Patterns for Pirates

P4P stylish, modern, wearable patterns

2022 Holiday Freebies :: Merry Napkins

Happy Holidays, Pirate Friends!  We are excitedly back for another year and another round of holiday freebies to share with you!  Since 2016, we’ve compiled different tutorials and patterns that we think would make *perfect* gifts for your friends and family. Curious about what we’ve already released in the way of holiday freebies? Head right here to see all of them: Holiday Freebies Roundup.

Today, we are bringing you the: Merry Napkins!

The Merry Napkins are the cutest, most festive thing to show up at your dining room table!  My son and I are always watching videos during the holidays to learn new, fun napkin folding techniques and this year I saved us some time by adding these to our place settings!  These napkins are incredibly quick to make, you can mix-match fabrics and prints, personalize them if you’d like, and they’d make amazing gifts this holiday season!

Fabric Requirements / Recommendations: 1-1/8 Yard Main Fabric + 1-1/8 Yard Lining Fabric will make 8 Merry Napkins

  • Each napkin piece is 20″ in length before sewing.
  • You can fit 4 across the width of a typical quilting cotton fabric.

Grab Your Pattern Pieces Here: Merry Napkins pattern pieces

TUTORIAL: 

For each napkin you will need:

  • 1 main piece
  • 1 lining piece (cut in a mirror image)

Align the main and lining pieces against one another, with right sides together.

Using 1/2″ seam allowance, sew along entire outer edge.  Leave 2-3″ opening along straight edge for turning.

Trim down seam allowances, for smoother curves and sharper corners.

Turn right sides out, through opening.

Press and close opening, using your favorite method (blind stitch / top stitch / etc).

Optional (but recommended): top stitch along entire outer edge of napkin.

All finished! Now you just need to fold it into a tree shape.  Use the dotted lines of the pattern piece to guide you.

Align along straight edge of pattern piece.

Fold top corner down.

Make the second fold toward the back of napkin.

Make third fold toward the front of the napkin, completing your tree shape.

Slide pattern piece out and press, if desired.

Practice makes progress!  Fold them a few times using the pattern piece as a guide and you’ll be a pro in no time!

Now go make an entire set of napkins for your table this holiday season!

In case you consider yourself a more “visual learner” here’s a video tutorial that walks you through the entire tutorial, start-to-finish.  The video also demonstrates the folding process a few times, if you want to see it in live action form.

Before you go, take a look at what our super testers made using the Merry Napkin pattern!!

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!

 

2022 Holiday Freebies :: Doggone Raglan

Happy Holidays, Pirate Friends!  We are excitedly back for another year and another round of holiday freebies to share with you!  Since 2016, we’ve compiled different tutorials and patterns that we think would make *perfect* gifts for your friends and family. Curious about what we’ve already released in the way of holiday freebies? Head right here to see all of them: Holiday Freebies Roundup.

Today, we are bringing you the: Doggone Raglan!

 

We just added to our family of raglan patterns!  I honestly couldn’t help myself.  I’ve been wanting to make a dog raglan for a couple of years now and finally made it happen!  If I’m also being 100% transparent: I used it as an excuse for people to send me photos of their cute dogs!  What’s better than having a social media feed full of cute puppers in raglan tees?  Umm….NOTHING.

If you need a little refresher of our human-based raglan patterns: Jolly Roger Raglan (Youth Pattern) | Slim Fit Raglan (Hourglass Figure Pattern) | Relaxed Raglan (Hourglass Figure Pattern) | Weston Raglan (V Figure Pattern) | Ragdoll Raglan (Hourglass Figure Pattern)

Fabric Requirements / Recommendations: Knit fabric, less than 1 yard needed for all sizes.

  • at least 20% stretch for main body + sleeves
  • at least 40% stretch for bands

Grab Your Pattern Pieces Here: Doggone Raglan pattern pieces

Select size based upon chest measurement and grade for length if needed.  There is a slight negative ease at the chest.  If your pup falls between sizes, selecting the next size up is recommended.

We have a P4P University blog post about Grading Sizes, but here’s a quick visual on adjusting the Doggone Raglan.

Now that we’ve got our pattern pieces prepped, let’s get to sewing!

TUTORIAL:

Cut out all of your pieces. You’ll need:
– 1 Back Piece cut on the fold
– 1 Chest Piece cut on the fold
– 2 Sleeves, mirrored
– 1 Bottom Band, cut on the fold
– 1 Neckband, cut on the fold
– 2 Sleeve Cuffs, cut on the fold

With right sides together, pin sleeve to Back bodice and stitch.

Repeat with opposite sleeve.

Place chest piece, with right side up.

With right sides together, pin sleeve to Chest bodice and stitch.

Repeat with opposite sleeve.

You will now have created a “circle” with all four pieces.

With right sides together, align shirt from sleeve hem, to armpit, to bottom hem and stitch.

Repeat with opposite site.

With right sides together, fold neckband in half, widthwise.

Stitch short ends together, creating a circle.

Fold the neckband in half, lengthwise, with wrong sides together, enclosing the seam.

Repeat steps with armbands and bottom band.

Pin / clip quarter and half markings on all bands.

Mark quarter points on bottom hem of shirt. Match side seams and place a pin or clip at front and back centers.

Match front and back centers, and place or clip at the two side quarter points.

Slip bottom band over shirt, with right sides together, matching raw edges and quarter points to one another.

The bottom band is a 1:1 ratio, but you will still need to ease in the curves a bit.

Stitch bottom band to shirt.

Press seam allowance toward bodice. Optional: topstitch.

Repeat similar steps with the neckband.

Mark quarter points on neck opening of shirt. Match side seams and place a pin or clip at front and back centers.

Slip neckband over shirt, with right sides together, matching raw edges and quarter points to one another.

The neckband is smaller than the neckline opening, and will need to be stretched slightly to fit while attaching.

Stitch neckband to shirt.

**Be careful to stretch the neckband only, and not your neck opening.

Press seam allowance down, toward bodice. Optional: topstitch.

Slip sleeve band over sleeve, with right sides together, matching raw edges to one another.

The sleeve band is smaller than the sleeve opening, and will need to be stretched slightly to fit while attaching.

Stitch sleeve band to sleeve.

**Be careful to stretch the band only, and not your sleeve opening.

Press seam allowance toward bodice.

Repeat with second sleeve.

You’re all done! Go find a cute furry friend to gift your new Doggone Raglan to!

In case you consider yourself a more “visual learner” here’s a video tutorial that walks you through the entire tutorial, start-to-finish.

Before you go, take a look at these ADORABLE furry Pirate friends in their Doggone Raglans!

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!

2022 Holiday Freebies :: Holiday Hair Bows

Happy Holidays, Pirate Friends!  We are excitedly back for another year and another round of holiday freebies to share with you!  Since 2016, we’ve compiled different tutorials and patterns that we think would make *perfect* gifts for your friends and family. Curious about what we’ve already released in the way of holiday freebies? Head right here to see all of them: Holiday Freebies Roundup.

Today, we are bringing you the: Holiday Hair Bows!

The Holiday Hair Bows are the cutest and most festive things you’ll probably make this holiday season!  Each bow finishes at 6″ wide and can be attached to hair ties / barrettes, be turned into an ornament for your tree, be used as decoration for your packages….or any other decorative use you can come up with!

There are four different bow designs included in this one free pattern: Santa, Snowman, Elf and Reindeer.  The construction is super simple and quick and you’ll be able to make a bunch of these Holiday Hair Bows in no time!

Fabric Requirements / Recommendations: Small Amounts of Quilting Cotton Fabrics for Bows / Felt for Reindeer Antlers + Snowman Tophat

Other supplies needed:

  • Lightweight Fusible Interfacing, if desired I like Pellon SF101, or Heat & Bond 3336
  • Hot Glue or Fabri-Tac
  • Yarn / small elastic / thread
  • An alligator clip / headband / hairtie / whatever you plan to attach to your bow.

Grab Your Pattern Pieces Here: Holiday Hair Bow pattern pieces

PATTERN PIECES NEEDED:

Reindeer Bow pieces needed:
– 2 Bow Tails, cut on fold
– 2 Antlers, mirror images (cut from felt)
– 1 Bow Center
– 1 Main Bow, cut on fold

Snowman Bow pieces needed:
– 2 Bow Tails, cut on fold
– 1 Main Bow, cut on fold
– 1 Bow Center
– 3 buttons
– 1 Tophat (cut from felt)

Santa Bow pieces needed:
– 1 Bow Tail, cut on fold
– 1 Bow Tail (piece 1), cut on fold
– 2 Bow Tail (piece 2)
– 2 Bow Tail (piece 3)
– 1 Bow Center
– 2 Main Bow (piece 1), cut on fold
– 1 Main Bow (piece 2), cut on fold

Elf Bow pieces needed:
– 1 main Bow, cut on fold
– 1 Bow Tail (back), cut on fold
– 1 Bow Tail (piece 1), cut on fold
– 2 Bow Tail (piece 2)
– 2 Bow Tail (piece 3), mirror
– 1 Bow Center

Now that we’ve got our pieces all cut and ready, let’s get to sewing up these cuties!

TUTORIAL

Basic Bow Construction:

Step 1: Place Bow Tails together, with right sides facing each other.

Sew along entire outer edge, using 1/4″ seam allowance. Be sure to leave 1.5-2″ opening for turning.

Step 2: Trim seam allowances for cleaner curves, turn Bow Tail right sides out through the opening you left.

Step 3: Using thread / yarn, tie off and cinch the center of Bow Tail. Set aside.

Step 4: Place main bow piece right sides. up. Fold in half, with right sides together, matching the long edges.

Step 5: Sew using 1/4″ seam allowance.

Step 6: Turn tube right sides out and press, with the seam moved to the center back.

Step 7: Place the main bow piece with right sides up. Fold in half, right sides together, meeting the short raw edges.

Step 8: Sew using 1/4″ seam allowance.

Step 10: Turn right sides out, hiding your seam allowance in the center of this new bow loop you’ve created. Center the seam in the middle back of the pattern piece.

Step 11: Using thread / yarn, tie off and cinch the center of the main bow piece.

Step 12: Attach the main bow to the bow tail, tying them together at their centers.

Step 13: Fold bow center into thirds and press.

Step 14: With bow center facing down, center the bow (also facing down) and place a dab of glue. Wrap bow center around bow, securing with glue. Be sure to tuck the raw edges under before securing, to prohibit any fraying while in use.

You did it! Your basic bow is complete!

To make the Reindeer Bow:

– Complete steps 1-14 of basic construction.
– Glue / hand stitch the antlers to the back side of the main bow.

All done! Rudolph will be pleased!

To make the Elf Bow:

– Align elf bow tail piece 3 and piece 2 along straight edge.

– Sew using 1/4″ seam allowances. Press open.

– Align elf bow tail pieces to the tail piece 1, right sides together.

– Sew using 1/4″ seam allowances. Press open.

– Align elf bow tail pieces to the other Piece 2, right sides together. Sew using 1/4″ seam allowances. Press open.

– Align elf bow tail pieces to the final Piece 2, right sides together.

– Sew using 1/4″ seam allowances. Press open.

– Complete steps 1-14 of basic construction.

You’re done! Buddy the Elf would be proud!

To make the Santa Bow:

– Align santa bow tail piece 3 and piece 2 along straight edge.

– Sew using 1/4″ seam allowances. Press open.

– Align Santa bow tail pieces to the tail piece 1, right sides together.

– Sew using 1/4″ seam allowances. Press open.

– Align Santa bow tail pieces to the other Piece 2, right sides together.

– Sew using 1/4″ seam allowances. Press open.

– Align Santa bow tail pieces to the final Piece 2, right sides together.

– Sew using 1/4″ seam allowances. Press open.

– Complete steps 1-3 of basic construction.

– Align Santa main bow pieces, using one Piece 1 and Piece 2.

– Sew using 1/4″ seam allowances along long edge. Press open.

– Align remaining Santa Main Bow Piece 1 with already sewn main bow pieces, right sides together.

– Sew using 1/4″ seam allowances along long edge. Press open.

– Complete Santa bow using steps 4-14 of basic construction.

You’re finished! The Jolly guy will be tickled!

To make the Snowman Bow:

– Complete steps 1-14 of basic construction.
– Glue / hand stitch three buttons to one of the bow tails.
– Glue / hand stitch the tophat to the opposite side of the main bow.

You’re all set! Frosty would approve!

In case you consider yourself a more “visual learner” here’s a video tutorial that walks you through the entire tutorial, start-to-finish.

Before you go, take a look at what our jolly holiday testers made using the Holiday Hair Bows pattern!!

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!

2022 Holiday Freebies :: Sleigh Ride Shawl

Happy Holidays, Pirate Friends!  We are excitedly back for another year and another round of holiday freebies to share with you!  Since 2016, we’ve compiled different tutorials and patterns that we think would make *perfect* gifts for your friends and family. Curious about what we’ve already released in the way of holiday freebies? Head right here to see all of them: Holiday Freebies Roundup.

Today, we are bringing you the: Sleigh Ride Shawl!

The Sleigh Ride Shawl is the cutest accessory you never knew you needed until now!  It’s an adult sized pattern that is super easy to make, and even easier to wear around.  Throw it on to wear around the house for a cozy layer, make it in a dressier fabric for an evening out, or layer it over a jacket for an about-the-town look.  It’s the perfect pairing piece for so many different outfits!

Fabric Requirements / Recommendations: 1-3/8 Yard Main Fabric + 1-3/8 Yard Lining Fabric

  • Most Knit and Apparel Woven Fabrics will work.  (The pattern piece is 47″ wide, so you’ll need to choose a fabric wide enough to fit it!)
  • If you’d prefer, you can skip the lining and make it a single layer and just hem the edges instead!  If you’re choosing this option, keep in mind that the “wrong side” of the fabric will be visible, so be sure to choose something that will look good on both front and back.

Grab Your Pattern Pieces Here: Sleigh Ride Shawl pattern pieces

The Sleigh Ride Shawl is designed for an adult with the average height of 5’5″.  If you’re taller or shorter than that, you may want to adjust the height.  I would personally recommend making a muslin of one first to decide before making adjustments.  However, adjustments are super easy!  The concept is the same as this P4P University blog post: Petite and Tall Fitting Adjustments.

Now that we’ve got our pattern prepped and ready, let’s get to sewing!

TUTORIAL:

Cut out all of the pieces you’ll need:
– 1 Main + 1 Lining Shawl piece, cut on the fold
– 1 Slide Tab piece

Fold the Slide Tab piece in half, meeting the long edge with right sides together.

Sew along the three open sides, leaving around an inch or more open for turning purposes.

Trim excess fabric and clip corners, being careful not to cut through your stitching.

Turn slide tab piece right sides out. Stitch opening closed, using preferred method. (ie: blind stitch, top stitch, etc)

Using the pattern piece for placement guidance, place slide tab piece on main fabric.

Attach slide tab piece by sewing both short ends to main shawl.

With right sides together, align main and lining shawl pieces on top of one another. Sew along entire outer edges, leaving an opening along one of the bottom edges for turning.

Turn right sides out. Stitch opening closed.

Optional: topstitch along entire outer edge.

You’re finished! Now go make a million more!

In case you consider yourself a more “visual learner” here’s a video tutorial that walks you through the entire tutorial, start-to-finish.

Before you go, take a look at what our ::incredible:: testers made using the Sleigh Ride Shawl pattern!!

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!

Plushie Pals :: Free Sewing Pattern + Tutorial!

It’s February, which means I’m already brainstorming cute gift ideas for Valentine’s Day for the kiddos in my life.  I love sending little packages of things to my niece and nephew up north, and including something handmade is always at the top of my list.  And that’s exactly why these Plushie Pals were born!

We are bringing our newest pattern to you today, keeping in mind that you’re probably short on time like the rest of us.  The Plushie Pals are super duper fast to sew, and end with the cutest results!  The fox, bunny and bear pattern pieces are all included, but the pattern itself would be incredibly easy to adjust into just about any animal or character that you could think of!  Let’s get to sewing, shall we?

 

Grab your “PLUSHIE PALS” pattern pieces here!

Oh! This time around, I loaded the pieces onto Cricut Design Space so you could cut them with your Maker.  Find them here: Plushie Pals for Cricut Maker

Fabric Requirements (based upon 44″ wide fabrics): 

– 1/3 yard main body fabric.  Directional prints will require more.  (I like to use flannel, but quilting cottons / kona cottons / felt will all work for this!)
– Felt for fox face and bear/fox bellies.  The edges are left raw on these pieces, so you’ll want to use something that won’t fray.
– Scrap sizes of fabrics for ear accent colors.
– Buttons, embroidery thread for facial features.
– Fiberfill.

1/4″ seam allowance used throughout pattern, unless otherwise indicated.

  • For Fox/Bear options: With both fabrics facing up, align the belly piece to one of the main body pieces and stitch along long, outer curve, at around 1/8″ inch.

  • For Fox option only: With both fabrics facing up, align the face piece to main body piece and stitch along top and bottom edges, at around 1/8″ inch.

  • For all options: This is the best time to add facial features to your Plushie Pal.  Using a fabric marker (I used a permanent one so it would show easier in photos), draw a triangular nose shape to help guide your stitches, if choosing to embroider the details.  Details could also be applied and look adorable in fabric paints or using HTV.  We didn’t include any specific facial details in the pattern because there are so many different ways to make a face. 🙂

  • For Fox/Bear options: Place two ear pieces, right sides together.

  • Sew along outer edge(s).

  • Clip seam allowances and turn ears right sides out.  Press.  Topstitch if desired.  *repeat with second ear.

  • For Bunny option: Place two ear pieces, right sides together.

  • Sew along outer curved edges.

  • Clip seam allowances and turn ears right sides out.  Press.  Topstitch if desired.

  • Fold along the top, raw edge, meeting the corners together.  Clip or baste top edge in place.  Repeat with other ear.

  • For all options: With right sides together, align ears using the markings on the pattern pieces.

**Note: The bear and fox ears will need to be eased in along the curved edges.  While the bunny ears will simply be centered against the marking on the body piece, be sure to tuck them out of the way while sewing so you don’t catch them in the next steps.

  • With the front body piece facing upwards, place the back body piece on top (right sides together).

  • Sew along entire outer edge, leaving only about a 3″ opening along one of the sides for turning.

  • Clip corners and seam allowances before turning.  It is recommended to use pinking shears around all of the curved edges for a cleaner look once turned and stuffed.  I circled the most important parts to make sure to clip, in order to avoid wrinkles or pulling at the “joints” of the arms and legs.

  • Turn your Plushie Pal right sides out, through the opening you left in the previous step.

  • Using fiberfil, stuff your Pal to your liking.  Be careful not to overstuff.  And using a tool like a chopstick / bodkin is incredibly helpful for filling the arms and legs and getting the stuffing into the corners easily.

  • Tuck your seam allowance back into the opening.  Pin or clip.  And using your favorite method, stitch it shut.

You’re all done!  Be careful — once you make one, you’re going to want to make ten more!  (Ask me how I know…..)  They’re just so darn cute!

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 Plushie Pals that you’ve managed to make from our freebie pattern!  Happy Valentine’s Day, friends!

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 :: 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!

 

Just Write Skirt :: FREE Sewing Pattern + Tutorial!

Unbelievably so, it’s time to start thinking about Back-to-School season.  Which means that stores are filled to the brim with tempting school supplies.  Is anyone else a pen / notebook / planner nerd like me?  I could spend hours in those aisles.  Life just got a little better for me because now I can really let people know about my undying love for school supplies by wearing it on my sleeve….er skirt!!  Pirate friends, meet the Just Write Skirt!

Before we get started, here are some things you’ll need:

  • Just Write Skirt free Pattern Pieces (found in the store HERE)
  • 1″ Waistband Elastic.  See cut chart for length needed.
  • YouTube Video Tutorial for assembling a pencil panel set (also found at the bottom of this tutorial)
Fabric Requirements (in Yards, rounded to nearest 1/8)
Sizes 2-7 8-12 14 XXS-P1X P2X-P3X
Lining 1/2 5/8 1-1/4 1-1/3 1-1/3
Pencil (yellow) 1/4 1/3 3/4 7/8 7/8
Accent Panel (black) 1/2 5/8 5/8 2/3 2/3
Point Accent (black) 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/3
Lead (grey) 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/4
Ferrule (grey) 1/8 1/8 1/4 1/4 1/4
Eraser (pink) 1/4 1/4 1/3 1/3 1/3
Pencil Wood (off-white) 1/8 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/4

**While the skirt is meant to sit at your natural waist, you will want to choose your size based upon your hip measurement.  Wanting a fuller skirt?  The more pencil panel sets you add, the fuller your skirt becomes.  Just keep in mind that each panel finishes at 5″, and you will need to adjust your lining fabric to account for any extra panels in your awesome skirt!

Sewing for a child who is a blend of sizes?  No sweat!  Just sew up the number of panel sets that is required for their waist/hip measurement, and use the pattern pieces for their height.

And now, onto the tutorial!

Step 1: For each pencil panel, you will need:
– 1 Ferrule piece (grey)
– 1 Eraser piece (pink)
– 1 Pencil body (yellow)
– 1 Pencil wood (off white)
– 1 Pencil lead (grey)
– 2 mirrored Point accents (black)
– 1 Accent panel (black)

Step 2: Lay your “pencil wood” piece, right side up.

Step 3: Lay your “pencil lead” piece on top of your wood piece with right sides together, matching the notches. Sew with 1/2″ seam allowance.

Step 4: Open up the pieces and press.

Step 5: Lay out your new pencil point, with one of “point accents” next to it.

Step 6: With right sides together, align the “point accent” along the long angled edge. Sew with 1/2″ seam allowance.

**Note, there will be around 1/2″ of overhang on the top and bottom of the “point accent” piece.

Step 7: Open up the pieces and press.

Step 8: Repeat with the other “point accent”.

Step 9: Open up the pieces and press.

Step 10: Trim off the excess fabric.

Step 11: Lay the piece right side up, and place the “pencil body” right sides together. Align the short edges.

Step 12: Stitch, using 1/2″ seam allowance.

Step 13: Open up pieces and press.

Step 14: Align the “ferrule” piece along the top, shorter edge, right sides together, and sew with 1/2″ seam allowance. Open up the pieces and press.

Step 15: Align the “eraser” piece along the top, shorter edge, right sides together, and sew with 1/2″ seam allowance.

Step 16: Open up the pieces and press.

Step 17: Align the “accent panel” along the long edge of both pieces, right sides together. Sew using 1/2″ seam allowance.

Step 18: Open up pieces and press.

Repeat according to the number of “sets of panels” required for the size skirt being sewn.

Step 19: Begin to join the panels to form a skirt.

Step 20: With right sides together, align each panel along the long edge and sew using 1/2″ seam allowance.

Step 21: Continue until all of the panels are sewn together.

Step 22: Fold your set in half, right sides together, and sew to create a tube.

Step 23: You should now have a circle of pencils.

Step 24: Align your lining fabric with right sides together.

Step 25: Sew along both sides, using 1/2″ seam allowance.

Step 26: Turn your main skirt right sides facing outwards, and keep your lining fabric with the right sides facing in.

Step 27: Slide your main skirt inside of the lining, with the right sides together.

Step 28: Sew along the bottom edge opening, careful to sew only one layer of lining to one layer of the main skirt.

Step 29: Open up the pieces, so they are right sides out.

Step 30: Slide the lining inside of the main skirt, wrong sides together, completely enclosing all of your seams.

If desired, edge stitch along the bottom of the skirt.

Step 31: Treating your main and lining fabrics as one, press 1/2″ along the entire top, raw edge, toward the lining side.

**Quick tip: You might find it easier to manage the double layers if you serge / zig-zag stitch around the top raw edge before folding and pressing.

Step 32: Press an additional 1-1/2″, creating a casing.

Step 33: Pin and sew along the entire skirt, edge stitching close to the fold in the casing. Leave a 2-3″ opening for elastic.

Step 34: Using a pin or bodkin, thread your elastic through the opening you left in the casing.

Be careful not to twist your elastic.

Step 35: Pull the elastic out the other side of your casing, overlap at 1″ and secure the ends together.

Step 36: Pin and stitch closed the opening in your casing.

Step 37: Press and admire your new “Just Write” skirt!
Are more of a “learn by watching” type?  If so, here’s a video to walk you through the steps of creating the pencil panels:

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 super awesome Just Write things that you’ve managed to make from our freebie pattern!

In case you were looking for a little inspiration on your own Just Write Skirt, check out our tester album and take a look at all of the gorgeous items our creative friends have made!

Happy Back-to-School season, Pirate Friends!

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