Follow This Easy Pattern Tutorial to Create Super Cute Sweatpants

Tools and materials:

• Sweatpants pattern 
• Paper for pattern
• 2 yds main fabric
• Stretch fabric for cuffs
• 2 inch wide elastic
• Zipper
• Embroidered applique (optional)
• Fabric marker
• Pins
• Scissors
• Safety pin
• Sewing machine
• Serger (optional)

1. Cut out the fabric

Print out the pattern and cut out the pieces for your size.

Cut two front pieces, two back pieces and one pocket from the main fabric and 2 cuffs from the stretch fabric.

2. Center seams

I used a serger for all my seams. You can use a straight stitch and finish the edges with a zigzag or overcast stitch for the main fabric. Sew the cuffs with a lightning bolt or zigzag stitch.

Join the curved center seams on the front and back pieces, with the right sides together.

3. Zipper pocket

Finish the raw edges of the pocket.

Fold under the top edge of the pocket and place it over the right side of the zipper tape. Top stitch it in place.

Press the other pocket edges to the inside, turning under 3/8 of an inch.

Choose where you want your pocket to be on your pants. I'm putting mine on the left front thigh so it's visible all the time.

Pin the pocket in place, making sure the ends of your zipper tape are turned under.

Sew in place with two rows of top stitching around the top of the zipper tape and the outer three edges of the pocket.

4. Add applique (optional)

For an extra special look, stitch a purchased or self-embroidered applique trim to the lower right leg.

I attached my embroidered butterflies to some net and stitched them to the joggers, then cut away the excess net.

5. Assemble the pants

Place the pants right sides together.

Pin and sew the side seams from the waist to the hem.

Sew the inner leg seams, matching the crotch seams.

6. Attach the cuffs

Fold the cuffs with the right sides together and sew the top edges, leaving the short side edges open.

Fold the cuffs in half with the wrong sides together.

Place the cuff inside the pant leg, lining up the cuff seam with the inner seam of the leg.

Place pins at the half and quarter points of the cuff and leg. Pin the cuff evenly to the bottom of the leg, stretching it to fit.

Sew in place.

7. Waistband

Cut the elastic to fit comfortably around your waist, plus a one inch overlap.

Finish the raw edge at the waist. 

Your waistband needs to be half an inch deeper than your elastic. For my 2 inch wide elastic, my waistband is 2.5 inches deep.

Turn the waistband to the inside. Sew as close to the finished edge as you can, leaving an opening at the center back.

Use a safety pin to feed the elastic through the waistband, keeping it flat. Overlap the ends of the elastic and stitch them securely together.

Sew the opening closed.

Starting at the center back, sew a row of top stitching on the right side of the waistband, approximately 0.75 inches from the top edge. Stretch the elastic and the fabric flat as you sew.

Sew a second row of top stitching along the center of the waistband in the same way.

DIY sweatpants

The zipper pocket is the perfect way to keep your phone, ID and cash safe and stop them from bouncing around as you run.

I love the waistband too - those rows of topstitching stop the elastic from twisting but also look so professional.

I'd love to see the DIY sweatpants you make from this pattern! Drop a comment below.

Next up, learn How to Thrift Flip Clothing: Add Upcycled Sleeves to a T-Shirt.