Patterns for Pirates

P4P stylish, modern, wearable patterns

New Pattern Release :: Oversized Sweater!

January for the majority of us means sweater weather.  The trend right now seems to be leaning toward an oversized, super cozy, slouchy sweater — and we jumped right on board with that style!  Aptly named, the Oversized Sweaters are about to be your new best friends.  Let’s talk about them, shall we?

The Oversized Sweater patterns are super classic loose sweater / sweatshirt / jumper patterns. The fit and style is so versatile and can be used with all the cozy fabrics everyone loves and stockpiles during the winter months! It’s time to use that stack of fluffy fabrics you’ve accumulated!  This fast and easy sew will fill up your closets with pieces your whole family will love!

You can pick from 3 different necklines: a classic crew neckband, a tall turtleneck, or a hood — and the youth pattern even comes with optional ears! You can get creative with the short pointy ears (kitty, fox, wolf), rounded ears (bear, koala, panda), and long bunny ears. Who can resist those adorable ears? The hemline also includes 3 options: tight waistband, curved hemline and a split high low hem.

With the loose fit and many options you can create so many different looks with fabrics like french terry, sweater knits, sweatshirt fleece, fleece, sherpa, etc.

**Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for these 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!  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.  And for even more helpful fun, we have a *free* printable that you can use to help record your measurements as you take them.

Let’s take a quick look at the different options!

HEM OPTIONS: HIGH-LOW SPLIT / CURVED / TIGHT WAISTBAND

NECKLINE OPTIONS: FOLD-OVER TURTLENECK / CREW / HOODED

OPTIONAL ANIMAL EARS INCLUDED IN THE YOUTH PATTERN: POINTED EARS / ROUNDED EARS / BUNNY EARS

How about some fabric inspiration?  The looser fit means you can use something super drapey or super thick for different looks. Here are some of the favorite tester choices:

SWEATER KNITS:

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WAFFLE KNITS:

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FRENCH TERRY:

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SHERPA:

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OTHERS:

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In case you were looking for some more inspiration, you can find all of our tester images in our Facebook group!  Go check them out: Oversized Sweater Facebook Album | Oversized Sweater – Youth Facebook Album

Are you ready to sew your new favorite sweater?  Go grab the patterns now!

OVERSIZED SWEATER | OVERSIZED SWEATER – YOUTH | OVERSIZED SWEATER – ADULT/YOUTH BUNDLE

And if our pattern alone doesn’t provide enough options for you, we’ve also included a blog post that will help take your Oversized Sweaters to the next level!  Go check out our Easy Hacks Post to see how to make some slight alterations to the original pattern, to customize it even further!

The release sale (no code needed) will be through Saturday February 1 (11:59PM US Central Time Zone).

Happy Sewing, Pirates!

Oversized Sweater :: Easy Hacks

It’s here! It’s here! The comfiest, snuggliest, coziest sweater you will ever have. The Oversized Sweater includes so many options for both youth and adult but we couldn’t help ourselves…we wanted more! The P4P blog team is showing you how to make an Off the shoulder sweater, a mini dress, a color blocked one, the cutest pom poms hack ever and a higher side slit one. Enjoy!

 

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Off the shoulder

Off-the-shoulder shirts are my jam. I still remember falling all the way in love with the first one I saw Alex do for the Relaxed Raglan. This Oversized Sweater is the PERFECT top to hack into your favorite Pinteresty slouchy off-the-shoulder sweater. And it’s pretty easy! Grab your fabric and pattern pieces–let’s get started!

Layer your front, back and sleeve pieces on top of each other.

Measure down 1/2 inch.

Draw a line. This is going to be your new cut line.

Cut out your pieces.

**Tip: Place a clip on the front of the sweater to differentiate your pieces.

Sew your sleeves on first. They aren’t going to be sewn all the way up so remember that. You’re going to sew them on similarly to how raglan sleeves are done. They’ll look like this:

Once the sleeves have been attached to both the front and back pieces, it’ll look like this.

Cut a neckband 3 inches in width by 85% of your measurement of your shoulders (with shoulders down, measure around your body). Add the neckband.

Finish assembly as instructed in the tutorial and then rock the hell out of it!

I’m wearing a hachi sweater knit in a straight P1 with a curved hem.

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Mini dress

Next up, we have a mini dress hack. I love anything that I can wear that’s comfy, but that’s also really sexy, and this mini dress hack fits the bill perfectly.

For this version, we’ll be using the high-low hem option of the sweater.  Because the bottom of both the front and back pieces of the bodice are straight, it’s very easy to simply add length to the bottom of these to lengthen your sweater into a dress. How much length you add to the bottom of your pattern pieces is completely up to you, but I found that 4 inches was perfect for the “mini” look I was going for.

When cutting out both the front and back pieces of your sweater, simply add 4 inches to the length at the bottom of each. Please note that the high-low bands were not changed at all for this hack; only the length of the main body pieces have been altered.

Cut and sew together the rest of the sweater as described in the tutorial, and voila! You now have a cute and very trendy mini dress, ready to go!

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Poms

If you’re anything like me you might have an addiction to Faux Fur Poms especially on the littles! They are just so cute! I’m going to show you a quick and easy way to substitute the ears for Poms! You’ll sew your hood together exactly the same as all of the instructions but before sewing the hood I recommend marking your ear placements slightly past the seam allowance in a washable pen that way you know where to place your poms. Then I highly recommend adding interfacing where your poms will be for added durability especially if using a pom with snaps.

 

Now if you have a sew on pom you’ll sew it right along the markings you made for the ears. I recommend going directly through the seam allowance, once again for added durability.

 

If you are using a pom with snaps (which I recommend for washing purposes as well as pom changing fun!), push your seam allowance toward the back of the hood and attach your snap through your interfacing and the seam allowance.

and wallah! You are done and now have super cute pom ears!

 

Happy Sewing,

Michelle

 

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Colorblocked

I am all in anytime that I have a chance to sport some spirit gear for our local team (Go Grizzlies!). Awhile ago, I was doing some aimless browsing and came across a colorblocked sweatshirt that was absolutely perfect. Of course they didn’t have our team colors, but the oversized sweater was the perfect starting point to recreating this sporty look.

To begin, you will want to divide the front and back bodice pieces, as well as the sleeve, into the sections. For mine, I began with the front bodice piece. I measured 5″ down from the neckline and placed a vertical line. I then measured 6″ below that to create my second color block. The remaining section will be for my third color block.  For the back bodice, I lined up the bottom hemline of both front and back piece, and transferred my lines to this piece as well.

To create the colorblocked sleeve, I began by aligning to top of the sleeve with the front bodice neckline and again, transferring these lines.

Once the lines are drawn, you will then need to cut your pieces on these lines (you can also fold your pattern on each of these lines if you’d rather not cut your original). To cut the fabric, you will need to add an additional 1/2″ to each line you drew, both to the top and bottom colorblocked sections of this line, to account for the seam allowance.

Now that you’ve cut out your pieces (phew, wasn’t that fun?! haha), you will begin to reassemble the bodices and sleeves. With right sides together, match up each colorblock section and sew using a 1/2″ SA.

Once your pieces have been sewn together, you will then follow the original tutorial to construct your sweatshirt.  And just like that, you’re now ready to show off your favorite colors, prints, or school spirit all in one fun, colorblocked sweater!

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Higher side split

Let’s end this easy hacks series with a Pinterest inspired hack. One of the testers shared a picture of a high side slit oversized sweater and I knew I just have to have one. This is super easy look to achieve!

I chose to make the slit 5″ but that is just a mild suggestion. You can certainly make it bigger (or smaller) if you’d like. Mark 5″ up from the bottom raw edge on all 4 side seams. You can use pins, clips or a tailor chalk.

Sew the pattern as instructed in the tutorial but stop the at the 5″ mark. You may find this step easier to be done if you sew (at least the last few inches) with a sewing machine. Repeat the steps on the other side.

Press a 1/2″ hem on both sides of the side seam. Stitch the hem down with a zig zag stitch, twin needles or a coverstitch.

Continue adding the front and back bands ad in the tutorial. See that was super easy!

I did the hack on my turtleneck version but it would be super cute on all neckline.

Tip: If you would like to make the high side seam on the curved hem option you would have to sew the side seams the same way you do the high low option. 

 

Hope you enjoyed these as much as we loved making them for you. As always, don’t forget to show off your creations in the P4P Facebook group or Instagram (use #patternsforpirates) so we can ohhh and ahhh over them!

Gala Gown :: New Pattern Release!

We’ve been teasing this pattern for a while now.  But I promise that the wait has been SO worth it because these new dresses are stunning!  Let’s talk about the Gala Gowns!

The Gala Gown is a beautiful dress with options that will suit your preferences every time for any season! It includes tank, cap sleeve, 3/4 and long sleeves. You can choose from knee length, floor length or floor length with a front slit. The bodice features flattering princess seaming on the front and back and is lined for an easy v neckline! The adult pattern comes with a high and low v neck option for both front and back, which you can mix and match.

You can’t leave out the pocket either! Perfect for your large phone, keys, lipstick, or just somewhere perfect to keep your hands all night! Finally some pockets big enough to carry everything we need while we’re looking drop dead gorgeous, am I right?!

The Gala Gown is drafted for stable knits like stretch lace, ponte, scuba, liverpool, techno, stretch velvet, french terry, etc.

**Want to learn more about how to measure yourself 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!  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.  And for even more helpful fun, we have a *free* printable that you can use to help record your measurements as you take them.

Let’s take a quick look at the different options!

LOW FRONT (ADULT SIZES ONLY)

HIGH FRONT

LOW BACK

 

HIGH BACK

KNEE LENGTH

MAXI LENGTH

 

OPTIONAL HIGH SLIT (ADULT SIZES ONLY)

FOUR SLEEVE LENGTHS

OPTIONAL POCKET

TWIRL FACTOR

Are you ready to go make a fabulous gown?  Go grab the patterns now!

GALA GOWN | GALA GOWN YOUTH | GALA GOWN BUNDLE

And if our pattern alone doesn’t provide enough options for you, we’ve also included a blog post that will help take the Gala Gowns to the next level!  Go check out our Easy Hacks Post to see how to make some slight alterations to the original pattern, to customize it even further!

The release sale (no code needed) will be through Saturday December 14th (11:59PM US Central Time Zone).

Happy Sewing, Pirates!

2019 Holiday Freebies :: Hooded Blanket

Alas, we have arrived to the final day of the 2019 Holiday Freebies.  But do not fret, my friends.  Because what we’ve got in store for you today is super fun!

Blankets are a hot commodity in our household.  At least between my son and I.  We love to snuggle on the couch under all the cozy blankets that we can, while catching up on our favorite Netflix movie or series.  I mean, who doesn’t?  We upped the blanket coziness a little by adding a hood.  And some hand pockets.  And then gave them some ears so we could be cute and cuddly at the same time.  It’s really the best thing ever!

Grab your “HOODED BLANKET” pattern pieces here!

Fabric Requirements (Most fabrics work great for this! My favorites are fleece and minky.):

  • 1.5 yards of lining
  • 1.5 yards main fabric

For blanket pieces, you will need 1 main + 1 lining fabric 54″w x 40″t
The great thing about this pattern is that you can adjust the height and width of your blanket to your own liking!  If you want it larger or smaller….go for it!  Just remember that you may need additional yardage if you do.

1. Hem long, angled edge of hand pockets by folding under 1/2″ (toward wrong side) and edge stitching.

2. Align at top two corners of blanket lining piece and baste in place. Both lining and hand pocket fabrics will be right sides facing up.

3. Optional ears: Sew ear pieces, right sides together, leaving bottom edge open. Repeat with other ear.  Turn right-sides-out and top stitch if desired.

4. Place front hood pieces, right sides together.  Stitch along bottom curve.

5.  Turn right side out.  Top stitch if desired.

6. Align ear notch to marked point on the hood front. Baste place. Repeat with second ear.

7. Place the main back hood piece, right sides up.

8. Place the front piece sections on top, main fabrics together.

9. Place lining back hood on top, right sides down.  Sew along entire top curve.

10. Turn right sides out.

11.  Mark middle points of hood and blanket lining piece.  Baste hood in place, with hood opening facing down towards lining piece.

12. Place main blanket piece on top, right sides facing down.  Sew along all four outer edges, leaving 6-8″ opening for turning.

13. Turn right sides out. Press. Sew the opening closed, using your favorite method.
Optional: Top stitch along entire outer edge.

Need some inspiration for your very own Hooded Blanket?  Check out what our testers sewed up for themselves:

 

I la-la-love when you share your photos with me!  Head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group and show us what you’ve made!

Happy Holidays, Pirates!

2019 Holiday Freebies :: Ugly Sweater Party DIYs

Woohoo!  We’ve made it to the fourth day of the 2019 Holiday Freebies!  I’ve been having a blast sharing with you all week!

Today’s freebie is a little different than the rest, but so. stinking. fun.  This time of year is constantly filled with invites to “Ugly Sweater parties”.  I thought it might be fun to give you some DIY ideas to make something to wear to them!

There are three things we are going to make today, and you’ll need pattern pieces for all of them.

Grab your “UGLY SWEATER PARTY DIYs” pattern pieces here!

TREE CIRCLE SKIRT

When I created this, I was picturing turning myself into a Christmas tree – but doing it in a semi-cute way.  This pattern is three circle skirts layered on top of each other, completely hemmed in a white pom pom trim.  Sweet.  Simple.  A little on the tacky side still.  But totally holiday party worthy.

Check the size chart before sewing to know which skirt size you need to make!

Fabric Requirements in yards (based upon 54″ knit fabrics):

To get a full circle skirt, we will be cutting three layers of skirts on the double fold, using the cutout piece.

1. Place the cutout piece in between both of folds.  Measure the distance from bottom of the cutout piece.  First for 12″, then for 16″ and then another circle at 20″.

2. Cut out the middle circle along the pattern piece.

3. If desired, add your trim / hem each layer of the skirt pieces.

4. Meeting the short ends together, fold the waistband piece right sides together.

5. Now meeting the long ends together, fold the waistband piece a second time.  You’ll have a fold along one of the sides and the bottom.

6. Sew along raw, short edge.  And then flip to right sides out.

7. Mark the quarter points on your waistband piece.

8. With all three layers of the skirt aligned at the waist opening, mark the quarter points of the skirt as well.

9. Aligning all raw edges and quarter points, sew through all 5 layers of fabric, attaching the waistband to the three layers of the skirt.  Flip up the waistband and wear your new tree inspired skirt!

ELF COLLAR

You can use this on pretty much any tshirt pattern you might already own.  While my tutorial is using the Boho Babydoll, it can be used on most adult and youth patterns and sizes.  You can be your very own Elf on the Shelf, in case that’s been your lifelong dream!

1. Keeping the collar piece folded, lay one of the pieces out in front of you.

2. Place the back bodice pattern piecs on top, aligning the shoulder point and fold.


3. Cut the neckline into the collar piece.  And repeat with the other collar piece, this time using the front bodice pattern piece.

4. Place one collar piece on surface, with right side facing toward you.

5. With right sides together, place other collar piece on top.  Sew, using same seam allowance as the pattern you are attaching it to.  (In my case, it is 1/2″.)

6. Sew shoulder seams of your tee pattern.

7. Open up and lay flat on surface, with the wrong side facing up.

8. Place collar on top with wrong sides facing up, aligning raw edges.  Sew along entire neck opening, using 1/2″ seam allowance.

9. Flip collar through, turning right sides out.  Top stitch along entire opening, if desired.  Assemble the remainder of your top pattern.

SNOWMAN APPLIQUE

Frosty and you might be BFFs and you need to put his face on a tee.  I’m the last person to judge, trust me.  This applique is super easy to attach, and I would highly recommend doing so *before* sewing up your entire top…it might be easier for you to add all of the facial features on a front bodice piece, rather than the entire shirt.

1.  For the top hat, use the guidelines to clip into the seam allowance in the corners.

2. Press, wrong sides together, 1/2″ seam allowance, allowing all raw edges to be folded under.

3. Repeat with Nose piece.

 

4. Pin and applique / zig zag stitch along entire outer edges of top hat and nose.  Add button eyes and mouth.  Finish assembling your top pattern, as directed.

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 fabulously dorky and “ugly” things that you’ve managed to make from our freebie pattern!  Happy Holidays, friends!

2019 Holiday Freebies :: Festive Fabric Trees

Woohoo!  We are rolling into another day of our 2019 Holiday Freebies!  Get ready to make a million of these cuties…they’re really fun to make and are fabulous scrap busters.  Our testers just kept making more and more for their own homes, teacher gifts, and to fill their craft booths this holiday season.

Let’s get to making some happy little trees!

Grab your “FESTIVE FABRIC TREES” pattern pieces here!

Fabric Requirements (based upon 44″ quilting cottons):

Prep your pieces.  You will need four total tree pieces for one tree.

Place two of the pieces, right sides together.

Sew around outer edge.  Only sew an inch or two along the bottom curve, on both sides, to leave space for turning and adding the fiber fill.

Clip as close as you can to the seam allowance without going through it, and trim points.  This will allow for sharper points.

Turn right sides out and press, making sure to press under the seam allowance.  **Repeat with remaining pieces.

Press one of the sets in half, to create your guide line for sewing in the next step.

Align both sets on top of each other, keeping the one that you pressed on top.

Sew a line straight down the middle of all layers.

Fill all four openings with poly fill.

Hand stitch the openings shut on the bottom, using your favorite stitch.

You’re finished!  Sit back, enjoy your adorable new tree….and then go make a hundred more!  Here are a couple of cute ones from our 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 Festive Fabric Trees that you’ve managed to make from our freebie pattern!  Happy Holidays, friends!

2019 Holiday Freebies :: Pixie Hat

Are you ready for another super fun day of freebies for the 2019 Holiday Freebies with Patterns for Pirates?  Because I am!!

Today’s free pattern for you is a super, duper easy one.  And such a fun sew!  Let’s get to the Pixie Hat, shall we?

Grab your “PIXIE HAT” pattern pieces here!

Check the size chart before sewing to know which size you need to make!

Fabric Requirements (based upon 44″ quilting cottons):

  • – 3/4” or 7/8” ribbon (34″ for Toddler size, 35″ for Youth size, 36″ for Teen/Adult size)
    – 2/3 yard each lining + main. I like flannel for this!

Lay your piece with right side of the fabric up, facing you.

Meeting the short ends, fold the piece in half, with right sides together.
With 1/2” seam allowance, sew along one of the long edges.
Repeat with lining piece.


With the lining piece right sides out, and the main piece wrong sides out, put the lining piece inside of the main.

Align all edges and sew long, raw edge, using 1/2” seam allowance.

Turn right sides out. And top stitch along long edge, if desired.

If desired, baste/serge the bottom edge of the hat.

Press 1/4” and then 1” toward lining, to create ribbon casing. Top stitch along top edge of the fold.

Using a bodkin / safety pin, thread ribbon through casing.

**Quick reminder time!  To prevent fraying, you will want to seal the edges of your ribbon with heat.

Allow for only 12” of ribbon to be on either side of casing. Secure with stitches. It will gather to about 2/3 of the width of your hat bottom.
You’re done!

And just in case you’re in need of some inspirations, here are a few photos from our fabulous testers!

As always, our favorite thing is when you share what you’ve made from our patterns!  Head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group and let us “oooh” and “aaah” over what you’ve created!

Happy Holidays, Pirates!

2019 Holiday Freebies :: Hey Cookie Apron

Happy December, Pirates!! I am beyond thrilled to be back again for another round of holiday freebies!  We’ve got five days worth of free sewing patterns for you…starting right now!

I have been wanting a cute circle skirt style apron for so long now, and I thought it would be the perfect time to make it happen.  Let’s kick off this incredibly fun week with our first pattern, the Hey Cookie Apron.

Hey Cookie is drafted for adults, with the waist sizes ranging from 23″ – 57″, in sizes Snickerdoodle, Chocolate Chip, Gingersnap, and Shortbread.

Grab your “HEY COOKIE APRON” pattern pieces here!

Check the size chart before sewing to know which cookie size you need to make!

Fabric Requirements (based upon 44″ quilting cottons):

  • Main Fabric: 1 3/8 yards
  • Lining/Accent Fabric: 1 7/8 yards
  • Iron-on lightweight interfacing recommended (I like Pellon PLF36 or Heat n Bond Thermoweb 3336, affiliate links) for keeping neck and waist ties crisp.  Some testers preferred it without, so it’s completely optional!

Prepare your pieces.  The seam allowance is 1/2″ throughout all of the steps.

1. If desired, iron your stabilizer onto appropriates pieces (2 neck straps, 2 waist straps, 1 bib)

2. With one of your neck strap pieces, fold one short end 1/2″ toward wrong side and press.

3. Lay with wrong side facing you. Fold in half, meeting the long edges together. Press.
Open up your piece and fold one of the raw edges toward the middle crease you just made.
Repeat with the second raw edge. Press.
Fold along middle crease, meeting both folded edges. All of your raw edges will be fully enclosed now.

4. Press your strap piece. Edge stitch along both long, outer edges and one short edge.
**Repeat with second neck strap and both waist straps.

5. Place bib lining piece, face up.

6. Place one neck strap piece 1/2″ from edge, at the top of bib piece.

7. Repeat with second neck strap, on opposite side of the bib piece. Baste in place.

8. Place main bib piece on top, right sides together, sandwiching the neck straps between the two bib pieces. Sew along both sides and top edge.

9. Turn right side out, press. Top stitch along top and sides.

10. Place main skirt piece, right side facing you. Lay one of the side skirt pieces on top, right sides together.

11. Sew along straight edge.

12. Press seams open.

13. Repeat on opposite side.**Repeat with lining fabric.

14. Mark middle points of the bib and main skirt pieces.

15. Right sides together, align the bib and main apron piece at their center points.

16. Ease the bib piece to the curve of the apron and baste in place.

17. Along outer skirt edge, align waist straps 1/2″ from top edge. Baste in place.

18. Lay apron with fabric facing upwards. Tuck in all straps and bib.

19. Lay skirt lining on top, right sides together. Sew along entire skirt, leaving 5″ opening along one straight edge for turning.

20. Turn apron right sides out through opening.

21. Press and edge stitch along entire skirt. 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 Hey Cookie Apron that you’ve managed to make from our freebie pattern!
Happy Holidays, friends!

 

Gala Gown :: Easy Hacks

It’s a Gala Hacks party! In true P4P fashion, our amazing blog team has some fun, easy hacks and mash ups ready for you.

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Gala – Sweetheart mash up

There’s no denying that the Gala Gown has all of the drama and beauty needed for all of those amazing times in our life. However, it can also be transformed into a fun little top with very little effort! I used the bodice of the Gala Gown for this look, however I paired it with the peplum skirt option from the Sweetheart Dress. 

To create this look, cut and assemble your bodice from the Gala Gown as directed in the tutorial. You will then want to use the peplum skirt option from the Sweetheart Dress. Mark the quarter points on both the bodice and the skirt. Slip the skirt over the bodice, right sides together, and match quarter points. Attach using a ½” SA. Finish your peplum by hemming and you’re all done!
~ Erinn

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Gala – Pencil Skirt mash up

Loving the new Gala top but looking for something a little more form-fitted through the hips?  I’m going to take you through a super quick and easy mash with the Freebie Pirate Pencil Skirt that’ll give you a totally different look. Go ahead and grab your Gala Bodice Lining and your Pencil Skirt Pattern (high rise height) pieces.  You’ll want to make sure the bodice bottom is close to the same width as your pencil skirt top for mashing (based on your sizing it should be).  You may have to grade your pencil skirt pieces slightly to match the Gala Bodice.  I did this through the added waistband height.

Next, you’ll need need to add the Pencil Skirt band height to your pencil skirt pattern.  You’ll take the given band height and divide it by 2 and then add that to the top of your pattern pieces.  For example- the band height on mine called for 5 inches so I added 2.5 to my pattern piece ( since the band is folded in half for the actual skirt height).  This is what you’ll cut for the bottom of your dress.

Now, sew your bodice as directed in the pattern and the side seams of your pencil skirt.   You’ll end up with two separate pieces that look like the photo below.

Finish your dress by sewing your bodice to your skirt piece just like you would if you were sewing the standard Gala skirt and you’re done!  Totally new look- perfect for New Years’ Eve fun!

 

Happy Sewing and Cheers,

Michelle

 

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Gala – Boundless mash up

It’s no secret that the Boundless dress is one of my favorite P4P dresses so it was only natural that I would mash the Gala Gown bodice with the Boundless skirt. This is a super easy hack.

All you have to do is cut the Gala Gown bodice and sleeves and the Boundless skirt. I used bamboo knit for my whole dress but if you used stable knits for the top, I encourage you to use fabric with great drape for the skirt.

Sew the top and the skirt as instructed in the patterns. You will be adding the skirt as in the Boundless tutorial, using elastic to stabilize the waist.

Hack: I used the width of the fabric and stitched the skirt in a loop. I marked the sides and front of my skirt and attached it to the bodice with the seam in the back. 

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Ribbon Belt

I see a lot of posts wanting something to really highlight the waist when wearing a dress, but if you’re wearing a more formal dress you might not have a belt that goes! A ribbon belt can be very elegant and simple to create to give yourself a little more definition or attention to your waistline.  You can grab any ribbon style you’re drawn to that coordinates with your dress and attach whatever embellishment you find that makes your heart sing!

Some ideas would be appliques, belt buckles, brooches, fabric flowers, hair-clips, bows, etc.  I picked up satin ribbon and some great velvet ribbon as well.

To create it you just need to cut your ribbon as long as you’d like- so the waist measurement plus enough to tie a bow and however long you want  your tails.  I like to have my tails go to almost the very bottom of my hem personally, but that’s just personal preference.  Make sure you finish the edges if you pick a ribbon that frays.  Satin ribbon I prefer to heat seal with a flame.

Find the center of your cut ribbon and attach your embellishment with hand stitching.

There! You now have a beautiful belt that will look stunning on your more formal dresses! It’s quick and simple for such a fabulous add on and the possibilities are endless!

 

Here a a few modeled with the Gala Gown.

Judy

Which hack will you make first? Don’t forget to share your creations in the P4P Facebook group so we can all admire them too.

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.

 

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