24/7 Tank Hack
24/7 Tank Hack
If there is something I am always looking for a little bit more of in life, it’s comfort! I started making all my own bras a few years ago, and a soft and comfortable knit bra pattern is something I just love. When we made the 24/7 Tank in testing I couldn’t get enough of the integral bra with it, and knew I had to hack it to make the perfect everyday undies for me too.
I used a lovely athletic jersey fabric from Crafty Baba, here in the UK, with a 95/5 cotton lycra from my lining. You need a stable fabric with good stretch and great recovery. This honestly couldn’t be much easier to do. I started by tracing the bra pieces from the 24/7 Tank pattern, and then added 1/4″ seam allowance onto the neckline and armscye curves of both the front and back bra pattern pieces. In my pictures below, the original pattern is traced in black biro and the extra 1/4″ seam allowance is drawn in a permanent marker, to make it a little easier to see.
Then I cut out the following pieces:
FRONT
1 x Outer
1 x Lining
1 x Inner lining in powermesh (optional but gives better support)
BACK
1 x Outer
1 x Lining
1 x Inner lining in powermesh
ELASTIC
1 x under bust elastic cut to measurements provided in pattern.
Sew your outer fabric together at the shoulder seams, right sides together using your regular 1/2″ seam allowance.
Optionally, for your lining you can baste the inner lining to the wrong sides of the lining fabric before you sew the shoulder seams together, this helps make sure everything gets layered together properly. I didn’t in this example as I was comfortable handling everything without but it’s easy to get confused.
Then sew your lining together at the shoulder seams, right sides together. Your fabric should be layered as such: back inner lining power mesh, back lining right sides up, front lining right sides down, front inner lining power mesh.
Next lay the lining fabric out flat, right sides up (the attached power mesh inner lining will be at the bottom). Lay the outer fabric right sides down on top. Pin or clip the fabric together around the neckline. Sew together using your favourite stretch stitch using a 1/4″ seam allowance. I sew 1/4″ clear elastic into the seam as I go using my overlocker/serger. This helps recovery of the seam and gives greater support for a larger bust.
Next you will flip the garment right sides out again through the neckhole. Press carefully.
We will now finish the armscyes using a burrito roll method. You can follow this video tutorial for the Boundless dress which guides you through step by step, just remember we are only using a 1/4″ seam allowance for the armscyes. Burrito Roll Method – P4P You Tube
Or the written instructions are to lay the fabric out flat, rights sides out. Then roll one side of the bodice up towards the other side.
When you get near the top, flip the bottom of the open edges out under the roll and up over the top of it to encase the roll inside the open edge.
Then pin or clip along the length of the curved armscye. Stitch with a 1/4″ seam allowance being careful to keep the roll of fabric inside the shoulder strap well out of the way of the stitches.
Pull your garment right sides out through the finished shoulder strap. Here you can see the left side is finished and the right is not.
To finish the right side too, lay the garment out again and roll the finished side up towards the unfinished side. Then flip the bottom fabric on the unfinished side out under the roll, and up over the top to encase it again, like before. Stitch again.
Pull your garment right sides out through the shoulder strap once more and give it a press.
Now we just have to finish the side seams. To do this we open out the main from the lining on both the front and back, and clip them right sides together, matching main with main and lining with lining. Then sew the side seam with a 1/2″ seam allowance. Repeat on the other side.
Your bra is now almost finished, you just have to stitch the elastic to the bottom. Butt the edges of the elastic together and sew them together using a wide, short zig zag stitch. Then quarter the elastic and the bottom of the bra and sew the elastic on as per the instructions in the 24/7 Tank tutorial.
You’re all done! I hope you love your comfy new lounge bra. They’re so quick to make you can whip up another in next to no time.
Happy Sewing!
Dana xxx
New Pattern Release :: 24/7 Tank (Youth and Adult Sizes!)
While this pattern was in it’s pre-testing phase and we were trying to come up with a name for it, our incredible testers dubbed it the “24/7 Tank”, since they can see themselves wearing it all day, all night, on repeat. And when your testers give you a brilliant idea, you go with it. So we did!
Let’s talk all about the 24/7 Tank and introduce y’all to the latest and greatest pattern to hit the P4P lineup!
- Pick up an athletic knit and use that shelf bra, add in clear elastic into the thin binding and you have the perfect long line sports bra.
- Switch out the athletic knit for swim knit and use swim elastic and you’ve got yourself an adorable tankini swim top!
- Make it comfortable in a soft modal fabric and make the shelf bra in just something soft with no powermesh or cups and you have the perfect sleep tank.
- Leave the shelf bra out completely and use an everyday knit… you have the perfect tank for summer or for layering under in cooler months.
Some of our favorites are: athletic knit, swim knit, ribbed knits, double brushed poly, yummy rib knit, rayon/modal/bamboo knit, ITY/DTY knit, etc.
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.
Okay….let’s check out some of the different features!
FRONT NECKLINES :: LOW / HIGH (adult only)LENGTHS :: CROP / TOP (adult only) / SHIRT
BACK VIEWS :: HIGH / LOW / RACERBACK
BINDING STYLES :: THICK / THIN (optional- add elastic for sports bra or swimsuit)
OPTIONAL BUILT-IN SHELF BRA
We are super excited to see all of the new 24/7 Tanks that you’re about to make! Head on over to the shop and grab yourself a copy of these new patterns! They are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, June 27th, 2022.
24/7 Tank | 24/7 Tank – Youth | 24/7 Tank – Bundle
Hoping for a little inspiration before diving into some delightful tank top sewing? Head over to our Facebook group where you can see tester albums full of amazing images!
Protected: Fabric for Pirates :: June 2022 Reveal
New Release :: Weston Raglan
Are you like me and you LOVE a good raglan pattern? Hands down, it’s one of my favorite things to sew. They’re fast, provide for fun pattern and color mixing options without any effort, and they make such a great casual tee.
The P4P pattern lineup has been needing a V-Figure raglan for quite some time now and the wait is finally over! Meet the Weston Raglan!
The Weston Raglan is drafted for our Adult V-Figure size chart!
What’s the Adult V Figure size chart? It’s based upon the ASTM Men’s Standard Body Measurements. V Figures typically are taller, have a broader shoulder, larger bicep, straighter waist-to-hip ratio, etc. Who typically fits this chart? Male / male presenting / non-binary / whoever feels better suited for this size chart (verses our Adult Hourglass Figure chart). If you want to wear it, we want you to sew it with one of our patterns!
The Weston Raglan goes along with the newer, extended sizing that we brought out with our V-Figure chart as well! If you haven’t measured yourself in a while, you might want to check yourself against the chart below.
Need help with how to measure? We’ve got you covered! Check out our “how to measure yourself” in-depth blog HERE. For some extra 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.
The Weston Raglan is a traditional, raglan t-shirt with ease throughout the bodice and sleeves. There are multiple sleeve lengths included (short, 3/4, long sleeve hemmed, and long sleeve cuffed) and is a beginner friendly sew.
Sizes include: XXS – 6XL for the Adult V-Figure. Our V-Figure patterns have multiple lengths, based upon height.
- Short is drafted for 5’6″
- Average is drafted for 5’10”
- Tall is drafted for 6’2″
Not only is there a bodice cut line for each height, but we’ve included separate sleeve lengths to accommodate for them as well.
Looking for fabric recommendations? The Weston Raglan is drafted for t-shirt knits like tri-blend jerseys, ribbed knits, spun poly jersey, modal/rayon/bamboo knit, double brushed poly, lightweight cotton spandex, sweater knit, waffle knit, and the like.
***Want to use something thicker (think custom cotton spandex or french terry), you’ll need to size up to keep the same look and feel.
One of my favorite design features of the Weston Raglan is the hem on the front bodice. Instead of leaving it a straight hem, we graded a curved hemline starting at the 6XL size and down, to help accommodate for chests and bellies. As wild as it sounds, adding a curve to the front actually straightens out the hem when being worn!
If you look at the pattern pieces and wonder exactly what that design element was for, here’s an amazing example!
Big thanks to Chandy Mueller and all of her help during pre-testing of the Weston pattern. That’s her model above!
Let’s take a look at some of our stellar sewists and models, in the new Weston Raglan pattern!
- Sleeves and Their Wrinkles
- JRR Woven Fabric Hack
- JRR Animal Faces Add-On
- Contrast Band Hack for Kangaroo Pockets
- Keyhole / Scoopback Raglan Hack
- Off-The-Shoulder Raglan Hack
- Adding Stripes to Your Raglan Sleeves
Vixen Bralette Mash-up
We have an easy mash-up for you today. We turned the Vixen Bralette into a dress by adding on the empire skirt of the Boundless Knit Dress. This mash-up uses the knit short band and can be done with either the crossover or the straight back options of the Vixen.
To prepare the bralette, follow the tutorial all the way through to just before attaching the knit band.
- Quarter and mark the bralette and both of the knit bands. Take note of the tips in the tutorial on how to find the quarter marks on the crossover back option.
- Take one knit band and pin to the bralette RST.
- Take the second knit band and pin the right side of the knit band to the wrong side of the bralette, making a sandwich.
- Sew using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
- Flip the bands down and mark the quarters of the bottom of the band. Set aside.
To prepare the skirt, reference the Boundless Knit Dress tutorial. Using your underbust measurement to determine which size, cut out your skirt based on the Empire skirt cut chart on page 5. I used the dress skirt length, but any of the length skirts will work for this mash-up. I also cut out the pocket pattern pieces, because pockets are life 😀 Follow the Boundless knit tutorial starting on page 18 with attaching the pockets to the skirt. If you are skipping pockets, then start on page 20 of the tutorial. The Boundless dress tutorial will guide you through finishing up your skirt and how to attach it to your bodice.
New Pattern Releases :: Vixen Bralette and Vixen Bikini & Thong
Get ready to sew up something to make you feel comfortable and cute at the same time! This double release with the Vixen Bralette and the Vixen Bikini & Thong make the perfect set for underwear and bralette or swimsuit! The options seem endless and they’re quick and fun to sew up too.
If you’re nervous to jump into undergarments or swim, both these tutorials are packed full with links to helpful blog posts and videos along the way! So whether you’re ready to lounge in a perfect cotton spandex set or ready to rock your set at the pool, the two new Vixen patterns are perfect for you!
The Vixen Bralette comes with both cross back (my personal favorite) and straight straps. This cross back has the crossing section a bit lower than most, taking the strain off the neck and onto the stronger part of your upper back… can we say YESSSS comfort!! Still worried you wont like those cross straps? (Whispers…try it…) You can opt for the straight straps. All options are fully lined with 1/4″ elastic in the seams giving natural support for the bust without that uncomfortable underwire. You can also choose to innerline the front pieces with powermesh or cups to add even more support. Make a perfect fitting bralette or a bikini top with just different fabric choice.
The Vixen Bikini & Thong can give you a partially lined or fully lined bottom to match too. Use a cotton spandex for undies or swim knit for a bikini bottom. The open sides give the illusion of legs for days for a flattering fit.The front still has you covered nicely and the back is a perfect cheeky look with just a little cheek sneaking out.
Both come with a few band options that are so much fun! You can finish with an exposed elastic for a sporty look, stretch lace trim for a beautiful look, short knit band for a gorgeous inside and out, or a tall knit band for more coverage. If you use a knit band (and fully lined bottoms) you can create a FULLY REVERSIBLE item! How fun is that? The knit band is the most challenging option though, so if you’re not an intermediate sewist with undergarments and swimsuits…try one of the other first 🙂
Sizes include: XXS – Plus 5X for the Adult Hourglass Figure.
But wait! I also include a Small Bust and a Full Bust Adjusted pieces for the Vixen Bralette… what does that mean exactly? If your upper and full bust are one size away from each other, I’ve already done the bust adjustment for you. PARTY TIME!
That means less time adjusting and more sewing time!
Both Vixen patterns are a tight fit that need high stretch knits with good recovery. Not a lot of options for fabric choice on these one, a cotton spandex makes a perfect lounge set and swim knits make a gorgeous swimsuit option. Other than that there aren’t many high stretch knits that are breathable with good recovery for undies… some rib knits might work. You could use an athletic knit for a light support athletic/yoga bra top too.
*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.
Let’s take a look at the different ways we can sew up these patterns!
I’ve sewn up a huge stack of Vixen sets and I can’t wait to see you enjoy these patterns too! Head on over to the shop and grab yourself a copy of these new patterns! They are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, May 18, 2022.
Want to get both new patterns or pick a different swim top/bottom to go with your new Vixen?
Use code: swimbundle for any bikini top or bottom in the shop to get special bundle discount during the release sale!
Warning though, if you make a new Vixen Bralette to match your most favorite pair of Cutie Booty Boxer Breifs… you’ll suddenly notice how faded those favorites are!!!
Vixen Bralette | Vixen Bikini & Thong
Hoping for a little inspiration? Head over to our Facebook group where you can see tester albums full of amazing images!
Vixen Bralette Album | Vixen Bikini & Thong Album
Protected: Fabric for Pirates :: May 2022 Reveal!
Spring Time Means Sale Time at P4P
Spring time is here…and with it flowers are blooming and sales are happening!
Please enjoy our Spring Sale Monday, April 25 thru Monday, May 2 (11:59PM US Central Time Zone) with code: springtime for 30% off your total purchase!
The code will pop up on your checkout page and you can just click to apply 🙂 So no need to worry about jotting it down or trying to remember it exactly!
We only have site wide sales 2-3 times a year, so grab the patterns you’ve been eyeing while you have the chance!
Have fun shopping and then sewing!
Sugar Maple Skirt :: Easy Hacks
Have you heard the news? P4P just dropped our latest pattern and it’s the swishiest, twirliest thing we’ve put out in a while!
The Sugar Maple Skirt is an a-line skirt with a full circle drop yoke. It is designed to be worn at the natural waist and comes in four lengths: mini, knee, tea and maxi. The top yoke has a flattering, body skimming silhouette, while the fuller part of the skirt joins just below the booty.
Whichever length you choose, each provides for ALL the swishy, twirly goodness that you could hope for in a skirt. The Sugar Maple is a great basic skirt pattern to have, an excellent sewing project for beginners, and it comes together so quickly that you’ll end up making multiple before you even know what happened!
Before you do anything else, go read all about the newest pattern: the Sugar Maple Skirt! It’s available in Adult – Hourglass and Youth sizes and is just the sweetest.
But guess what we went and did? We made it even sweeter by giving you some super easy, super fun pattern hacks to take the pattern a little further!
Dress Hack
The best way to get a little bit of twirl into your life is with the new Sugar Maple Skirt, I think we can all agree on that! If you love the twirly, whirly skirt but like the ease of a dress then this hack is for you. My daughter is now 8 and insists on picking her own outfits, but some of her choices can be pretty adventurous and she loves a colour clash. For me, a dress is the easiest option every time. I matched the Sugar Maple Skirt with the bodice of the Rainbow Dress Youth
They meshed together perfectly!
All I had to do was cut out the bodice of the Rainbow Dress and Sugar Maple Skirt as normal and just omit the waistband for the skirt. I sewed them each up individually as per their instructions and then laid them down next to each other to check they would fit together nicely at the waist.
I had to shave a smidge off the side seams at the waist of the bodice to get a perfect fit, but it was only 1/4″ either side. Then quarter your bodice and skirt pieces at the waist, using clips or pins.
Flip the skirt up and over the bodice so they are right sides together, and clip them together.
Finally, just sew the skirt to the bodice and you’re done. It’s as easy as that!
Twirl away to your heart’s content. I hope you love your new dress as much as we do. Happy Sewing! Dana xx
Skort Hack
As soon as the testers started talking about their plans for the Sugar Maple Skirt, many of them decided that it’d be the perfect skirt to turn into a skort — and we have the perfect pattern to help create that with the Peg Leg Leggings! Many thanks to Kalene Bartlett, our tester extraordinare, who photographed her steps of making the ::perfect:: skort! My sisters-in-law are big runners and I think they’d adore a running skirt like this! But I’ve also heard that plenty of mommas would love to have some added coverage for chasing littles around during the warmer months….not to mention it’s a perfect solution for fighting off that dreaded thigh chafing experience while rocking skirts. Because the Sugar Maple Skirt is meant to sit at the high waist, you’ll want to cut the Peg Legs pattern at the high-waisted cut line. You’ll need:
- Peg Legs Leggings, in shortie / biker length…depending on the length of your skirt (assembled per the pattern instructions)
- Sugar Maple Waistband
- Sugar Maple Skirt top + drop yokes (assembled per the pattern instructions)
Mark the quarter points on both the Peg Legs and Sugar Maple skirt. Slide the Peg Legs inside of the skirt, right side of the Pegs facing the wrong side of the Sugar Maple. Pin/clip in place.
Find the quarter points of the waistband, and slide over the Sugar Maple / Peg Legs pieces…matching previously marked quarter points.
Sew all 3 pieces together, stretching the waistband and Peg Legs slightly to match — careful not to stretch the skirt opening.
Flip waistband up. Hem skirt and shorts.
You’re finished! Now go be like Kalene and be cut, comfortable AND covered in your new Peg Legs / Sugar Maple Skort!
I am beyond excited to see the Sugar Maple Skirts that you make! Head on over to the shop and grab yourself a copy of these new patterns! They are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, April 17, 2022.
Sugar Maple Skirt – Adult | Sugar Maple Skirt – Youth | Sugar Maple Skirt BUNDLE
Hoping for a little inspiration before diving into some Sugar Maple sewing? Head over to our Facebook group where you can see tester albums full of amazing images!
Sugar Maple Skirt: Adult Album | Sugar Maple Skirt: Youth Album
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