A friend asked for some links specifically for training pants. The following links are for two types of trainers, a side snapping and a pull on.
http://www.thenappynetwork.org.nz/images/WeeWeka_Knickers.pdf
This link has a PDF pattern for the pull on pants (car ones on the right), plus a set of instructions, including images. It assumes you will know what to do with the absorbent crotch panel with no instructions, but if you hit a snag, drop me a message and I will be happy to help. The pattern uses the pants fabric to construct the leg and waist bindings. If your fabric has lycra in it, this will work. I prefer using normal interlock (all cotton) for the body and then have ribbing on the legs. The waist can be made with FOE (fold over elastic) or with a normal waist casing (add 1-2 cm to allow for casing).
http://www.easterbunz.com/patterns/free-trainer-pattern/
This one is a side snapping trainer (alien one on the left). It uses PUL (waterproof fabric) and FOE (fold over elastic) and so is more of a night trainer than a daytime trainer.
Training pants are only used for a very short period of time. Don’t be afraid to recycle old t-shirts for the pants body, harvest ribbing from old jumpers, and use towelling nappies/handtowells/mircrofibre cloths ….. for the absorbency.
