Patterns for Pirates

P4P stylish, modern, wearable patterns

New Pattern Release :: Janet Jeans

Have you ever dreamed of making yourself the perfect pair of jeans? If so, we’ve got two words for you: Janet. Jeans.

The youth sizes range from 3m – 14 and the adult sizes are for the full, newer size chart, extending from XXS – Plus 5X for the Adult Hourglass Figure.

  • *Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for these pattern?  We’ve got you covered with an in-depth blog HERE.  And for even more helpful fun, we have a free* printable that you can use to help record your measurements as you take them.
  • 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.
  • We’ve also got an excellent planning tool for you with our Coloring Pages. It’s a resource that is updated with every new pattern addition, this pattern included!

The Janet Jeans are both on trend and a classic vintage vibe all in one. A nod to Janet from Three’s Company and general 70’s aesthetic, the Janet Jeans have a snug fit from natural waist through booty then start flaring out down to the ankle giving an overall A-line silhouette. Waistband is meant to hit at natural waist, just covering up belly button. You can choose from a cuffed shorts length, capri, cropped or pant length. The back darts help make fitting from full hip to waist a little easier. The slight stretch in fabric not only makes them more comfortable, but also gives a bit more room for fitting and fluctuating sizes as well…so you can wear your memade jeans throughout the month as your body might go up and down the measuring tape a bit. The waistband is a contoured fit to make sure you don’t have gapping at the back waist, but not so snug that you’re being squeezed.

The Janet Jeans can be sewn up in most stretch wovens. You will only be limited by what you like the feel of and if it is thick enough to be comfortable with it covering your booty. With all the pocket choices you won’t have to leave behind any keys, phone, wallet, snacks, or other treasures you’d like to take with you.

Pattern options for the Janet Jeans include:

  • Lengths: Shorts / Capri Length / Cropped Length / Pant Length
  • Belt Loops
  • Optional Pockets: Front Slat Pockets -Optional Coin Pocket / Back Pockets / Front Small Patch Pockets / Front Patch Pockets
  • All Options include a Zip Fly, Back Darts, Contoured Waistband

The Janet Jeans pattern is drafted for stretch woven fabrics with at least 10% stretch.

Specific Fabric Suggestions: Stretch Denim, Stretch Twill, Stretch Linen, Stretch Corduroy, Stretch Suiting, etc

We’ve loaded in ::several:: videos, walking you through various steps of the Janet Jeans patterns! In case you needed a little hand holding with some of the construction, we’ve already got you covered! The links are all available in the pattern tutorials, or you can find them on our YouTube channel.

Let’s take a quick peek at all of the pattern options:

LENGTHS: SHORTS / CAPRI / CROPPED (Adult) / PANT

POCKETS: FRONT SLAT / FRONT SMALL PATCH / FRONT PATCH POCKETS / BACK POCKETS

So grab your stretch corduroy, stretch denim, stretch twill, stretch suiting and show off your new Janet Jeans!

 

So We are so excited to see what you sew up for yourself using the Janet Jeans patterns! It is available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, February 18, 2024.

Find your copy of the Janet Jeans here: Janet Jeans | Janet Jeans – Youth | Janet Jeans Bundle

As always, we’ve got more photos for you to use as inspiration! Head over to the Facebook group to browse our albums full of gorgeous photos, compliments of our tester team!

Janet Jeans Adult Album | Janet Jeans Youth Album

But wait, there’s more! We have an Easy Hacks blog post for the Janet Jeans pattern — helping you take that pattern a little further!

Harriet Holiday Dress :: Easy Hacks

Get ready to elevate your sewing game with our “easy hacks” post for the Harriet Holiday Dress pattern. We’re sharing three ingenious ways to take this pattern a little further!

You’ll need this pattern to complete these super fun sewing hacks: HARRIET HOLIDAY DRESS

Ruched Tee and Facing

I have had a stripey ruched tee like this pinned for years, and when Katy popped some inspo pics of her new pattern up online, I knew that I had to hack it to make my own version.  I took some pictures along the way and I have instructions for cutting a ruched tee length top, and also for adding a facing instead of a lining here for you.

RUCHING

The first thing you’ll need to do is find a top pattern you like to hack onto the bottom of the Harriet bodice.  I went with the Rainbow Dress because I have made it before and knew I wanted a similar, slim fit look.

I used my projector to cut out the top of the Harriet bodice front, stopping at the bottom of the armscye.  Then I subbed in the Rainbow Dress bodice, matching both patterns at the bottom of the armscye, and used the Rainbow Dress pattern to cut out the bottom of my fabric down to the top length cutline.  Repeat for the back piece.

I cut a piece of 1/4″ clear elastic at 6.5″ length.  The top and bottom 1/2″ will be cut off when finished, they are just there to let you hold the elastic at either end when sewing it on. I pinned it 1″ below the finished centre front neckline edge, measured down 7.5″ and pinned the bottom.  You will be stretching 5.5″ of elastic to 7.5″ length.  When the elastic bounces back to its original length it causes the ruching.

Holding the top and bottom of the elastic by the 1″ ends, stretch the elastic whilst sewing it onto the wrong side of your bodice.  You can use a straight or a stretch stitch here, it doesn’t really matter.  You may find that you need to adjust the length of the elastic depending on which type of elastic you are using and which size of the pattern you are making.

Here is what the finished ruching will look like from the right side when it is done.

FACING

Sometimes you don’t want a lining, either because you don’t want the added layers and warmth or because, like me, you just hate using extra fabric when you don’t have to!  A facing is the best way of finishing a neckline like this if you don’t want to line the whole top, and it’s really easy.

First you will take your pattern pieces and trace off the neckline pieces at a 1.5″ depth, like this.

Then cut out these pieces out of your lining fabric on the fold.

Sew the shoulder seams on the outer fabric, and also on the facing pieces.

Place the facing pieces right sides together on top of the outer pieces. Pin around the pieces and sew them together with a 1/2″ seam allowance as per the original pattern instructions.  I find it helps to use a water soluble marker to mark out the 1/2″ seam allowance around the corners.  This helps with a really accurate sew.

Clip into the corners and turn the facing through to the inside.  Press, pin and topstitch around the facing to finish.

Then you can sew up the rest of your top or dress as per the original instructions and you’re all done!

 

Happy sewing,

Dana xx

Exposed Elastic Skirt

I have been on a skirt kick for a while now, and thought the skirt on the Harriet Holiday dress would be the perfect addition to my collection. I like the look of thick exposed elastic, so this was a fairly simple hack. Start out by cutting out the skirt portion of the pattern and then sew up the side seams, right-sides-together and then hem the skirt. To figure out the length of my elastic, I put the skirt on and wrapped the elastic around my waist. I made sure to exercise the elastic a bit by stretching it out and letting it bounce back a couple times before wrapping it around my waist. Adjust the length of your elastic based on how snug you like it around your waist, I don’t like it super tight, but just tight enough where the skirt doesn’t move around. 

 

Cut your elastic, and then burn the ends so that it doesn’t unravel.

Using a zigzag stitch, sew the ends of the elastic together. I like to use a  2.0 stitch length and 4.0 stitch width.

Mark the quarter points on the elastic and the skirt waist opening. With right sides together, match the quarter points of the elastic with the ones on the skirt waist opening. Sew with a stretch stitch or a serger (turn off the blade so it doesn’t cut into the elastic).

Optionally, you can flip the band over and top stitch or skip this part all together!

Now, Ta-dah! All done! I can’t wait to see what you create!

Happy Sewing!

Djem

We cannot wait to see what you create for yourself using the Harriet Holiday Dress pattern! It is available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, January 28, 2023.

Here is a direct link to the pattern: HARRIET HOLIDAY DRESS

As always, we’ve got more photos for you to use as inspiration! Head over to the Facebook group to browse our albums full of gorgeous photos, compliments of our tester team!

Harriet Holiday Dress Facebook Album

New Pattern Release :: Harriet Holiday Dress

Happy 2024, Pirates! We are excited to share that our first pattern of the new year is officially here!

We aren’t going to keep you in suspense for a single moment — let’s get to talking all about the Harriet Holiday Dress!

The Harriet Holiday Dress pattern is drafted to our Adult – Hourglass size chart, extending from XXS – Plus 5X.

  • *Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for these pattern?  We’ve got you covered with an in-depth blog HERE.  And for even more helpful fun, we have a free* printable that you can use to help record your measurements as you take them.
  • 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.
  • We’ve also got an excellent planning tool for you with our Coloring Pages. It’s a resource that is updated with every new pattern addition, this pattern included!
  • And to help keep track of the Patterns for Pirates patterns you have in your stash, we’ve got a handy Pattern Checklist to help keep you organized!

The Harriet Holiday Dress features a fitted bodice with a quarter circle skirt attached at the natural waistline. The bodice is fully lined, with a sweetheart or scoop neckline option. The pattern includes multiple skirt lengths (from mini to maxi) and allows you to choose from traditional, fitted sleeves or a more festive, bishop sleeve. Depending on your fabric choice, you can use the Harriet Holiday Dress for everyday wear, a special occasion, or something in between. We also snuck in an optional front slit for the above knee, tea and maxi length skirts, in the event you wanted to show a little extra thigh in your new dress!

Pattern options include:

  • Two neckline options: Scoop + Sweetheart.
  • A variety of sleeve choices: Fitted Short, Fitted 3/4, Fitted Long, 3/4 Bishop Sleeve + Long Bishop Sleeve.
  • Multiple hem lengths: Mini, Above Knee, Tea + Maxi.
  • Fully lined bodice.
  • Optional front slit (for above knee, tea + maxi lengths).

The Harriet Holiday Dress pattern is drafted for light-to-medium weight knit fabrics with at least 40-50% horizontal stretch. Some vertical stretch for the bodice is recommended for more comfort in wearing.

Specific Fabric Suggestions: Cotton Spandex, Double Brushed Polyester, Ribbed Knits, Medium Sweater Knits, Stretch Velvet, Athletic Knits, etc.

We wouldn’t leave you hanging without talking about some of the options! Let’s check them out!

NECKLINES: SCOOP / SWEETHEART

SLEEVES (FITTED SHORT / 3/4 / LONG + BISHOP 3/4 + LONG)

HEM LENGTHS (MINI / ABOVE KNEE / TEA / MAXI)

OPTIONAL FRONT SLIT

We cannot wait to see what you create for yourself using the Harriet Holiday Dress pattern! It is available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, January 28, 2023.

Here is a direct link to the pattern: HARRIET HOLIDAY DRESS

As always, we’ve got more photos for you to use as inspiration! Head over to the Facebook group to browse our albums full of gorgeous photos, compliments of our tester team!

Harriet Holiday Dress Facebook Album

But wait, there’s more! We have an Easy Hacks blog post for the Harriet Holiday Dress pattern — helping you take that pattern a little further!

2023 A Year in Review

It’s always so much fun for us to look back on the year as it comes to a close and reflect on all that we did during that time!  Here’s a quick glance back at 2023 with Patterns for Pirates!

We released TWENTY ONE (21) brand new patterns to the catalog. 

The majority of them were designed and drafted by Judy Hale (our beloved Pirate Captain) and five of them were from (our lead admin + designer) Katy McKinley!

Don’t forget that we offer youth + adult patterns in bundles, as well!

We shared FIVE (5) super fun freebies with our sewing community!

They are our way of saying “thank you” for being such amazing members of our sewing family!

We delivered TWELVE (12) amazing fabrics to our subscribers!

Fabric for Pirates has been such an incredible journey for us and we’ve loved the excitement, creativity, and joy you all share with us as you receive your fabric each month!

Please join the fun and subscribe to Fabric for Pirates for the 2024 season!

You chose your MOST LOVED patterns of the year!

We always enjoy checking the stats and seeing what the most popular downloads were for the past year. This year was just as fun to check out, with these six patterns showing up the most in our customers’ carts.

We made a BIG announcement!

We spent an intense amount of time going through every. single. pattern. in our catalog and they’ve all been updated to include all of the current file types that we offer!

Every pattern now has Letter, A4, A0 and Projector file types with active layers!!! ::cue happy dancing::

Even the earliest patterns in our collections have received these updates. All you’ll need to do is log into your account and head to “Downloads” and any pattern you’ve previously purchased from us will automatically have these files updated and available for you to download.

**When we say “every”, there are a few patterns that don’t include A0 file types. They are typically the pattern pieces that are so small that we considered it a waste of money, paper and resources to print them on such a large piece of paper.

————

Let’s do a quick refresher of the different files + formats we offer, in case you needed it:

  • Letter – Formatted for printing on letter size paper (8.5″ by 11″). Located in the US? This is your paper size!
  • A4 – Formatted for printing on A4 size paper (8.25″ by 11.75″). Located outside of the US? This is most likely the paper size you use!
  • A0 – Formatted for wide-format printers using 36″ wide paper. We have a blog post showing how to print this size paper, if you’d like to give it a read.
  • Projector – A newer style of paperless/printless way of cutting the fabric pieces requires a special set up. Read this post to learn about the basics of using a projector for sewing.

Please keep in mind that, while even our Freebies received these updates, our free patterns will continue to have a 3o-day expiration policy on the file downloads. This policy was enacted in January 2021 and is explained in this post: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT :: CHANGES TO FREEBIES! (tl/dr version…our free patterns expire after 30 days. If you haven’t saved them to a local device and it’s past the 30 days, you’ll simply have to go through the checkout process with the ::still free:: pattern to get access to the downloads again.)

We watched our social media GROW!

Thank you to all the new followers, members, etc and for everyone who was here already and stayed with us! We appreciate each and every single one of the follows, members, subscribers, etc! Not only are you learning from our patterns + posts, but you’re returning the favor by helping us learn and be inspired daily!

It has been a heck of a year and we look forward to sewing through 2024 with you!

New Pattern Release :: Bacall Bodysuit + Sophia Pencil Skirt

Happy Release Day, y’all! We are super duper excited for this particular release day because we’ve got TWO incredible patterns to share! Trust us when we say that they’re great staples and will be perfect if you’re looking for something to wear to all of the holiday parties that are coming up.

Let’s get to talking about the Sophia Pencil Skirt and Bacall Bodysuit!

Both patterns are drafted to our Adult – Hourglass size chart, extending from XXS – Plus 5X.

  • *Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for these pattern?  We’ve got you covered with an in-depth blog HERE.  And for even more helpful fun, we have a free* printable that you can use to help record your measurements as you take them.
  • 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.
  • We’ve also got an excellent planning tool for you with our Coloring Pages. It’s a resource that is updated with every new pattern addition, this pattern included!

While the two patterns pair incredibly well together, they really (truly) stand up on their own. So let’s go ahead and talk about each one separately…starting with the Sophia Pencil Skirt!

The Sophia Pencil Skirt is a classic wardrobe staple. Named for the actress Sophia Loren, we hope you feel just as stunning as she always looks when wearing it. You can use any bottom-weight woven, non-stretch fabric for this timeless pattern.

The pattern is fitted tight at the natural waist and body skimming through high hip and hip in comes in slightly at thigh, but has room to comfortably walk if you decide to not make the slitted option. You can make anything from a business appropriate skirt to a fun party mini with this pattern! Choose from no slits for a simple version, add one front thigh slit for some fun or double slits for double the fun. All options are fully lined with a back center zipper. You can sew up a skirt with a plain, no waistband solid look or opt for the waistband to highlight the waist area.

Pattern options for the Sophia Pencil Skirt include:

  • Multiple Lengths: Micro Mini / Mini / Above Knee / Knee
  • Waistband / No Waistband
  • Plain Hem / Slit / Double Slit
  • Back Center Zipper
  • Fully Lined

The Sophia Pencil Skirt pattern is drafted for bottom-weight woven, non-stretch fabrics. Bottom-weight fabrics means medium to heavier weight fabrics that are more durable, meant to withstand sitting, bending, etc.

Specific Fabric Suggestions: Heavy Flannel, Suiting, Tweed, Denim, Suede, Corduroy.
Specialty Suggestions: Velvet, Sequin, Satin, Pleather, etc.

Let’s take a quick walk through the different options!

LENGTHS (MICRO MINI / MINI / ABOVE KNEE / KNEE) 

WAISTBAND / NO WAISTBAND

PLAIN HEM / SLIT / DOUBLE SLIT

The Bacall Bodysuit, named for the iconic Lauren Bacall is a classic look that will make you feel like a million bucks (who loves the movie How to Marry a Millionaire? 😉 ) .

This pattern features a tight fit throughout to create a perfect base layer for going under all your bottoms and top layering pieces too. It has a crew neckline with several options for finishing with lining, a neckband, mock turtleneck or classic turtleneck. The sleeve options are also somewhat endless with tank (lined or bands finish), fitted sleeves with several lengths and also a gathered sleeve with several lengths.

You can take this bodysuit from summer to winter very easily with options and fabric choice. You can also sew in a bra with the shelf bra option included in the fully lined option. The lining is drafted slightly snugger at the underbust and through the waist to help the shelf bra support bust. You can create a crop or bodysuit with a thong or brief bottom. All bodysuits are finished with a hook and eye closure towards the front of the body for easy on/off.

Pattern options for the Bacall Bodysuit include:

  • Sleeves: Tank Un-Lined / Tank- Lined / Fitted Short Sleeve / Fitted 3/4 Sleeve / Fitted Long Sleeve with Cuff / Fitted Long Sleeve Hemmed / Gathered Short Sleeve / Gathered Half Sleeve / Gathered Long Bishop Sleeve
  • Neckline Finishes: Lined / Crew Neckband / Mock Turtleneck / Turtleneck
  • Lengths: Crop / Thong Bodysuit / Brief Bodysuit
  • Fully Lined / Un-Lined
  • All Bodysuits Finish with Hook and Eye Closure

The Bacall Bodysuit pattern is drafted for high stretch knit fabrics that stretch both horizontally and vertically. Spandex blends are best, so they don’t stretch out and get loose throughout the day.

Specific Fabric Suggestions: Double Brushed Poly, Yarn Dyed Ribbed Knits, Yummy Rib Knit, Rayon Rib Knits, Modal/Bamboo/Rayon Spandex Jerseys, Cotton Spandex, Sweater Knits, etc.

Of course, let’s check a few of the options available in the pattern!

MULTIPLE SLEEVE OPTIONS (TANK, SHORT, 3/4, LONG…FITTED OR GATHERED!)

NECKLINES: LINED CREW / CREW / MOCK TURTLENECK / TURTLENECK

LENGTHS: CROP / THONG BODYSUIT / BREIF BODYSUIT

We are thrilled to see what you sew for yourself using the Bacall Bodysuit + Sophia Pencil Skirt patterns! They are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, December 12, 2023.

Here are some links to the patterns: BACALL BODYSUIT | SOPHIA PENCIL SKIRT

As always, we’ve got more photos for you to use as inspiration! Head over to the Facebook group to browse our albums full of gorgeous photos, compliments of our tester team!

Bacall Bodysuit Facebook Album | Sophia Pencil Skirt Facebook Album

But wait, there’s more! We have an Easy Hacks blog post for the Sophia Pencil Skirt pattern — helping you take that pattern a little further!

2023 Holiday Freebies :: Snowfall Shrug

Happy Holidays, Pirate Friends!  We are excitedly back for another year and another round of holiday freebies to share with you!  Since 2016, 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: Snowfall Shrug!

The Snowfall Shrug is unique in design, in that it is a ZERO WASTE design. What does that mean exactly? Zero waste sewing patterns use up every inch of the yardage without any waste / scraps that get tossed, meaning it’s a little more sustainable than a typical sewing endeavor.

The Snowfall Shrug is a classic shrug or bolero. It is a 3/4 “batwing” style sleeve and is a one-size pattern that falls across your shoulders. It’s a great addition when you need a little extra cozy coverage!

Fabric Requirements / Recommendations: 

  • 3/4 Yard knit fabric, 40-50% stretch minimum

Grab Your Pattern Pieces Here:

TUTORIAL:

Cut out all of your pieces. You’ll need:

– 1 Bodice Piece, cut on fold
– 2 Cuff Pieces (cut from main bodice piece)

This is a no-waste pattern, meaning we use up the entire length and width of the fabric.

1.) Lay the bodice piece, right sides up, with the cut-out corners at the top, furthest from you.

2.) With right sides together, fold one bottom corner up towards the top. Match along the raw edges of the cutout and the long top edge.

3.) Repeat on the opposite side. Sew along both top raw edges, using 1/2″ seam allowance.

4.) Using 1/2″ hem allowance, hem middle opening.

5.) Fold cuff piece left-to-right, with right sides together.

6.) Fold in half again, from top-to-bottom.

7.) You’ll now have two folded edges. Sew with 1/2″ seam allowance along raw side edge.

8.) Flip right sides out.

Repeat with other cuff.

9.) Baste at 1/8″ and 1/2″ to create gather stitches at sleeve opening.

10.) Gather sleeve opening to match size of cuff.

11.) Slide cuff over sleeve opening, matching along the raw edges. Sew using 1/2″ seam allowance.

12.) Flip cuff away from sleeve.

13.) Repeat steps 9-12 with opposite sleeve + cuff.

Your Snowfall Shrug is complete! Throw it on for some extra cozy warmth while you make a few more for gifts this holiday season!

In case you consider yourself a more “visual learner” here’s a video tutorial that walks you through the entire tutorial, start-to-finish.

Before you go, take a look at these fantastic Snowfall Shrugs from our tester team!

I la-la-love when you share your photos with me!  Head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group and show us what you’ve made!

Happy Holidays, Pirates!

2023 Holiday Freebies :: Mistletoe Earmuffs

Happy Holidays, Pirate Friends!  We are excitedly back for another year and another round of holiday freebies to share with you!  Since 2016, 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: Mistletoe Earmuffs!

Fabric Requirements / Supplies Needed: 

  • 1/4 Yard Fleece / Sherpa / Faux Fur fabric
  • Fiber Fill (or other preferred filling)
  • Headband (I used these and they worked great)

Grab Your Pattern Pieces Here:

TUTORIAL:

Cut out all of your pieces. You’ll need:

– 4 Earmuff pieces
– Fiber Fill
– Headband

Lay two earmuff pieces right sides together. Sew around outer edge, leaving 1-2″ opening for turning.

Turn right side out.

Stuff with filling. Make sure not to overstuff.

Repeat with second earmuff.

Tuck in seam allowance and place headband inside of earmuff, through opening. Pin/clip into place.

Repeat with other earmuff.

**I highly recommend trying them on and seeing if any adjustments need to be made to the placement of the earmuffs.

Carefully glue headband to inside of earmuff, on both sides of the band.

Pinch in place, waiting for glue to dry.

Repeat with second earmuff.

Using a needle + thread, hand stitch remainder of opening.

You’re finished! How cute are these?

In case you consider yourself a more “visual learner” here’s a video tutorial that walks you through the entire tutorial, start-to-finish.

Before you go, sneak a peek at the cute Mistletoe Earmuffs that our testers created for themselves!

I la-la-love when you share your photos with me!  Head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group and show us what you’ve made!

Happy Holidays, Pirates!

connect with me