Patterns for Pirates

P4P stylish, modern, wearable patterns

P4P Spirit Month 2023

We’ve got spirit, yes we do.  We’ve got spirit, how ’bout you?!?!

I am pumped to share that we are gearing up for another round of “P4P Spirit Month“, just like we did in 2020! As soon as the calendar flips to May 1, it’s go time y’all!

What are we doing exactly?  Our team is super in love with Me Made May and the idea behind getting to know your self-made clothing, and to celebrate your sewing skills.  Big props to So, Zo…What Do You Know? for starting this social media movement a decade ago.

We decided to kick it up a notch by creating themes around each day.  Think of it like Spirit Week at school…where all of your fellow classmates dress in theme together and you get to feel the excitement and camaraderie surrounding your themed clothing efforts.  Instead of it only lasting a week, it’s the ENTIRE MONTH.  And the themes are pretty achievable, using items you already have in your closet.  You can play along as much or as little as you’d like.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE PRINTABLE CALENDAR HERE

The rules are pretty simple.

  1. Wear a new / old Patterns for Pirates clothing item that you’ve made, matching up with the daily theme.  ie: wear a purple Basic Tee on Purple Day (May 3).
    • Simple adjustments / pattern mashes are fine to share.  We just want to be able to recognize the P4P pattern you used to make your clothing item!
  2. Take a photo of yourself in the item.
    • It has to be a new photo, taken that day.  Mirror selfies with a messy room behind you are completely acceptable.  We just want to see you, in this moment, playing along with us!
  3. Share the photo on the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group wall, in a separate post that you’ve created.
    • You must use the hashtag #P4PSpiritMonth so we can find your image. (It must be EXACT to come up in our search.)
    • Tell us what P4P pattern you used to create your look.
  4. Have fun with it!

Why play along with us?  To have fun, of course.  But also — there are some prizes involved.

We will pick three random names from all of the images that are shared using our hashtag.  (Our super pirate sleuths will make sure you’re following all of the rules and posting on the correct days.)  And those winners will be walking away with $25 in store credit to the Patterns for Pirates pattern shop!

Each day that you participate and share counts as an entry into the contest.  The winners will be random lottery winners, meaning that everyone has a chance….from a beginner who might be sewing their first P4P to a seasoned apparel sewist!

But wait.  There’s more!

Each day, we will be featuring a different P4P pattern, and for 24 hours only, that pattern will be $2 off.  No code needed.  Each featured pattern will be announced in the Facebook group at 9am EST by Crew Member Katy McKinley…so go find her posts each morning to find the daily deal!

Have more questions for us?  Send us an email ( help@patternsforpirates.com ) and we will be ready on the other side with an answer!

Brizo and Circe Swimsuit Simple Hacks

We always have fun showing off a few ways to modify our new patterns to give you even more options! Here are some quick and simple hacks to the new Circe Swim Top and Brizo Bikini Bottoms!

CIRCE-ADDING THICKER UNDERBUST ELASTIC

If you’re looking for a bit more underbust support, here is the hack for you.  Since this add a lot more support and stability, you might consider sizing up as it will feel much tighter wrapping around you that the normal sizing. Cut and assemble your top until the step where you stitch elastic into the bottom edge.

You’re going to not attach elastic along the back and just an inch or two into the front bodice. Just baste or stitch together with no elastic on this center section.

We’re going to cut our thicker swim elastic (I have 3/4″ here) from the front wrap section (the top corner) to the bottom side seam of the bodice, around the back and to the opposite side.

Making sure to match center backs, we’re going to pin the elastic to the seam allowance along the section we left with no elastic.

Stitch elastic to the seam allowance along this section. Make sure to use a stretch stitch. After stitching the center back section, flip the seam allowance like it will be once the top is flipped right sides out. Pin end of the elastic to the seam allowance at the top corner of the bodice. Stitch end of elastic to the seam allowance here.

Repeat on opposite side.

Continue the rest of the top as the tutorial instructs. Flipping rights side out, closing side seam hole and optional top-stitching.

Enjoy the extra support and stability.

 

 

CIRCE- THICKER STRAP ELASTIC

If you’re looking for a bit more support on the shoulder straps, but love the look of the thin strap option…  here is perfect hack for you! You can up the elastic in thin strap easily.  Here I’m using 3/4″ swim elastic instead of the 1/4″, but you can use whatever width you’d like.  Remember, this will make the straps feel tighter, so you may need to slightly adjust the length.

Do a little math… whatever width you choose add double the difference from the 1/4″ to the strap pieces.  I used 3/4″, which is 1/2″ wider than the original. So, I added 1″ to the strap width pieces.

You will also need to add a little width to pickups on the main front bodice pieces.  You will add the width split on each side of the pick up.  So, I needed to add 1/2″ total to my pick up width.  I added 1/4″ on each side of the pick up.

Sew up the Circe just like the tutorial has you sew up the thin strap option and enjoy your thicker straps 🙂

CIRCE- RING HACK

Sew up your Circe all normally, but grab a gate ring and have a new, fun way to wear your top!

CIRCE- CLASP HACK

Want a different look instead of the back waist ties? Try adding a swimsuit clasp. For this hack, you will need to begin by finding your center back measurement. Measure from the side seam to the center of your back either using a tape measure around your back and splitting the measurement in half, or using the tie pattern piece pinned to mark the center back. Mark this new line on the tie pattern and cut four shorter ties (2 lining and 2 main) from the new piece. (For this hack, I am using the thick tie option. If you are using the thin ties, your pieces will not need much modifying and you may want to use a smaller clasp.)

Follow the sewing tutorial as written, except I recommend sewing the last two inches of the tie with your sewing machine and leaving off the elastic. This will help reduce bulk and allow you to easily add your swim clasp. Once you get to the step of basting your ties closed, it is a great time to turn it right side out and check the fit. You may find you need to shorten your ties to get the fit you like. Make any needed adjustments. You can see here I modified the thick tie to better fit my 1 inch swim clasp. I tapered down the tie so that it would fit into the clasp without too much gathering of the fabric.

Add your swim clasp by taking one tie and sliding the end of the tie through the closed portion of the clasp. Make sure the hook is pointed down. Wrap the fabric around the clasp towards the back of the suit. The fabric may gather slightly to fit. Place a safety pin where the stitching line will be. Next, create the loop portion by taking the opposite tie and folding the suit back on itself. You need to create a small tube for the clasp to enter. Place a safety pin where the stitching line will be. You want this line about 1/2 inch from the edge. It needs to be large enough for the clasp to fit into, but not so large that the clasp shifts too much with wear. Try the suit on and check the placement of the clasp.  Make any needed changes. Then stitch closely to the clasp with a stretch stitch and on the opposite tie to create the loop.

And now you have a swim top with a clasp closure.

 

 

SOLID FRONT BRIZO BOTTOM

Don’t have coordinating fabrics for your Brizo Bikini Bottom? Just grab the full lining front piece on either the high rise or the v rise and sew them up with a solid front!

Sale, Giveaway + All Pattern Update | Spring 2023

Spring is full of new beginnings and the world coming back to life around us with flowers blooming + trees budding. And we often find ourselves making plans for parties, travel, weddings, graduations…the works. We thought we’d add one more little bit of fun + excitement to your spring by launching our 2023 Spring sitewide sale! (We only ever have 2-3 sales a year, so take advantage of our discounts while you can!)

But that’s not all! We’ve got a big announcement AND also have a giveaway happening alongside the sale. SO MUCH GOODNESS. Let’s talk details!

First, let’s start with talking about the sale itself.

  • You can take THIRTY PERCENT (30%) off of every single pattern and bundles of patterns on our site!
  • The code will automatically pop up for you to add to your cart, but just in case use: SPRING2023
  • The Spring Sale runs from April 3, 2023 thru April 12, 2023 @11:59pm CST.
  • Fabric for Pirates Subscriptions + Extras are excluded from the discount pricing.

We’ve got big news, y’all. HUGE. 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.

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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.)

And now onto more of the fun stuff we’ve got going on during the Spring Sale: a Contest + Giveaway! Wooooo!

HOW TO ENTER:

  • Between 04/03/23 and 04/12/23, sew a garment using a Patterns for Pirates pattern + share the finished item with us!
  • Use the tag #P4PSPRINGSALE on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, or in the Patterns for Pirates Facebook group.

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We have three amazing prize packages for the giveaway. Winners will be selected at random and as always, we encourage sewists of all skill levels to enter their finished items and join in on the fun!

GIVEAWAY PRIZE #1:  We wanted to celebrate the addition of projector file types to our ::entire:: catalog by gifting one of our Pirate Community Members with the choice between a new Serger OR a new Projector! Here are the links to the items the winner will be able to choose between: 1080P HD, Wifi + Bluetooth Projector or Brother 1034D Serger (affiliate links)

GIVEAWAY PRIZE #2: One lucky winner will be receiving a $100 gift card from our fabric shop: Anchor Fabrics! We grand opened the shop during the Fall 2022 season and it’s been a joyride to be able to also supply fabric to our sewing community! At Anchor Fabrics, it’s our mission to deliver high quality fabrics at prices that won’t leave you shipwrecked.

GIVEAWAY PRIZE #3: Our admin Katy just opened up a new shop called Maker Swag, where she’s creating items and curating a space specifically geared toward makers like you! To join in on the spring sale excitement, she’s hooking up a lucky duck with a $50 store credit to load up on some new sewist swag!

 

We will also be picking random winners throughout the sale to surprise with some freebies! We’ve got plans for gifting fabric + sewist swag from past months of our Fabric for Pirates shipments, some Patterns for Pirates pattern freebies and other little prizes to share with our Pirate Community!

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Of course there are some rules to go over. Not fun, we know. But we need to talk about this part. Here goes….

RULES:

  • The item must be created from a Patterns for Pirates pattern, without any major changes to the pattern.
    • The item must be a garment (ie: shirt, pants, jacket, swimwear, etc.)
    • Accessories will not be counted as an entry. We love your scarves, bags + hats but they don’t count for this giveaway.
    • You can use a free pattern as long as it is garment / clothing item like the Tulip Tee or Peg Legs.
    • Typical fitting adjustments are expected.
    • Decorating / embellishing is totally fine!
  • The individual garment may be shared across multiple platforms for additional entries, but may not be shared on the same platform more than once.
    • Make sure your Instagram + TikTok accounts are set to “public” so we can see and count your entry!
    • Use the tag #P4PSPRINGSALE and make sure it’s spelled correctly when you do.
    • In your caption, be sure to include the pattern you used, so people following along with the contest + sale can be inspired by you!
  • Giveaway available to US and non-US residents.
    • In the event shipping isn’t available to your location, we will work with the selected winner to work something out with them. Not to worry!
  • There are no entry limits per person!
    • Sew + share as many garments as you’d like!
    • All items / images shared must be sewn after the giveaway began on April 03, 2023.
    • Submitting older sews + images will disqualify you from winning any of the prizes.
  • Entries are accepted thru 11:59pm CST: April 12, 2023.
  • Winners will be announced 04/14/2023.
    • Giveaway winners are selected randomly.
    • Everyone has an equal chance of winning, no matter their sewing (or photography) skill level.

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Now go grab some patterns and get to sewing! We are OUT OF CONTROL EXCITED to see what you make and share with us this spring!

**Updated April 14, 2023:

First, we want to thank everyone who participated in the Spring Giveaway! It was so fun seeing everyone’s makes and reading all about your sewing experiences + advice on the posts. What an absolute thrill it is to be part of this community with you!

Drumroll please….here are the randomly selected winners for the Spring Sale + Giveaway 2023:

  • Giveaway Prize #1 (Serger or Projector): Charisma Jayne She-herHers
  • Giveaway Prize #2 ($100 Anchor Fabrics Gift Card): Hayley Sykes
  • Giveaway Prize #3 ($50 Maker Swag Store Credit): Stephanie M Hartung
  • April 3 Daily Giveaway ($10 Patterns for Pirates Gift Card): Taylor Peters
  • April 4 Daily Giveaway (F4P Swag Bag): Janice Shaul
  • April 5 Daily Giveaway (April Fabric for Pirates shipment): Lisa Gier Taylor
  • April 6 Daily Giveaway (Sewist Keychain from Maker Swag): Echo Taverner
  • April 7 Daily Giveaway (Guaranteed spot as a tester for the next pattern!): Nikki Ghezzi
  • April 8 Daily Giveaway (2-yard cut of knit fabric from former F4P shipments): Amber Suryn
  • April 9 Daily Giveaway (F4P Swag Bag): Renée Caratozzolo
  • April 10 Daily Giveaway (Projecting Confidence online course): Livia Merialdo
  • April 11 Daily Giveaway ($10 Patterns for Pirates Gift Card): Caroline Plowman
  • April 12 Daily Giveaway ($10 Patterns for Pirates Gift Card): Stephanie Huddleston

If you see your name here, please email help@patternsforpirates.com so we can get you set up with your winnings! Congratulations y’all!

Uptown Joggers- Simple Hacks

We just love showing off simple ways to add even more options to our already full patterns!

On our new Uptown Joggers you can create a more straight leg, ankle length pant by simple leaving off the cuffs. Here are some our beautiful tester Joelle did just like this!

You can also use the cargo top tabs on the back pockets too! Here I am showing off this look with just one pocket and our gorgeous tester Teri did both sides in this style.  Simply add the top tab above the back pocket following the same instructions for the cargo pocket.  We both happen to use the shorts length, but you can of course do this hack with the pant length as well.

Have fun hacking along with us! Don’t forget to share your makes with us.

 

New Pattern Release :: Uptown Joggers!

Thanks for jogging over to our blog — because we are super excited to tell you all about our new jogger patterns!!

The Uptown Joggers (available in both youth and adult – hourglass figure sizes) are here and they are AH-MAZING!

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 Uptown Joggers is a super versatile jogger pattern.  The looser fit is forgiving on fluctuating weight and opens up fabric options too.  You can grab a lightweight denim, chambray, linen, twill for an elevated jogger ready to take you to the office, brunch, vacation or more.  Need some more athletic wear in your drawers? No problem, grab a french terry, sweatshirt fabric, athletic, stretch woven athletic for a jogger to take you to the gym. Need some comfortable loungewear? This pattern has you covered there too.  Grab your softest fabrics and sew up a hug in a pant with sweater knit, fleece backed fabrics, silky fabrics, jerseys with fun prints… whatever makes you smile when you’re lounging at home!

You’ll be able to wear Uptown Joggers year round with the length options and fabric options.   The shorts option can be sewn up in a jersey and replace those soffee shorts that might be falling apart from high school…Just us?  You can take them to the beach/pool/waterpark/etc.  in a boardshort fabric too! They make great everyday shorts in a chambray, linen, twill that you can dress up or down easily while staying comfortable.  During the cooler months you can opt for the pants length.  Make it is a lightweight, breathable rayon twill and wear them even in the warmer months too.  Or go for brushed sweatshirt to feel super cozy and warm.  There are pockets galore and the side cargo pocket is both classic and super on trend at the same time!

Pattern options for the Uptown Joggers include:

  • Rises: Mid Rise/ High Rise
  • Lengths: Shorts / Knee Length (Youth Only) / Ankle Length Pant
  • Pant Cuffs: Elastic Hem/ Knit Cuff
  • Optional Pockets: Front Slat Pockets / Front Patch Pockets / Back Pockets / Side Cargo Pockets
  • Optional Drawstring

The Uptown Joggers Pattern is drafted for light-to-medium weight woven fabrics or a stable knit.

Specific Fabric Suggestions: Rayon Twill, Boardshort fabric, Seersucker, Tencil Twill, Chambray, Linen Blends, Lightweight jean, Madras, Sweatshirt Fabrics (like this brushed French Terry), French Terry blends (like this Baby French Terry), Flannel and Cotton make great PJs as well.

Alright, let’s take a closer look at the options available in the Uptown Joggers patterns!

SHORTS LENGTH

PANT LENGTH

SLAT + PATCH FRONT POCKETS

CARGO POCKET OPTION

BACK POCKETS

KNIT CUFFS + WOVEN-ELASTIC CUFF

MID RISE + HIGH RISE

BUT WAIT, there’s more! We also have an Easy Hacks Blog Post, showing you how to take these patterns one step further!

We are so excited to see what you sew up with the new Uptown Joggers patterns!  Head on over to the shop, grab yourself a copy, and get to sewing!  They are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, March 22, 2023.

Uptown Joggers | Uptown Joggers Youth | Uptown Joggers Bundle

Hoping for a little inspiration before diving into some Uptown Joggers sewing?  Journey over to our Facebook group where you can see tester albums full of amazing images!

Uptown Joggers Adult Album | Uptown Joggers Youth Album

New Pattern Release :: Notch Top & Dress

We are squeaking another set of pattern releases into January and we are pumped to share them with you!! The Notch Top & Dress and Notch Top & Dress – Youth are full of details and options that…dare we say….are TOP NOTCH. Let’s talk all about them!

The Notch Top & Dress features a fun notched neckline with amazingly versatile options.  You can create a swim top, workout top, bralette top, everyday crop, or dress all from this pattern. Choose from tank to long sleeves to fit any season. Choose to make it with built in bust support for a bra-free garment or skip if for a quick sew up. The waistband creates a great fitted silhouette for the crop or dress option.

The Notch Top & Dress features a scoop neckline with or without the notch detail.  You can choose from a traditional scoop or a lower one (on adult only- great for the bralette or swim options).  The tutorial will walk you through adding support for making it great for a bra-free top or dress.  Or you can skip all that for a very quick sew up.  It is very fitted through top and will give some support even without any of the extra support that is optional.  The tight fit works great for layering under things, but since this top is lined on both bodice and waistband it is a great top on it’s own as well. The lining gives you another layer, which can give comfort in a tight fit garment.   The dress fits tight through bodice and flares out at the skirt for a classic and flattering fit.

Pattern options for the Notch Top & Dress include:

  • Necklines: Notch Neckline/ Plain Scoop Neckline / Low Notch Neckline (adult only) / High Back Neckline / Low Back Neckline
  • Lengths: Crop / Dress
  • Sleeves: Tank / Short Sleeve / 3/4 Sleeves / Long Sleeves
  • Several Finishing Options for the Notch Neckline
  • Optional Inseam Pockets for Dress
  • Optional Bust Support (adult only).

The Notch Top & Dress Pattern is drafted for light-to-medium weight high stretch knit fabrics.  Recommended only 4 way stretch knits (especially important for adult pattern).

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!

JUDY’S COPY GOES HERE

We’ve loaded in ::several:: videos, walking you through various steps of the Notch Top & Dress 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.

Alright, let’s take a closer look at the options available in the Notch Top patterns!

SLEEVE LENGTHS: TANK / SHORT / 3/4 / LONG

HEMLINES: CROP / DRESS

FRONT NECKLINES: HIGH NOTCH / LOW NOTCH (ADULT ONLY) / SCOOP

BACK NECKLINES: HIGH / LOW

 

BUT WAIT, there’s more! We also have an Easy Hacks Blog Post, showing you how to take these patterns one step further! Click on the image below to be led straight there!

We are so excited to see what you sew up with the new Notch Top & Dress patterns!  Head on over to the shop, grab yourself a copy, and get to sewing!  They are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, February 5, 2023.

Notch Top & Dress | Notch Top & Dress – Youth | Notch Top & Dress – Bundle

Hoping for a little inspiration before diving into some Notch Top & Dress sewing?  Journey over to our Facebook group where you can see tester albums full of amazing images!

Notch Top & Dress Adult Album | Notch Top & Dress Youth Album

Notch Top & Dress- Easy Hacks

We love sharing some simple hacks to help extend the versatility of our patterns even more! Here are two for the new Notch Top & Dress we hope you enjoy.

ADDING LENGTH TO CROP::

Loving the new Notch Top & Dress, but which the crop option was just a bit longer? I got ya 😉 Here is a super quick and easy hack to make more of a top length than a shorter crop.

I only added about 1″ to mine, but you can add however much you’d prefer.  Remember though is it fitted to the natural waist where you are your smallest, so if you’re lengthening quite a bit you might also want to grade out to a bigger size at the bottom where you’re adding.  This way it wont be too tight on your high hips (if you’re going that long).

You’ll cut out the bodice just as you would normally.  I did the tank top option here, so no sleeves…but you would cut those and sew them the same as normal as well.

We will start making our hack changing by cutting out JUST the main fabric waistband pieces– adding the length you’d like.

 

Sew up the bodice per the tutorial as normal. When you get to the waistband we will just be stitching on the one layer.  Still add in that underbust elastic for adults.

Last, just hem up the bottom edge of the waistband.

Ta-da… so quick and simple! I love this everyday top and know it will be in high rotation! I can’t wait to see yours!

Want to see this hack being sewn up in action? Here is a quick video of it too!

MATERNITY ::

It can be somewhat challenging to find a great dress that works for maternity, but we’re here to show you a super simple change to the Notch Top & Dress that will give you a lovely maternity friendly dress.

Simple skip the waistband completely (don’t skip the elastic in that seam though) and add the missing length to your skirt pieces. Attach the skirt straight to the bodice pieces for an empire style dress perfect for a bump.

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