Patterns for Pirates

P4P stylish, modern, wearable patterns

Flutter Wrap SAL day 1

Welcome to our Flutter Wrap Sew Along!

Day One is reserved to purchasing the pattern, printing and cutting the size(s) you need. If you plan on sewing for yourself you can get the Flutter Wrap here, if you’re sewing for your little one, the Flutter Wrap Youth can be purchased here and if you’re sewing for both of you (just think of the mommy and me matching outfits!) you can get the bundle. If you can’t decide which style to make, our Round Up blog will give you a glance at all options included with the pattern.

This sew along will be held in the the M4M & P4P Sew Along group so be sure to join the group not only for the exclusive discount code available for the Flutter Wrap patterns but also to post your progress this week. Don’t be shy about asking questions or suggestions, we are a helpful bunch. 🙂

Now that you purchased the pattern(s), print the size needed. In order to do that it is very important that you take your most accurate measurements. You will need your waist, hips and chest measurements in order to choose the correct Flutter Wrap size. P4P has an amazing blog that gives you tip 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.

You can see in the video below how I blend two sizes to make my Flutter Wrap knee length with flounce a flutter sleeves. Once you cut your pattern pieces post “done” in the comments of day 1 photo of the Flutter Wrap Sew Along album in the SAL group. We don’t allow pictures of the pattern pieces so this comment will count as your daily check in.

 

Flutter Wrap SAL day 1 | Print and cut pattern

Flutter Wrap SAL day 2 | Cut fabric

Flutter Wrap SAL day 3 | Sew back, shoulder and side seams

Flutter Wrap SAL day 4 | Sew sleeves or tank binding

Flutter Wrap SAL day 5 | Add neckline binding and waist ties

Flutter Wrap SAL day 6 | Finish skirt

Flutter Wrap SAL day 7 | Winners announcement

 

Spring Sale

The rain has come… spring has sprung!

Time for our annual Spring Sale 🙂 Grab all the patterns you’ve been eyeing… we usually only have 2-3 sales a year! <3

Coupon code: SPRING2020 , but the code should pop up on your checkout page and you can just CLICK TO APPLY 🙂 So need to strain to remember the code!

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 7

What an outstanding week! I am so proud of each an every one of you! We have seen so many gorgeous Cocoon and Butterfly cardigans being sewn last week…wow!! <3

So let’s not keep everyone in suspense any longer and announce our two winners!

Congratulations Erin Cooper! You won a $20 Gift Card from Patterns For Pirates and a $25 from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.

Congratulations Rachel Wait Ferre! You won a $20 Gift Card from Made for Mermaids and a $25 from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.

A big thank you to Raspberry Creek Fabrics who was the sew along sponsor and provided the fabric I used for my cardigan.

Stay tuned for the mermaids’ announcement for March Sew Along!

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 1

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 2

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 3

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 4

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 5

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 6

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 7

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 6

You did it!! We made it to the last day of the Cocoon and Butterfly Cardigan sew along. All we have left to do today is finish the sleeves. If you opted for the short sleeve or banded long sleeves style, you will be adding cuffs. Press each of the two cuffs wrong side together length wise. Open them up and stitch them in a loop; fold them again and mark the quarter points. Using pins, clips or a marking pen, find and mark the quarter point of the sleeve opening. Attach the cuffs to the sleeve opening matching the quarter points. You will stretch the cuffs to fit.

I opted for the hemmed long sleeve option so all I had to do is fold 1/2″ and stitch down. For this step you can use a coverstitch, a zig zag stitch or a triple stretch stitch. All done!

Once you finish your cardigans, post a picture in the day 6 photo comments of the SAL album. I do encourage you to share your creations in the main P4P group too but make sure you have added your last picture in the comments too. We will select the two winners from the day 6 photo comments entries.

 

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 1

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 2

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 3

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 4

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 5

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 6

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 7

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 5

Yay! We made it to day 5 of the sew along. Today our cardigans will take shape regardless of the options chosen. First thing first, let’s sew the side seams. Match the front and back side seams at the armpit and pin in place. Add a pin to the sleeve end and one to the bottom of the side seam. If you are comfortable with just the 3 points pinned together go ahead and stitch with a stretch stitch or serger, remembering to use a 1/2 inch seam allowance. If not, add a few more pins or clips and proceed to stitching.

Mark the center back neckline and the center bottom back with a pin, clip or marking pen. Mark the center of the bottom band with a pin or a marking pen too. Set aside for now. Next step will be to create a big loop with your neckband pieces. You should have two long ones and a short one. Sew them right side together at the short ends to create a loop. Attach the neckband to the opening matching the center back bottom pins, the center back neckline to the seam that attached the two long strips and the bottom side seams to the other two seams. Stitch in place with a 1/2″ seam allowance and PRESS!!! Do not skip pressing and steaming! 

You can see how I added my band in the video below. When you finish today’s steps and your cardigan looks almost done (just missing finishing the sleeves), add a picture of it in the comments of day 5 photos of the Cocoon/Butterfly cardigan sew along album.

 

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 1

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 2

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 3

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 4

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 5

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 6

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 7

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 4

 

Good morning and welcome to day 4 of our sew along. Today we add the elbow patches and the sleeves. The patches are great for an accent color or print. You can pretty much use any fabric for them. I went with a custom cotton spandex in a maps print because…why not? I can totally see the patches made with some cute sparkle or sequence fabric.

If you are using a thinner material for the elbow patches, I highly encourage you to add a lightweight interfacing to the outer fabric. This will ensure that the patch won’t lose its shape when sewn. For fabrics like thicker cotton spandex, french terry and the likes, interfacing is not a must.

All that is left to do today is sew the sleeves to the main bodice, making sure to match the center sleeve to the shoulder seam. If you added the patches triple check that they are towards the back of the cardigan!!! If you opted for the short sleeve style, today is pretty much a free day as you will not have any sleeves to add.

You can see my progress in the video below. As always, once you complete today’s steps, post a picture of the cardigan in the comments of day 4 photo of the Butterfly/Cocoon SAL album.

 

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 1

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 2

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 3

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 4

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 5

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 6

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 7

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 3

Day 3 is here! Let’s start sewing! Today we will add the pockets and sew the shoulder seam. The Butterfly and Cocoon patterns include inseam and patch pockets. They are optional but I would not skip them!

The key to the patch pocket, as you can see in my video is to press and steam after every step. This style pocket is perfect to add a pop of color to the cardigan or showcase a print you love. If you are skipping the pockets all together, all you have to do today is match the shoulder front and back right sides together and stitch with 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. 

You can see my progress below. Once you add your pockets and sew the shoulder seams post a picture of the cardigan in works in the comments of DAY 3 photo of the cardigan album in the SAL group.

 

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 1

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 2

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 3

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 4

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 5

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 6

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 7

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 2

Welcome to day 2 of our Butterfly and Cocoon Cardigan sew along! Today we will be deciding on the fabric(s) and cutting the pieces. You should have your pattern ready from yesterday.

But first let’s talk a little about the right fabric for this pattern. As you can see in the video below I am using a pretty pin dots mint French Terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. These two cardigans can be made with virtually any knit fabric with soft drape. Some favorites include Double Brushed poly, Rayon Spandex, Rayon French Terry, sweater knits or bamboo spandex. Raspberry Creek Fabrics is this SAL’s sponsor too, our two lucky winners will be getting gift cards to their shop so you can treat your to some gorgeous knits (and not only) too.

If you are unsure about which knit type will work best for your desired look, take a look over our P4P University Knit Types blog. Judy 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 Day 2 video is posted below. Check it out and once you are done cutting your fabric post a picture of your pretty pile in the comments of the Day 2 photo of the Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL album in the M4M & P4P Sew Along group.

 

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 1

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 2

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 3

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 4

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 5

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 6

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 7

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 1

Welcome to the Cocoon and Butterfly Cardigan  Sew Along!

Day 1 is reserved for purchasing the patterns, printing and cutting the size(s) you need. If you plan on sewing for yourself you can get the Cocoon Cardigan here, if you’re sewing for your little one, the Butterfly Cardigan can be purchased here and if you’re sewing for both of you (just think of the mommy and me matching outfits!) you can get the bundle. Back in 2016, P4P did a Cardi week where the blog team showcased some easy hacks to our cardigan patterns. We included a ruffled edge Butterfly and a lace edge Cocoon. You can sew these styes for the sew along too!

This Sew Along will take place in the M4M & P4P Sew Along group so be sure to join the group not only for the exclusive discount code available for the Cocoon and Butterfly Cardigan patterns but also to post your progress this week. As always, we have a Cocoon/Butterfly cardigan SAL album and your daily check in will be in the comments of each day photo.

Now that you purchased the pattern(s), print the size needed. In order to do that it is very important that you take your most accurate measurements

You will need your waist, hips and chest measurements in order to choose the correct cardigan size. The cardigans are relaxed fit throughout the body and slim fit arms. 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.

Check out the day 1 video below and then comment “done” on the Day 1 picture of the Cadigan SAL album in the sew along group. We don’t allow pictures of the pattern pieces so this will count as your day 1 check in.

 

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 1

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 2

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 3

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 4

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 5

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 6

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 7

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!

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