Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Tutorial Time: How To Fix Holes In Footie Pajamas


I know I can't be the only one out there who's had this issue: footed pajamas in great shape...except for the feet part.  It's a shame to toss a perfectly good pair of footie pjs just because the soles are worn out, so today I'm sharing how to do a quick repair job to make them like new, but even BETTER!  


For some odd reason, on this style of pajama the part that will get the most wear just isn't made to be very durable.  Or even comfortable for that matter.  Like this pair of pajamas belonging to my 5 year old.  She's still got plenty of growth room in them and the fleece of the main part is still in great shape, but the soles of the feet wore away in no time:


Hers had just flimsy t-shirt weight knit with some anti-slip spots fused to it for the soles. There's no way that'll last with the foot traffic of the average toddler!  And it's certainly not that comfy or warm for little feet in the winter.  The ones with the plastic-y soles are even worse (I recall hating the feel of the rough vinyl-like bottoms on those I wore as a kid). Such a basic flaw makes me wonder if their designers have even met kids? 


Here's how to repair & improve those
 worn out footie pajamas.

Materials:
- Footie pajamas with torn-up/holed-up/beat-down soles
- Seam ripper
- Anti-slip fabric (aka Jiffy Grip™)
- Iron, rotary cutter/shears, pins
- Optional: fleece scraps, paper backed fusible

First step is to remove the broken down soles.  Turn the pajamas inside out and grab a seam ripper to carefully remove the stitching.  This step takes a little patience - the sole will be needed as the template for the new ones:


You'll be left with an open bottom:


Iron the sole piece smooth and flat.  


Use the bottom piece as the template for cutting new soles.  Cut the fabric while folded to get both the feet sides if the soles have definite left & right like mine did.  

Fabric Note: This anti-slip fabric is available in most fabric stores (in the utility/home dec section).  A branded name for it is Jiffy Grip™.  It's a heavy weight fabric with raised plastic dots that is perfect for this use. Key tip: You can get a lot more, and for a cheaper price, when buying it cut from the bolt instead of the measly & overpriced package version in the notions section.  


Now this part is optional, but since I wanted mine to be a bit more durable and softer than the originals, I also cut sole pieces from anti-pill fleece to act as a lining.  To keep the layers together (and from separating or wrinkling when washed), iron paper-backed fusible to the wrong side of the fleece.


Then peel off the paper and iron it to the wrong side of the anti-slip sole.  I didn't want to risk melting the anti-slip dots, so I used a press cloth between the fabric & iron:


Now it's time to pin the new soles to the pajamas (that should still be inside out).  The fleece side should be facing out.  Pin around entire foot.  


Serge all the way around.  If you don't have a serger, use an overcast stitch like I did.  Even most basic sewing machines have at least one or two overcast stitches (check your manual).  It'll do the same job as serging and is nice & strong:


Pull the legs right side out and the new and improved footie pajamas are ready to wear!


Now these pajamas have loads of life left in them and are even nicer to walk around in. Adding a fleece unicorn hat is totally optional;)


A huge improvement and easy way to get the most out of those footie pajamas this winter!







17 comments:

  1. My daughter loved wearing footed jammies!! I've got a Craft Gossip post that links to your tutorial here:
    http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-fix-a-hole-in-footed-pajama-soles/2015/01/21/
    --Anne

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've always wondered about the uncomfortable feet on footie pajamas too. I hated that as a kid... I love that you added a fleece lining!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's surprising how such a small thing makes such a big difference! My daughter wants to wear this pair all the time now.

      Delete
  3. Perfect! Why didn't I think of this? I have footed jammies but hate to wear them due to the "thin" bottom of the foot. I am going to take mine apart & add some fleece or SOMETHING warmer!! You are pure GENIUS!!!!
    TFS kweenbee_612@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm thrilled to hear that - I knew I couldn't be the only one who felt that way;)

      Delete
  4. I had the same problem with my kids, and now with my grandson. On top of the feet wearing out he had a 3 inch growth spurt without any weight added. So I cut the feet off just above the elastic, and stitched on a pair of the gripper socks we got during a hospital stay. Gave him added length he needed, secure footing on our hardwood floors and he loves them! You can also get the socks at the dollar store! He wants the next ones to be mis-mates like his socks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's also a good work around. I loved the print of these and wanted them to still look the same and lucky for me her feet still fit in them!

      Delete
  5. Oh man when my kids were little they wore these out, never even crossed my mind to try to fix them. Instead we cut them off and then had them wear socks. This is a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We didn't even think that far - just wear them all horrible and torn up or stop wearing them. So many cute pjs got wasted that way.

      Delete
  6. Hello !
    So cute idea !!
    Where can I buy the anti - slip fabric, please?? Thank you !!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As noted in the post, it's available at most fabric stores. The product name and where to find it is already shared in the bolded section above called Fabric Note.

      Delete
  7. Should I wash and dry the anti slip fabric prior to cutting it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes - it's a cotton base (which means likely to shrink), so I always pre-wash mine.

      Delete
    2. Thank you for the reply!
      One more question... Can I stitch the fleece onto the anti slip fabric if I don't have the iron on supplies? (Trying to Save on supplies) thank you! Great tutorial!

      Delete
    3. Yes, as I mentioned, it's optional - fabric is less likely to shift or crinkle with it, but it can totally be done without too.

      Delete
  8. I'm going to fix my 2yrolds buzz lt years today. They're his favorite. 💕

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great to hear - it's so nice to be able to give those much loved pajamas some more life!

      Delete

Getting your comments brightens my day. I'd love if you left one:)

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails