Pattern Pants is an engaging and hands-on activity that allows students to demonstrate their understanding of patterns in a fun and creative way. During this activity, students will be given the opportunity to create patterns using shapes and colours—right on a pair of paper pants!

Check out this video below to see this resource in action.

This is a low-preparation craft—just print the provided templates and let your students do the rest! They can use the included shape templates or mix it up with craft materials like buttons, stickers, pompoms, rhinestones, or anything else you have on hand. Students can work independently, from cutting out their pants to decorating them with patterns.

As students work, encourage them to explain their pattern choices, either during the process or once finished, to a teacher or peer. A display banner is included so you can create a colourful and conversation-provoking classroom clothesline featuring each student’s unique Pattern Pants.

Pattern Pants is perfect for maths rotations, visual arts integration, or as a purposeful end-of-day activity that reinforces patterning in a creative context.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Recognise and create patterns using shapes and colours
• ✅ Develop fine motor skills through cutting, pasting, and decorating
• ✅ Use mathematical vocabulary to describe patterns
• ✅ Engage in self-expression and design thinking
• ✅ Contribute to a collaborative and engaging classroom display

What’s Included:

• Pattern Pants craft template
• Basic shape cut-outs for decorating
• Display banner
• Instructions and suggestions for differentiation

Materials Needed:

• Printed templates
• Scissors and glue
• Coloured paper or included shape cut-outs
• Optional craft materials: buttons, stickers, pompoms, rhinestones, etc.
• Optional: acrylic paint, watercolour, or edicol dye for denim-style backgrounds

How to Use:

• • Print and distribute the Pattern Pants template to each student
• • Introduce or review pattern types (AB, ABC, AABB, etc.)
• • Allow students to decorate their pants using shapes or craft materials
• • Encourage students to describe or explain their pattern as they work
• • Display finished pants using the included banner to create a class clothesline

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during a maths unit on patterns as a fun assessment task
• 💡 Include in an art and maths integrated learning experience
• 💡 Challenge students to use more complex pattern sequences
• 💡 Pair with a book about clothing, colours, or patterns for a thematic link
• 💡 Use as a calming craft session during transitions or the last week of term

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Enlarge the templates to A3 for younger students or to allow more pattern space
• 💛 Pre-cut shapes or prep craft kits for easy use in rotations
• 💛 Laminate the pants and reuse them with whiteboard markers for a dry-erase version
• 💛 Use real denim scraps for a tactile twist on the activity

It’s time to create some Pattern Pants! This resource combines creativity, maths, and fun into one memorable classroom activity.