How to Sew Cute and Comfy Sweatpants From Scratch

For this project I’m using my June jogger pattern to demonstrate how to sew sweatpants using stretch jersey fleece or a more lightweight stretch fabric if you prefer.

I’m also going to show you two different methods of making the waistband. First the “all-in-one” method that I prefer and then how to attach a separate waistband if you would rather do it that way.

Tools and materials: 

• Sweatpants sewing pattern
• 1.75 - 2.75 yards (1.5 - 2.5 m) of stretch fleece lined jersey or other stretch fabric
• 2 inch (5 cm) wide elastic
• 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide elastic
• Paper for pattern
• Sticky tape
• Fabric marker
• Scissors
• Pins
• Safety pin
• Sewing machine
• Serger (optional)

1. Cut out the fabric

Print out the pattern at actual size and tape the sheets together.

Cut out the pattern in your size. I prefer to trace around the pattern pieces before cutting them. 

You will need two mirrored front sections and two mirrored back sections. 

You will also need two sets of pockets, which you could cut from a more lightweight fabric.

Transfer all the pattern markings and notches to the fabric.

2. Attach the pockets

Pin the pockets to both sides of the front and back pieces, matching the notches and with the right sides together.

Sew in place using the serger or a straight or zigzag stitch on your sewing machine.

Flip the pocket to the wrong side on both front pieces.

Pin in place and top stitch the section between the notches only. 

Start and end the top stitching by sewing at a slight angle towards the seam.

3. Assemble the joggers

Overlock all the jogger seams or use a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine.

Join the two front pieces at the crotch seam with the right sides together, matching the notches and repeat for the two back pieces.

Open out the front and back sections and place them right sides facing.

Sew the side seams, stitching around the pocket bags when you get to them and continuing down the outer legs.

Pin the two crotch seams together and join the inner leg seams.

Turn the joggers wrong side out to sew the top and bottom sections of the pockets outside the notches.

Pin and sew the seams together, making sure the pins enclose the pocket seams on both sides.

4. All-in-one waistband and cuffs

Cut the 2 inch (5 cm) wide elastic to fit comfortably around your waist with an overlap.

Cut the 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide elastic into two pieces to fit around your ankles.

Overlock the raw edges at the top and bottom of the joggers.

Turn the joggers wrong side out.

Fold both pockets to the inside of the front section.

Turn the top edge of the joggers to the wrong side to make a casing for the elastic, making sure you leave enough room for the elastic to lie flat.

Pin the waistband around the waist edge and over the top edge of the pockets at the front.

Sew with a straight stitch, leaving a small opening at the center back.

Thread the wider elastic through the waistband using a safety pin. 

Keeping the elastic flat, overlap the two ends and sew them together.

Sew the opening closed.

Spread the gathers evenly around the waistband, pinning the elastic at the four seams.

Top stitch around the top and bottom edges of the waistband, pulling it taut as you sew to maintain its elasticity.

Repeat the same steps with the narrower elastic to make the cuffs at the bottom of the joggers. Top stitch them about 1/2” (1 cm) down from the seam.

5. Alternative waistband

If you prefer a separate waistband and cuffs, the following steps are the same for both. I’m showing this style on a pair of jogger shorts I made from the same pattern.

Cut the waistband section off from the original front and back pattern pieces.

Cut the two waistband pieces out on the fold and join them into a loop.

Overlap the ends of the elastic into a loop.

Fold the waistband in half lengthways with the wrong side inside and place the elastic inside it.

Sew the edges of the waistband together to enclose the elastic.

Top stitch the waistband as before.

Pin the waistband to the joggers with the right sides together at the quarter points.

Sew in place, pulling the waistband taut between the pins. Make sure to catch the top of the pockets in the stitching.