Katy McKinley, Author at Patterns for Pirates

Protected: FABRIC FOR PIRATES :: June 2021 REVEAL

June 2, 2021

Protected: FABRIC FOR PIRATES :: MAY 2021 REVEAL

May 5, 2021

Protected: FABRIC FOR PIRATES :: April 2021 REVEAL

April 7, 2021

New Pattern Releases :: Be Bold Bodysuit!

March 10, 2021

We are so excited to be celebrating another release day with our favorite Pirate Crew! We’ve been wanting to put out a bodysuit for forever now, and the day is finally here. Let’s learn all about the Be Bold Bodysuits, available in both Adult and Youth sizes!

The Be Bold Bodysuit will have you feeling fierce in any option. This classic tight fit bodysuit is meant to feel snug and act as the perfect tucked in top without worrying about anything coming un-tucked. With all the options we’ve packed into this single pattern, you’ll be able to make a perfect bodysuit or crop to pair with any bottoms – skirts, pants, overalls, casual or dressy. You can pick from a higher or lower neckline on both the back and front for the adult pattern, and a higher or lower back neckline for the youth version. You can also take this pattern from the hot summer with the multiple tank options to the cooler weather with longer sleeve options. You can finish the neckline with a simple picot elastic or with a lining and shelf bra.

Moving down for the adult pattern, you can have multiple bottom options as well! You can do a thong or brief plus pick if you’d like the seam in the traditional back spot or add snaps with a front seam for ease of snapping. The bodysuit is partially lined so you can use the bodysuit as your undergarment.

Drafted for high stretch (4 way stretch) knit fabrics like cotton spandex, double brushed poly, ribbed knits, athletic knits, or swim knits. Options include: crop length, bodysuit with thong (snaps or back seam), bodysuit with brief (snaps or back seam), lined neckline with shelf bra, unlined with picot finished neckline, thin strap tank, tank, short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve or long sleeve.

Enjoy several videos throughout the tutorial like fabric suggestions, options and cutlines video, how to add/remove length to pieces, sewing the picot on the shelf bra, neckline and leg lines, and lining the tank option.

The youth sizes range from 3m – 14 and the adult sizes are for the full, newer size chart, extending from XXS – Plus 5X! If you haven’t sewn with us in a while, please make sure to check the size charts, as there were slight adjustments made to accommodate the new size range for adults.

*Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for these pattern? We’ve got you covered with an in-depth blog HERE. And in case you’re new to Patterns for Pirates and PDF patterns in general, we have a great blog full of new-user tips HERE to help you get started! As with all of our current releases and updates, the pdfs now include our layers feature and can be found in Letter, A4, A0 and projector sizes. And for even more helpful fun, we have a free* printable that you can use to help record your measurements as you take them.

Let’s take a quick look at all of the options!

There are three options available for the sleeves- short, 3/4, and long. If sleeves are quite the look you’re going for, check out the sleeveless options, including a classic tank strap as well as a thin strap tank. For the necklines, not only is it a fun squared design, there are several options that can be mixed and matched. If you’re feeling a bit daring, there is a low option available for both front and back bodices. If you’d like a little more coverage, there are also higher cutlines. You can use these options together to create your perfect look. To help finish the necklines, use either a simple picot elastic or finish with a lining and shelf bra. To round out the Be Bold Bodysuit, you have multiple leg options (available on the adult version). This includes either a thong or brief plus you can choose if you’d like the seam in the traditional back spot or add snaps with a front seam for ease of snapping. The bodysuit is partially lined so you can use the bodysuit as your undergarment.

SLEEVED OPTIONS

SLEEVELESS OPTIONS

NECKLINES

ADULT LEGLINE OPTIONS

PICOT FINISHING

LINED w/SHELF BRA

What are you waiting for? Head on over and grab yourself a copy of the perfect Be Bold patterns! They are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, March 19, 2021.

BE BOLD BODYSUIT | BE BOLD BODYSUIT – YOUTH | BE BOLD BODYSUIT – BUNDLE

Maybe hoping for a little more inspiration before you make the purchase? Head over to our Facebook group where you can see tester albums full of amazing images!

Be Bold Bodysuit | Be Bold Bodysuit – Youth

If you’re looking for even more options, we show you a few more ways you can use this pattern in our Be Bold Easy Hacks post.

Protected: FABRIC FOR PIRATES :: March 2021 REVEAL

March 2, 2021

Protected: FABRIC FOR PIRATES :: February 2021 REVEAL

February 3, 2021

New Pattern Releases :: Sweater Weather

January 23, 2021

Coming off of the year that we all had last year, we wanted to start you off right in 2021 with something comfy, cozy and perfect for the winter season. And so, our newest patterns were born. Allow me to introduce you to: Sweater Weather.

Sweater Weather is the perfect pattern to grab when it’s chilly. You can create a classic sweater that will stay in your wardrobe for years to come or a super trendy look that hits the sweet spot this season perfectly. You can go from off the shoulder when it’s just a bit cool, to crew, to turtleneck when you really need something warm. The off the shoulder neckline is meant to be super wide so you can pull it off one side or wear it to the edge of your shoulders- not so wide you need to mess with it all day with wear. The crew neckline isn’t too tight that the crew or turtleneck feel restrictive even in thicker fabrics. All sleeves options are long for those cooler months. The belled sleeves are a super fun and trendy option that are so fun to wear. The traditional sleeves will always be in style paired with any neckline. And the gathered sleeves are such a fun a different detail to give yourself something fun to wear. All options have a great split side seam with a longer back bodice.

Drafted for knits like sweater knits, double brushed poly, spandex french terry blends. waffle knits, ribbed knits, brushed waffle knits, brushed ribbed knits, and more.

The options include: 3 hem lengths (crop / shirt / tunic), 3 sleeve options (traditional / gathered / belled) and 3 necklines (crew / turtleneck / off-the-shoulder).

We’ve also included several videos throughout the tutorial…including fabric suggestions, sewing up the side split hem, sewing the gathered sleeves and a complete sew up.

Let’s take a look at the different options, shall we?

HEM LENGTHS

SLEEVE OPTIONS

NECKLINES

What are you waiting for? Head on over and grab yourself a copy of the perfect Sweater Weather patterns! They are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, January 30, 2021.

SWEATER WEATHER | SWEATER WEATHER – YOUTH | SWEATER WEATHER – BUNDLE

Maybe hoping for a little more inspiration before you make the purchase? Head over to our Facebook group where you can see tester albums full of amazing images!

Sweater Weather | Sweater Weather – Youth

If you’re looking for even more options, we show you a few more ways you can use this pattern in our Sweater Weather Easy Hacks post.

Protected: Fabric for Pirates :: January 2021 Reveal

January 7, 2021

Protected: Fabric for Pirates :: December 2020 Reveal

December 7, 2020

2020 Holiday Freebies :: Bear Hug Rug Tutorial

December 6, 2020

Happy Holidays, Pirate Friends! We are excitedly back for another year and another round of holiday freebies to share with you! Over the years, we’ve compiled different tutorials and patterns that we think would make *perfect* gifts for your friends and family. Curious about what we’ve already released in the way of holiday freebies? Head right here to see all of them: Holiday Freebies Roundup.

Today, we are bringing you the: Bear Hug Rug!

The Bear Hug Rug is pretty much a giant stuffed animal, with function. It can be used as a rug on the floor, while relaxing or reading a book. It can be used as a blanket with a big ole’ head for cuddling up with. Or it can be used as a giant stuffed animal, ready to be loved.

The pattern construction is super simple and the results are so fun. We hope you love it!

Supplies Needed:

Bear Hug Rug pattern pieces
Fabric Requirements: Fleece / Minky / Faux Fur, etc, 54″ wide
- 2 Yards Main
- 2 Yards Lining
Fiberfill (for head)
Scraps of fabric for facial features
Buttons / Embroidery Thread for Eyes

TUTORIAL

Place 2 ear pieces, right sides together.

Using 1/2″ seam allowance, sew around entire round edge.

Turn right side out and place pin/clip at the middle, bottom edge. Repeat for second ear.

**Tip from our testers: if your ears are on the floppy side, you might want to add a little polyfil to them to help them stand up.

On head piece, use the pattern piece to place pin/clip for ear markings.

With right sides together, match ear pieces to markings on the main head piece. Baste ears in place.

On main snout piece, center the nose piece and attach using your favorite applique stitch.

Note: If nose fabric is woven / can fray, be sure to use an interfacing before fixing it to the snout to avoid future issues with fraying.

With main snout facing up, place lining fabric on top, right sides together.

Sew around entire outer edge, using 1/2″ seam allowance.

Clip curved edges, using pinking shears / “v” pattern to help with a smoother turned edge.

Careful not to cut through the main fabric, clip a hole through the middle of your lining fabric piece.

Turn the snout right sides out, through the hole you just cut.

Press out all of your seams.

Place the snout piece, centered on the main head piece. Edge or applique stitch snout to attach it.

Add your eyes.

**I used these large buttons and hand stitched them on. You can also choose to embroider this detail, or add fleece circles. Whatever your preference is!