How to Sew a Side-Snap Training Pant (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

Side-snap training pants are a great option when you want something easy to put on and take off, while still offering absorbency and leak protection. Whether you’re potty training a toddler or want a discreet way to change leakproof underwear, side fastening products makes it easy. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to sew a side-snap training pant from start to finish.

To purchase a pattern, check it out in my pattern shop. Sizes XS-3XL fit waists 26”-67.” This pattern is designed for STRETCH fabrics. If you want to make a product that’s PUL on the outside, you can do this tutorial with my absorbent brief pattern as well. 

Toddler/youth sizes coming soon! 

Step 1: Prepare and Layer Your Fabrics

Start by sewing your absorbent layers to the liner fabric just like you normally would.

For this version, I’m using:

• A cotton lining
  
• A cotton outer
  
• An insert made with one layer of bamboo fleece and one layer of PUL. This is for potty training my toddler so I don’t need a lot of absorbency. Of course, you can add as much absorbency as you want.

Once your absorbency is sewn to the wrong side of the lining, place the lining and outer right sides together. The sewn-in absorbency should be sunny side up.

Step 2: Pin and Leave an Opening

Pin around the ENTIRE training pant.

Be sure to leave one of the sidebands open—this will be used later to turn the pant right side out and to topstitch.

Make sure everything is smooth and evenly pinned before sewing.

Step 3: Sew Around the Edges

Begin sewing at the sideband you want ot leave open.

Start with a backstitch to reinforce the seam.

PRO TIP: Sew a short distance down both sides of the opening before continuing around the pant. This makes it much easier to turn the corners neatly later.

Sew all the way around the training pant, reinforcing the stitching at the beginning and end with a backstitch.

Step 4: Add the Elastic

Once the outer seam is sewn, it’s time to add elastic.

Sew elastic:

• Along both leg openings
• Across the waist

When finished, you should see the elastic gathered neatly at the legs and waist.

Step 5: Clip Corners and Turn Right Side Out

Clip the corners carefully (without cutting into the stitching).

Reach through the opening you left earlier and slowly turn the training pant right side out. Take your time here—gentle pulling works best.

Once turned, push out all the corners so they look square. You can use a turning tool for this.

Step 6: Tuck the Opening and Topstitch

Fold the raw edges of the sideband opening inward.

If you stitched down a little at the opening earlier, this step will be much easier.

Pin the opening closed, then topstitch around the entire training pant, closing the opening and giving the pant a clean finish.

Step 7: Add Snaps or Velcro

At this point, your training pant is complete and ready for closures.

You can choose:

• Snaps (what I used here), or
• Hook and loop tape (aka Velcro), depending on your preference

Install the closures at the sides to finish the side-snap design.

That’s it! You now have a functional, reusable side-snap training pant with elasticized legs and waist, absorbency, and optional waterproofing.

This construction method is sturdy, customizable, and works well for both potty learning and light incontinence needs. If you’re using the absorbent brief pattern with a waterproof outer, you can really bulk up the absorbency in the sewn-in insert to manage moderate incontinence.

If you’d like to follow along visually, be sure to watch the full video tutorial for tips on stitching, elastic placement, and snap installation.