Patterns for Pirates

P4P stylish, modern, wearable patterns

Janet Jeans Easy Hacks

You didn’t think we we would release a jeans pattern without including an option for the trendy button fly, did you? Such a fun way to add some details and vintage flare to your new Janet Jeans.

You’ll need our brand new pattern to complete these fun sewing hacks: Janet Jeans / Janet Jeans – Youth / Janet Jeans Bundle

Button Fly

Start by creating the left and right front pieces, just skipping any mention of the zipper.  The waistband is needed so you can add the button markings and space them evenly.  Fold the bottom and top raw edges of the waistband and pin it in place. You DO NOT need to sew the waistband on, just pin it. Using your favorite button hole spacing tool (I like the Expanding Sewing Gauge Button Guide *aff link) or a ruler, mark the button hole location.

Make sure you center the waistband button as shown below. I like adding 5 buttons to the Janet Jeans, which is the average for a button fly.  You might need only 4 if you’re removing quite a bit of length from the rise though.

Tip: do not space the buttons too close to each other as they will make buttoning more difficult. You also don’t want them too far or they might gap open. 

Add button holes to the front left side. I recommend using a matching thread. I know buttonholes can be intimidating, but I promise you, YOU GOT THIS! If you need any tips, tricks or hand holding, check out the Buttons and Buttonholes 101 P4P University blog we have for you.

Sew the front of the Janet Jeans as instructed in the tutorial.

Continue sewing up the jeans as the tutorial instructs. Using a small zig zag stitch, tack the front fly openings together to the left of the bottom buttonhole.

Overlap the fly and pin the waistband closed. Using a disappearing pen* or tailor chalk *, mark your button placements. I like to use the buttonholes we already made as a guide for the button location.

I highly recommend using jeans buttons*  for this hack but if you prefer to add regular buttons you can do that as well. Just make sure they are a similar size to jeans ones, approximately 20 mm.

You are all done! 👏 Take a moment to admire your brand new button front custom-made jeans!

RAW HEM

How about a raw hem Janet Jeans? Such a fun look and so easy to accomplish. If you want to keep the length of the inseam as per the pattern then you would have to shorten the bottom hem by 1 inch. I personally don’t mind a longer length so I keep the extra inch. Your call! Run two stay stitches 1 inch away from the raw hem. These stay stitches will prevent the fraying from extending past the stitches over time.

You’ll now need to make big decision 😉 …. how much do you want to fray your hem? I’d recommend starting with a little fraying… time and wear will definitely add to it. However, if you want to start off with a distressed look, go for it! Your jeans, your choice!

Ta-dah! Easy peasy! Enjoy your new pair of raw hem jeans!

Happy sewing,

Alex

 

We cannot wait to see what you create with the Janet Jeans pattern!

Here are some links to the patterns (in case you needed them):

We are so excited to see what you sew up for yourself using the Janet Jeans patterns! It is available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, February 18, 2024.

Find your copy of the Janet Jeans here: Janet Jeans | Janet Jeans – Youth | Janet Jeans Bundle

As always, we’ve got more photos for you to use as inspiration! Head over to the Facebook group to browse our albums full of gorgeous photos, compliments of our tester team!

*Affiliate links.

Janet Jeans Adult Album | Janet Jeans Youth Album

New Pattern Release :: Friendly City Sweater

We are super excited to share that we are releasing our first pattern of the new year! Well — not just pattern (singular) but patterns…plural! The Friendly City Sweater + Friendly City Sweater – Youth are the newest designs to be added to the Patterns for Pirates catalogue and you’re going to want to hear all about it!

The youth sizes range from 3m – 14 and the adult sizes are for the full, newer size chart, extending from XXS – Plus 5X for the Adult Hourglass Figure.

  • *Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for these pattern?  We’ve got you covered with an in-depth blog HERE.  And for even more helpful fun, we have a free* printable that you can use to help record your measurements as you take them.
  • 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, A0 and projector sizes.
  • We’ve also got an excellent planning tool for you with our Coloring Pages. It’s a resource that is updated with every new pattern addition, this pattern included!

The Friendly City Sweaters are open-sided tops with a relaxed and easy-to-wear silhouette. The pattern features a dramatic, curved hemline in three lengths, all of which are finished with curved bands that nest neatly into the side seams. Designed with cozy fabrics in mind, this pattern is a fun twist on a basic sweater.

You’ll want to grab a Friendly City Sweater out of your closet on those chilly days, when you need something to help keep you warm and cozy. We included only long sleeves in the pattern, with the option of a hemmed or cuffed sleeve, and both sleeve versions fitting loosely at wrist. While there are three different hem lengths to choose from, the nested bands all meet at the same spot at your natural waist before opening up to a flattering curved bodice bottom. The crew neckline sits at a just-right height, the scooped neckline (available only on the adult pattern) gives you a slightly more open option, and the fold-over turtleneck is designed for that perfect level of coverage without being restrictive, even in thicker fabrics.

Pattern options for the Friendly City Sweaters include:

  • Necklines: Crew Neckline / Scoop Neckline (adult only) / Fold-Over Turtleneck
  • Hemlines: Crop / Top / Tunic Lengths
  • Sleeves: Cuffed / Hemmed Long Sleeves

The Friendly City Sweater Pattern is drafted for light-to-medium weight knit fabrics. Due to the design with open sides and oversized fit…the more drape the fabric has, the better. Stiffer fabrics will most likely “tent” off of your body, whereas fabrics with a softer drape will provide for the intended silhouette.

Specific Fabric Suggestions: Brushed Ribbed Knits, Ribbed Knits, Modal Knit Blends, DBP (Double Brushed Polyester Knit), Sweater Knits, Spandex French Terry Blends, Waffle/ Brushed Waffle Knits, etc.

The nested bands are the biggest feature of the Friendly City Sweater patterns — and also might be considered the trickiest part because the construction goes outside of your typical steps when sewing a top. Not to worry! We’ve got a video walking you through the ::entire:: sewing process, including how to wrap your brain around those amazing banded bottoms!

https://youtu.be/Y1h29SHzflkhttp://

Let’s take a look at some of the different options:

Hemlines (Crop / Top / Tunic)

Necklines (Crew / Scoop (Adult Only) / Turtleneck)

Sleeves (Cuffed / Hemmed)

We are so excited to see what you sew up with the new Friendly City Sweater patterns!  Head on over to the shop, grab yourself a copy, and get to sewing!  They are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, January 22, 2023.

Friendly City Sweater | Friendly City Sweater – Youth | Friendly City Sweater – Bundle

Hoping for a little inspiration before diving into some Friendly City Sweater sewing?  Journey over to our Facebook group where you can see tester albums full of amazing images!

Friendly City Sweater Album | Friendly City Sweater – Youth Album

 

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!

New Pattern Release :: Valley Swing Dress (Adult + Youth Sizes!)

We are so excited to release our newest pattern by crew member Katy!

Say hello to your new favorite dress: The Valley Swing Dress, available for both our Adult Hourglass Figure (XXS – Plus 5X sizes) and Youth (3m – 14 sizes).  Like all of her pattern releases so far, Katy’s giving a nod to her home state.  The Valley Swing Dress is named after where she lives in West Virginia: the Ohio Valley.

Are you ready to swish, sway, and (of course!) swing yourself into a new pattern with us?  Let’s tell you all about it!

The Valley Swing Dress pattern lives up to it’s name, in that it’s got some swing to it!  These patterns are fitted in the bust, semi-fitted in the waist, and have an oversized fit in the hips.  The ease of the bodice creates an incredibly flattering silhouette, before it swings out to a swishy, flowy skirt.  This beginner friendly pattern is a perfect wardrobe staple for all seasons.  Pair it with a lightweight knit and a tanktop and you’ve got the cutest summer dress to keep cool in.  Or sew it up with a drapey sweater knit and some long sleeves, throw on your favorite tights and booties and you’ll be incredibly fashionable this fall and winter!  The colorblocked skirt hits right at the waist and allows for some fun pattern, print and color mixing combos.  Or just pick a plain dress option for an even faster sewing project.  Either way, you’ll love how comfortable, charming and easy this dress is to throw on!
Choose from these options:
  • tanktop, short, 3/4 and long sleeves
  • top, tunic and above-knee hem lengths
  • colorblock or plain skirted options
The Valley Swing Dress is drafted for a mid-to-lightweight knit fabric with at least 30% horizontal stretch.
Some of our favorites are: rayon spandex, ITY, poly spandex, brushed polyester, ribbed knit, waffle knit, modal, bamboo lycra, etc.
**Keep in mind that fabric content will affect drape and fit!  Stiffer/heavier fabrics, such as cotton lycra, are not recommended.  And fabrics with less recovery, such as some rayon spandex, may “grow” with wear and fit longer than intended.

The youth sizes range from 3m – 14 and the adult sizes are for the full, newer size chart, extending from XXS – Plus 5X for the Adult Hourglass Figure.

  • *Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for these pattern?  We’ve got you covered with an in-depth blog HERE.  And for even more helpful fun, we have a free* printable that you can use to help record your measurements as you take them.
  • 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, A0 and projector sizes.
Consider yourself to be a visual learner and need a little extra hand-holding before you sew?  We’ve got you!  Take a peek at this video, where we walk you through the entire sewing process of the Valley Swing Dress!

Okay….let’s check out some of the different features, modeled by our incredible testers:

TOP + TUNIC + DRESS HEM LENGTHS

TANK + SHORT + 3/4 + LONG SLEEVE LENGTHS

COLORBLOCK + PLAIN OPTIONS

We are looking forward to see what you make with the new Valley Swing Dress patterns!  Head on over to the shop and grab yourself a copy and get to sewing!  They are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, July 17th, 2022.

Valley Swing Dress | Valley Swing Dress – Youth | Valley Swing Dress – Bundle

Hoping for a little inspiration before diving into some swing dress sewing?  Journey over to our Facebook group where you can see tester albums full of amazing images!

Valley Swing Adult Album | Valley Swing Youth Album

New Release :: Weston Raglan

Are you like me and you LOVE a good raglan pattern?  Hands down, it’s one of my favorite things to sew.  They’re fast, provide for fun pattern and color mixing options without any effort, and they make such a great casual tee.

The P4P pattern lineup has been needing a V-Figure raglan for quite some time now and the wait is finally over!  Meet the Weston Raglan!

The Weston Raglan is drafted for our Adult V-Figure size chart!

What’s the Adult V Figure size chart? It’s based upon the ASTM Men’s Standard Body Measurements. V Figures typically are taller, have a broader shoulder, larger bicep, straighter waist-to-hip ratio, etc. Who typically fits this chart?  Male / male presenting / non-binary / whoever feels better suited for this size chart (verses our Adult Hourglass Figure chart).  If you want to wear it, we want you to sew it with one of our patterns!

The Weston Raglan goes along with the newer, extended sizing that we brought out with our V-Figure chart as well!  If you haven’t measured yourself in a while, you might want to check yourself against the chart below.  

Need help with how to measure?  We’ve got you covered!  Check out our “how to measure yourself” in-depth blog HERE.  For some extra helpful fun, we have a free* printable that you can use to help record your measurements as you take them. 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, A0 and projector sizes.

The Weston Raglan is a traditional, raglan t-shirt with ease throughout the bodice and sleeves.  There are multiple sleeve lengths included (short, 3/4, long sleeve hemmed, and long sleeve cuffed) and is a beginner friendly sew.  

Sizes include: XXS – 6XL for the Adult V-Figure.  Our V-Figure patterns have multiple lengths, based upon height.  

  • Short is drafted for 5’6″
  • Average is drafted for 5’10”
  • Tall is drafted for 6’2″

Not only is there a bodice cut line for each height, but we’ve included separate sleeve lengths to accommodate for them as well.

Looking for fabric recommendations? The Weston Raglan is drafted for t-shirt knits like tri-blend jerseys, ribbed knits, spun poly jersey, modal/rayon/bamboo knit, double brushed poly, lightweight cotton spandex, sweater knit, waffle knit, and the like.

***Want to use something thicker (think custom cotton spandex or french terry), you’ll need to size up to keep the same look and feel.

One of my favorite design features of the Weston Raglan is the hem on the front bodice.  Instead of leaving it a straight hem, we graded a curved hemline starting at the 6XL size and down, to help accommodate for chests and bellies.  As wild as it sounds, adding a curve to the front actually straightens out the hem when being worn!

If you look at the pattern pieces and wonder exactly what that design element was for, here’s an amazing example!

Big thanks to Chandy Mueller and all of her help during pre-testing of the Weston pattern.  That’s her model above!

Let’s take a look at some of our stellar sewists and models, in the new Weston Raglan pattern!  

 
The back angle of the sleeve is one of my favorite features!  
 
 
Hoping for some additional inspiration and want to see more photos of all of our testers?  Head to the album on Facebook to check them all out!
 
 
The Weston Raglan is on release sale from now until 11:59PM CST June 7th, 2022.  Don’t forget to grab a copy for yourself!
 
 
As we’d mentioned earlier, the Weston Raglan is the newest addition to the family of raglan patterns here at P4P.  Don’t sleep on the other patterns in our lineup! If you add 3 raglans to your cart you will get an automatic discount too, so make your own raglan bundle perfect for you!
 
 
We have a ton of resources for sewing up raglan style tees, already on this blog!  Here are some great reading resources:
 

Go Team SAL – day 7

 

Good evening, friends! Thank you everyone who joined us last week for the Go Team sew along. I had so much fun making the two jerseys for my kids. I know you are here to find out the winners so without further ado, here they are!

Congratulations, Mel Goulet! She is our first winner. Mel won a $20 gift card from Patterns for Pirates and a $30 gift card from Purple Dragon Fabrics.

Congratulations go to Naomi McGrath as well! Naomi won a gift card from Made for Mermaids valued at $20 and a $30 gift certificate from Purple Dragon Fabrics.

A huge THANK YOU to our sew along sponsor. Make sure you check out Purple Dragon Fabrics on Facebook to keep up to date with their sales and preorders.

November’s sew along will be hosted by the mermaids so keep an eye on the Facebook group! See you back here in 2022! 

Go Team SAL – day 1 | cut fabric

Go Team SAL – day 2 | shoulder seams & neckline

Go Team SAL – day 3 | yokes

Go Team SAL – day 4 | sleeves

Go Team SAL – day 5 | side seams & hem bottom

Go Team SAL – day 6 | hem sleeves or add cuffs

Go Team SAL – day 7 | winners announcement

Go Team SAL – day 6

Welcome to the last day of the Go Team sew along. All we have left to do today is add the cuffs or hem the sleeves. I did both options in today’s  video. The short and 3/4 length sleeve have only a hemmed option. 

  • When creating the cuffs it’s highly important to press the wrong sides together lengthwise. Stitch each cuff, right sides together to create a loop. Take a look over our P4P University Knit Cuffs blog to get some tips and tricks for beautiful cuffs. 
  • If you are doing the hem option, you can use your sewing machine’s twin needles option or your coverstitch as I have. Before you start, take a look over our Hemming blog because we have a few tips for easy and successful hemming. 

All done! Give your shirt or dress a good steam press and pair it with your favorite P4P bottoms for an extra cute look!

Needless to say, my little one loved both of his Mousefetti Go Team jerseys. 💜

Last Go Team sew along video is posted below. Once you complete your dress and/or jersey snap a photo of your finished project and add it to the day 6 photo comments in this SAL album. That is where the P4P team will select the winners. I do encourage you to share your pretty makes in the main P4P Facebook group so everyone can admire them. See you back here on Tuesday for the winners blog!

Go Team SAL – day 1 | cut fabric

Go Team SAL – day 2 | shoulder seams & neckline

Go Team SAL – day 3 | yokes

Go Team SAL – day 4 | sleeves

Go Team SAL – day 5 | side seams & hem bottom

Go Team SAL – day 6 | hem sleeves or add cuffs

Go Team SAL – day 7 | winners announcement

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