How to Make Cozy, Fleecy Joggers Out of a Large Fuzzy Blanket
Want to feel comfy and cozy? I’m going to show you how to make joggers with pockets from a warm, fuzzy blanket!
Sewing joggers is actually straightforward, and you don’t need a sewing pattern. Using a pair of your best-fitting sweatpants is all you need to get the comfiest fit. Let’s get started.
Tools and materials:
- Large fuzzy blanket
- Pair of sweatpants that fit well
- Sewing machine
- Matching thread
- Scissors
- Chalk
- Large elastic for the waistband
- Medium-sized elastic for the ankles
- Fabric pins
1. Make the joggers sewing pattern
Using a comfy pair of joggers that fit you well, fold them in half, and tuck away the extra bit of fabric from the crotch area.
The extra bit is for the back pattern piece, and right now, we are working on the front.
Fold your blanket in half and place the joggers an inch or two from the edge so there’s space for the waistband. Trace around the pants and leave room for seam allowance.
Next, cut along the lines and along the fabric's fold.
When tracing the back piece, take out the extra bit of fabric from the crotch area and trace, adding seam allowance, too.
Cut the back piece along the lines and the fold.
2. Assemble the joggers
Now it’s time to do a little matchmaking! Match the front and back pieces of the pants, right sides facing. Pin the curved area and sew to secure it.
When it comes to sewing thick, fuzzy fabric, it’s best to use an overlock stitch to prevent fraying.
Cut off the excess fabric from the side afterward.
For those who don’t have an overlock setting on their machine, simply go with a normal zigzag stitch. Next, go back on the same seam and stitch another zigzag stitch over the edges.
3. Make pockets
I decided to add some pockets to my DIY joggers. Fold your blanket over once, so you have two layers. Then, trace the shape of your sweatpant’s pockets.
Once the first set is cut out, use that as the pattern for the second set. You should now have four layers of fabric.
To figure out where to place the pockets on the pants, measure the elastic for the waistband, double that number and place the pockets a little bit below that.
My elastic is 1.5 inches wide, so I place the pockets at least 5 inches below the top edge.
Pin the pockets to the sides of the pants, with the pants' right sides facing up and the pockets right sides facing down.
Sew the pockets to the edge of the pants.
Turn the pocket over and topstitch the right side. Make sure the seam below points outward. Repeat for the second jogger piece.
Now, join the front and back jogger pieces and align the pockets, right sides facing. Sew down the sides, pivot at the top curve of the pocket, sew along the pocket’s curve, and down the leg.
Remember to sew past the pocket, so it’s secured on the curved edge. Backstitch a little, and then pivot to get around the curve. Do the same for the bottom part of the pocket.
Align the crotch pieces of the inner leg seam, pin, and sew. Ensure that you start from the crotch and carry on downward, on both sides.
4. Attach the elastic waistband
Take your elastic and wrap it around your waist, then cut. Make sure you’re still able to pull it down over your hips and backside.
Wrap the elastic around the top edge of the sweatpants. You’ll notice the elastic is smaller than the circumference of the actual waist, so when you sew, be sure to stretch it as you go along.
Tip: Pull from the front and back.
Sew down the side seam where both ends connect.
Flip the edge over and sew along the edge to finish the waistband. Like this, you’ll create a tunnel for the elastic, so it’s hidden.
Use a straight stitch and make sure you stretch it as you go along.
5. Add elastic to the legs
This is the last step! Cut thinner elastic to the size of your ankles and sew it around the bottom edge. Remember to stretch the elastic as you sew.
Flip over the edges and sew a straight stitch all the way around the edge of the fold.
Here’s what the bottoms should look like.
How to make joggers tutorial
Here's the final result. These are the comfiest DIY jogger sweatpants you’ll ever own! Thanks for joining me on this tutorial, and good luck.
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What a great idea . I have just swapped my double bed for a single so my double bed blanket will be great to use for this !!
Wow!! I can do this with ALL kinds of blankets!! Great tutorial! Ty!!