Blog - Patterns for Pirates

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February 9, 2016

Don’t miss out on any news from P4P by signing up for our monthly Newsletter!

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How to Measure Yourself

February 8, 2016

One of the most important things in sewing for yourself is to get accurate measurements! It is also much harder than it sounds. I had my sister take a few quick pictures of me measuring so I could explain and give a few tips.

I took my pictures in a tight tank. I recommend taking your measurements in a thin/tight shirt or even just in the bra you are going to normally wear. (This is especially important if you are going to be making a more formal garment and plan on wearing a different bra for it- think strapless, push up, etc).

I HIGHLY recommend measuring in front of a mirror! This helps you really see where you are measuring and if you are holding it evenly around your body. It can mean a big difference!

On all measurements breath normally! Most people want to take a big breathe in and then take them— no need! Patterns are drafted with ease to breathe and move normally 🙂 So breathe in and out, then measure. You want to hold the tape snug to your body, but not squeezing.

Here are some common measurements needed for a pattern:

Bust— Full bust is around the fullest/biggest part of your bust. You want the tape as even horizontally as possible.

Over Bust– This is taken around upper back, under arms and over your bust.

Under Bust– This is taken directly under your bust around back. Try to keep your tape as even horizontally as possible.

High Hip– This is taken around your hip bones (this is where I like to wear my pants 😉 and most youth patterns are drafted to hit)

Hip– This is a deceiving name. It is measured around your fullest/biggest part, which is usually your booty. Most definitely my booty is my biggest part 😉 Try to keep your tape as even horizontally as possible (a mirror really helps on this one!)

Waist– This is your natural waistline. Contrary to most belief, it is NOT your belly button or where you wear your pants (even though you might like high waisted pants). It is taken at the smallest part of your mid section. if you don’t have a very defined natural waist there is a very easy way to find it.

Take any kind of stretch trim, fold over elastic, thin elastic, even a strip of knit will work, and tie it snuggly around your mid section. Now MOVE around, bend walk around, sit down, it will naturally settle on your smallest part.

This is your natural waist 🙂

Side Waist Length– Taken from your armpit vertically down to your natural waist. This measurement is vital in any pattern that should hit as your natural waist like the Sweetheart Dress or Boundless Knit Dress. Making sure this measurement is accurate will give you the most flattering fit. If the seam doesn’t hit you at that smallest point then you’re not using it to your advantage 😉

You can see here mine is about 8.75″. For reference the avg is 8″. I’m 5’10” :).

*Updated* I had a few more questions about the side waist length. So I’ve added a couple more pictures— THIS is how much I LOVE my group, I’m willing to put up pictures in my sports bra 4 months after I had a baby!!!! They are cropped very well 😉

Start with your arms DOWN. You want your tape to start where your crease naturally lies— not all the up to your arm. Think where you’d like your shirt to be (if it’s all the way up as tight as possible then it is uncomfortable and you can’t move your arms around).

This was such a hard picture to get! But here are the best we could get to explain… yes, I taped the tape to myself lol!!!

Thigh- Taken around thigh close to crotch, keeping the measuring tape flat horizontally around.

Total Crotch Length- Taken from back center natural waist, under booty, through legs, and up to center front natural waist. You will want the tape pulled taut. The easiest way I think is to tape the center back and then pull through front and read at the front. These are measured with tight, high waisted yoga pants here:

Inseam- Taken from crotch to where you’d like hem of pants. Notice the close up of my ankle here. The difference between ankle height (for skinny leg options like Peg Legs and SOS pants) and a floor length is 3″ on me! That’s a big difference!

Arm length-from armpit to hem of shirt. Most P4P patterns are meant to hit at the base of thumb, so past the wrist. It’s just a personal preference of mine– so if you prefer the traditional wrist length here is where you’d want to measure against the finished measurement in the pattern.

Finished lengths- I will use “inside shoulder to hem” on some shirts and “armpit to hem” on others depending on which is easiest to measure on that particular pattern. Here are both:

Take your time measuring yourself to ensure great fit! It will make a big difference in how happy you are with the outcome!

Calling All Sweethearts!

February 3, 2016

P4P is releasing a new pattern. Well wait, TWO new patterns! And they’re super sweet. Pun intended.

The Sweetheart Dress + Peplum for women and the Me Hearties Dress + Peplum for girls are releasing today and we are down right excited about it. Every single tester, no matter the size or age, looks amazing in this style…and you will too. No joke.

Like all Patterns for Pirates designs, the Sweetheart and Me Hearties patterns are as full of options as they come. Several skirt lengths, a peplum, multiple sleeve lengths, and a color block option make for an endless amount of choices for your perfect feminine (or girly!) look.

The silhouette is incredibly flattering on all figures. Just look at our testers! The bodice is meant to hit at your true waist (aka: your skinniest point) and the easy-to-attach circle skirt flows perfectly down from it. Try not to drool while looking at all of these amazing sews!

Just wait until you see the girlies in their Me Hearties!! All the heart eyes, right?

Make sure to head over to our Facebook Group and check out the tester album there! There are even more pictures and styles to draw inspiration from while you start to dream up your perfect peplum/dress.

Find the women’s Sweetheart Dress + Peplum HERE
Find the girl’s Me Hearties Dress + Peplum HERE
And best of all…find the Sweetheart/Me Hearties Bundle HERE (and go make a million mommy and me versions!)

We can’t wait to see what you make!

The Pumpkin Spice Dolman gets an Update!

January 28, 2016

The first Patterns for Pirates women’s patterns is getting an update. We are crazy excited and you should be too!

First, we extended the sizing into Plus 1X – Plus 3X, to match with the rest of the women’s patterns in the shop. But we didn’t stop there! We wanted to continue the party and added a bottom band AND also added two more sleeve lengths. So now the PSD is officially as jam packed with options as all the others.

If you already own the Pumpkin Spice Dolman, 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 PatternsForPirates@gmail.com (WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE) and you will get an updated file.

Now, let’s talk about the new options:

There is now a short sleeve option with a small banded hem! It’s adorable with contrasting fabric, or just keeping it simple. And it has a looser, playful look that is so in style right now.

Also added was a 3/4 sleeve length. It just made sense to add it in as a style choice. And it looks amazing on our testers!

A new hem alternative was added too! In addition to the curved and straight hems from the original pattern, there is now a chance to add a band to the bottom of your PSD. The bands come in two different lengths and simply create a different look for this style top. Sometimes you want a curved/straight simple hem for a more flowy-style shirt…and sometimes you want something that pulls it all back into your body. Isn’t that the beauty of sewing? You get exactly the style you want in each item you stitch for yourself!

So what are you waiting for? Go grab yourself the Pumpkin Spice Dolman pattern and get to sewing!

In case you were wanting some more sewing/styling inspiration and want to see what the testers came up with, be sure to head over to Pumpkin Spice Album in our Facebook group! There are so many pictures full of different beautiful body types and style and color. You can’t go wrong by taking a peek. Basically it’s an arsenal of inspiration!

And remember to PLEASE share with us your sewing accolades! If you’ve sewn a P4P design, we want to see it! Tag us #patternsforpirates on Instagram or post it on the Facebook group wall and let us check out your amazing work. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Button Cuff Hack!

January 26, 2016

I look to online boutiques and Pinterest for sewing inspirations all the time. By adding small details to an existing pattern, P4P of course ;), you can transform your favorite finds into your very own me-made version. During the entire month of January we are running a #PINspiredPIRATES contest. I took on the challenge and added a super cute button cuff to the Slim Fit Raglan. You can use any of the knit shirt patterns as a base, but chose the Slim Fit Raglan since it was the best to recreate the overall look. (original inspiration pic credit: Three Birds Nest.)

Supplies: 4-6 buttons; knit scraps, small hair ties, fold over elastic, ribbon (whatever you’d like to use for the loops)

Most of the cuffs included in the patterns are a little shorter than I wanted, so I added 1″ to the length. Since both ends of the button cuff are finished, I added to the width to account for the seam allowance. Refer to your cut chart in the pattern for measurements, then add 1″ to each. Cut 2.

Cut 6 button loops. You can choose what you would like to use for your loops. I went the easy route and cut 1/2″ strips of knit that was the same fabric as my cuffs. Since knit does not unravel, you can leave the edges raw. I pulled them taught so that it would roll in on itself. I cut them 2.5″ long but after completion they ended up a little too long for the smaller size button I used. I wrapped them twice around to keep the cuff closed. I would use 1.75″-2″ depending on your button size.

Fold cuffs right sides together.

Fold loops in half lengthwise and place them equal distance apart between your cuff layers. Be sure to leave at least 1/2″ from raw edge for your seam allowance when attaching your cuff. I just kind of eyeballed their placement to be sure they were even.

Stitch Short ends. Be sure to catch the raw edges of your loops.

Turn Right side out.

Add buttons. Be sure to attach buttons at opposite ends to create mirror images, otherwise, you will end up with 2 cuffs with tabs in the same direction.

Button the cuffs. Again, be sure to button them so you have mirror images.

Baste open edges together. I used a zigzag stitch to tack them together. Do not stitch through all layers or you will sew your cuff shut. You are only stitching through 2 layers of fabric.

Insert cuff inside sleeve with right sides together. Buttons should be lined up to the folded side of sleeve with button loops pointing to the back.

Stitch with 1/2″ seam allowance.

VOILA!

Followed this hack? Or came up with something of your own? We would love to see it! Share your latest make in the Patterns for Pirates facebook group, on Instagram (@patternsforpirates) and don’t forget to submit your PINspiredPIRATES entries by January 31st with tag: #PINspiredPIRATES

Women’s Raglan Nursing Mod

January 19, 2016

If you’re a nursing mom, you know that there are not many fashionable and functional tops out there for nursing that are reasonably priced. After having my little one last year, I quickly realized I wanted a nursing hoodie. I usually just wore a camisole and did the pull up method, but with a hoodie or sweater, that’s not quite as easy. I searched a few sites for inspiration and came up with a mod that works great for the looser relaxed cut tops. We just so happen to be testing the raglan add on pack at the time, so I used the Women’s Raglan as my base. This mod works best with thicker, more stable knits like French Terry, jegging (what I used in the tutorial), fleeced back knit, cotton Lycra, Ponte de Roma and so on. If using a knit with poor recovery, you will want to invest in some clear elastic.

First, you will cut two (2) Front pattern pieces on the FOLD. One will be your under layer and only needs to be about half the length. Measure from armpit to a couple inches below your bust. My example is approximately 9″ from armpit to bottom edge.

UNDER LAYER: Cut a “V” from about 2″ from bottom edge to top. You can also keep fabric on the fold and cut a diagonal line to create the “V”. Since knit does not unravel, you can choose to either leave the V and bottom edge raw, or finish the edges with your preferred method. You can also add a band at the bottom edge. I would recommend measuring the width and subtracting a couple of inches. This will help tighten the under layer and keep it under your bust.

TOP LAYER: Cut a semi-circle from each side. (tip: cutting the curves while the fabric is still on the fold will keep them equal) My curves start at approximately 4″ from neckline to 7″ from armpit however, you can adjust the curve to your liking based on your bust size and how deep you would like them.

Fold under curve 1/2″ to the wrong side and finish using a stretch stitch, zig zag or cover stitch. If your knit is less stable with poor recovery, add clear elastic in the hem for extra stability.

Place top layer wrong side to right side of the under layer. (my picture shows opposite, as I later decided to use the wrong side of the fabric as the right side of my finished garment.) Baste neckline and side seams.

This is now your new front piece. Continue construction of the raglan as shown in the tutorial. Finished product = An awesome nursing friendly hoodie or sweater! Once you’re done nursing you can go back and topstitch the curves closed and have an added design detail that no one would ever know it was for nursing.

Followed this nursing hack? Or came up with something of your own? We would love to see it! Share your latest make on the Patterns for Pirates facebook group!

NEW Pattern Release :: The Women’s Slim Fit Raglan

January 12, 2016

Hooray! It’s a Patterns for Pirates release day!
The Slimfit Raglan is exactly what everyone has been begging for. It is a super quick sew, has a feminine fit and super flattering on all body types. It is a classic look with trendy and modern options to choose from.

And like all P4P patterns, it is PACKED full of options! Includes sleeve options of short, 3/4 hemmed or banded, long hemmed or banded, so you can wear this year round. Has both shirt length (hits at mid-booty) and tunic length (hitting below booty–perfect to wear with leggings) so you can pair with all kinds of bottoms perfectly. Both lengths have a hemmed or banded option. Also includes a curved hem option.

This raglan also fits with our Raglan Add On Pack and combined can give you endless options!

Here’s a handful of photos from our AMAZING testers. If you want to see more (and to learn what size, options and fabric they used) head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group!

The Slimfit Raglan is on sale through the end of the week and also comes with the option to bundle it with the Add-On pack. Can’t wait to see what you make! Don’t forget to share it in the P4P Facebook group with us!

How to use the new Layers feature

January 9, 2016

Patterns for Pirates has added a brand new feature to their newest upcoming patterns! The Layers Feature! This means you can choose to print one size, a couple, or all of them if you’d like. They will still be the “No Trim” style.

Here is a few screenshots to help you use the new feature.

As always, you will need to open and print your PDF from Adobe PDF Reader (a free download if you don’t have it yet).

This is what your screen should look like viewing the PDF pattern pieces:

Now you can print just the sizes you need and save some ink and time tracing off your size! 🙂

As requested, here is our on-going list of patterns that have the layers feature (These are also the patterns that include the A0 Copy Shop File Size):

Freebies:

Youth:

Womens

Mens:

#PINspiredPIRATES :: A Monthly Sewing Contest!

January 6, 2016

Wahoo! Patterns for Pirates is officially launching a new social media contest!

Now that you’re in the addicting world of self-care sewing, you realize how easy it is to be inspired (or “pin”spired, rather) by things you see all over the internet. Or even in the store as you’re browsing. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve inspected a shirt in a store (or even taken a quick picture of it), just so I could go home and recreate it myself.

The girls at Patterns for Pirates are here to enable your self-care sewing habits even more!

It’s easy to enter, too!

Step 1: Sew something, using a P4P pattern of course, that you’ve drawn inspiration from. Inspiration can come from anywhere…a pin on Pinterest, something in a boutique shop, a shirt you saw at Target, a stranger passing by, etc.
Step 2: Take a picture of yourself rocking it.
Step 3: Post it on Instagram, using the tag: #PinspiredPirates Be sure to tell us which P4P pattern you used and the thing you were inspired by! (Don’t have an IG account? Go ahead and share it on P4P’s Facebook group, still using #PinspiredPirates and we will count that as an entry as well.)
Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 as many times as possible, just because you can!

At the end of the month, a winner will be chosen! Not only will said winner be featured on this blog, BUT they will also be awarded a P4P pattern of their choice!

How about that? Easy, fun, inspired and fun. (Did I say fun already?)
Happy sewing! Can’t wait to see what you make!

Carefree with added Button

December 22, 2015

I’ve seen a lot of draped front cardigans with the big wooden buttons on Pinterest and in the Boutiques…and of course I thought, “I can do that!” So the Carefree Cardigan Big Button Modification was born!

The Carefree Cardigan is perfect for the look.

I choose the neckband only option, cuffed long sleeve, and choose to leave the front and bottom raw.

I’ve been making a ton of Carefrees after Baby Girl made her arrival… it is such a nice baby wearing cardigan that I feel cute in and can wrap us both up in when it’s windy or cold. I can also use it nursing her so easily without worrying about bringing another cover or getting anything on or ready when she’s ready to nurse! So, I thought I’d make TWO buttonhole placements… one for normal wear that just pulls the cardigan closed at the neckline… and a second for when I’m wearing Baby Girl and need the neckline open much more.

I sewed up my entire cardigan exactly as normal. Then tried it on both with Baby Girl on me and without and marked where I would like the cardigan to close. Of course, Little Guy had to come photobomb a few shots ;).

I placed my button down a bit away from my neck, because I happen to be one of those people who can’t stand anything tight up against their neck (you will never see a turtle neck from this designer ;)).

So now I needed to create the buttonholes, which is a bit different then usual because I wanted the GIANT buttons that are so popular right now and my sewing machine can’t fit a button near that big on my automatic buttonhole foot. SOOOO, I made my own buttonhole with 2 different size zigzag stitches.

First I marked my button placement and how big I need the buttonhole to be.

Then I sewed a very narrow rectangle that would be my buttonhole. I turned my zigzag length down very low to 1, so that it was a tight stitch.

For the top and bottom of my rectangle I used a wide 5 zigzag and for the sides I used a narrow 2. I simple freehanded it.

I used matching navy thread, so I knew if it wasn’t exactly perfect that no one would be able to see. Actually, the thread matched so close it was REALLY difficult to get a picture of the buttonhole!

Then I used my seam ripper to very carefully rip a line inside the narrow rectangle/buttonhole.

I created a second buttonhole for my baby wearing, looser option.

Wa-lah! Now I have a great on trend cardigan that was quick and easy that I can button up with or without Baby Girl! 🙂

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