THE SHORTLIST: SLEEPWEAR

There's something about heading to bed in an ensemble you sewed yourself. From classic button-up pyjamas and easy jersey sets to nightdresses, robes and cosy slippers, handmade sleepwear can be as simple or as indulgent as you like.

We’ve gathered a shortlist of patterns for a restful night in, with ideas for adults and little ones, confident beginners and seasoned makers alike. Sweet dreams—and happy sewing!

You cannot go wrong with a good set of classic pyjamas. A button-up shirt completed with a pair of comfy,  elasticated bottoms. It's a combination that cannot be improved. Opt for a signature stripe or add a pinch of your personality with a print that is very 'you'. That print for me? Cats!

1. Closet Core Patterns Carolyn Pajamas
2. Paper Theory Patterns Agnes Pyjama Set
3. Closet Core Patterns Fran Pajamas
4. Merchant & Mills Winnie Pyjamas

Love the look of classic pyjamas but dislike sewing and wearing button-up shirts to bed? Try one of these popover top designs.

1. Liesl & Co Havana Pajamas
2. Atelier Brunette Le Pyjama
3. Bobbins and Buttons Susy Pyjamas
4. Sew Liberated Nocturne Pyjamas (top can be lengthened to sew as a nightdress)

Add a little whimsy to your sleepwear with one of these feminine designs. They look so good, you might find yourself taking the bins out just to show them off!

1. Sew Over It Luna Pyjamas
2. Maison Fauve Soupir Pyjamas
3. Itch to Stitch Pine Cove 
4. Nina Lee Piccadilly Pyjamas
5. Matchy Matchy Ruffle Brunch Set

Pyjamas should be ultra-comfy, and for that, nothing beats jersey fabric. You literally won't want to take them off!

1. Sew Over It Imogen Pyjamas
2. Named Olo Tee and Pants
3. Primrose Dawn Mona Sira Pyjamas (bottoms can be made from light-weight wovens)
4. Pattern Scout Comfi Tee and Pants Lounge Set

If you have a drawer full of perfectly worn-in tees that you love to wear to bed, you only need to sew bottoms to make a perfect set. Matching is so overrated! Pyjama bottoms are a great project for beginners, too.

1. True Bias Casey Boxer Short and Pant
2. Tilly and the Buttons Jaimie Pyjama Bottoms
3. The Avid Seamstress Pyjama Bottoms
4. Wardrobe by Me Unisex PJ Bottoms 

Are you more of a nightie wearer? If so, there are some delightful designs to choose from.

1. Folkwear 223 A Lady's Chemise
2. Sew Over It Sidbury Slip Dress
3. How to Do Fashion No. 20 New York Lingerie
4. In the Folds Gibson Loungewear Set (set includes dress, top, shorts and pants)
5. Merchant & Mills Lilian Slip Dress

Sew yourself a little luxury robe to swan about the house in. Whether you choose to make yours slinky, from Liberty lawn (gasp!) or spa-worthy waffle fabric, you will feel fully indulged.

1. Tammy Handmade Hayley Robe
2. Bobbins and Buttons Lorna Dressing Gown or Jacket
3. Itch to Stitch Roseto Robe
4. Wardrobe by Me Norma Jean Wrap

Lounging around the house feels even better when you make that dressing gown yourself. These unisex sewing patterns are great to have in your stash, just in case the urge to sew gifts hits you (which it may not!). I've made non-matching waffle Lahja dressing gowns for my husband and me. Isn't he lucky?!

1. Helen's Closet Unisex Arbutus Robe
2. Merchant & Mills Unisex Sunday Robe
3. Named Lahja Unisex Dressing Gown 

Are you a fan of matching makes? Perhaps you fancy sewing matching Christmas pyjamas? Team woven and team knits, I've taken care of both of you.

1. Wardrobe by Me Unisex Pyjama Set
2. Paper Pattern Scissors Family Perri PJs

In addition to the unisex designs mentioned, we have some great men's pyjama patterns. Quick and easy to whip up, these patterns are great for gifting.

1. Wardrobe by Me Men's Boxer Shorts
2. Thread Theory Men's Eastwood Pajamas
3. Tilly and the Buttons Joe PJ Bottoms/Shorts

Fun pyjamas make bedtime far more appealing to little ones. We have adorable patterns to pick from, whether you want to make a jersey set, a woven pair, or something that gives you a bit of both.

1. Petits D'om Pilou Pyjamas
2. Little Rosy Cheeks Cadal Pyjamas (bottoms can be sewn in woven or jersey)
3. Wardrobe by Me Children's PJ Pants
4. Poppy and Jazz Baby/Child Pomegranate Pyjamas

Did you know you can sew your own slippers? So cool, right?! If you want to finish the set and keep your toes toasty around the house, try one of these clever sewing patterns.

1. Petits D'om Patapouf Slippers
2. Sew House Seven Child/Adult Moon Booties
3. Sew DIY Unisex Quilted Slippers

I hope that lot has left you with plenty to ponder and hasn't put you to sleep! Slumber has never felt better done wearing handmade sleepwear. Night night all!