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Janet Jeans Easy Hacks

February 13, 2024

You didn’t think we we would release a jeans pattern without including an option for the trendy button fly, did you? Such a fun way to add some details and vintage flare to your new Janet Jeans.

You’ll need our brand new pattern to complete these fun sewing hacks: Janet Jeans / Janet Jeans – Youth / Janet Jeans Bundle

Button Fly

Start by creating the left and right front pieces, just skipping any mention of the zipper.  The waistband is needed so you can add the button markings and space them evenly.  Fold the bottom and top raw edges of the waistband and pin it in place. You DO NOT need to sew the waistband on, just pin it. Using your favorite button hole spacing tool (I like the Expanding Sewing Gauge Button Guide *aff link) or a ruler, mark the button hole location.

Make sure you center the waistband button as shown below. I like adding 5 buttons to the Janet Jeans, which is the average for a button fly.  You might need only 4 if you’re removing quite a bit of length from the rise though.

Tip: do not space the buttons too close to each other as they will make buttoning more difficult. You also don’t want them too far or they might gap open. 

Add button holes to the front left side. I recommend using a matching thread. I know buttonholes can be intimidating, but I promise you, YOU GOT THIS! If you need any tips, tricks or hand holding, check out the Buttons and Buttonholes 101 P4P University blog we have for you.

Sew the front of the Janet Jeans as instructed in the tutorial.

Continue sewing up the jeans as the tutorial instructs. Using a small zig zag stitch, tack the front fly openings together to the left of the bottom buttonhole.

Overlap the fly and pin the waistband closed. Using a disappearing pen* or tailor chalk *, mark your button placements. I like to use the buttonholes we already made as a guide for the button location.

I highly recommend using jeans buttons*  for this hack but if you prefer to add regular buttons you can do that as well. Just make sure they are a similar size to jeans ones, approximately 20 mm.

You are all done! 👏 Take a moment to admire your brand new button front custom-made jeans!


RAW HEM

How about a raw hem Janet Jeans? Such a fun look and so easy to accomplish. If you want to keep the length of the inseam as per the pattern then you would have to shorten the bottom hem by 1 inch. I personally don’t mind a longer length so I keep the extra inch. Your call! Run two stay stitches 1 inch away from the raw hem. These stay stitches will prevent the fraying from extending past the stitches over time.

You’ll now need to make big decision 😉 …. how much do you want to fray your hem? I’d recommend starting with a little fraying… time and wear will definitely add to it. However, if you want to start off with a distressed look, go for it! Your jeans, your choice!

Ta-dah! Easy peasy! Enjoy your new pair of raw hem jeans!

Happy sewing,

Alex

 


We cannot wait to see what you create with the Janet Jeans pattern!

Here are some links to the patterns (in case you needed them):

  • Janet Jeans
  • Janet Jeans – Youth
  • Janet Jeans Bundle

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!

*Affiliate links.

Janet Jeans Adult Album | Janet Jeans Youth Album

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February 8, 2024

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Harriet Holiday Dress :: Easy Hacks

January 23, 2024

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.

Harriet bodice
Rainbow dress subbed in and matched at bottom of armscye
Fabric cut on Rainbow top length cutline

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.

6.5″ elastic
7.5″ marked with a pin on fabric
Elastic stretched down to meet 7.5″ mark

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.

Front facing
Back facing

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.

Facing pieces
Outer 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.

facing pinned on wrong side
Wrong side of bodice when facing is sewn
Finished neckline

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

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New Pattern Release :: Harriet Holiday Dress

January 23, 2024

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!

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January 2, 2024

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2023 A Year in Review

December 26, 2023

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!

  • Bacall Bodysuit
    Bacall Bodysuit
  • Sophia Pencil Skirt
    Sophia Pencil Skirt
  • Hale Half Zip- Hourglass Figure
    Hale Half Zip- Hourglass Figure
  • Hale Half Zip- V Figure
    Hale Half Zip- V Figure
  • Hale Half Zip - Youth
    Hale Half Zip – Youth
  • Ruched Top & Dress
    Ruched Top & Dress
  • Francis Flounce - Youth
    Francis Flounce – Youth
  • Francis Flounce
    Francis Flounce
  • Breezy Overalls
    Breezy Overalls
  • Breezy Overalls - Youth
    Breezy Overalls – Youth
  • Charleston Crossover
    Charleston Crossover
  • Circe Swim Top
    Circe Swim Top
  • Circe Swim Top - Youth
    Circe Swim Top – Youth
  • Brizo Bikini Bottom - Youth
    Brizo Bikini Bottom – Youth
  • Brizo Bikini Bottom
    Brizo Bikini Bottom
  • Uptown Joggers - Youth
    Uptown Joggers – Youth
  • Uptown Joggers
    Uptown Joggers
  • Notch Top & Dress
    Notch Top & Dress
  • Notch Top & Dress - Youth
    Notch Top & Dress – Youth
  • Friendly City Sweater
    Friendly City Sweater
  • Friendly City Sweater - Youth
    Friendly City Sweater – Youth

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

  • Hale Half Zip - Bundle
    Hale Half Zip – Bundle
  • Francis Flounce - Bundle
    Francis Flounce – Bundle
  • Breezy Overalls - Bundle
    Breezy Overalls – Bundle
  • Circe Swim Top - Bundle
    Circe Swim Top – Bundle
  • Brizo Bikini Bottom - Bundle
    Brizo Bikini Bottom – Bundle
  • Uptown Joggers - Bundle
    Uptown Joggers – Bundle
  • Notch Top & Dress - Bundle
    Notch Top & Dress – Bundle
  • Friendly City Sweater - Bundle
    Friendly City Sweater – Bundle

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!

  • Free Snowfall Shrug
    Free Snowfall Shrug
  • Free Mistletoe Earmuffs
    Free Mistletoe Earmuffs
  • Free Holiday Buttons
    Free Holiday Buttons
  • Free Cordial Can Coolers
    Free Cordial Can Coolers
  • Free Dino Nugget Plushies
    Free Dino Nugget Plushies

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.

  • Gala Gown
    Gala Gown
  • Uptown Joggers
    Uptown Joggers
  • Breezy Overalls
    Breezy Overalls
  • Notch Top & Dress
    Notch Top & Dress
  • Hale Half Zip- Hourglass Figure
    Hale Half Zip- Hourglass Figure
  • Charleston Crossover
    Charleston Crossover

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!

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December 11, 2023

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Sophia Pencil Skirt :: Easy Hacks

December 6, 2023

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

You’ll this pattern to complete these super fun sewing hacks: SOPHIA PENCIL SKIRT


Side Zipper Hack

Here is a super simple way to move the zipper from the back of the Sophia Pencil skirt to the side! Cut your fabric according to the instructions. Note that the zipper in the purple illustration below is the original pattern placement.

Next, transfer the zipper markings to the Front skirt and Left back skirt, using the original pattern pieces. I installed the zipper on the same side as my slit.

Re-arrange your pattern pieces, to match the below illustration with the pieces needing zippers on the outside. I color coded which seams need to be sewn together with dashed lines in the illustration below. Match the colored seams, right sides together, and sew. You’ll want to do this construction with the right side of your main fabric facing up and repeat with your lining but with the right side facing down.

 

Continue the construction of the skirt as listed in the tutorial! Easy, peasy!

Happy Sewing!

Djem


Button Front Hack

We are all loving our new Sophia Pencil Skirts, but if you love the look but want to make it without the zipper, then we have a simple hack to add a button front instead.  Not only does it look great but it means you haven’t got to install the zipper – win win!

For this hack we are using the skirt without the separate waistband. We will start by adding 2” extra width to the centre of the front main piece, and then cutting 2 x mirrored front skirts, rather than cutting on the fold.  This extra 2” will give us a ½” extra on each skirt piece for a 1” overlap, and a button placket.

Front skirt piece with 2 inch extra width added to fold line

 

For the lining we will add an additional ½” to the centre front of the lining piece.

With your main fabric, construct your darts and side seams as per the tutorial and then also sew the centre back seam too.  Repeat for your lining.

Right sides together, sew the main to the lining along the top, matching up your seams and darts.  Your lining will be shorter than your main at either end.

 

Flip the lining round to the inside.  Press the seam allowance towards the lining.  It is a good idea to understitch the skirt lining to the seam allowance to help stop it creeping out to the outside.  Give this top seam a good press with steam to help it lay flat.

 

We will be finishing the hems separately, so turn the lining hem to the wrong side by a ¼”, and then again by another ¼” . Press, then stitch hem with an edgestitch.

Moving back to the centre front seam, turn the front edge to the wrong side by ½” and press.  Then turn to the wrong side again by 1” and press.  This forms the button placket.  Your lining should fit nicely inside the placket, concealing the raw edge.  Stitch with an edgestitch – take your time to get a good straight stitch here as it will be visible at the front of your garment.  Repeat with the other front edge.

Fold 1/2″ to wrong side
Fold a further 1″ to the wrong side, covering the lining.

 

Turn the bottom hem up by ½” and hem.  Alternatively, you could hem by turning ¼” twice, again.

Sew on your button holes and buttons.  I like to place them fairly close together to prevent gaping.

You’re done! A nice and simple sew and a total wardrobe classic.

Happy sewing!

 

Dana xx


Belt Hack

I’ll admit, I got totally Pinspired with this one after seeing a really cute belted pencil skirt online, and had to further hack my button front skirt.  I knew it would be an easy hack on the new Sophia, so I got to it!

I wanted a fairly wide belt and decided on a finished width of 2.5”.  With an added ½” seam allowance that gave me a measurement of 3.5” for the belt width.  Then for the length I took a piece of ribbon and tied it round my waist with a decent sized bow.  This was 84” long ( I wear the plus 1X with a waist measurement of 42”, for reference).  This was too long for my fabric so I split it in two and added seam allowance.  My final measurements for the ties were 3.5” x 43”; cut 4.

You will have 4 tie pieces. Sew two of these tie pieces together along the short sides using a ½” seam allowance, repeat for the other two tie pieces.  Press the seam allowances open.  Place these two tie pieces right sides together and sew using a ½” seam allowance, making sure you leave a 2-3” gap in the centre of the tie for turning through.  I wanted a diagonal angle at the ends of my ties so I tapered in towards the ends of the ties to create this.

Trim corners and turn through.  Press well and top stitch around entire length of belt.

For the belt loops, I cut a strip of fabric measuring 1.5” wide by 20” long (ish).  Then I folded the fabric together right sides together along the long edge, and sewed it together with a ¼” seam allowance.  Turn the tube through ( a tube turner of safety pin is helpful for this), then press.  Edge stitch down both sides of the ties, then cut it into 5 pieces measuring 4” in length.  These will be your 5 belt loops.


 

One belt loop will be placed at the centre back, two loops will be placed next to both of the centre front darts, and then the last two loops will be evenly spaced on either side between the previous two points.

Place the loops at the top of the skirt, about ½” from the top edge.  Sew across the belt loops twice, once at the bottom and once just below the top.

Then fold the belt loop down towards the body of the skirt, tuck the raw edge under by ½” and top stitch down across the bottom.

Repeat for the other 4 belt loops.  Thread through your belt, tie and enjoy your new skirt!

Happy Sewing!

Dana xx


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

Filed Under: Pattern Hacks, Pattern Release Leave a Comment

New Pattern Release :: Bacall Bodysuit + Sophia Pencil Skirt

December 6, 2023

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!

Filed Under: Pattern Release Leave a Comment

2023 Holiday Freebies :: Snowfall Shrug

December 1, 2023

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:

  • Snowfall Shrug pattern pieces

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!

Filed Under: Free Pattern, Pattern Release 3 Comments

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