Sewing & Inspiration: Sewing 101

Sewing help, pattern inspiration and ideas for your next make. Explore practical guides from the Patterns for Pirates team.

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Top Tips for Working with Velvet

Top Tips for Working with Velvet

Learn practical tips for cutting, sewing and pressing stretch velvet, including nap direction and seam support.

Top Tips for Working with Velvet

Learn practical tips for cutting, sewing and pressing stretch velvet, including nap direction and seam support.

P4P University- Adjusting a Top Pattern for Height

P4P University- Adjusting a Top Pattern for Height

Learn where to add or remove length in a top pattern to adjust it for your height.

P4P University- Adjusting a Top Pattern for Height

Learn where to add or remove length in a top pattern to adjust it for your height.

Sewing pattern projected onto a gridded cutting mat

Using a Projector for Sewing: The Basics

Explore one sewist’s projector setup, pattern projection, scale checks and the benefits and limitations of cutting fabric without paper patterns.

Using a Projector for Sewing: The Basics

Explore one sewist’s projector setup, pattern projection, scale checks and the benefits and limitations of cutting fabric without paper patterns.

P4P University- Facings

P4P University- Facings

Learn how to draft and sew neckline, all-in-one and hem facings with written and video instructions.

P4P University- Facings

Learn how to draft and sew neckline, all-in-one and hem facings with written and video instructions.

Interfacing for Garment Sewing

Interfacing for Garment Sewing

Learn how to choose and use interfacing to support garment details and improve the finish of your sewing projects.

Interfacing for Garment Sewing

Learn how to choose and use interfacing to support garment details and improve the finish of your sewing projects.

Sewing Curves

Sewing Curves

Learn techniques for sewing inward and outward curves, including clipping and notching for smoother garment seams.

Sewing Curves

Learn techniques for sewing inward and outward curves, including clipping and notching for smoother garment seams.

P4P University – Understitching and Topstitching

P4P University – Understitching and Topstitching

Learn how understitching and topstitching create tidy garment edges with illustrated instructions and a video tutorial.

P4P University – Understitching and Topstitching

Learn how understitching and topstitching create tidy garment edges with illustrated instructions and a video tutorial.

Armbands Tips and Tricks

Armbands Tips and Tricks

Learn how to attach knit armbands with an even finish, using the illustrated tips in this P4P sewing guide.

Armbands Tips and Tricks

Learn how to attach knit armbands with an even finish, using the illustrated tips in this P4P sewing guide.

P4P University Color Blocking Tips and Tricks

P4P University Color Blocking Tips and Tricks

Plan fabric combinations and add color blocking to a sewing pattern, including the seam allowances you need.

P4P University Color Blocking Tips and Tricks

Plan fabric combinations and add color blocking to a sewing pattern, including the seam allowances you need.

P4P University – Adding Trim to Hems

P4P University – Adding Trim to Hems

Learn to choose decorative trim, prepare a hem, attach the trim and care for the finished garment.

P4P University – Adding Trim to Hems

Learn to choose decorative trim, prepare a hem, attach the trim and care for the finished garment.

Sewing with Swim

Sewing with Swim

Get practical advice for sewing swimwear, including swim fabrics, stretch, elastic and techniques for a comfortable finish.

Sewing with Swim

Get practical advice for sewing swimwear, including swim fabrics, stretch, elastic and techniques for a comfortable finish.

Intended Fit vs. Preferred Fit

Intended Fit vs. Preferred Fit

Understand a pattern's intended fit and how to choose sizing and adjustments for the fit you prefer.

Intended Fit vs. Preferred Fit

Understand a pattern's intended fit and how to choose sizing and adjustments for the fit you prefer.