future, and I’m sure I’ll be making more. Thanks so much for helping a Mama on a budget!
Absolutly brilliant…
This truly was as easy as you said. I’m experienced at sewing, but don’t have a lot of patience for tedious/annoying projects these days. I blogged it, with pictures (and of course, gave you the credit!):
http://momsdailyadventures.blogspot.com/2010/09/make-toddler-pants-from-t-shirt.html
This is a great idea!!! I love to make pants for my baby. Some times it’s easier and cheapper to buy them lol.
Just wanted to say thank you for posting this! I’ve made 3 pairs for my almost 3 year old, and she loves them! I linked you in my blog as well!
I also used the left over middle part to make her a pair of undies today! I love re-purposing things!!
I was wanting matching pjs for my two children but because they are so far yet so close in age, couldn’t find any. I asked around for pricing on someone making me a couple sets and OMG! Found this and just made the baby (6 mo) her pair and despite a few mistakes…they came out super cute! I used ribbon instead of elastic for a feminine touch. 🙂 Thanks…though I would like to see more of a tutorial for sewing hems or sewing up the top of the pants…
I didn’t use a t-shirt, but I used this method to make regular pants out of fabric. Thanks! Heading to JoAnn’s to get fleece later this week for lounge pants for the entire family.
This is a great idea!!Love it!! I would like to know if I can link your site to my blog.
Let me know if thats ok, thanks (o:
Made these over the weekend and just posted about it on my blog.
They came out super cute and I’m going to make some more this week! Thanks!!
could I use a kids shirt for a baby?
I have only very recently started sewing and today I managed to make myself a pair of pyjama pants out of an old doona cover, inspired by this post. You can see them here: http://mamassewingroom.blogspot.com/2011/04/mamas-baggy-trousers.html
Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
i made plastic baby pants[rubberpants]out of a white shower curtain for my 12 year old daughter to wear under her communion dress last may.i made them big enough to fit her.a friend had the pattern and a heat sealing machine.i bought elastic did the work myself.the rubber pants came out nice and looked babyish under her dress.i put them away with her dress and veil.
You had given a very nice information abut how to make pant with our old T-shirts and its really useful to me.
If you have some more concepts like this means just keep on sharing.
wow amazing how u can do it from a tshirt havnt tried it yet but im going to thaks alot x
Nice Tutorial great result thank you for that
Brilliant!!!!
I’m a “rookie” Nana and love this! I have been making some of these pants for my grandson to play in…SUPER easy!
I just made the t-shirt pants from a Life Is Good shirt…and they came out SO CUTE!!! I haven’t sewn since my 2nd son was born 8 months ago, and this was the perfect, quick project to get me back on my sewing machine 🙂 I can’t wait for my 2 year old to wake up in the morning and try these cutie pants on! Thanks for the tutorial!
I need your help on how to make babies pants. Can’t wait to make one for my baby.
Hiya Gals!
I’m a new mommy & absolutely love your site! I’ve already made a load of pants for my little munchkin & featured your awesome tutorial on my blog! *along with my own showing how to make baby hats out of the leftover scraps: http://awesomesauceasshattery.wordpress.com/2011/10/06/the-funkiest-baby-on-the-block/
=O)
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all people you really understand what you’re talking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also seek advice from my site =). We may have a hyperlink alternate contract between us
Awesome tutorial! I went to the post you referred to and both helped me so much! Check out the pants I made!
http://madebyniki.blogspot.com/2012/02/flannel-pants-for-my-son.html
I need your help on how to make babies pants. Can’t wait to make one for my baby.
nice, i am going to handsew one for my almost a year old baby.
Love this tutorial. I added a link to it on a little article I wrote about re-using old clothes. Hope that is ok, if not please let me know and I will remove it promptly. you can find it here http://www.chappellavenue.blogspot.com
keep up the good work!
Thank you so much for this post!! I’m learning to sew and I got soooo confused by the diagram on the layout…logically I was thinking to cut out the legs the way you have shown but the diagram was whisking different…when in doubt, I google and found your site 🙂
This is a great idea! I have a question, how do you know how much to cut for the waistband if you’re going to use elastic cord or a band inside? My son is 17″ around his waist standing, 19″ sitting. I want to make some shorts for him, but dont know how much I should cut since the elastic is to it is cinched in. Any help is appreciated, Thanks!
I made 3 from old T-shirts and it was quick and simple. Thanks.
Oh, I’m absolutely making a ton of these. They can be excellent outfit for playtime, so I don’t have to worry about getting too dirty.
give me an idea to reuse my old t-shirts by turning into pants for my niece. wish me luck