Training pants are absorbent underwear worn by children who are learning to use the toilet. Training pants are not pull-on diapers and are not as absorbent as a diaper. They are supposed to contain big messes due to accidents but still allow a child feel normal accidents.

Training pants that feel like a diaper prevent a child from realizing that there is a difference between diapers and underwear. Children are more likely to grasp the concept of using the toilet when they know there is a difference. This pattern contains instructions for making training pants with or without a waterproof outer layer and with or without opening sides. The side opening pants should always be fastened first and then pulled on as underwear and not put on as a diaper. Deciding which style to make is a matter of personal preference.