Patterns for Pirates

P4P stylish, modern, wearable patterns

Fierce Bra and Undies – Easy Hacks

Ahoy, pirates! In true P4P fashion we could not let the DOUBLE release happen without showing you some simple hacks for your new Fierce Undies and Bra. All these simple mods can be applied to both our adult and youth pattern.

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Undies with bands

   

I love the new Fierce Undies. They feel so amazing! But I know sometimes I prefer a knit waistband instead of elastic. So today I will be showing you how to hack a knit waistband on the Fierce Undies.

 

The first thing I did was cut and assemble the pattern according to the pattern. Then I measured the top of the undies to see how wide it is.

Now here is the formula I used to the band width: (undies width X 2)+1 X 80%. I like to use 80% because I like my band a little smaller but not too tight. Here is a picture of my measurements. 

So my finished number is 24.8. So I cut my band at 4” tall and 24.8 wide. I cut my band 4” high because I like the 2” thickness. I fold my band short ends together and sew.

Then I fold it again raw edges together.

 

Now I quarter the band and undies, then I put the band over the undies with right sides together matching the quarter marks.

Sew the band on, top stitch if desired.

Now you have a knit and Fierce undies! 

 

 

 

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Undies with picot lace

Nicole will show us how to add picot trim to the leg opening soon!

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Bra with knit biding

For this hack, we will be using knit to create a binding instead of fold over elastic (FOE). This is a a great hack to use if you don’t have any FOE on hand or if you want your binding to be a cute print or exact match of one of your fabrics.
To get started, cut out the three 2” strap pieces using the width measurements as indicated in the elastic cut chart according to your size. Optional: serge along the long edges for additional stability. Then, press all three binding pieces into 1/2” strips: Fold pieces in half, press, open back up, then bring raw edges to meet at the center crease, press, fold in half, press.
Open up your binding neckline piece, match the center point of binding (right side) to the center point of the neckline (lining side). Stretching slightly, stitch along the neckline using a stretch stitch and a 1/2” seam allowance (along the first crease).
Finger press binding and seam allowance up, then re-fold the binding in the same manner as done previously to get a 1/2″ strip. Re-fold the entire strip to form your straps and pin/clip in place. Stitch using a stretch stitch along the entire binding to close and finish the binding/straps.
Continue with pattern instructions for construction. Repeat binding steps with outside straps: be sure your binding pieces are open before stitching the ends together when getting started on the outside straps.
 
and now you have your own custom knit binding! <3
(bra pictured has elastic band attached differently than pattern)
Lacy

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Youth bra with cups

My daughter is getting to be that age that she wants just a bit more coverage and loves all her ready to wear sports bras that come with padded cups. The first thing that she asked me about the new fierce bra is if it had cups and I said no but not to worry I could add them for her.  This hack is super easy and the construction does not change at all!  Let’s get started!

First we are going to trace off our front piece, next we need to create an opening for our cups to slide into.  I used my french curve but you can certainly free hand a curve similar to what I have shown here.  I just estimated how big to make it, it does not need to be to big, you want to be able to easily slide a cup in and out of it.  Next cut away the line you drew on your piece, this will now be your lining piece. You will cut one main front and one lining from your newly created piece.

Your construction will stay exactly the same, you will just have the curves in your lining piece.  I choose not to finish the edges of my curves as I was using a really nice quality athletic fabric but you can always finish that edge with your serger or with a narrow hem on your sewing machine.  Once finished you will be able to slide in cups, I just grabbed a set from my daughters ready to wear bras but you can also buy bra cups and cut them down to fit.  My daughter is only 10 and really doesn’t need them to add any type of support she just likes the extra coverage so really any cheap cups from Amazon will do the trick and are easy to cut to size.

All done and my girl is happy to have a bra made to fit her perfectly

Angela

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Undies with lace band

Up next I wanted to show you another way to add a waistband to the Fierce Undies. Instead of the 3/4″-1.5″ waistband elastic you can use stretch lace. I used 1″ for my example but 1.5″ would work beautifully as well. Start by cutting your pattern as instructed but cut stretch lace instead of elastic.

Sew the short ends of the lace to form a loop. You may find it easier to use a piece of water soluble stabilizer between the machine’s feed dogs and the lace so as to deter your machine from trying to “eat” your fabric.

Sew the undies as instructed in the tutorial. Pin the lace at the top, overlapping 3/8″. The wrong side of the lace will be against the right side of the undies. Sew in place using a zig zag stitch of a coverstitch.

Tadah!  Done! You just added one more option to the Fierce Undies.

Judy is rocking a pair of Fierce Undies with a 2″ lace band.

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Swim suit

Last but certainly not least we want it to show you how easy it is to make  Fierce Swimsuit. You will need:

  • swim suit fabric
  • swim lining (or solid swim like I used)
  • 1″ swim elastic for the waistband and under bust band
  • 3/8″ swim elastic for the leg openings and bra straps
  • optionally power mesh and cups (I have not used them on mine)

Start by cutting you undies front and back pieces from swim, the liner from solid swim or lining. Cut the waistband 3″ by the length of the waistband elastic (from the cutting chart) plus 1″ for the seam allowance. Cut the 1″ swim elastic the length of the waistband elastic from the chart. Now cut the bra pieces, making sure that the under bust band is 3″ wide by the length of the elastic plus 1″ seam allowance. You will also need to enclose swim elastic in the bra straps so you will but binding strips that are 1.5″ wide by the length of the pattern straps pieces.

Sew the undies and side of the bra (and lining) as instructed in the tutorial. Now let’s make the waistband and the bra under bust band. Same technique…butt the ends of the elastic together and sew with a wide zig zag stitch. Overlap the band with the right sides together and sew it in a loop using 1/2″ seam allowance. Insert the elastic inside and put pins or clips at the quarter mark. Put the bands aside for now.

Hem the legs of the undies as in the pattern. The only difference will be that you will be using swim elastic for the briefs and thong, no elastic for the cheekies. Take your swim elastic and baste it to one edge of each of the bra straps.

Attach the bra straps binding as Lacy is showing you in the hack above.

All you have left to do is add the waistband and under bust band that you prepared earlier. Mark the 4 quarters of the undies waist and under bust opening. Add the respective band matching the quarter points. Sew them with your serger or a triple stretch stitch. Optionally, top stitch.

All done! You just added one more swim suit to your collection. You can use the same tips for both the youth and the adult pattern.

We hope you enjoyed these spins on the new Fierce Undies and Fierce Bra pattern. Don’t forget to share your creations in the Patterns for Pirates Facebook group or tag us on Instagram @patternsforpirates.

 

Boho Babydoll SAL day 7 (winners announcement)

Let me start this Winners Blog post by telling you that you are ALL winners in my book. We have seen so many stunning Boho Babydoll tops and dresses being created last week…once again you made our task hard.

Our first winner is Morgan Woolsey!  Morgan won a $20 gift card to Patterns for Pirates as well as a $30 shop credit to Hissy Fit Fabrics.

 

Congratulations Debby Dufresne Duke! She is our second winner! … won a $20 gift card to Made for Mermaids and a $30 shop credit to Hissy Fit Fabrics.

 

A big THANK YOU to our sew along sponsor. Make sure you check out Hissy Fit Fabrics on Facebook to keep up to date with their sales and presales.

Thank you for joining us this week and make sure you share your gorgeous creations in the P4P Facebook group too.

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 1 (print and cut pattern)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 2 (choose and cut fabric)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 3 (sew shoulder seams and sleeves)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 4 (Sew side seams, add neckband and armbands)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 5 (prepare skirt and attach it)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 6 (hem skirt and sleeves)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 7 (winners announcement)

Boho Babydoll SAL day 6 (hem skirt and sleeves)

Last day of the sewing part of the SAL is here! Today we hem the bottom of the skirt and the sleeves. You can do that using your sewing machine’s twin needles option or your coverstitch as I have. Before you start, take a look over our Hemming blog because we have a few tips for easy and successful hemming. If you are finishing the bottom hem using twin needles, a good refresher blog is the P4P University Twin Needles Tips.

In the Day 6 video below I am showing you how easy it is to hem the curved dress option. Check it out and once you finish your day 6 steps, be sure to post a picture of your progress in the comments of the DAY 6 photo of the Boho SAL album in the sew along group. Can’t wait to see all your finished projects!

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 1 (print and cut pattern)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 2 (choose and cut fabric)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 3 (sew shoulder seams and sleeves)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 4 (Sew side seams, add neckband and armbands)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 5 (prepare skirt and attach it)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 6 (hem skirt and sleeves)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 7 (winners announcement)

Twist Back Top Easy Hacks

The Twist Back Top features a super fun back that inspired us to show you some easy hacks that will add some more options to the pattern. Let’ get started!

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Criss Cross Back Strap

 

Criss Cross Hack Twist Back

The new Twist Back top is so much fun to wear and style. While I love both the single strap and no strap options, adding a criss cross back strap is an easy and quick hack for another great look.

Begin by cutting and assembling your pattern according to the instructions for whichever sleeve length you choose. After your top is completely sewn together, take your Back Strap Pattern Piece and instead of cutting one, cut out two. I also like to add a little extra length here to play with while placing the straps. I added about an extra inch and a half to mine.

Sew the strap pieces and turn right sides out according to the pattern. Once you have two straps, begin placing them on your twist back top. I used the pattern’s back strap placement mark to place the top pieces of my criss-cross and moved around the straps until I liked how it looked. Be careful not to stretch your straps too much while placing, while also not having too much slack. You want the straps to lay flat while wearing. The best way to ensure the correct placement is to try on your top before sewing the straps in. I ended up moving mine around a little here and there before I was happy with the placement. In the end you can see my strap pieces are about 3 inches apart from each other.

Sew your straps in place and trim off any excess fabric. You now have a fun new criss cross back strap.

Shannon

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Bow Back

   

The Twist Back Top is already so much fun but if you want to add another little detail, I am here to show you how. Instead of the back shoulder strap, I added some ties to make a cute little bow and you can too with these simple steps!

You will start off just as the pattern instructs, with cutting your pieces. The only difference will be when it’s time to cut that back shoulder strap. You can use any length desired to make them longer or shorter but I used the included pattern piece as a guide for the youth version and it worked out perfectly.Instead of cutting one piece, I folded my fabric in half and cut two shoulder strap pieces on the fold. This gave me two pieces that were both double the size of the pattern piece. For the youth size 6, my  ties ended up being 11.5″. (I shortened them from this photo)You then fold the straps in half, with right sides together, and sew along the long edge and ONE short edge. Turn your straps right side out and press. Note that using this method, your seam will be along one edge as opposed to the middle like the original back shoulder strap. 

Find your shoulder strap marks and attach one tie to each side at the markings. Before you sew on, it is a good idea to clip or pin them in place, and check the length of your ties. Once they are sewn in place, continue on as the pattern instructs and then you will have your adorable new top!

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Banded Tank

The muscle tank look may not be for everyone and we get that so I’m going to show you how to do a super simple banded hack–it’s unbelievably easy!

Instructions:

Print, cut and assemble the pattern just like the directions advise to.

When you get to the part about hemming the armcyce, stop!

Measure the armcyce (front and back) and then multiply this number by 85%.

Cut bands from your fabric with a 2in height and whatever 85% of the armcyce is.

Add the bands to the arms and boom! You’re done!

Just that easy!

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Hemmed instead of banded

Last but not least I wanted to show how your Twist Back Top would look if you skipped the bands and simply hemmed the back and neckline. This is such an easy hack because it can be used for both tank and dolman and you do not need any new pieces.

Start by printing and cutting the pattern according to the style preference and sizes. I went with the tank option in a rayon french terry. Do not cut the two back band or the front neckline one. Mark the strap placement according to the pattern. For the mark, draw a line that is at least 3/4″ long.

Sew the shoulder seams. Press the back and neckline 1/2″. Optionally you can use pins or clips to hold it in place. For rayon french terry I found that I do not need pins along the back once pressed and steamed.

Using your coverstitch or a zig zag stitch (or twin needle) on your sewing machine hem along the pressed edge and iron it again.

All you have left to do is sew down the back strap using the markings you made earlier. I used a zig zag stitch for this step.

All done! All you have left to do is enjoy your new top and show it off.

Now that you have these additional options in your portofolio, start creating your unique Twist Back Top  and make sure to share them in the P4P Facebook group.

Boho Babydoll SAL day 5 (prepare and attach skirt)

Ahoy, pirates! Today we will add the skirt to to bodice we finished yesterday. Start by sewing the side seams of the skirt pieces, right sides together. Mark the center front of the skirt front and back and well as the bodice.

You will next start gathering the skirt. My suggestion for this pattern is to gather with two rows of stitching. Your first gathering row should be 1/4″ away from the raw edge and the second row will be about 5/8″ away from the raw edge. In doing so, you ensure that one of the stitches will be in the seam allowance and the second one will just outside of it.

Match the center points and side seams of the bodice and gathered skirt right sides together. Attach them with your serger making sure you that you follow the 1/2″ seam allowance. Optionally you can top stitch the seam allowance up on the bodice. I like using my coverstitch for that step but you can certainly use a zig zig stitch or twin needles for this step.

Below is the day 5 video. Once you completed today’s steps post a picture of your progress in the comments of day 5 photo of the Boho SAL album.

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 1 (print and cut pattern)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 2 (choose and cut fabric)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 3 (sew shoulder seams and sleeves)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 4 (Sew side seams, add neckband and armbands)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 5 (prepare skirt and attach it)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 6 (hem skirt and sleeves)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 7 (winners announcement)

Boho Babydoll SAL day 4 (side seam, neckband and armband )

We made it to the half way mark of our Boho Babydoll sew along! That was fast! Today we’ll be sewing the side seams and adding the neckband and armbands (if you picked the tank option).

When sewing the side seams, pin the front to the back of the shirt, right sides together. I like to pin the armpit first, then the end of the sleeve and the bottom and finally add a few pins or clips in between. Whether you are making the long sleeve, 3/4 or short sleeves (like I am) the technique is the same.

Whether you chose the high or the low scoop neckline, take a look over our P4P University Neckbands 101 before you start sewing.

In the video below I show you how to sew the side seams and add the neckband using a serger / coverstitch machine. When you finish these steps be sure to post a picture of your progress (finished bodice) in the comments of the Day 4 photo  (album is in the M4M & P4P Sew along group)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 1 (print and cut pattern)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 2 (choose and cut fabric)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 3 (sew shoulder seams and sleeves)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 4 (Sew side seams, add neckband and armbands)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 5 (prepare skirt and attach it)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 6 (hem skirt and sleeves)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 7 (winners announcement)

Boho Babydoll SAL day 3 (Shoulder seams and sleeves)

 

Let’s start sewing! Today is a pretty quick day. Today we sew the shoulder seams together, making sure to follow the 1/2 inch seam allowance. If you have opted for the sleeves option, as I have, today we are adding them too.

With the fabrics right sides together, match the shoulder seam with the notch on the sleeve curve. Pin the sides of the sleeves first and then easy the rest of the sleeve in the armcyse. Sew it in place with a 1/2″ seam allowance.

Watch the day 3 video below and be sure to post a picture of today’s progress in the day 3 photo comments of the Boho Babydoll album in the M4M & P4P Sew Along Group.

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 1 (print and cut pattern)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 2 (choose and cut fabric)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 3 (sew shoulder seams and sleeves)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 4 (Sew side seams, add neckband and armbands)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 5 (prepare skirt and attach it)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 6 (hem skirt and sleeves)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 7 (winners announcement)

Boho Babydoll SAL day 2 (choose and cut fabric)

 

Welcome to day 2 of our Boho Babydoll  sew along. Today we will be choosing the fabric, cutting it and gathering all necessary notions and accessories. You should have your pattern pieces ready from yesterday.

Let’s talk a little about the right fabric for this pattern. As you can see in the video below I am using Bamboo Spandex from Hissy Fit Fabrics for my dress. This is by far my favorite knit type for this pattern. I also like Rayon Spandex, Modal, ITY, Cupro and Double Brushed Poly for it. All these bases can be layered so beautifully for cooler weather.

Hissy Fit Fabrics is also the sponsor for this sew along so our two lucky winners will receive gift cards to their shop.

If you are unsure about which knit type will work best for your desired look, take a look over our P4P University Knit Types blog. Judy also included a cheat sheet that you can print. If you are like me and sometime are just keen on using a specific print for a specific pattern, read our Different fabric, different fit blog post before you cut your fabric.

The Day 2 video is posted below. Check it out and once you are done cutting your fabric post a picture of it in the comments of the Day 2 photo of the Boho SAL album  in the M4M & P4P Sew Along group.

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 1 (print and cut pattern)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 2 (choose and cut fabric)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 3 (sew shoulder seams and sleeves)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 4 (Sew side seams, add neckband and armbands)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 5 (prepare skirt and attach it)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 6 (hem skirt and sleeves)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 7 (winners announcement)

Boho Babydoll SAL day 1 (print and cut pattern)

Welcome to the Boho Babydoll

Sew Along!

Day One is reserved to purchasing the patterns, printing and cutting the size(s) you need. If you plan on sewing for yourself you can get the Boho Babydoll here, if you’re sewing for your little girl, the BB Youth can be purchased here and if you’re sewing for both of you (just think of the mommy and me matching outfits!) you can get the bundle.

This Sew Along will take place in our M4M & P4P Sew Along group so be sure to join the group not only for the exclusive discount code available for the patterns but also to post your progress this week. As always all daily blog posts will be here, but you’ll be checking in with your completed steps in the group.

Now that you purchased the pattern(s), print the size needed. In order to do that it is very important that you take your most accurate measurements. The Boho Babydoll patterns are drafted for light weight fabrics with great drape so if you need to grade for multiple sizes, please do not skip this step.

You will need your waist, hips and chest measurements in order to choose the correct  size. P4P has an amazing blog that gives you tip for accurately taking your measurements. You can read all about it here. If your measurements put you in a different size for chest/waist/hips be sure to check out our P4P University blog and grade to achieve the perfect fit.

The Boho Babydoll is a loose fitting shirt and dress, perfect for hot summers but also lovely when layered in the fall. Just imagine a cute denim jacket and some fun boots with it! Perfection!

Check out the day 1 video below and then comment “done” on the Day 1 picture of the Boho Babydoll SAL album in the Facebook sew along group. We don’t allow pictures of the pattern pieces so this will count as your day 1 check in. Let’s get started!

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 1 (print and cut pattern)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 2 (choose and cut fabric)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 3 (sew shoulder seams and sleeves)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 4 (Sew side seams, add neckband and armbands)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 5 (prepare skirt and attach it)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 6 (hem skirt and sleeves)

Boho Babydoll Sew Along | Day 7 (winners announcement)

Hepburn Top and Dress – Easy Hacks

The Hepburn Top & Dress has released and it will surely become a staple in your year round wardrobe. Our amazing (and growing) team of blog contributors has some easy hacks for the new pattern. Take a look and get sewing!

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Swim top/rashguard

The fit of the Turtle Neck Dress is so fantastic that modifying it to be a a rashguard is very simple!

The first thing you need to do is decide which pattern options you would like to use and gather your supplies. Swap out your sweater knit for some swim knit, and your clear elastic for swim elastic.

Cut out your pattern pieces and neckline elastic according to the tutorial. For all options, you will continue on following the tutorial until it is time to hem.

If you choose to make a cropped swim top, like I am, you may want additional swim elastic for the bottom hem. This will help keep the hem from rising up while swimming. For this option, you will want to trim half an inch from the bottom of the front and back bodice pieces.

 

I simply wrapped the elastic around my waist and cut at a comfortable length. The elastic will be attached in the same way you attach the neckline elastic for the crew neck.

All other hemming options can follow the tutorial. Now you can enjoy your new swim top!


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Zipper Workout Bra

For this hack, we will be working with the crew neck, crop, tank option. In addition to the materials listed in the pattern, you will also need: 

  • Fabric for the lining
  • Zipper that is slightly longer than the shortened crop bodice (detailed below)
  • Wash away wonder-tape (our new BFF!)
  • FOE/knit binding
  • 1” elastic
  • Soft bra cups
  • (Optional Hook & Eye Closure)

1. Assemble Bodice and Lining

2. Attach Zipper with Wonder Tape!

Find the center of the front neckline, cut straight down from top to bottom.

Place a strip of wonder tape from top to bottom along the edge of one half of the bodice. Do the same for the coordinating lining piece, peel off the paper strip.

With right sides together, place zipper along the edge of bodice.

Next, peel off paper strip on lining and place wrong side of zipper along right side of lining.

Check to be sure zipper is placed correctly, gently finger press in place. (Clip in place if needed).

Stitch 1/4’’ away from the zipper from top to bottom.

Repeat with other side. Your fully lined zipper is now attached with just two lines of stitching!! Zip up zipper, add reinforcement stitches across the bottom of the zipper, and trim the extra zipper fabric from off the top and bottom.

Finish neckline with your favorite finish. I used FOE, but you could also do a knit binding. Just be sure to fold the ends under so the edges are finished.

3. Add Bottom Band

Cut a band with the following formula (adjust length as needed): Length = 3.5” by Width = (75% of Underbust Measurement) + 1”

*Optional* Hand sew hook and eye closure at top of zipper.

And you are done!!!

   

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Picot trim

Anyone else buy tons of picot elastic thinking you are going to make all the bras and underwear? Well picot elastic can easily be used for other items and is a great finish for a necklines as well!  This is a quick easy hack and all you need that is different from the original requirements is picot elastic!

We are only going to make very minimal changes.  My picot elastic was 1/4 inch so I did not bother trimming the neckline down at all.  We are going to cut the picot the same length as what the pattern calls for for the clear elastic.

 

Now press that top stitch cause pressing is the key to a really great finished product and finish the rest of your top as instructed.  You can also use this method for the armholes if you choose but sometimes picot can be scratchy, mine was super soft but I choose to just use it for the neckline.

 

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Lettuce hem

Next up we have the lettuce hem hack. This is an easy and fast way to finish your edges with a little added style!

First off, we need to trim the hem allowances at the neckline, sleeve edges, and bottoms of both front and back pieces of the pattern to account for not using a traditional hem on these edges.

Trim 3/8″ off of the neckline.

Trim 1/2″ from the sleeve edges.

And trim 1″ from the bottoms of both the front and back bodice pieces.

Now that we’ve got our pattern pieces properly modified, cut and sew up your top as usual, using the new trimmed pattern pieces.

Next, set up your serger for a rolled hemline. Consult your serger’s manual for exactly how to do this on your machine, but in a nutshell, you will use only one needle, narrow the stitch width, decrease the length and increase the lower looper tension.

Begin with the neckline of the shirt. Sew the neckline as if you were finishing with a rolled hem, but stretch the fabric firmly before and after the presser foot. The tighter you pull, the more waves your lettuce hem will have!

Repeat on the raw edges of both sleeves and bottom hemline.

And that’s it! Now you have a beautifully finished tee with cute lettuce hems.

 

 

Caitlin

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Higher side vents

 

Let give this dress a nice higher vent to add extra sexy to it!

 Here’s how I made this little hack.

I started with cutting the mid-length version and marking the vent line for the knee length.

I continue sewing up the dress according to the instructions. 

Here is a picture to show the different vent lines. I followed the directions for the vent except I used the knee length instead of the mid length marking. 

Hope you all love this hack!!

Andrea

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Skirt

Next up we have a super easy, fun skirt hack. Nicole paired her skirt with the Sporty Piko crop but you can certainly wear it withe the cropped Hepburn top. Start by deciding where you would like the skirt to hit. Nicole is wearing a high waist style so she cut the pattern 1″ front and back pieces above the waist line. Now grab a 1″ knit elastic piece and stretch it around your waist (or high hip, depending on your skirt preference). Cut the elastic based on your waist and comfort. Sew the side seams and hem the bottom of the skirt following the tutorial instruction.

Using your serger or a zig zag stitch attach the elastic to the waist.

That’s it! All you have left to do now is enjoy your new skirt.

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Hepburn / Boundless mash

My turn!! You know there’s nothing I like more than a good dress! So once I have sewn the dress included in the pattern I just had to try mashing it with the Boundless skirt. Here is what I did:

Cut the preferred Hepburn style (tank, sleeves, etc) CROP top. Now grab the Boundless pattern (or even the Sunshine) and cut the waist skirt (not the empire one).

Sew the Hepburn crop top as instructed in the tutorial. Now grab some 1/4″ elastic and measure the opening of the bottom hem. Cut the elastic the same size as the measurement you just took and sew it in a loop.

All you have to do now is attach the skirt to the Hepburn top following the Boundless (or Sunshine) tutorial. Boom! One top…so many new possibilities!

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Hepburn / Sweetheart or Me Hearties mash

 

We could not end this hacks series without showing you how beautiful a Hepburn / Me Hearties (or Sweetheart) mash can be. Here is what how to get the look.

Judy has made he little star a 3/4″ sleeves, turtleneck crop top Hepburn and omitted hemming the bottom. Of course, you can choose any of the crop top styles included in the Hepburn pattern. Then she simply cut a Me Hearties circle skirt, sewed the side seams and hemmed the bottom.

All that left to do it attach the skirt to the top, following the Me Hearties instructions. Don’t forget the seam allowance is 1/2″.

Now tell me this cutie is not making you want to sew a Hepburn/Sweetheart mash for you too. I know that’s my next project!

Hope you enjoyed these easy hack as much as we enjoyed making them for you! Time to get sewing and remember to post your creations in the Patterns for Pirates Facebook group so we can all admire them.

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