Patterns for Pirates

P4P stylish, modern, wearable patterns

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

Go Team Patterns :: New Pattern Releases!!

IT. IS. GO. TEAM. TIME.  We have been working our bootys off on a set of four amazing patterns and today is the day, y’all!  We are ready to release them to our favorite pirate community!

Let’s talk allllll about the Go Team Jerseys and the Go Team Dresses!!

Whether you’re a fan of a sports team or just a fan of looking and feeling great, the Go Team Jersey is a great t-shirt for your wardrobe. The relaxed fit is super comfortable and the sporty details set it apart from your everyday tee. The front and back yoke give a great opportunity for mixing fabrics, decorative stitching or adding wording. The sleeve stripes are another great detail you can add for a sporty feel. You can pick from crew or V neckline, or even add a hood instead. This pattern works great year around with short, 3/4, long hemmed or long cuffed sleeve options. Shirt length options for average, short, and tall heights along with separate sleeves for each height.

The options for the Go Team Jersey includes:

  • Crew, V and Hooded Necklines.
  • Short, 3/4, Long Hemmed, and Long Cuffed Sleeve Lengths.
  • Adult sizes include Short, Average and Tall lengths for Sleeves and Bodice.
  • Stylish front + back yokes.
  • Optional Sleeve Stripes.

The youth sizes range from 3m – 14 and the adult sizes are for the full, newer size chart, extending from XXS – Plus 6X!  Please make sure to check the size charts, as there were slight adjustments made to accommodate the new size range for adults.

Goooo Team! Whether your “team” is for sports, foodie, fan fiction, or anything else, the Go Team Dress is the perfect way to show off your team spirit!  Or you can take this pattern and make a plain top for a great basic tee…while also allowing the perfect opportunity for fabric mixing with the front and back yoke. The stripes on the sleeves are another fun sporty detail you can add or leave off. You can choose from a crew, V or hood neckline. Don’t worry about what time of year it is because this pattern has you covered with short, 3/4, long hemmed or long with cuff sleeve options. Have a certain bottom you’re plaining on pairing your Go Team Dress with? No worries there… you can opt for crop, which goes great with high waisted bottoms, shirt, that hits mid booty, tunic, that hits under booty, curved hemline, also below booty, and dress, that hits at a flattering couple inches above knees. The semi-fitted, figure skimming silhouette is comfortable and flattering at the same time.

For this pattern, the youth sizes range from 3m – 14 and the adult sizes are for the size ranges from XXS – Plus 5X!  

The options for the Go Team Dress includes:

  • Crew, V and Hooded Necklines.
  • Short, 3/4, Long Hemmed, and Long Cuffed Sleeve Lengths.
  • Adult sizes hem lengths: Crop, Shirt, Tunic and Knee.
  • Youth sizes hem lengths: Shirt, Tunic, Curved Hem, and Dress Lengths.
  • Stylish front + back yokes.
  • Optional Sleeve Stripes.

*Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for these pattern?  We’ve got you covered with an in-depth blog HERE.  And in case you’re new to Patterns for Pirates and PDF patterns in general, we have a great blog full of new-user tips HERE to help you get started!  As with all of our current releases and updates, the pdfs now include our layers feature and can be found in Letter, A4, 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 look at the different ways we can sew up these patterns!

GO TEAM JERSEY + GO TEAM DRESS – NECKLINES
 
GO TEAM JERSEY + GO TEAM DRESS – SLEEVE LENGTHS
 
GO TEAM JERSEY + GO TEAM DRESS OPTIONAL SLEEVE STRIPES
 
GO TEAM DRESS – HEMLINES

What are you waiting for?  Head on over and grab yourself a copy of the Go Team patterns!  They are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, Friday October 22, 2021.

GO TEAM JERSEY | GO TEAM JERSEY – YOUTH

GO TEAM DRESS | GO TEAM DRESS – YOUTH

GO TEAM DRESS + JERSEY 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!

Go Team Jersey Album | Go Team Jersey – Youth Album

Go Team Dress Album | Go Team Dress – Youth Album

 

All Buttoned Up :: New Pattern Release!!

Guess what day it is?!  PATTERN RELEASE DAY, y’all!!  It’s always so much fun when we get to launch patterns that we’ve been working hard on behind the scenes.  The All Buttoned Up patterns (in both adult and youth sizes) are S.O. G.O.O.D. — we think you’re going to just love them so much!

The All Buttoned Up is a staple in every wardrobe.  Nothing beats having a great cardigan to throw on when you’re chilly, and this one happens to be incredibly versatile!

You can wear it buttoned up as a shirt or dress or over another layer as an open cardigan.  It’s slim enough to wear another layer over comfortably for even colder times.  The multiple sleeve lengths and top lengths give this pattern year round usage. The V-neckline and crew neckline mean you can create the perfect pairings for any layers you need it to match.  Fitted enough to look sleek, but still has room to grow and stay in their closet for great usage.  Casual enough to wear buttoned up with jeans or dressed up over a nice dress.

This one cardigan pattern will you give you miles of usage over the seasons and years with it’s timeless look and options.

The All Buttoned Up is drafted for a high stretch fabric like sweater knits, double brushed poly, spandex rib knits, and the like. Options include: crop, shirt, tunic, and knee lengths; short, 3/4, long hemmed and long with cuff sleeve lengths, v-neckline and crew necklines.  The adult pattern features a back seaming (meaning you don’t have to worry about any pooling around your lower back waist) and it also has an additional lower scoop neckline.

*Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for these pattern?  We’ve got you covered with an in-depth blog HERE.  And in case you’re new to Patterns for Pirates and PDF patterns in general, we have a great blog full of new-user tips HERE to help you get started!  As with all of our current releases and updates, the pdfs now include our layers feature and can be found in Letter, A4, 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.

The options include:

  • Multiple lengths: Crop / Shirt / Tunic / Knee
  • Multiple Sleeve lengths: Short / 3/4 / Long Hemmed / Long Cuffed
  • Multiple Necklines: Crew / Vneck (with an additional Scoop option for the adult sizes)
  • The adult pattern features a back seam on the bodice, with a built-in sway back adjustment

Let’s take a look at the different ways we can sew up these patterns!

HEM LENGTHS
 
SLEEVE LENGTHS
 
NECKLINES
 

What are you waiting for?  Head on over and grab yourself a copy of the All Buttoned Up patterns!  They are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, September 17, 2021.

ALL BUTTONED UP | ALL BUTTONED UP – YOUTH | ALL BUTTONED UP – 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!

All Buttoned Up Album | All Buttoned Up – Youth Album

But wait!  There’s more!  Before you go, take a look at all of the Easy Hacks that our team put together, to help take your patterns a little further!

 

Rainbow Dress :: New Pattern Release!!

Happy pattern release day, y’all!!

We are SO SUPER DUPER EXCITED to share all about the newest pattern releases we have over at Patterns for Pirates today! The Rainbow Dress is drafted for both adult and youth sizes and you are about to be as smitten with the pattern as we are!

The Rainbow Dress is such a fun and unique pattern that can be used to create a classic and simple dress or top or add all the fun details and create something extrodary! No matter what the dress option will have you feeling twirly and beautiful! The sleeve options will take you all year round.

Rainbows aren’t really your thing? That’s okay too, we included a plain skirt option as well.  And to make sure you weren’t left with no fun details we also added a fun gathered sleeve option, pockets, and an adorable peter pan style front collar.

The Rainbow Dress is drafted for high stretch knits like cotton spandex, double brushed poly, spandex rib knits, medium weight sweater knits, ITY, DTY, and the like.  The peter pan collar however can be made in a woven, so you can use that non-stretch lace that looks so classic and cute.

This dress was designed by my very own Rainbow Baby who happens to love rainbows.  I couldn’t imagine doing a rainbow dress without also supporting our friends in the LGBTQAI+community with the pattern, so a small proceeds of all sales will go to the Trevor Project and Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support (10% calculated at the end of each year).  So, if you purchase this pattern you can not only enjoy the fun, twirly, unique design, but also feel great that you’re helping support communities in need.

*Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for these pattern?  We’ve got you covered with an in-depth blog HERE.  And in case you’re new to Patterns for Pirates and PDF patterns in general, we have a great blog full of new-user tips HERE to help you get started!  As with all of our current releases and updates, the pdfs now include our layers feature and can be found in Letter, A4, 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.

The options include:

  • Gathered Sleeves w/cuffs (in short, 3/4 and long lengths)
  • Fitted sleeves (in short, 3/4 and long lengths)
  • Full circle skirt (plain or rainbow colorblocked)
  • Crop and Top length shirt bodices
  • Two necklines + optional Peter Pan collar for the higher version
  • Optional pockets

Let’s take a look at the different ways we can sew up these patterns!

GATHERED SLEEVES

FITTED SLEEVES

PLAIN / RAINBOW COLORBLOCKED CIRCLE SKIRTS

CROP + TOP LENGTH SHIRTS

HIGH / LOW** NECKLINE / PETER PAN COLLAR

**Low Neckline option for adult pattern only.

OPTIONAL POCKETS

What are you waiting for?  Head on over and grab yourself a copy of the Rainbow Dress patterns!  They are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, August 20, 2021.

RAINBOW DRESS | RAINBOW DRESS – YOUTH | RAINBOW 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!

Rainbow Dress Album | Rainbow Dress – Youth Album

 

Sweater Weather – easy hacks

 

From brrrrrr to ummmm! This cold days, stay nice and warm with the newest P4P pattern, the Sweater Weather! Our blog contributors team has put together some quick and easy hacks to give you even more options to the pattern. Dana is showing you how to make a wonderful Sweater Weather dress, Jody ditches the side seams for a classic banded look and I took the sweater from winter to summer. Let’s get started! 

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Dress

I live in sweater dresses in the winter months because it gets cold in the UK.  I couldn’t resist doing a little hack to the new Sweater Weather length to recreate a Pinspiration I’ve had on my to-do list for a while.

I measured the front pattern piece and then held the tape measure up to myself to decide how much length I wanted to add.  I decided to go with 6 inches extra added to the tunic length, which is a little more that I would normally add but there is a hi-low cutline, and so I wanted to make sure the front would be long enough for decency. 


I use a projector these days and it was as simple as adding 6 inches extra length to the bottom of the front and back bodice pattern pieces, which I did on the fly with my perspex quilting ruler and rotary cutter.

However I also printed out the pattern piece so you could see how it would work on paper too.  The pink paper is the added section. I then decided to mark the notch for my side slit 2 inches up from the bottom edge of the pattern, but this would be up to you.  I chase a 7 year old and a puppy around all day so I didn’t want that side split going too high, but you could go with whichever height you choose.  Then repeat for your back piece.

The only other change I made was to copy the bishop sleeve look from my inspiration pic, and I did that by just cutting the bell sleeve width to the slim cuffed sleeve length.  Projector and paper pattern piece pictures below:

Then I cheekily used my overlocker/serger to gather the bottom of the sleeve by increasing my stitch length and differential feed to their highest setting and whipping round the bottom of the sleeve piece, which gathered it in just enough to fit the cuff. Perfect!

Finally just construct the rest of the garment as per the instructions in the tutorial, and you’re done!

Happy Sewing!

Dana x

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No side split

Hey everyone! I have another super quick hack for you. As fun as that side split is that comes in the pattern, I was wanting a most basic top, so I decided to do without the side split for this! It’s as simple as adding a bit of length to the front bodice piece, and sewing the two waistband pieces together in a circle! I’ll break it down for you below.

First, you’ll need to make your front and back bodice pieces the same length. I chose to do Top length for this one, and the front bodice piece was about a little over an inch shorter than the back. Since I also use my projector and don’t print out the pattern pieces, I marked the new Top cut line digitally on my PDF file on my computer. In order to figure out how much length to add, I measured from the Split Marking on the side seam down to the Top cut line on the BACK bodice piece. For my size, that distance measured 2.65 inches.

I then measured down from the Split Marking on the side seam of the FRONT bodice piece and marked where the new Top cut line should be. (Doing this with Paper pattern pieces, you would simply lay the back bodice piece over the front piece and see how much extra to add to the bottom of the front!)

This is what the new digitally measured cut line looks like when projected.

Once I cut my bodice pieces (following the newly marked cut line for the front bodice!) You can see that my front and back bodices are the same length now!

Next, you can sew up your shoulder seams, add the sleeves, and then sew your side seams. When sewing the side seams, instead of stopping your stitches at the split marking like you would have to do if you were making the side split, you can just keep on keeping on and sew right on down to the bottom! Like so:

Lastly, you’ll need to create and attach your waistband. Take your two waistband pieces and place them right sides together. Stitch them together along the short ends.

Now fold the waistband circle wrong sides together aligning the raw edges.  You can now slip the waistband on the bottom of the sweater, aligning raw edges, and sew in place.

Now you have a comfy sweater without the extra side split!

Happy Sewing!

-Jody

….

Short sleeves

Last but certainly not least I wanted to show you how easy it is to take the Sweater Weather from chilly months to hot summer days. It’s as simple as using lighter fabric and making it short sleeves. For my example, I used custom bamboo spandex (my favorite fabric base!). There are not many modifications you need to do to get the look. Simply skip cutting the sleeves and sleeve cuffs when you gather your pieces. 

Sew the shoulder seems and instructed. Press the sleeve opening 1/2″, wrong sides together as shown below. This will create a memory hem. 

Sew the shirt side seams. Using your favorite stretch stitch (I used my coverstitch) hem the sleeves 1/2″. Press again for a crisp look. 

Tadah! Easiest hack ever! Continue sewing your Sweater Weather top as per the tutorial. 

ALTERNATIVE HACK: If you prefer a longer short sleeve, you can band it instead of hemming it. Before sewing the side seams, measure the opening. Cut two bands 4″ tall by the measurement you just did. Sew each band in a loop (at the short ends) using 1/2″ seam allowance. Press length wise, wrong sides together. Sew the shirt side seams. Attach the cuffs to the sleeve opening, matching the side seam. Press and optionally top stitch the seam allowance towards the sleeve. There you have it! A cuffed short sleeve. 

How adorable is Teri? She tested the Sweater Weather top and made herself a tie die short sleeve one too.

How fun and easy were these? We can’t wait to see your take on these hacks. Share your creations in the Patterns for Pirates FB group or on any social media platforms you use! 

New Pattern Releases :: Sunflower Swim Top + Busy Bee Swim Bottoms!

To help your summer go swimmingly well (ba-dum-ching!) we are bringing you a brand new set of swimwear tops and bottoms!  And we couldn’t be more excited about sharing them with you all.  In both adult and youth sizes, we are happy to introduce you to the Sunflower Swim Top and the Busy Bee Swim Bottoms!  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.

Okay, now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s start first by telling you all about the Sunflower Swim Top, shall we?

The Busy Bee Swim Bottoms will have your swimsuit drawer full in no time with a variety of looks! You can mix and match with your tops easily, depending on your mood or where and who you’re going swimming with!  In case you’re feeling like you want more coverage, you can grab the high rise and brief options.  But in the event that you’re feeling like baring it all for less obtrusive tan lanes…go for the cheeky and low rise. Or you can pick between those two with a mid-rise, which hits just below the belly button.  Mix in some ruching at the side seams for a fun detail. These bottoms are very simple and quick to make with the waistline and leglines hemmed under with swim elastic. You can also choose to partially line or fully line.

Options include: low rise, mid rise, high rise, cheeky booty cutline (adult only), brief booty cutline, ruched side seams, partially lined or fully lined.

Enjoy several videos throughout the tutorial like adding/removing length, complete sew ups of ruched, plain, partially and fully lined bottoms.

**Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for this pattern?  We’ve got you covered with an in-depth blog HERE.  And in case you’re new to Patterns for Pirates and PDF patterns in general, we have a great blog full of new-user tips HERE to help you get started!  As with all of our current releases and updates, the pdfs now include our layers feature and can be found in Letter, A4 and A0 sizes.  And for even more helpful fun, we have a *free* printable that you can use to help record your measurements as you take them.

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

SUNFLOWER BACK FINISHES

SUNFLOWER TOP HEMS

SUNFLOWER NECKLINES

BUSY BEE RISES

BUSY BEE LEG LINES (ADULT ONLY)

What are you waiting for?  Head on over and grab yourself a copy of these swim separates!  The Sunflower Swim Top and Busy Bee Swim Bottoms will be on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, July 5, 2020.

Don’t see the perfect bundle for the patterns you’d like to buy? Don’t forget you can always make your own bundle!

SUNFLOWER SWIM TOP | SUNFLOWER SWIM TOP – YOUTH | SUNFLOWER SWIM TOP – BUNDLE
BUSY BEE SWIM BOTTOMS | BUSY BEE SWIM BOTTOMS – YOUTH | BUSY BEE SWIM BOTTOMS – 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!

Sunflower Swim Album | Busy Bee Swim Album | Sunflower Swim Youth Album | Busy Bee Youth Album

If you’re looking for even more options, we show you a few more ways you can use this pattern in our Sunflower Swim Top Easy Hacks Blog Post!

Oversized Sweater :: Easy Hacks

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

 

…..

Off the shoulder

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

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

Measure down 1/2 inch.

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

Cut out your pieces.

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

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

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

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

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

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

…..

Mini dress

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

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

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

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

…..

Poms

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Happy Sewing,

Michelle

 

…..

Colorblocked

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Higher side split

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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!

Grandpa Cardi/Cpt Mack’s Cardigan SAL – day 2 (pick and cut fabric)

Welcome to day 2 of our Grandpa Cardi/Cpt Mack’s Cardigan sew along. Today we will be choosing the fabric and cutting it. You should have your pattern pieces 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 gorgeous rose gold sweater knit from Sincerely Rylee for my Grandpa Cardi. This my favorite knit type for this pattern. For Cpt Mack’s I like the structured look of cotton lycra. These two cardigans can be made with virtually any knit fabric since they only require 20% stretch.

Sincerely Rylee is this SAL’s sponsor too, so one of you will be getting a $50 Gift Card to their shop so you can treat your to some gorgeous sweater 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.

Writing this blog brought back some memories…the set below is my first ever Grandpa cardi/Cpt Mack’s cardigan I ever made. It’s a thin sweater knit from Joann and I still wear it today. My little man wore his at school for two years. It makes an great uniform piece too.

Got some sequins fabric you absolutely love? Use them for the elbow patches. Colleen’s Grandpa cardi is to die for…afterall, who doesn’t need a fancy elbow pocket patch?

For my cardigan I decided to add bamboo lycra shoulder patches and pockets. I’m using a rose gold striped main fabric so I chose a gold and roses print for the patches. Get it Get it? 😉

The Day 2 video is posted below. Check it out and once you are done cutting your fabric post a picture of it in the comments of the Day 2 photo of the Grandpa Cardi/ Cpt Mack’s SAL album in the M4M & P4P Sew Along group.

Grandpa Cardi | Cpt Mack’s Cardigan Sew along  – Day 1 (Print & cut pattern)

Grandpa Cardi | Cpt Mack’s Cardigan Sew along  – Day 2 (choose and cut fabric)

Grandpa Cardi | Cpt Mack’s Cardigan Sew along  – Day 3 (pockets and elbow patches)

Grandpa Cardi | Cpt Mack’s Cardigan Sew along  – Day 4 (shoulder seams and add sleeves)

Grandpa Cardi | Cpt Mack’s Cardigan Sew along  – Day 5 (finish sleeves and bottom edge)

Grandpa Cardi | Cpt Mack’s Cardigan Sew along  – Day 6 (collar/shawl and buttons)

Grandpa Cardi | Cpt Mack’s Cardigan Sew along  – Day 7 (winners announcements)

2018 Holiday Freebies :: Avast, A Vest!

Can you believe that we are on our fifth and final day of freebies?  I hope you’ve enjoyed this past week as much as I have!

Today’s freebie is fun, quick and easy!  Think of it as a your vest friend.  (See what I did there?!)  Allow me officially shout out: Avast, A Vest!

Fabric Requirements: 1-1/2 yards of a medium weight, double sided fabrics.  Favorites: brushed hacci, jersey knit, french terry, dbp.

GRAB YOUR COPY OF THE AVAST! A VEST PATTERN HERE!

Why double sided?  Because of the way this vest is worn, the top is folded back and reveals the backside of the fabric.  We wanted this pattern to be as simple of a layering piece as possible.  But if you’re not loving the raw edges and backside of your fabric, cut two pieces, sew them together around the entire outer edge (right sides together, turn through one of the arm openings, and complete the rest of the tutorial that way!

If you need help folding your fabric to prepare for cutting, it’s just like a circle skirt!

———

Cut your pattern piece, making sure to fold selvedge to selvege and then top to bottom before cutting. **DO NOT cut your arm openings yet, or you will end up with four armholes. 

Open up your fabric piece, leaving it still folded in half along with the stretch going horizontally.

Grab your pattern piece, realign it along the top, and cut our your arm openings.

Use the pattern guides to mark the middle points of the top and bottom of both arm openings.

Fold the arm opening, to meet the pins you just placed together and mark the other quarter points of the opening.

1. Fold your armband piece, right sides together, meeting the short ends together.
2. Now meeting the long ends together, fold in half again.
3. Using 1/2″ seam allowance, sew short raw edges (you will be sewing through four layers).

Flip open your armband, enclosing the seam cleanly in the middle. Repeat for other armband.

Mark quarter points of raw edges of armbands.

Slide the armband inside the bodice, aligning the raw edges and matching the quarter-marked points. Note: The armbands are slightly smaller than the bodice opening.

Stitch, using 1/2″ seam allowance. Repeat with second armband.

Open it up and throw it on as your new favorite layering piece!  You’re welcome to finish the edges if you’d like, but this was meant to be a more flowy, open vest.

Here are a couple of photos from our holiday tester group:

Also be sure to head over the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group and share what you’ve made with your new designs!

Happy Holidays, Pirates!

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