If Simplicity 1520 is the Hyundai of pajama pants, McCall’s M7875 is certainly the Mazda. Sporty, fun, and just the right amount of zippy bells and whistles (without sacrificing practicality). After S1520, M7875 was just as easy, but with a greater reward. Pockets, piping, drawstring, and bottom cuffs. I have to say, this McCalls pattern had the same section of confusing, convoluted steps that Simplicity’s had. I was kind of bummed because I was hoping McCall’s version would be easier to decipher so that I could finally understand what the heck-a-roo they wanted me to do. But, nope. I resorted to applying the different technique I had learned from Youtube and I had no issues whatsoever doing it that way.
I did make a couple changes to these pants. First off, while cutting, I decreased the length of the bottom cuffs by two inches and then I extended the main body of the pants to supplement the total length. I just knew on my legs and tiny feet that a smaller cuff would be more flattering. After I completed the pants, I also did something a little different to the drawstring area. The drawstring just didn’t feel like it was enough support to keep my pants up around my waist and hips. It felt loose, unpredictable, and I was very conscience of the string and how it felt tight against my body. So I took a trip up to my bedroom and removed my two favorite, store bought, pajama pants from my draw and took at look at them. They both happened to be Victoria Secret and they both had something else in common. They both had a drawstring, but underneath the drawstring, hidden behind, was an elastic. These store bought PJs had both an elastic and a drawstring! So that’s what I did to my new flannel pants. I removed the ribbon, threaded an elastic through, sewed it in so that it fit snug and comfortable, then I re-threaded in the ribbon. Perfect PJs! I showed my husband (who was wearing the S1520s that I had made for him the other night). He was, of course, green with envy over my pockets and drawstring.
I loved these so much I made two more pairs the next day. They’ll be Christmas gifts for my mother and Godmother. I had an amazing long weekend sewing these PJ pants. It was a superb mix of lazy, yet productive. Oh! Also, while sewing these 4 PJ pants.. I didn’t get a single thread jam! Not one!
Sew & Pattern 