Patterns for Pirates

P4P stylish, modern, wearable patterns

2018 Holiday Freebies :: Avast, A Vest!

Can you believe that we are on our fifth and final day of freebies?  I hope you’ve enjoyed this past week as much as I have!

Today’s freebie is fun, quick and easy!  Think of it as a your vest friend.  (See what I did there?!)  Allow me officially shout out: Avast, A Vest!

Fabric Requirements: 1-1/2 yards of a medium weight, double sided fabrics.  Favorites: brushed hacci, jersey knit, french terry, dbp.

GRAB YOUR COPY OF THE AVAST! A VEST PATTERN HERE!

Why double sided?  Because of the way this vest is worn, the top is folded back and reveals the backside of the fabric.  We wanted this pattern to be as simple of a layering piece as possible.  But if you’re not loving the raw edges and backside of your fabric, cut two pieces, sew them together around the entire outer edge (right sides together, turn through one of the arm openings, and complete the rest of the tutorial that way!

If you need help folding your fabric to prepare for cutting, it’s just like a circle skirt!

———

Cut your pattern piece, making sure to fold selvedge to selvege and then top to bottom before cutting. **DO NOT cut your arm openings yet, or you will end up with four armholes. 

Open up your fabric piece, leaving it still folded in half along with the stretch going horizontally.

Grab your pattern piece, realign it along the top, and cut our your arm openings.

Use the pattern guides to mark the middle points of the top and bottom of both arm openings.

Fold the arm opening, to meet the pins you just placed together and mark the other quarter points of the opening.

1. Fold your armband piece, right sides together, meeting the short ends together.
2. Now meeting the long ends together, fold in half again.
3. Using 1/2″ seam allowance, sew short raw edges (you will be sewing through four layers).

Flip open your armband, enclosing the seam cleanly in the middle. Repeat for other armband.

Mark quarter points of raw edges of armbands.

Slide the armband inside the bodice, aligning the raw edges and matching the quarter-marked points. Note: The armbands are slightly smaller than the bodice opening.

Stitch, using 1/2″ seam allowance. Repeat with second armband.

Open it up and throw it on as your new favorite layering piece!  You’re welcome to finish the edges if you’d like, but this was meant to be a more flowy, open vest.

Here are a couple of photos from our holiday tester group:

Also be sure to head over the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group and share what you’ve made with your new designs!

Happy Holidays, Pirates!

2018 Holiday Freebies :: Sleepy Cut Files

It’s day FOUR of our P4P 2018 Holiday Freebies and I am coming at you hot with some super fun “sleepy” themed digital designs!

The weather outside screams for extra naps, cuddling under big puffy blankets, curling up with a good book, and never leaving your bed.  We thought maybe it would be a good time to give you some new graphics for your cozy clothes.  (But really, you can put these on anything!!)

The designs are all packaged together with four different file types: SVG, PNG, DXF, and PDF.  They should work with most digital die cutting machines.  Here are a couple of examples from our amazing group of holiday testers!

Don’t own a machine like a Silhouette or Cricut?  No sweat!  We have included extra file types that will allow you to work with the designs however you’d like.

— Go old school and use an iron on transfer paper and your at-home printer.
— Use Heat Transfer Vinyl and your die cutter.
— Try your hand at Freezer Paper Stenciling.

What are you waiting for!

Go grab your copy of the FREE Sleepy Themed Cut Files now!

Also be sure to head over the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group and share what you’ve made with your new designs!

Happy Holidays, Pirates!

2018 Holiday Freebies :: Pirate Stocking Cap

On our THIRD day of freebies this holiday season, I thought it was time to bring to you a new hat pattern.  Did you know that I (Katy) started in the handmade selling world with crocheted hats?  Putting things on people’s heads apparently is my “thing” and it can be your thing too!

Today’s pattern is a super quick and easy one.  Perfect for scrap busting.  And even more perfect for people who like fun hats.

This stocking cap pattern comes in four sizes, which should cover the heads of the majority of your family!

XSmall (fits 17″ – 18″ head circumference) – Toddler
Small (fits 19″ – 20″ head circumference) – Child
Medium (fits 21″ – 22″ head circumference) – Teen/Adult
Large (fits 23″ – 24″ head circumference) – Adult

Grab your free pattern pieces here. If you need help putting the pattern together, pop over to the First Time Users Tips page or ask in our facebook group .

Recommended fabrics: Ponte, sweater knits, liverpool, brushed poly, rayon blends, tshirt knits, upcycled sweaters, etc.   Anything with a decent amount of drape to it works best, otherwise the “slouch” won’t happen as well.  I suggest washing your fabric before you begin to pre-shrink & help prevent color bleeding in the future.
Cuff piece: Any knits with at least a 20% stretch.

Instructions:

Lay one main hat piece, right side up.

Lay the second main piece on top, right sides together.

Using 1/2″ seam allowance, sew around the two outer edges.

With your fringe piece face down, start rolling it — wrong sides together.

You want this piece to be as close to 1/2″ wide as possible. Baste the top together.

Slide the fringe piece inside the main hat. Make sure to tuck all of the fringe edges inside, so you don’t catch them.

Stitch along the raw edges, using 1/2″ allowance. (You might find this step easier to do with your sewing machine, as it can generally handle a thicker amount of fabric than your serger.)

1. Fold your band piece, right sides together, meeting the short ends together.
2. Now meeting the long ends together, folding in half again.
3. Using 1/2″ seam allowance, sew short raw edges (you will be sewing through four layers).

Flip open your band, enclosing the seam cleanly in the middle. Mark the half points of the band.

Slide the band over the hat body, aligning the raw edges and matching the half-marked points. Note: The band is slightly smaller than the hat body.

Stretching the band only, stitch through all three layers of raw edges.

You’re finished!!  So easy, right??

In case you needed it, here is some inspiration from our fabulous group of testers:

As always, we love when you share what you’ve made with us.  Head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook group and show off the fabulous Pirate Stocking Caps you’ve managed to make from our freebie pattern!

2018 Holiday Freebies :: Critter Clutch

Welcome back to the second day of our P4P Holiday Freebies 2018!  I’m not sure I can even handle the excitement I have over today’s free pattern.  I am so happy to have this idea out of my head and finally in pattern form, to share with all of you.  AND FOR FREE!

These Critter Clutches are simply adorable!  They take minimal amounts of fabric, with not too much time involved in it.  The hardest part is deciding which version to do first: Unicorn, Reindeer or Fox??!!

You will need:
— Critter Clutch pattern pieces + Eye Digital Designs for HTV (found HERE)
— 1/2 yard main fabric, 1/2 yard lining fabric
— Fusible Fleece: I like Pellon 987F (aff link)
— Buttons / Snaps / Velcro for eyes and closures

Recommended fabrics: quilting cotton, kona cotton, flannel, etc.

Cut out all pieces needed for your corresponding bag.

Prepping the Strap:

Cut 3″ long x 34″ wide strip of fabric.
**Note: Depending if you or the recipient will be wearing it cross body or straight down from one shoulder, you may want to adjust the width of this piece to your liking.

1. Fold in half, with long edges touching, wrong sides together. Press.
2. + 3. Open up, and fold each long edge into the crease you just created.
4. Fold, completely enclosing the raw edges.

Edge stitch along both long edges. Set aside.  Finished width: 3/4″.

Horn / Ear / Antler / Nose Pieces: 

*Tip: I added fusible fleece to these pieces to help them stand up better.  Some of our testers opted to fill them with a small amount of fiberfil.  Either way works!

Right sides together, sew along the outer edges using 1/4″ seam allowance. Leave the bottom open for turning.

Clip corners and allowance before turning to get a crisper edge.  Topstitch if desired.

I like to get a little funky with the unicorn horn and add some decorative stitches to it.  This also helps the horn’s stiffness.

Apply Interfacing:

Carefully trim away 1/4″ from each interfacing piece, to allow for easier turning.

Following the instructions from the manufacturer, apply interfacing to these pieces:

  • Front Main Piece
  • Main Gussett

Eyes + Closures:

I personally like to add the eyes and velcro / snaps to the front main piece before we assemble the bag.  It allows for all of the stitching or snaps to be enclosed inside of the bags, and it’s a lot easier to apply HTV to a flat surface.  You can wait until the end if you’d like!

The Fox and Reindeer’s eyes need to be a little more wide set.  And the Unicorn’s eyes work best if you apply them closer to the bottom of the bag front.

Velcro / button placement on front main piece:

  • Unicorn / Plain Bag: 2″ from the top, centered (4.5″ from either side)
  • Fox / Reindeer: 2″ from the bottom, centered

Velcro / button placement on Back Lining piece:

  • Unicorn / Plain Bag: 2″ from the top, centered (4.5″ from either side)
  • Fox / Reindeer: 1.5″ from the bottom, centered

REINDEER ONLY:

1″ from the top edge, pin and baste ears in place using 1/8″ seam allowance.

Back Main Assembly:

UNICORN ONLY: Take back main piece and mark the center along the top, straight edge.  Mark center of horn piece.

Right sides together, align and pin/clip horn in place.

Place ears on either side of horn.  **Be sure not to go outside of your seam allowance on the outer edges, or you’ll have trouble turning your bag because the ears will be stuck in the outer edges.

FOX and REINDEER ONLY:

Right sides together, place ears and antlers (not pictured) 1″ from the outer edge.

ALL ANIMAL BAGS:

Place top piece, right sides together. Stitch with 1/4″ seam allowance.

Press open, with horn, antlers and/or ears pressed toward top and seam allowance pressed down.

Follow the manufacturer directions and iron your fusible interfacing onto the back side of the back main piece.

Attaching the Gusset:

Mark middle bottom of back piece and middle of both long edges of outer gusset piece.

Right sides together, ease gusset around bottom edge of back piece.  Sew using 1/4″ seam allowance.

Repeat for front main piece, attaching right sides together to other edge of gusset.

Repeat for lining pieces. Only this time, leave 4-5″ gap in one of the lining curves, to allow for turning.

Using 1/4″ allowance, baste straps, centered, on side gusset pieces. 

Final Assembly:

With the lining piece right sides out and the main, outer bag piece wrong sides out, slide the lining inside and align entire top edge.

Sew with 1/4″ seam allowance. Clip all edges and curves for cleaner turning.

Locate the opening you’d left in the lining.

Turn bag right-side-out through opening.

Pin and sew the opening in the lining closed, using your favorite blind or ladder stitch.

Press bag.  Topstitch around top edge if desired.

Reindeer Nose:

Align the nose at the very bottom of the front flap piece.  Top stitch the entire circle, catching the flap in your stitches and affixing the nose to the flap piece.

YOU’RE FINISHED!  DO A HAPPY DANCE!

In case you needed it, here is some inspiration for the different designs sewn up by our amazing testers!

UNICORN:

REINDEER

FOX

PLAIN

I hope you love these little cuties as much as I do.  Don’t forget to share your finished projects in the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group!  Happy Holidays, friends!

2018 Holiday Freebies :: Infinity Scarf with Hidden Zipper Pocket

Happy December, friends!!  It is my pleasure to be back again this year with an entire week of goodies for you.  AND THEY ARE ALL FREE!  That’s right, you are about to embark on a five day journey of free sewing patterns and tutorials.  I’m excited to get started!

Today’s freebie is a twist on a classic infinity scarf…we added a hidden, zippered pocket to it!  It’s a perfect little space to store your phone, keys, or anything that you’d like to carry with you but don’t want to need a purse or extra hand for. It’s a super quick sew and is at the top of my gift-giving list this holiday season.

Let’s get started!

Fabric Requirements: 2 yards of knit, flannel, or a light-weight woven.

You will need:
— Main Scarf Piece: 28″ W x 72″ L (can be woven or knit. If using a knit, you may need small strips of stabilizer where you’re attaching your zipper)
— 2 pocket pieces: 9″ W x 7″ L
— 9″ Zipper **You can make the pocket bigger / smaller by adjusting the size width of your pocket pieces to match the length of your zipper.

1.) With your main fabric laying RIGHT SIDE UP, lay your zipper FACING DOWNWARDS, 5″ from the edge of your fabric, along one of the long edges.

2.) Sandwich your zipper by laying a pocket piece on top, RIGHT SIDE DOWN.

3.) Pin/clip and sew along edge, using a zipper foot to get as close to zipper as you can.

4.) Flip your pocket piece up and away from the main fabric.

5.) Fold your pocket piece under the main fabric (their wrong sides should be touching now).

6.) Fold main fabric together, matching the long sides to each other.

7.) Making sure you’re still 5″ from the short edge, align the unsewn side of the zipper to the opposite long edge of your fabric. Once again, your zipper should be FACE DOWN.

8.) Sandwich your zipper by laying your other pocket piece on top, RIGHT SIDE DOWN.

9.) Pin/clip and sew along edge.

10.) For easier sewing on the next step, I like to unzip my zipper a bit, to get the pull out of the way.

11.) With fabric still RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER, sew with 1/2″ seam allowance along long edges, and outer edges of pocket.

12.) This step might feel a little tricky, but it’s really not! You’re going to want to keep your fabric inside out, while folding it in half to still have right sides together, and the short edges meeting each other. I find it easiest to stick my arm all the way inside, grabbing the opposite short end, and then pulling it toward me from the inside, being careful not to twist it. Align the short edges to each other.

13.) Stitch the raw edges together with 1/2″ seam allowance, leaving a 4-5″ opening for turning.

14.) Turn scarf right side out, pulling the entirety of the fabric through the opening you created in the last step.

15.) Pin and close up the opening with a blind stitch. You’re finished!

Here’s a little inspiration from our fabulous group of testers, in case you needed it.

As always, we love when you share what you’ve made with us.  Head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook group and show off the fabulous Infinity Scarf that you’ve managed to make from our freebie pattern!  Happy Holidays, friends!

**Since there was such a high amount of requests for a video tutorial, here you go!

P4P Holiday Freebies Roundup

We know that November and December can be your busiest time of year….in general, but also in SEWING!  Here at P4P, we try and make it easier on you by giving you some gift-giving ideas.  (If you’re gifting these to yourself, none of us are judging you.  Not for a second.)

Here’s a quick look back at the different series of freebies we’ve given our favorite pirates!

2016: FLEECE MITTENS | SLOUCHY BEANIE | BLANKET SCARF

2017: SLOUCHY HEADWARMER | EMOJI PILLOWS | SIZE TAGS | CAMERA STRAP | EASY BUTTON COWL

2018: INFINITY SCARF W/ZIPPERED POCKET | CRITTER CLUTCH | PIRATE STOCKING CAP | SLEEPY THEMED CUT FILES | AVAST, A VEST!

2019: HEY COOKIE APRON | PIXIE HAT | FESTIVE FABRIC TREES | UGLY SWEATER PARTY DIY | HOODED BLANKETS

2020: PIRATE PILLOWCASE | HICKORY HAT | PAW-FECT STOCKING | BRAIDED INFINITY SCARF | BEAR HUG RUG

2021: FINGERLESS GLOVES| SCRUNCHIE CROWN | SHIVER ME SLIPPER SOCKS | EARFLAP HAT | CLAIRE WRAP

2022: SLEIGH RIDE SHAWL | PATTERN COLORING PAGES | HOLIDAY HAIR BOWS | DOGGONE RAGLAN | MERRY NAPKINS

Trick or Treat Bag :: Free Sewing Tutorial + Pattern!

Let’s get to it, my Pirate friends!  This my favorite time of the year: HALLOWEEN!!  It’s full of kitchy decorations, creative costumes, and lots of sewing (at least for me!) and is also the start of the holiday season.

We are all treats and no tricks this year, by giving you a quick and easy Trick or Treat Bag that you can whip up in no time for your littles — or yourself!  It doesn’t take much fabric and is a great way to finally use up all of that fun cotton woven that you keep buying while browsing the fabric store, without any actual plan of what you’re going to make with it.

This tote is meant to be made with woven (non-stretch) fabrics.  You will need a little under 3/4 Yard of the main fabric, and 1/2 Yard of the lining fabric.  This bag ends up being reversible — so if you can’t decide between fabrics (which we couldn’t at all….the prints this time of year are SO CUTE!!), you can use it one way, and then turn it inside out and use it again.  It’s like two bags in one!

Step 1: Cut 2 Main Fabric pieces and 2 Lining Pieces 18″ long x 15″ wide.  Cut 2 Straps 24″ long x 4″ wide.

Step 2: Lay main bag pieces, right sides together.

Step 3: Using 1/2″ seam allowance, sew along the side and bottom edges.

Step 4: Repeat Steps 2 + 3 with lining fabric, only this time leaving a 3-4″ opening in the middle bottom for turning.

Step 5: Trim seam allowances and corners on both main and lining pieces.  Be careful not to clip through your seams, and leave the allowance on the opening of the lining piece.  Set aside main and lining bag pieces for now.

Step 6: With one of your strap pieces, lay with wrong side facing you.  Fold in half, meeting the long edges together.  Press.

Step 7: Open up your piece and fold one of the raw edges toward the middle crease you just made.

Step 8: Repeat with the second raw edge. Press.

Step 9: Fold along middle crease, meeting both folded edges. All of your raw edges will be fully enclosed now.

Step 10: Press you strap piece.  Then edge stitch along both long, outer edges.  Repeat with second strap.

Step 11: Grab your main bag piece and turn right sides out.

Step 12: Careful not to twist your strap, pin raw edges in place, measuring 3″ from the edge of your bag.  Baste, using 1/4″ allowance.  Repeat on other side of main bag piece, using the other strap.

Step 13: With your main bag piece (with straps now basted onto it) right sides out, and lining piece wrong sides out, slide the main bag inside of the lining.

Step 14:  Align raw edges and seams, and pin in place.

Step 15: Using 1/2″ seam allowance, stitch around entire top edge of bag.

Step 16: Through the opening that we left in the bottom of the lining piece, turn your bag right sides out.

Step 17: Using your favorite stitch (I recommend doing a blind hand stitch), close the opening in the bottom of the lining piece.

Step 18: Push lining inside of the main bag piece, press, and admire your new handiwork before your littles steal it and fill it with candy this Halloween!

Happy Halloween, friends!  I’m loving all of the costume photos that have been rolling in so far.  Can’t wait to see the rest of them (hopefully with some new P4P Trick or Treat bags in tow!)

FREE Tulip Tee Pattern + 100k Sale-A-Bration Day 5!

Welcome back to our fourth day of the 100K Sale-A-Bration, pirates!

In case you missed the announcement or the freebies that have been released so far, here they are!
100K Sale-A-Bration + Grand Prize Giveaway | Free Convertible Cover Pattern | Free Mom/Girl Power Cut Files | Free Tiny Tulip Tee Pattern

Did you really think we’d make an adorable tee pattern for the girls and not one for women too?  Obviously the ladies needed a Tulip Tee too and today’s free pattern is just that!  Whoop whoop!

The Tulip Tee is a beginner knit pattern in a simple dolman style.  The tulip front and back options are so fun and on trend and it can be a perfect staple for anyone’s wardrobe!   It includes four bodice styles (tulip front, tulip back, tshirt hem and banded hem), 3 sleeve lengths (short, 3/4 and long), and covers womens sizes XXS – Plus 3X!  This top is a looser fitting tee.  The tulip options will give it a little more swing and feel looser than the plain option.  A fabric with good drape is recommended, for the tulip options especially, so the curves drape down to the body rather than tenting outwards.  (Favorite fabric picks would be rayon / modal / bamboo spandex blends, triblends, ITY, sweater knits, and rayon blend french terry.)  The top is a shirt length that hits toward the lower part of the booty in the back, and mid rise on the front.  It’s the perfect length for shorts, or to lengthen around an inch if you plan on pairing it with leggings.  The tulip curves hit right at the waistband of a high-rise bottom (jeans or leggings), but is easy to lengthen to your preference!

It’s also a perfect top for nursing mommas….which is why we also included a nursing under layer that gives coverage for nursing mamas while still looking stylish and feeling comfortable.

**Want to learn more about how to measure yourself / your little one for this pattern?  We’ve got you covered with an in-depth blog HERE.  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!  And, as with all of our current releases and updates, the pdfs now include our layers feature and can be found in Letter, A4 and A0 sizes.

Let’s take a quick peek at the options!

TULIP FRONT

TULIP BACK

TSHIRT HEM

BANDED HEM

NURSING UNDER LAYER

If that’s not enough, we have a Facebook album full of tester images for more inspiration!  (And if you wait a couple of days, we have a post coming out that is full of pattern hacks to help take this freebie even further!)

Go grab your copy of the Women’s Tulip Tee now!

Also be sure to head over the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group and enter yourself into today’s daily drawing for the 100K Sale-A-Bration

Happy Sewing, Pirates!

FREE Tiny Tulip Tee Pattern + 100k Sale-A-Bration Day 4!

Welcome back to our fourth day of the 100K Sale-A-Bration, pirates!

In case you missed the announcement or the freebies that have been released so far, here they are!
100K Sale-A-Bration + Grand Prize Giveaway | Free Convertible Cover Pattern | Free Mom/Girl Power Cut Files 

Today is another fun one because we are giving you a FREE (!!) girl’s tee sewing pattern!  Let’s welcome the Tiny Tulip pattern to our P4P family!

The Tiny Tulip tee is a beginner knit pattern in a simple dolman style.  The tulip front and back options are so fun and on trend and it can be a perfect staple for anyone’s wardrobe!   It includes four bodice styles (tulip front, tulip back, tshirt hem and banded hem), 3 sleeve lengths (short, 3/4 and long), and covers sizes 3M – 14!  This top is a looser fitting tee.  The tulip options will give it a little more swing and feel looser than the plain option.  A fabric with good drape is recommended, for the tulip options especially, so the curves drape down to the body rather than tenting outwards.  (Favorite fabric picks would be rayon / modal / bamboo spandex blends, triblends, ITY, sweater knits, and rayon blend french terry.)  The top is a shirt length that hits toward the lower part of the booty in the back, and mid rise on the front.  It’s the perfect length for shorts, or to lengthen around an inch if you plan on pairing it with leggings.  The tulip curves hit right at the waistband of a high-rise bottom (jeans or leggings), but is easy to lengthen to your preference!

**Want to learn more about how to measure yourself / your little one for this pattern?  We’ve got you covered with an in-depth blog HERE.  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!  And, as with all of our current releases and updates, the pdfs now include our layers feature and can be found in Letter, A4 and A0 sizes.

Let’s take a quick peek at the options!

TULIP FRONT

TULIP BACK

TSHIRT HEM

BANDED HEM

If that’s not enough, we have a Facebook album full of tester images for more inspiration!  (And if you wait a couple of days, we have a post coming out that is full of pattern hacks to help take this freebie even further!)

Go grab your copy of the Tiny Tulip Tee now!

Also be sure to head over the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group and enter yourself into today’s daily drawing for the 100K Sale-A-Bration

Happy Sewing, Pirates!

FREE Mom/Girl Power Cut Files + 100k Sale-A-Bration Day 3!

Who is ready for the third day of celebrating?!  Welcome back to another round of our 100K Sale-A-Bration, pirates!

In case you missed the first day (which has an INSANE giveaway attached to it) or our second day (which includes a FREE sewing pattern), here are the links:
100K Sale-A-Bration + Grand Prize Giveaway | Free Convertible Cover Pattern

Today is another round of freebies, this time in the form of some digital cut files!

We really wanted to focus on one of our favorite topics: Strong Women.  But since we are lightly theming this week of celebrations around moms, we thought it might be fun to make the designs all about strong mommas and their little girls.  (Don’t worry, we have plans for designs geared toward boys / men at a later date!)

The designs are all packaged together with four different file types: SVG, PNG, DXF, and PDF.  They should work with most digital die cutting machines.

Don’t own a machine like a Silhouette or Cricut?  No sweat!  We have included extra file types that will allow you to work with the designs however you’d like.

— Go old school and use an iron on transfer paper and your at-home printer.
— Use Heat Transfer Vinyl and your die cutter.
— Try your hand at Freezer Paper Stenciling.

Or, head right over to our First Mate Katy’s store (she’s the designer of these and most of our cut files), and have her cut the design for you and send it your way!  You can find all of our pirate designs available in here store HERE.

Wait no longer!

Go grab your copy of the FREE Mom/Girl Power Cut Files now!

Also be sure to head over the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group and enter yourself into today’s daily drawing for the 100K Sale-A-Bration

Happy Sewing, Pirates!

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