Patterns for Pirates

P4P stylish, modern, wearable patterns

Wiggle Dress :: New Pattern Release!

Brace yourselves for the sexiest pattern we’ve ever put out into the world!  Allow me to introduce you to the Wiggle Dress.

The Wiggle Dress is the classic tight fit-pencil skirt dress that has been in style for ages!  It is drafted for women, sizes XXS – Plus 3X.  And features SO MANY options.  Two necklines (boatneck and off-the-shoulder), two back necklines (high back and low back), four sleeve lengths (short, 3/4, half, and long), four dress lengths (above knee, below knee, midi, and full), two top lengths (crop and shirt), and an optional zipper, as well as a kick pleat for some of the lengths.

The back has a center back seam to fit along your curves nicely. And the Wiggle Dress is drafted for a more stable knit, like ponte roma, liverpool, stretch lace, stretch velvet, etc.  BUT, you can also make it more casual with a double brushed polyester, rayon spandex, french terry, or even some thicker sweater knits!

**Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for this 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!  And, as with all of our current releases and updates, the pdfs now include our layers feature and can be found in Letter, A4 and A0 sizes.

Let’s talk options!

NECKLINES

DRESS LENGTHS

TOP LENGTHS

SLEEVE LENGTHS

OPTIONAL ZIPPER + KICK PLEAT

Go Grab your Copy of the Wiggle Dress Now!

Need more convincing?  Just take a look at this pattern on all of the beautiful shapes and sizes of our testers, and get a look at more examples of all the options in our albums in the P4P Facebook group! Find the album HERE.

The sale price will last through November 1st (11:59 PM US Central time zone) so grab it while you can at the introductory price!

And if that wasn’t enough options, be sure to check out our all of the amazing hacks that our team has come up with: Wiggle Dress Easy Hacks.

Gone Batty Top :: A Halloween Freebie!

Halloween is my favorite holiday ever.  EVER.  It’s so fun and kitchy and full of creativity.  All the best things, right?

I’ve been seeing ads for these batwing shirts floating around and I NEEDED one.  And since we love to give our P4P family fun freebies, we thought this would be the perfect thing to help you create this Halloween.  It’s totally wearable as just a fun, festive top.  Or you could use it as a last minute costume idea.  Either way, I hope you love it!

Want to make this top for yourself?

Go grab yourself a copy of the Gone Batty Top (for FREE!!) and then come back and learn how to make your own.

This pattern is a “one size fits most” adult pattern.  It’s a circle top with some added details and the measurements are based upon your high hip.

**Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for this 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!  And, as with all of our current releases and updates, the pdfs can be found in Letter, A4 and A0 sizes.

Recommended fabrics: Practically any knit fabric with at least a 20% stretch will do!  Cotton lycra, poly/rayon blends, dbp, ity, etc.
Note: Due to the style of the curved “bat wings”, I’ve left the edges raw and unhemmed.  You’re welcome to hem if you’d like, I simply chose not to with this top style.

Supplies needed:

Main Fabric: 1-5/8 yard
Neckband: cut piece 2″L x 19″W (pattern piece also provided)

Step 1: Cut out the bodice piece.  You will be cutting on a double fold.  First, folding selvedge edge to selvedge edge.  And then folding down lengthwise.
**If you’re wanting to skip printing all of the pages, print only page 8 and use the cut-out pieces provided.

When using the cut-out pieces, measure 25″ from the neckline cutout.

Keeping your bodice piece folded, take the “Bat Wing” cut-out and remove the shape from the bottom hem four times, beginning with the bottom corner and working your way toward the second folded edge.

Step 2: Sew your side seam.

— Take your “high hip measurement” and divide by 4.
— Open up your top, so the stretch is going width-wise but it remains folded at the top.
— Find your center line, and measure your high-hip/4 measurement.
— Using a stretch stitch: sew a 12″ line, slightly angled toward the neck opening.  Repeat for the opposite side.

Step 3: Stitch your “bat wings”.
This step is totally optional, but highly recommended.  It allows for your “wings” to stay together nicely.

Starting at your side seam, edge stitch the “bat wings” together, ending at the second to last point.  Repeat for the other side.

Step 4: Add the neckband.  (If you struggle with neckband installation, here’s a super helpful blog with videos!)

— Fold your neckband piece, right sides together, meeting the short ends together.

— Using 1/2″ seam allowance, stitch short ends.

— With wrong sides together, fold the raw edges together to meet each other.  Mark 1/4 points of raw edges.

— Mark the 1/4 points on the bodice piece.

—  Slide the neckband over the bodice, aligning the raw edges and matching the quarter-marked points.  Note: The neckband is slightly smaller than the bodice.  Stitch, using 1/2″ seam allowance.

— Flip neckband up and enjoy your new batty top!

As always, we love when you share what you’ve made with us.  Head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook group and show us how bat shirt crazy you’ve become with our Gone Batty Top!

 

Walk the Plank PJ Bottoms :: New Pattern Release!

Oh man.  Not only is today a release day, but it’s also a day that I get to make a fun announcement.  Or rather, TWO fun announcements!  Are you ready for this?

First, let’s talk about our newest pattern, and the final pattern in the P4P Summer of Wovens.  The Walk the Plank PJ bottoms are super easy to make, even easier to wear, pajama bottoms that are a unisex pattern and available in sizes 3M – adult Plus 3X.  Both the adult and youth patterns include three lengths (short shorts, knee length, and pant length).  The adult sizes have a differing mens and womens rise, as well as varying inseams (30″ / 32″ / 34″ / 36″ ).

The Walk the Plank pant truly is a quick sew!  All sizes were drafted to fit on a 44″ wide fabric, so you can easily use your favorite flannel or quilting cotton.  The patterns feature no side seam, and no waistband piece, as well as a quick elastic installation.  **Plus 3X were drafted with an extra side seam, so those sizes can use 44″ fabric as well.

Here’s a quick peek at the lengths:

SHORT SHORTS

KNEE LENGTH

PANT LENGTH

We have been running a contest over the last week.  You can read up on P4P’s Next Top Tester HERE if you’re interested in the process.  We had 650 (give or take) applicants that we invited into our Top Tester group.  These ladies went through some work for us!  They didn’t know what they were signing up for, but we had them all test the Walk the Plank PJ Bottoms for us!  Everyone did amazing, even amidst all of the chaos that testing in a group that size can bring.  And guess what?  We have a winner!

Well, we have four winners.  These testers did an incredible job, on all levels of testing.  It’s not just about taking pretty pictures.  It’s about providing feedback, supporting fellow testers, being around to ask/answer questions, and help with marketing.  We are so happy to have them on board with us!

Congratulations to our first ever Patterns for Pirates’ Next Top Tester: Amber Jones Zelenay 🎉🎉🎉
Our Second Place winner is: Karen Grimshaw
AND congratulations to the Runners Up: Bethany Tolman and Michelle Tobey

Want to know the best part about this pattern?  It’s FREE!!  We wanted to have a little end-of-summer celebration and thought this would be a fun way to party with you all.  Plus, it’s perfect timing with the holidays right around the corner.  Family Jammies Photo Op?  I think so!

Grab your copy of the Walk the Plank PJ Bottoms in UNISEX ADULT or UNISEX YOUTH today!

**Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for this 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!  And, as with all of our current releases and updates, the pdfs now include our layers feature and can be found in Letter, A4 and A0 sizes.

If you’re still needing more inspiration, be sure to head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group Albums for the Walk the Plank PJ Bottoms to see what our amazing testers have sewn for themselves.  Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram (@patternsforpirates | #patternsforpirates) and to share your finished items over in our Facebook group!  We love to see what you make!

Happy sewing, friends!

P4P’s Next Top Tester

“How do I become a P4P tester?”  It’s a question we’ve heard a million times.  We even wrote a blog post all about how to get noticed by the Pirate Crew.

But friends.  Listen up.  Because next week, we are bringing you a special opportunity that just might fast track you into our tester group.  Allow me to announce:

That’s right!  We are doing an open call for a FULL BLOWN pattern test for P4P, and you’re invited!  Be sure to check the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group on Monday, because we will posting a tester call.  And we are taking EVERYONE.  It’s going to be a wild ride and I couldn’t be more excited!

Top Tester will be putting you through the ringer.  You will be taking on a pattern test, and you’ll be doing all of the steps that we do for any of our normal tests.  Which means we will have size assignments, fit pictures and feedback, final photos, tutorial feedback, and promoting of the pattern when it gets released.

#P4PNTT will result in two official winners: a Top Tester and the Runner Up.  But first, let’s talk schedule.

Tester Call!
Monday, September 18, 2017
I will post a “Tester Call” for the challenge in the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group. You’ll need to sign up with your size and information in the form we will be sharing with you.  There area actually two unisex patterns, and we are looking for men, women, boy, and girl models.  Everyone is welcome to join!

Measure, measure, measure!! Kids grow fast and weight/size fluctuates weekly.  Make sure you have the most up-to-date measurements so you can make the appropriate sized garment.  Knowing your actual measurements and not what you’d pick up in a store is SO IMPORTANT for testing.  We want to put out a pattern that is drafted for the proper sizes.  (Need help measuring?  We’ve got a post HERE all about it!)

We aren’t telling what the pattern is until you’re in the group (since we’d like to keep it a surprise) but we didn’t want to leave you scrambling for fabric this week.  Here are the fabric requirements, based upon 44″ wide WOVEN fabric.

Print, Sew & Fit Feedback + Tutorial Edits/Feedback
Tuesday, September 19 – Friday, September 22, 2017
All participants will be added to a private Top Tester group on Facebook. (Remember to check your emails on Tuesday for the invites!!)

Print, assemble and cut your pattern.  Select your fabric.  Sew up your garment.

This portion of the process, we ask that you make your assigned version first, and you make sure to only print the pattern right before you’re about to sew — since we can make several changes to the patterns during the process and we want people sewing the most recent update.

Show us “fit” pictures with feedback.  This is a huge step in getting our patterns just right.  These do not need to be professional pictures.  They can be cell-phone shots or selfies, but we need to see how things are fitting in the size you signed up for!  It helps us identify any fit issues throughout the testing process.

We will also be posting the tutorial for the pattern(s) for you to edit.  The PDF will be located in the files within the Top Tester group and will have spelling mistakes, typos and maybe some construction errors.  Put on your “editing eyes” and catch the problem areas and provide us with revisions.

Final photos
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Take your photos and load them into the Top Tester group.  We prefer natural, outdoor photographs but understand completely that the weather doesn’t always cooperate.  You will need to provide at least 5 pictures showing fit from all angles. Think front, back, side shots, close up on details, etc.  You may style them as you like, but remember the focus of the picture should be the garment and it should make sense for the item you’ve sewn.  **You do not need to have a fancy DSLR camera and photo editing software to produce clear, beautiful tester photos.**

All of these tasks must be completed by their respective deadlines in order to be in the running for Patterns for Pirates’ Top Tester title.  Most of our testing periods last 4-7 days.

Winners will be announced on Monday, September 25, 2017!  Here are the prize packages:

Top Tester- 1st Place
Guaranteed testing spot for next 3 patterns
3 P4P pattern pack of choice
Pattern of Choice from Cole’s Creations and Made for Mermaids
LFRB Fabric Bundle from Sly Fox Fabrics

Runner-up
Guaranteed testing spot for next pattern
3 P4P pattern pack of choice
LFRB Fabric Bundle from Surge Fabric Shop

*Note: while only 2 winners will be selected, depending on your performance and effort, you may be invited to join our testing group!!! Bring your A-Game, P4P Fans!

**Winners will be chosen by the Patterns for Pirates Team**

Are you ready to party?!  Make sure to tune into the P4P Facebook Group on Monday, so you can join the tester call!!

Sweet Bow :: Pattern Release/Update!

Summer might be coming to an end, but we’ve still got some “Summer of Wovens” patterns up our sleeves!

Before we get to the fun: If you already own a copy of the original Sweet Bow, you will NOT need to re-purchase to get the updates.  If you bought here (PatternsforPirates.com) or on the Craftsy store, you will simply need to sign into your account and re-download the file.  If your purchase was via Etsy, email help@patternsforpirates.com (WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE) and you will get an updated file.  It’s as easy as that, we promise!

The Sweet Bow is a stylish pattern with a sweetheart neckline, a bodice that hits at the natural waistline, and features a very full and twirly skirt.

This was one of the earlier Patterns for Pirates patterns and we wanted to make sure to update it to the current P4P standards.  The pdfs now include our layers feature and can be found in letter and A4 (no A0- it is only 2-3 pages to print!).  We also tweaked the fit for the smallest sizes and added maxi length option for some extra glamour.

The Sweet Bow now features three hemlines (top, dress and maxi), two strap options (cross and easy on-off), and optional bow embellishments (small and mega bow).

**Want to learn more about how to measure for this pattern?  We’ve got you covered with an in-depth blog HERE.  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!  And don’t miss out on the Measurement Chart printables, to help keep all of those crazy numbers in one easy-to-reference spot.

Here’s a quick rundown of the options:

Three Hem Lengths

Cross Straps, Small Bow + Mega Bow

 

 

Ready to purchase the Sweet Bow and get to sewing yourself?  Go grab your copy HERE!!  The pattern is on a re-release sale through Sunday, September 10, 2017.

If you’re still needing more inspiration, be sure to head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group Album to see everything our beautiful testers have sewn for their littles.  Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram (@patternsforpirates | #patternsforpirates) and to share your finished items over in our Facebook group!  We love to see what you make!

Happy sewing, friends!

FREE Printable Measurement Charts

 

I am excited to be sharing this new FREEBIE with you today!  The biggest/best part of sewing for yourself or your family is being able to create custom clothing for exactly the unique size and shape that you are.  But that’s a lot of numbers to remember.  So we are here to make it a little easier on you by sharing these measurement charts.

There is a fill-in chart for each member of your family.  Simply print, measure, write it down, and get to sewing!

Need help figuring out some of these measurements?  We’ve already got you covered!  Head over to Judy’s post about “How To Measure Yourself” to see where to place the measuring tape and how to get the most accurate numbers.

What are you waiting for?  Go grab a copy of these PDFs and make life a little easier on yourself!
FREE PRINTABLE MEASUREMENT CHARTS

Happy sewing, friends!

Linen Loungers :: New Pattern Release!

Wahoo!  It’s pattern release day!  And we are coming to you with our first ::new:: pattern for the “Summer of Wovens”!!  (Too many exclamation points?  Can you tell I’m excited?)

We are bringing you the Linen Loungers and the Little Loungers, which are both a woven pant full of options!

The women’s Linen Loungers are in our full size range, from XXS – Plus3X.  They are available in five lengths (shorts with cuffed hem, shorts with curved hem, bermuda, capri and pant), three pocket options (patch, slat and a back patch pocket), two waistbands (woven and yoga) and also offer optional button tabs and a drawstring.  The unisex youth Little Loungers are available in sizes 3Month – 14 and cover all of the same options as their women’s counterpart!

What are your fabric options for these pants?
For the shorts length, the sky is pretty much the limit.  You can use a more structured woven or something with drape and have your new favorite pair of shorts to wear while taking on your everyday life.  For the other lengths, we highly recommend using a woven apparel fabric that has some drape to it like linen, linen blends, rayon, crepe, ect.  These Loungers are all a pull-on pant style and drafted looser in the hips for easy on/off, and then taper in at the knee with a slight bootcut flair.

**Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for this 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!  And, as with all of our current releases and updates, the pdfs now include our layers feature and can be found in Letter, A4 and A0 sizes.

Let’s break down the options a little!

Cuffed Hem Shorts (with optional Button Tab)

 

Curved Hem Shorts

 

Bermuda/Capri/Pant Length

Slat/Patch/Back Patch Pockets

Woven/Yoga Waistband

Ready to purchase a copy of the Loungers and get to sewing yourself?
Grab a copy of the Little Loungers, Linen Loungers, or even a Loungers Bundle so you can sew for practically the whole family.

Please don’t think we’d leave you with just the pattern and no extras!!  Head over to our “Loungers Hacks” post to see how you can take these patterns another step further.

If you’re still needing more inspiration, be sure to head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group Albums for the Linen Loungers and Little Loungers to see what our amazing testers have sewn for themselves.  Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram (@patternsforpirates | #patternsforpirates) and to share your finished items over in our Facebook group!  We love to see what you make!

Happy sewing, friends!

Everyday Elegance :: Pattern Release/Update!

We are officially kicking off the P4P Summer of Wovens today with the re-release of the Everyday Elegance!

Before we get started: If you already own a copy of the original Everyday Elegance, you will NOT need to re-purchase to get the updates.  If you bought here (PatternsforPirates.com) or on the Craftsy store, you will simply need to sign into your account and re-download the file.  If your purchase was via Etsy, email help@patternsforpirates.com (WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE) and you will get an updated file.  It’s as easy as that, we promise!

As far as woven tops go, this is a great one to use if you’re new to the woven apparel scene.  The Everyday Elegance is a loose top with a v-neckline, rounded collar, back yoke and back pleats.  We decided to update this oldie-but-goodie because we wanted this pattern to match with the rest of the items found at Patterns for Pirates.  So we’ve extended the sizing out to our full range (XXS – Plus 3X) and have added a ton of new options!

The Everyday Elegance now features two hemlines (tunic and dress length), three sleeve lengths (short, 3/4 and long), two neckline finishes (collar and bias binding), a back yoke with pleats, and an optional belt.

Along with the pattern changes, we updated our formatting.  The pdfs now include our layers feature and can be found in letter, A4 and A0 sizes!

**Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for this 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!

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

Tunic Length Hem

Dress Length Hem

Sleeve Length Options

Neckline Finishes

 

Back Yoke with pleated gather

Belted vs Unbelted

Ready to purchase the Everyday Elegance and get to sewing yourself?  Go grab your copy HERE!!  The pattern is on a re-release sale through Sunday, July 16, 2017.

Please don’t think we’d leave you with just the pattern and no extras!!  Head over to our “Easy Hacks” post to see how you can step your sewing up a notch.

If you’re still needing more inspiration, be sure to head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group Album to see everything our beautiful testers have sewn for themselves.  Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram (@patternsforpirates | #patternsforpirates) and to share your finished items over in our Facebook group!  We love to see what you make!

Happy sewing, friends!

Take the Plunge Swimsuit :: New Pattern Release!

Just about this time last year, we released our first ever swim patterns.  The Siren Swim Top and Hello Sailor Bottoms have received a lot of love, but we still had a lot of requests for a one-piece suit.  Your wishes are being fulfilled today, with the brand spankin’ new release of the Take the Plunge Swimsuit!

Take the Plunge will make you want to swim all summer long.  We’ve done all we can to pack it full of options and to make it flattering for ALL body types, sizes XXS – Plus 3X.

This is an intermediate knit pattern, and fits in a traditional, body hugging, one-piece swimwear style.  The suit is fully lined and includes directions to add bust support (swim cups / power mesh / under bust elastic).  All of your seams are enclosed for that professional finish, and the edges are all finished with elastic so you will be completely secure in your suit while taking a dip in the pool.

The pattern features a cross-over front bodice that plunges a little lower for a sexy look, while still keeping you contained, covered, and secure.  The waistband hits at and slightly above the natural waistline, to create an extra slimming silhouette, and is also great for color blocking.  And the leg openings come up a little higher in the front for a longer, leaner look.  There are three band-back options (high back with straight straps / low back with cross straps / halter back), two bottom types (plain / ruched) and an additional option for a skirted bottom in two lengths (peplum / full).

The retro vibe of the Take the Plunge Swimsuit will be a classic for years to come and can be paired with so many different fabric prints for unlimited looks!

**Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for this pattern?  We’ve got you covered with an in-depth blog HERE.

And now let’s see some suits!

FRONT CROSS-OVER BODICE

HIGH BACK, with straight straps

LOW BACK, with cross straps

HALTER BACK

PLAIN BOTTOMS

RUCHED BOTTOMS

OPTIONAL SKIRTED BOTTOMS

Feeling inspired to go buy all the swim knits now and sew a million suits for yourself?  Before you do, don’t forget to snag the Take the Plunge Swimsuit pattern HERE.

And don’t think we’d leave you with only the original pattern.  We’ve explored the extra potential of Take the Plunge and have an entire set of pattern SWIM HACKS and even a DRESS + PEPLUM HACK.

Needing more inspiration?  Head over to our Facebook Group Album, where are gorgeous testers of every shape and size have shared their versions!  Happy Sewing, friends!

50K Fan Celebration :: Ruched Side Panel Hack

Hey guys, I have a super easy hack to the new Peg Leg Add Ons for you today!

You will need to cut your side panel piece from the Peg Leg Add Ons twice the length.

Gather along side seams. I used two rows of stitches on each side to help keep gathers even (it’s also a safeguard just in case one of them breaks along the way!).

Gather the ruched piece to original length.  I like to clip in the middle of each piece and then the ends before I begin to pull the gathering strings. This will help to keep your gathers even throughout the piece.

Lastly, attach your pieces like normal!

So simple and gives you a whole different look!

 

We are celebrating reaching 50K fans in our Facebook group!  To make it a party, our beloved PegLegs pattern just got an update AND some new add-ons.  Before you go running to your machine to sew up your own leggings, make sure to read our PegLegs 101 blog post.  This way, you’ll have all the the information you’ll need to make the perfect pair before you even cut into your gorgeous fabric.

But wait, there’s more!  After any good party is an after-party.  We are taking it one step further and sharing some easy hacks that’ll bring even more flavor to your favorite leggings pattern!  We hope you check them out, make your new favorite pair of leggings, and know that we appreciate every single one of you amazing sewing guys and gals!

Here are our hacks / tutorials / latest tricks:

Lace Waistband Alternative | Drawstring Waistband Tutorial
Exposed Elastic Waistband | Stirrup Pant Hack
Ruched Ankles Adjustment | Decorative Topstitching Tutorial
Ruched Side Panel Hack

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