A confession – I don’t sew things that often for Christmas. In fact, it’s really rare for me to give sewn goodies for Christmas! But this year I thought a change was due. This was mostly brought on by the purchase (in October!!) of a superking size brushed cotton duvet set from my local Aldi. The minute I saw it I knew it would be fabulous for some Christmas pjs.
It seems I was infected with a pj making bug for a while. Using Closet Case Patterns Carolyn pjs, I traced the 8 and the 10 and made 3 pairs of pants in those sizes, one each for my girls and one for a friend. Each pair has a different trim detail on the cuffs and different topstitching. I can only show you Daughter No2’s set, the others were packed up and sent off! Then Daughter No1 asked nicely if I could make a pair of men’s pj pants for her partner, and a full set of pjs for his nephew. I must have been feeling generous, because I said yes!
For Nephew’s pjs, I dug through my collection of vintage, retro and oop patterns, eventually finding an 80s Burda kids pj pattern, 4222. I made the 10 year old size, pants and top. It came together really quickly, buttons, coloured threads and elastic all from the stash. I love the round Peter Pan collar and grey buttons, I used a mustard thread for sewing on the buttons, and for some of the topstitching. It just adds a little bit of something different. Those grey buttons came off the suit I took apart for The Refashioners project, reused and recycled!
I added cuffs at the sleeves and on the trouser hems, because we all know how quickly boys can grow! I’m quite chuffed with how these turned out, and I bet I’m going to be asked for more next Christmas!
The men’s pj pattern is 143 from Burda 12/2010, available as a download here. I added inseam pockets to this pair, I think pockets are a must, even in pj pants. I used orange thread for contrast on this pair, the fly and hem are nice and bright! It’s a quick and easy pattern to run up, even with the addition of hidden inseam pockets. They have already had the thumbs up, both this pair and Daughter No1’s have been approved as being comfy and cosy, so job done! Anyone else have matching pjs?
I have to confess to having to buy a second duvet set, turns out that even though there’s a lot of fabric in a superking size duvet, there’s not enough length for all the pjs I had to make! However, Daughter No2’s boyfriend recently moved house and required new goodies all round, so I was able to resize the second duvet set to a double cover and give it to him, with the remaining pillow cases. I even used the little drawstring bags the duvet sets originally came in, they made good pj bags!
THE COMPULSIVE SEAMSTRESS 
Me too! I live making PJ’s for people for Christmas!
Love the pjs! I will be looking afresh at home decor items from now on. That print is everything.
Fabulous fabric and such a steal! I don’t sew Christmas gifts either. I sew for the family through the year; no need to wait for December.
Such a great idea! Making PJ’s from bedding! I never would have thought of it but it’s true sometimes you can find just the right fabric and it’s super washable, breathable and has cool designs like yours 😉 Love your idea and finished results 😉