Pattern Battle: Burda 6741 vs. Simplicity 1021 Pajama Shorts for the man

  Burda 6741 view D

measurements at the time: actual waist: 47 pants waist: 44 hip 46.5

Size sewn: straight 48

Date started and finished: December 24 2023

Fabric: 2 yards required; no fabric width given but cotton is listed as an acceptable fabric. I used this amazing Dwight Schrute, The Office, Cotton Woven that I purchased 04/30/2023 from Marshall Dry Goods.  it is labeled “45" CAMELOT FABRICS OFFICE SCHRUTE BUSINESS” 100% Cotton, SKU: 96090109-01, 2 Yards, $4.99/yard. Troy is an enormous Office Fan so he loved the fabric print.

A 5/8-inch Seam Allowance is hidden in the very beginning of the instructions and no elastic measurement is given

There is no cut diagram, so do I cut one or two of the waistband?? It says cut one on fold on a tiny part of the pattern piece - no fold arrows, no fold lines. After a bit of head scratching, I figured it out -you fold it in half like a hot dog, the long way. Then cut it on the fold - this tiny little long piece, and then open it with fold in the middle of the piece - not on an end like normal patterns. If you were to do it this way, Burda, why not just have the pattern piece flat with no fold! It is really odd.

The waistband ends up being 25 inches long for the largest size, but the largest waist is 45.75 inches? There is no “cut 2” or anything. I used my better judgement and cut 2.

I used 31 inches of no roll elastic 3/4 inch wide. Initially I used 44 inches of elastic that a previous pattern suggested, and worked, but the man changed his mind during try-on and preferred them really tight - because he has no rear to hold up his pants.

The hems are a narrow 1/4 inch on the legs, gross. So, add 1/4-inch next time to do at least ½, though I would prefer an inch hem.

Buttonholes: step #19 says “put in buttonholes” that's it, no further instruction where or how, apparently to insert cording. But that is not shown on the diagram or covered in any of the instructions.

step 12 to 13 - No instructions to under stitch the pocket seams to the pocket side, remember to do this next time. Also, clean up with serging on the straight edge of pockets before attaching or you will regret it later.

I thought instructions in the Burda magazine were terrible, you would think it would be a little bit better in the paper envelope, but the instructions were just terrible. It's easy enough to sew shorts, but if I was a beginner, I would need more instruction.

 

The man's thoughts: he prefers knits. He says cotton is scratchy and he's not really fond of it. His favorite shorts are the Greenstyle Hamptons that I made a while back in 2018; he wears them nonstop. Those would be his perfect pattern. He also doesn’t like that these don't have a fly and he wishes there was a fly. However, they fit well, and the length is good, and the crotch is nice and snug, not droopy.

Simplicity 1021 View C

measurements at the time: actual waist: 47 pants waist: 44 hip 46.5

Size sewn: straight 48

Date started and finished: 01/20/24

The pattern gives no waist measurement only a hip measurement. I sized up to extra-large because the pattern gave me the measurement of 47 - 49 inch hip for XL and 43 - 45 inch hip for L

HOWEVER the actual pattern piece says extra-large 46 - 48 inches for hip and it lists a finished measurement of 53 inches on the hip

Also, no fabric requirement was listed for just the shorts.

 

Pieces 7,8,9,10 and 11 are for the shorts All of the pattern pieces were on one sheet except piece #11, WHY? Piece #11 is the elastic length guide, why is it not on the sheet with every other pattern piece I don't know, however, for extra-large it is 1” x 41” for pattern piece #11, the elastic guide. Made absolutely no sense to unfold a huge flimsy pattern sheet for just that measurement.

I started with two yards, and I had 11 inches leftover, so I would say 2 yards are needed for the shorts. Thanks, Simplicity, for not saying how many yards I needed for just the shorts.

Fabric: 45" Camelot Fabrics Looney Tunes That's All Folks, purchased from Marshall Dry Goods on 06/27/23, 2 yards for $4.99/yard.

Shading in the instructions drove me crazy because it's wrong!! It's opposite - right side up was shaded and wrong side up was white, when it should be the other way around - so I was getting confused and I kept looking at the beginning and the beginning of the instructions show, like every pattern, RSU white and WSU is shaded.

There is no instruction to have you stabilize the fly where the snaps or buttonholes go. At step 5-6, in the future, stabilize at the fly where the buttonholes or snaps go.

The Pattern does have a nice 1-inch hem on the legs.

Overall, these instructions were better than the Burda instructions - besides the shading mess up. These also have a real fly, which is nice, however I knew right away that they weren't going to be a favorite for my husband for the exact reasons he lists below.

 

The man's thoughts: he doesn't like scratchy cotton; he likes knits better as above. These pajama shorts also have a very droopy crotch, yet very short legs and are very poofy in the legs, too. He was reminded of his grandpa's old boxer shorts for this pattern. He does not like it. He does not want me to make it ever again. He prefers his shorts to reach his knees. He grew up in the 90s and early 2000s, so he likes things long. He does not like the length of these short shorts.

Side by Side Comparison:

There you have it, the winner is Burda 6741 even though the instructions are terrible, there's no real fly, and they aren’t knit. (it's easy enough to change it to a real fly, but the instructions are still terrible) Since my husband prefers knit fabric, I won't be making either of these again. Unfortunately, I had other flannel and cotton fabrics for him in my stash…… I guess I get to find other uses for them.

Happy Sewing!

Kristin

Jalie – 4348 Jack Pj pants compared to Jalie 3909 Henri joggers

Hello! It has been awhile! Sorry about that.  Things have been busy here at the Sunny house.  Same old health stuff and more.  Miss K is a senior now so more stuff to do there.  Mr. T moved back in and needed to get his life together.  He seems to be on a good path now and is set to move out in 2 weeks again.  Mr Sunny has been super busy at work and I have been sucked into a portal of embroidery madness lately.  I'll share more on that later.  Today I want to share some pj pants I made Mr Sunny awhile back.

Here is the new Jalie 4348 Jack Pattern  Mr Sunny's measurements at the time:

• Height: 6'2"
• Waist: 47in
• Hips (fullest): 46.5in
• Inseam (to the floor): 32in

Date Sewn: March 20, 2023

SIZE USED: EE/FF for waist and hip Since my husband was right in the middle of both sizes, I used the middle of EE/FF for his pants – they fit perfectly

Fabric:  Stretch -Width: _60% Length: __45%  I used a heathered tri-blend cotton jersey knit, super soft. it was 59" wide after prewashing. I was able to use only 1.5 yards for my pants;  The pattern says to use 2.5 yards. but I didn't have a directional print so I was able to scoot my back piece up enough and flip it upside down so that it fit right next to the front piece, using less yardage.

Thoughts:  Absolutely LOVE them!!! I love the fit. My husband put them on and they fit him perfectly. He wore them all night so I know he liked them. His only gripe was the no pockets and fake fly but now Jalie has added pockets so yay! and I can do a real fly easily without modifying the pattern too much. I love that these can go with the Women’s 4016 Jeanne pattern. I was looking for a good casual lounge pants for him to match mine. I made the Jeanne’s in 2021 and 2023 and I absolutely love them. I'll be making my 21 year old son some of these Jack’s soon too. These are exactly the style he loves.  These would be perfect for Christmas Pjs! Jack for boys/men and Jeanne for girls/women I was kinda bummed there was no top for the pants, like with Jeanne, but I own pattern 2918 that would work perfectly with this pattern so no issue there. It is hard to find pants that fit my husband right because he has no back end. All pants fall down constantly and he is always pulling them up and complaining. With the Jack pattern, the elastic is the perfect length and they stay up on him and that is awesome! The inseam is perfect too.  This pattern also has a shorts option. Yes, I was a tester for these, but you all know that I speak my mind.  Life is too short to BS around.  This is a Great pattern, I love it and I would tell you if I didn't.  I have 2 more cut out to sew on my table right now!  Husband loves them too and that is saying a lot! How do these compare to the Jalie 3909 Henri that was released in 2019/2020?  Well I also was blessed to test the Henri!  Full notes can be read here.

However, I’ll compare them quick right now.  The Henri’s are more substantial – like a true jogger pant.  The Jack’s here are more like a lounger, pajama pant.  You can have a look at the difference. Jack in gray and Henri in blue. The Jack’s are skinnier legs, elastic waist, side seam pockets (now).  The Henri’s have a back pocket, drawstring elastic waist, and are wider legged.

 

I hope to catch up on some blog posts here.  It has been awhile.

I hope you are all sewing and enjoying life.

Happy Sewing! Kristin

Unselfish Sewing

Sometimes I sew for others.  It is a rare occasion but I do.

Jalie Nordik 4025

Back in November 2020 I tested the Jalie Nordik slippers for my husband. I was actually quite surprised that they fit his size 14 feet.

I was more surprised that when I gave them to him, he never took them off.  Seriously, he wore them around the house forever and is still wearing them.

He tells me they are very comfortable and it is hard to find slippers in his size.

He measured a 30 on the chart so I used 30. I made View B – the slippers

I used Wool for the outer, Twill with grippy fabric dots for the sole, fleece for the inner layer and black rib knit for the heel.

I had no 1” of loft batting so I used 2 layers of compressed 1/2” quilt batting.  This was super super thick to sew through.  I think 1” as the pattern states would be best.

I love how they turned out! He said "they went on nice and easy, they are comfortable. No not too big, not too small, they are nice"

His toe is at the very very end but he swears they are not too short. They look wide to me but he says they are not.

He hasn't taken them off his feet in days and now months since I made them, so I think they are a hit!

I used water soluble stabilizer to cover the grippy dot material so my machine would stitch it with no issues.

This worked very well. I think the spray basting was super helpful sewing the batting to the fabric; the first slipper I didn't use the spray baste and had shifting fabric.

I can't wait to make myself some now as I am jealous that my husband gets them. I want a pair of boots from the pattern!

GreenStyle Hamptons

In December 2020 I made Mr. T some fun Christmas pajama shorts.  I started them and finished them on 12/23/20 (whew, that was a close one for Christmas).

Fabric: I used Joann's doodles.  They get a bad rap for shrinking terribly and fading, but he’s still wearing them a year later and they have held up well.

I used the Greenstyle Hampton pattern.  It fits him so well and he loves the pockets. His measurements at the time: 31.5 waist, 39 hip, and 35 pants waist I made these in a straight medium for him, with no alterations. I made him these once before in the cactus print. I have also sewn up a pair for Mr. Sunnysewing too, both of those were in 2018.

They sew up very nice and look really RTW (ready to wear – store bought).  They fit great and the instructions are wonderful.

This is the best photo I could get of Mr. T wearing them.

GreenPepper 560 - not recommended

And I also made in December 2020 (12/06/20) some hoodies for the dogs with a Green Pepper Pattern.

I used their size and measurements but they turned out way too tight and small.  This is the second Green Pepper Pattern I have used that turned out way too small.

Bennie Bear (the white one) I sewed a size Small. His was super sausage tight and the bottom’s of the back and pocket did not match up.

Cheeto (the black beauty) I sewed up an XL and he can barely walk in it it’s so tight.

Fabric: I used leftover fleece scraps from my McCalls pajama set that I love so much. the fabric is Baum Textiles WinterFleece Classic Plaid Red/Black Yard, purchased on Amazon in Sept 2017 for $7.58/yard.

I am super disappointed they did not fit right.  They look so dang cute and I wanted them to be matching boys.

I’m not so sure I am willing to try a Green Pepper pattern again. Here are the Glov-itts I tried to make Miss K in 2017 that were a disaster. Sew A Little Seam – Movie Night Pjs for Pets

In March 2020 I made the dogs some cute tees to match Miss K’s Christmas pants. (yes I know, March is a little late but better than never).

For Cheeto I used the Sew A Little Seam Movie Night Pj’s for Pets (Its a free pattern!).  I made super cute tees for the boys in May 2019 with this pattern too. he’s a very helpful model

I altered the top this time for Cheets. I added 1/2” to the back at the center seam (so an 1” total). and 1/4” to the front at center seam (so 1/2” total).  It turned out I didn't need that extra at the back but the front was now perfect.  He has a very broad chest.  (He is part doxie).

Miss K matched in a shirt and pants. And Bennie Bear got a cute onesie.  You can see more pics of them here.

Bennie’s onesie is a Mimi & Tara – Pets Pajamas Button Up Pattern.  I like it. It turns out well and he looks so cute in it.

M4M – Scrunchies Oh and September 2019 I made Miss K’s best friend some fun scrunchies.  I used the Made for Mermaids tutorial and it was nice and easy.  She liked them so it was a win. That almost catches me up on unselfish sewing makes not shared on the blog. Miss K has a few things I haven’t shared yet.

Happy Sewing! (P.S. - I did finally get some sewing in since my surgery!!! I made Miss K some soft Pj pants and I made me a soft nightgown.  It was very hard and there were tears but I sewed them up and that gave me hope.  Look to see them here soon or catch a sneak peak by scrolling up and looking on the right sidebar for my Instagram feed).

Kristin

Sewing for guys ~ Greenstyle, Jalie, Ottobre

Since I’m trying to catch up on past makes I thought I would do a big post of things I’ve made for the guys in my life.  Both Mr. Sunny and Mr. T have had things made that just didn’t get to the blog.

Mr. T is 18 now and will be leaving me soon for college. I have mixed feelings about that!  Here are some of the things I forgot to blog about that I made him 2018 and 2014.

Greenstyle - Hampton shorts with Ottobre tank from 04/2015 #36

Date Sewn: 03/31/18

His measurements at the time: Chest 33, Waist 30, hip 38

Size Sewn: straight medium for the Hampton shorts. The Ottobre tank I used size 170.

Fabric: the softest double brushed poly.  Mr. T has issues with textures and these soft pjs are perfect for him. the cactus fabric is Ivory dbp from purple seamstress.  I paired it with the very light green dbp I got in a mystery fabric box from knitpop.  Then I designed and embroidered the cactus on the pocket.

Thoughts: What a fantastic pattern.  They both fit him perfectly. He still wears this set all the time for bed. I didn’t add pockets since they were for pjs so they were a fast sew. I probably should have made him more of these since he is constantly asking for them to be washed.

Jalie - Nico with the 3355 Hood

Date Sewn: 04/13/18

His measurements at the time: Chest 33, Waist 30, hip 38

Size Sewn: I cut a size V and added 1.5” to hem as T is long waisted and likes his hoodies long.

Fabric: both are cotton lycra’s from purple seamstress. The sleeves and hood are olive, the middle is light gray.

Thoughts: He loved this hoodie. I loved it. It was a win win. I tried to make it look like his favorite old navy hoodies. I even took the time to put in eyelets for the drawstring on the hood.

I kept trying to get a picture of him in the hoodie but at 16 he was just too busy.  It was super easy to add the 3355 hood. It fit without any modifications!

Jalie 3242 boxers from Aug 2014 – I don’t know how I never blogged these from 6 years ago, they are too cute to not share.

Size: Q (US 13). They fit him perfectly at the time. He has since long outgrown them but he did wear them often.  The pirate fabric is a soft cotton interlock, the blue is a cotton lycra.

My little guy had grown up to such a handsome dude. I am excited for him to experience young adulthood.

Mr. Sunny also had a few things sewn up for him that I haven’t posted.

Greenstyle – Hampton shorts

Date Sewn: 06/14/18

His measurements: Waist 42.5, hip 47.5

Size Sewn: XL – they fit him great but he could use a little more room in the hips, maybe 1/2”

Fabric: gray cotton lycra from purpleseamstress with charcoal gray cotton lycra also from purple seamstress.

Thoughts: This pattern is everything perfect in a pair of guy shorts. they are loose, longer, and have pockets.  I enjoyed sewing these up. Mr. Sunny loves them and wears them nonstop.  I added the fake adidas logo with my Silhouette Cameo. I definitely need to make more of these for him.

**update July 2026** These were my favorite shorts to EVER make Mr. Sunny and Mr. T.  These Adidas ones lasted Mr. Sunny EIGHT years and just this year, sadly had to go to the repurpose or bin as they are beyond faded and old (yes i did shed a tear). 

Jalie 3909 – Henri Joggers

Date Sewn: 02/08/19

His measurements: Waist 43, Hip 47, Inseam 34; he is 6’3” tall

Size Sewn: View A, Size FF

Alterations: Husband has a bit of a belly, so his “waist” measurement is usually way larger than his actual pants waist measurement. The pattern asked for 43.5 elastic for the waistband, but I know husband needs 39” elastic for his actual pants waist. I reduced the elastic to the 39”. I also used the sweatshirt fleece for the pockets – husband needs sturdy pockets for all his stuff, and I knew the jersey would bounce around too much for him.

Fabric: Ink Blue Sweatshirt Fleece; 100% cotton – has the required stretch. I purchased it in July 2015 for $6.50/yard from fashionfabricsclub.  I used 1.5 yards for these joggers so $9.75 total.  I used a mystery rib knit from my stash for the waist and cuffs, I wish it had more recovery. I think it might have rayon in it as it is soft.

Thoughts: I actually was a tester for these joggers.  They sewed up nicely.  The fabric behaved beautifully.  I was foolish and used a rayon type rib knit for the cuffs and waistband – which did not work nicely.  It is floppy, too stretchy, and doesn’t have any recovery.  Mr. Sunny likes the pants but hates the waist because of that fabric.  However, I used it because it was the only fabric that matched in color.  I will hack off the waist and put in cotton lycra for the band and he will be happy with them. Also, they are very low rise in the back, Mr. Sunny would like it a little higher like an inch or two and he feels the waist is really big. Which is due to the bad fabric choice on my part.

Jalie 3885– Gerald Boxers

Date Sewn: 12/23/19

His measurements: Waist 42.5, hip 47.5

Size Sewn: CC, I added 1” to the back rise, used 34” waist elastic and did the saxx hack

To make the flaps for the saxx hack I just took the fly piece and traced off about 1.5” wide starting at the side; cut two pieces and used fold over elastic to go down the non-seam side. I put the side flaps on top of the topmost flap when sewing it up, not under them.

I’ve made these twice before for him in Blue space dye with the longer length, and charcoal gray active fabric.

Fabric: Rugrats cotton lycra from JoAnn's that I purchased May 2019

Thoughts: They fit great, I am so close to perfecting the fit on this pattern for Mr. Sunny.  He just wants them higher in the back again by about an inch. He also told me that he doesn’t really like the saxx hack as much as he thought he would.

Now I am all caught up on the guys makes with my blog posting!

Thanks for reading!

Kristin