p4p Archives - Patterns for Pirates

X Factor Sew Along – day 7

September 1, 2020

Congratulations to all participants in this month’s sew along. You are all winners in my book! We absolutely loved seeing all the X Factor crop and dresses made last week. Without further ado…

Our first winner is Jeanne T Weidner! Jeanne won a $20 gift card from Patterns for Pirates and a $25 one to Mily Mae Fabrics. The X Factor was Jeanne’s first sew along and she did fantastic!

Congratulations go out to Kaitlin Schwartz too! Kaitlin will receive a $20 gift card for Made for Mermaids and a $25 store credit to Milly Mae Fabrics. Her little girl just shines in her mini X Factor dress.

A huge THANK YOU to our sponsor, Mily Mae Fabrics who set our winners up with store credit and provided the gorgeous bamboo Lycra I used during the videos. You too can grab some here.

September is Mermaids month in the M4M & P4P Sew Along group. Colleen will be announcing which pattern we will be sewing together this month.

X Factor Sew Along – day 6

August 29, 2020

Last sewing day is here…and it’s probably the most rewarding one. Today we will get to see the project come to life. For the crop option you will be attaching the band to the bodice matching the side seams. Keep in mind that it is much easier to sew a couple of inches on each side of the center seam with your sewing machine (using a stretch stitch!) than it is to sew all around the waist with only the serger. If you are sewing the dress option, you would need to make sure that the waistband is sandwiched between the skirt and the bodice, right sides together.

Last steps of this sew along are hemming the sleeves and skirt. If you did the crop tank, you are already done. The sleeves are hemmed 1/2″. Did you make your memory hem a few days ago? Well now it comes in handy. The skirt is hemmed 1″ while the sleeves are hemmed 1/2″. In the video below you can see how I finish the dress option including the 1″ hem.

Thank you so much for joining us this week. We loved watching your creations come to life! Don’t forget to post your final photo in the comments of day 6 check in picture of the sew along album. We will pick two winners and announce them here on the blog Monday evening or Tuesday.

X Factor Sew Along – day 5

August 28, 2020

Welcome to day 5 of our X Factor sew along! Today we create the skirt by adding the optional pockets and sewing the side seams. If you are making the crop top style, today is a rest or catch up day. No need for any check in pictures.

You might have noticed in the first video of this sew along that I added the pockets to my pattern piece (removing the seam allowance) so I will not have to stitch them. One less step 😉 In the video below I show you how I use my serger to sew the side seams instead of a combination of sewing machine and serger. Both methods work great so chose the one you are more comfortable.

Reminder: the patten includes two links to complete sew ups of the X Factor so you can also follow Judy’s method of sewing the side seams when the skirt has pockets. And why would you even consider skipping the pockets? 😊

If you are doing the dress option, check in for day 5 in the comment of today’s photo of the sew along album. See you back here tomorrow for the final steps!

X Factor Sew Along – day 4

August 27, 2020

Day 4 is here! Today we add the neckband and the back band. If you are new to sewing with knits or simply would like a refresher, take a look over our P4P University Neckbands 101 blog post. This blog shows you how to create the crew neck. The most important thing to keep in ming when creating and adding the crew neckband is to press, press, press!

In the Day 4 video below I walk you through creating and adding the V neckband. This is a slightly different way of creating the neckband than I showed in the P4P University V neckband blog. This time we will overlap the ends creating the V point that way. I highly encourage you to add the V part of the neckline with the sewing machine, instead of a serger. It will make for a more precise stitch and a neater look.

Last step is to stitch the back band to the front one. Keep in mind that the front band is attached to the bodice. Overlap the parts that will become the waistband one time (doesn’t matter if you overlap left on top of right or vice versa). With the right sides together sew the side seams of the band following the 1/2″ seam allowance.

Don’t forget to add your check in photo to the comments of Day 4 in the X Factor sew along album. See you back here tomorrow!

X Factor Sew Along – day 3

August 26, 2020

Ahoy, pirates! Today’s steps include adding the sleeves or armbands (for the tank option) and sewing the side seams. I have decided to make a long sleeve dress to wear on chillier Florida days.

For the short, 3/4 and long sleeves start by pressing a memory a 1/2 hem. If you are doing the cuffed long sleeves style, you will not be needing the memory hem.
If you opted for the tank style, start by pressing the bands lengthwise, wrong sides together. Open them up and sew the short ends to create a loop.

Tip: when pinning the sleeved to the arm opening start with the shoulder seam, then pin the two outer corners. This will make easing the sleeves into the opening very easy. There shouldn’t be any stretch, but you will ease the concave curve into the convex one.

When adding the arm bands to the tank option, you want to avoid stretching the band too much on the front and back. The most stretch should be at the armpit and shoulder. This will help ensure that the bands lay nicely when worn.

Day 3 video is below. As always, don’t forget to add your progress photo to the comments of today’s check in photo in the sew along album.

X Factor Sew Along – day 2

August 25, 2020

Welcome to day 2 of our X Factor Sew along. Today is a pretty easy and quick day. We sew the front seam of the bodice and the shoulder seams. Place the two mirror front bodice pieces right sides together, matching the center seam. Using your sewing machine, stitch a couple of inches at the bottom with a 1/2 seam allowance. You can sew the rest of the front seam with the serger if you prefer.

Once this step is completed you will sew the shoulder seams right sides together, following a 1/2″ seam allowance.

Tip: Add clear elastic to the shoulder seams to strengthen them and make sure the shoulders don’t stretch throughout the day.

We have included two FULL pattern sew ups in the tutorial (see page 7). Judy has covered all options in the two videos so you can always refer to them throughout the week.

Upon completion of today’s steps snap a picture of your progress and add it to the day 2 check in photo comments in the X factor SAL album located in the P4P & M4M sew along group.

X Factor Sew Along – day 1

August 24, 2020

Welcome to the X Factor Crop and Dress sew along!

In the next 6 days we will be sewing together the newest P4P pattern. Join us for a chance to win some fabric and pattern money and have fun alongside our community! If you have not purchased your copy yet, you can buy the adult X Factor here, the youth one here, or you can get the bundle and save. If you are still undecided which style to make, our Round Up blog will give you a glance at all options included, from sleeve lengths to necklines. You can also use the Easy Hacks blog for added options.

Let’s start by taking the measurements needed for the best fit. P4P has an amazing blog that gives you tips for accurately taking your measurements. You can read all about it here. If your measurements put you in a different size for chest/waist/hips be sure to check out our P4P University blog and grade to achieve the perfect fit. The X Factor patterns include videos as well. On page 3 you will notice an active button that will take you to the video about adding or removing length. Please refer to it if you are taller or shorter than 5’5″.

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

The P4P team has started adding Projector Files to our new patterns. If you are looking to skip printing, buying rims of paper and ink, this new innovative way of cutting your patterns may be the option for you. I am using a mix of printed and projected pattern pieces for my dress.

The X Factor is drafted for high and 4 way stretch knit fabric. My personal recommendations are rayon spandex, bamboo lycra, ITY, Cupro and double brushed poly. You can also use athletic knit and certain sweater knits. During this sew along I will be making the V neck dress style using a stunning Mily Mae Fabrics burgundy bamboo spandex. MMF is also this sew along’s sponsor so two lucky winners will receive gift certificates to their shopping website.

You can see the first video below, including how I use my projector file for the bodice. Once you cut the fabric, post a picture of your pretty pile in the comments of DAY 1 photo of the Runabout album in the M4M & P4P Sew Along Group.

New Pattern Release :: Sailor Gaiter FREEBIE (5 Sizes Included!)

July 30, 2020

2020 has been a rough year for a lot of people, and so we’re popping in with an unscheduled freebie to hopefully make your day today!

The Sailor Gaiter is a classic knit, stretch neck gaiter. It is super useful for everyday situations (think: bicycling, working out, general accessorizing, etc.)!

**If you’re planning on using this as a face covering, per your local mandated requirements, please review the guidelines provided by the CDC. This face covering is intended for general public use only and is not intended as a replacement for medical grade PPE.

You can wear it a ton of different ways for your own style and whatever you’re doing at the time. Some of the most popular ways are as a face covering, headband, around your neck, (the tall option) hat/beanie, and more.

We also added a ear loop option to help keep it on and up for those doing activities moving around a lot.

You can line it for a 2 layer option or just use 1 layer and hem the edges.
**If you choose the double layered option, you might want to consider sizing up, as it can start to get a bit tight with those extra layers!

The Sailor Gaiter is a perfect scrap buster! It takes very little fabric, and very little time to put together! All you need is some high stretch knit and you’ll be on your way. Our favorite fabric types for the gaiters were cotton lycra/spandex and athletic knits.

With five sizes in this quick and easy pattern, you can create a Sailor Gaiter for everyone from child to large adult.

What are you waiting for? Go grab the pattern now! SAILOR GAITER FREE PATTERN And then be sure to head over to our Facebook Group, or to tag us on Instagram so we can see what you made!

We hope this freebie helps make 2020 just a little smoother for you and yours.

New Pattern Releases :: XFactor Crop + Dress!

July 29, 2020

We’re so eXcited! Why? Because the newest pattern from P4P just dropped today and it’s eXcellent! The XFactor Crop + Dress, for us Pirates, is one of those “x marks the spot” kind of deals. We are just in love with it and think you will be too. For both of these patterns, the youth sizes range from 3m – 14. And the adult sizes are for the full, newer size chart, extending from XXS – Plus 5X! If you haven’t sewn with us in a while, please make sure to check the size charts, as there were slight adjustments made to accommodate the new size range for adults.

The X Factor Crop & Dress is an adorable pattern that gives you drastically different garments depending on the options you choose. You can create a cute, trendy workout crop or rash gaurd. Or you make a fit and flare dress that is comfortable and flattering.

Options include: crop / dress length, vneck / crew neck, short / three-quarter / long (hemmed or cuffed) sleeves, or tank top.

Also enjoy several videos throughout the tutorial, including a complete sew-up of the pattern.

**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, A0 and projector 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 and features!

CROP + DRESS LENGTH

CREW + V NECKLINE

SLEEVE LENGTH OPTIONS

What are you waiting for? Head on over and grab yourself a copy of this eXtra fun new pattern! The Xfactor patterns are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, August 4, 2020.

XFACTOR CROP + DRESS | XFACTOR CROP + DRESS – YOUTH | XFACTOR CROP + DRESS – BUNDLE

Maybe hoping for a little more inspiration before you make the purchase? Head over to our Facebook group where you can see tester albums full of amazing images! Adult Album / Youth Album

If you’re looking for even more options, we show you a few more ways you can use this pattern in our XFactor Easy Hacks post.

Runabout SAL – day 7 (winners announcement)

June 30, 2020

Good evening, pirates!! I know you have been waiting for the winners blog so I won’t keep you in suspense much longer. Allow me to express how proud I am of every single one of you. I have seen so many new participants as well as seasoned sewists, everyone being so encouraging and helpful. YOU ROCK!

Without further ado…. 🥁

Congratulations Ashley Haley! Ashley is our first winner, her prizes include a $20 gift card for Patterns for Pirates and a mystery Bamboo Lycra PFRE from Coordiknit Nonsense Fabrics (winner pays shipping).

Our second winner is Felisha Jones! Felisha won a $20 gift card to Made for Mermaids and a free yard of fabric from Coordiknit.

A big “thank you” to our sew along sponsor! You can check them out on Facebook and on their website.

Thank you so much for joining me this past week. I’m excited to see you all back in August. In the meantime, stay tuned for the mermaids’ announcement regarding our next sew along.

Runabout Romper & Dress SAL day 1 | Print pattern and cut fabric

Runabout Romper & Dress SAL day 2 | Add chest pocket, sew shoulder seams and add neckband

Runabout Romper & Dress SAL day 3 | Sew side seams and add tank armband/dolman sleeves

Runabout Romper & Dress SAL day 4 | Add pockets, side seam skirt or shorts/joggers and inseam

Runabout Romper & Dress SAL day 5 | Hem skirt/shorts or add cuffs to joggers

Runabout Romper & Dress SAL day 6 | Add waistband and show off your creations

Runabout Romper & Dress SAL day 7 | Winners announcements