The Sophie Sleepwear Set – A Ruffled Summer Ensemble – Free Sewing Pattern

As summer days turn into summer nights, it might be time for some of us to overhaul our summer sleepwear game. Wearing a matching sleep set just hits differently. Something about it feels particularly grown-up, like you’ve got your life all figured out. It feels chic, as if you’re the main character of a movie. Added bonus: sleep sets effortlessly pair with robes, which I have a passionate affinity for. I mean, don’t we all have house robes, sleep robes, bathroom robes, and lounging robes, or is that just me?

If you’ve been wanting to make your own pajamas, we have just the pattern for you! The Sophie Sleepwear Set is our latest free sewing pattern. This delightful 2-piece vintage inspired set has delicate ruffles, elastic in the waistband & top, and best of all, pockets!  I love the versatility of this pattern. The Sophie Sleepwear Set would look incredible in linen, silk, or cotton, and could easily be worn out as an outfit or separates. Pair the top with cigarette pants and flats to look like a classic Hollywood starlet on her day off. Or really commit to the sleepwear/loungewear vibe and sew our Fleur Robe Free Sewing Pattern for a 3-piece ensemble!

Purchase Materials Used Below:

• 2.5 yards of Mood Exclusive Mystic Sky Tencel Twill
• 1 yard of Dark Pink Recycled polyester ribbon
• 1 yard of Black Elastic – 0.5″
• 2 yards of Italian Black Elastic Trim 1″
• MDF334 – The Sofie Sleep Set Pattern (free download below!)

Alternative Recommended Fabrics:

• Cotton Voile 
• Double Cotton Gauze 
• Linen

How to sew the shorts:

A note about edge finishing:

I used pinking shears to finish the raw edges of this sleep set. You can also use french seams, or a serger!

Step 1

Right sides together, align the raw edges of each pocket with the side seam of each shorts leg. Match the notches, then sew together at the side seam. If serging, finish the side seam edges now. 

Step 2

Press the pocket away from the shorts. Repeat with all 4 pocket pieces. 

Step 3

Unfold the pockets so they are laying flat and away from the shorts. Place a front and back leg together along the side seam. Pin together along the side seams, above and below the pocket, as well as the outer edge of the pocket. Sew the entire outer edge, pockets included. Press.

Step 4

RST, sew the inner seam of each leg. 

Step 5

RST, sew the rise of the shorts. 

Step 6

Fold the raw edge of the waist down by ¼”, then fold the waist again along the fold line indicated on the pattern.

Note: if you’re attaching a drawstring, lay the front shorts flat, mark 1” on either side of the CF seam. Unfold the waistband, and sew your buttonholes. Refold the waistband, then continue!

Step 7

Sew the waistband, leaving about 2” free to insert the elastic. 

Step 8

Cut a piece of elastic 2” shorter than the circumference of your waist, then insert it into the waistband. Sew the free ends together. Finish sewing the waistband closed.

Step 9

Fold the drawstring in half lengthwise, and sew together with a ¼” seam allowance. Trim the SA, then use a loop turner to bring it right side out. Knot each end, and insert into the waistband. If you want it to be non functional, stitch to the waistband.

Step 10

Sew the short ends of the leg ruffles together, RST. You should now have two loops.

Step 11

Fold and press the leg ruffles in half lengthwise. 

Step 12

Sew two rows of basting stitches on the leg ruffles, then gather.

Step 13

Align the raw edges of the ruffles with the raw edge of the shorts hem. Match their seam with the legs’ inner seams. Sew.

Step 14

Serge the edges, and press the seam allowance towards the shorts. If you want, topstitch the seam in place. Otherwise, a good pressing will do.

How to sew the top:

Step 1

Sew the front and back top pieces together at the side seams. 

Step 2

Sew the short ends of the top ruffle right sides together. Press the seam open. 

Step 3

Wrong sides together, fold and press in half lengthwise. Repeat with the waist ruffle. 

Step 4

Sew a row of stitches all the way around each ruffle, 1 ⅛” from the raw edge.

Step 5

Sew another row of stitches parallel, this time ½” from the raw edge, and leaving just over a ½” opening for the elastic insertion.

Step 6

Insert your elastic into both ruffles, then secure the ends.

Step 7

Because the ruffles are now elasticated, you’ll need to use pins to mark the quarter sections of the ruffles. You can even section it into eighths, which is what I did! Start at the seam, and work your way from there. 

Step 8

Repeat with the top and bottom edges of the top, using the side seams as a starting point.

Step 9

Align the raw edges of the waist ruffle to those on the top’s bottom edge. Match the quarter pins on both pieces. This helps evenly distribute the top’s excess fabric. 

Step 10

Sew together, stretching the elasticated ruffle as you go so the top is laying flat. Finish the seam, and press towards the top.

Step 11

Similarly, sew the top ruffle on. Before you finish the seam, follow steps 12-13.

Step 12

Fold a strap together lengthwise, and sew the long edge. Trim the SA, turn right side out, and press. Repeat with the other strap.

Step 13

With your top ruffle attached, match the shoulder straps to the notches on the top. Sew to the ruffle, right on top of the elastic channel stitches. 

Step 14

Finish the ruffle seam, and press. 

Step 15

If you’re adding a decorative bow or tie to the top, hand stitch it on now.