pdf sewing patterns Archives - Patterns for Pirates

Twist Back Top :: New Pattern Release!

September 24, 2019

Hey there Pirates! Have we got something incredibly fun in store for you today or what?? It’s a pattern release day and we are bringing you TWO brand new patterns that you’re just going to love. I promise. Let’s meet the Twist Back Tops, in both adult and youth sizes!

This pattern is quick and simple sew that will impress! It has a dropped dolman sleeve style with a loose, slouchy fit throughout the sleeves and body. It is semi-fitted through high hip. The tank option makes for a great work out or summery top. The Twist Back Top also includes a short sleeve dolman sleeve you can add a bit more coverage, but still keep cool in those warmer months. You can add long sleeves and create a super fun sweater or pull over for the colder months. The extra long sleeve length will make you feel like curling up and snuggling! The adult sizing has a tank neckline that is a classic crew and a wider neckline for the dolman sleeve options. This pattern includes a back shoulder strap to keep the shoulders where they should be, or you can leave it off and have an off the shoulder style with wider neckline on the sleeved options. The open back is perfect to throw on top a leotard, sports bra, or tank.

The youth pattern covers a size range from 3M – 14. As for the adult version of the pattern? We just extended our sizes even more! You’ll find it drafted for XXS – Plus 5x now! Please check the size charts, as there were slight adjustments made to accommodate the new size range.

: Imperial

: Metric

: Imperial- Youth

: Metric- Youth

**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!

TANK TOP

SHORT SLEEVE

LONG SLEEVE

LONG SLEEVE W/CUFFS

OPTIONAL BACK STRAP

Should we talk about fabric choices for the Twist Back Tops? We recommend a fabric with a good drape to it. While fabric bases like french terry and sweatshirt fleece will work, they’ll end up a bit more “boxier”. So if you’re looking for that perfect slouchy, twisty top…we recommend fabrics like: Rayon Spandex, Double Brushed Polyester, and Sweater Knits.

RAYON SPANDEX

DOUBLE BRUSHED POLY

SWEATER KNIT

Another change you might notice on these new patterns is a little surprise for our overseas pirates who use metric measurements! We now will include BOTH imperial and metric measurements to help everyone understand the charts as quick and easily as possible! Yay!

Ready to dive right in and make your new favorite top? Go grab the patterns now!

TWIST BACK TOP | TWIST BACK TOP – YOUTH | TWIST BACK TOP BUNDLE

Hoping for a little inspiration before you get to sewing? Just take a look at this pattern on all of the amazing shapes and sizes of our testers, and get a look at more examples of all the options in our albums in the P4P Facebook group!

Twist Back Top Album | Twist Back Top – Youth Album

And if our pattern alone doesn’t provide enough options for you, we’ve also included a blog post that will help take the Twist Back Tops to the next level! Go check out our Easy Hacks Post to see how to make some slight alterations to the original pattern, to customize it even further!

The release sale (no code needed) will be through Monday September 30th (11:59PM US Central Time Zone).

Happy Sewing, Pirates!

Just Write Skirt :: FREE Sewing Pattern + Tutorial!

July 31, 2019

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

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

Just Write Skirt free Pattern Pieces (found in the store HERE)
1″ Waistband Elastic. See cut chart for length needed.
YouTube Video Tutorial for assembling a pencil panel set (also found at the bottom of this tutorial)

Fabric Requirements (in Yards, rounded to nearest 1/8)
Sizes	2-7	8-12	14	XXS-P1X	P2X-P3X
Lining	1/2	5/8	1-1/4	1-1/3	1-1/3
Pencil (yellow)	1/4	1/3	3/4	7/8	7/8
Accent Panel (black)	1/2	5/8	5/8	2/3	2/3
Point Accent (black)	1/4	1/4	1/4	1/4	1/3
Lead (grey)	1/8	1/8	1/8	1/8	1/4
Ferrule (grey)	1/8	1/8	1/4	1/4	1/4
Eraser (pink)	1/4	1/4	1/3	1/3	1/3
Pencil Wood (off-white)	1/8	1/4	1/4	1/4	1/4

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

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

And now, onto the tutorial!

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

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

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

Step 4: Open up the pieces and press.

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

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

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

Step 7: Open up the pieces and press.

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

Step 9: Open up the pieces and press.

Step 10: Trim off the excess fabric.

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

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

Step 13: Open up pieces and press.

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

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

Step 16: Open up the pieces and press.

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

Step 18: Open up pieces and press.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be careful not to twist your elastic.

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

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

Step 37: Press and admire your new “Just Write” skirt!

Are more of a “learn by watching” type? If so, here’s a video to walk you through the steps of creating the pencil panels:

As always, we love when you share what you’ve made with us. Head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook group and show off super awesome Just Write things that you’ve managed to make from our freebie pattern!

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

Happy Back-to-School season, Pirate Friends!

Loggers :: New Pattern Release!

March 12, 2019

What do you get when leggings and joggers get together and make a baby? LOGGERS!!

Today is like Christmas and my birthday all wrapped up into one because we are bringing you two brand new patterns that I think you’re really going to love: Loggers and Youth Loggers!These patterns are drafted for a stretch knit fabric with a 40-50% horizontal stretch, and you will want some vertical stretch for wearing comfort. Both the adult and youth versions feature a tighter pant with cuffs and optional pockets on the pant length. They are drafted in two lengths (shorts and pants), a large size range (XXS – Plus 3X in women’s and 3M – 14 in youth), have two rises (high and low), two waistbands (short or tall/fold over yoga) as well as an optional drawstring.

Loggers wear like a jogger but look like a legging. Everything is finished with a band, meaning there is no hemming required. And they are perfect for lounge wear, workout gear, swim cover-ups, layers under dresses/skirts, and everything in between.

**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!

PANT LENGTH W/CUFFS

SHORTS LENGTH W/BANDS

SHORT + TALL/FOLD-OVER YOGA WAISTBANDS

OPTIONAL PATCH POCKETS + DRAWSTRING

Are you ready to get in on the logger fun? Go grab your pattern(s) now!

LOGGERS | YOUTH LOGGERS | LOGGER BUNDLE

Need more convincing? Just take a look at this pattern on all of the amazing shapes and sizes of our testers, and get a look at more examples of all the options in our albums in the P4P Facebook group! Logger Album | Youth Logger Album

And if that didn’t give you enough options, make sure to check out the hacks post to help take your patterns even further.

The release sale (no code needed) will be through Sunday, March 17, 2019 (11:59PM US Central Time Zone).

Happy Sewing, pirates!

Naughty Nice + Sugar Spice PJs :: New Pattern Release!

December 7, 2018

If you follow Patterns for Pirates on Instagram in the slightest, you’d know that we’ve been teasing these patterns for a while now. And guess what? Today, we are officially launching two brand new patterns for the P4P lineup. Welcome aboard, Naughty Nice and Sugar Spice PJs!

These patterns are drafted for knit fabrics and comes with a multitude of options. For the women’s pattern there are three lengths (cheeky, shorts and pants) and three sleeve lengths (short, 3/4 and long). For the youth pattern, there are two lengths (short and pants) and three sleeve lengths (short, 3/4 and long). These are a tight pajama with center front and back seams, and a neckline placket that can be closed using buttons or snaps.

Our favorite fabric types for these amazing new jammies? We recommend a light to medium weight knit with at least 40-50% stretch such as cotton spandex, brushed poly, thermal spandex, French Terry spandex, and bamboo/modal spandex blends.

**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! And, 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.

Here’s a quick look at the different options!

Bottom Length:

Sleeve Lengths:

Placket front:

Are you ready to make the cutest (or sexiest) pair of pjs ever?! Go grab the pattern and get to it!

NAUGHTY NICE PJs | SUGAR SPICE PJs | PJ BUNDLE

And if that didn’t give you enough options, make sure to check out the hacks post to help take your patterns even further.

The release sale (no code needed) will be through Friday, December 14, 2018 (11:59PM US Central Time Zone).

Happy Sewing, pirates!

SOS Knit Pants :: Pattern Release + Update!

November 16, 2018

Quite possibly the most requested “can I get this in an A0 format” request that we get from you all is about the SOS Pants. And we are always answering with “it’s on our list”. Well guess who just crossed this off of their to-do list?!?!

We have officially updated the SOS Knit Pants pattern. And then we took it one step further and made a girls version to match it. If raising the roof was still considered cool, we’d totally be doing it right now.

Before we get started: If you already own a copy of the original SOS women’s pattern, you will NOT need to re-purchase to get the updates. If you bought here (PatternsforPirates.com) or on the Craftsy store, you will simply need to sign into your account and re-download the file. If your purchase was via Etsy, email [email protected] (WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE) and you will get an updated file. It’s as easy as that!

Did you know that SOS stands for “Skinny or Straight”? That’s because it’s a pant pattern that can be made into your favorite skinnies OR straight legged bottoms!

This intermediate pattern has all the style you need in a knit skinny and straight leg option! Drafted for knit (stretch) fabrics, these pants are fitted through hip/booty. Skinny leg option is fitted throughout leg to ankle. Straight leg option is fitted through hip/booty, then loose/straight through leg for a flattering and dressier option. Both options include knit/enclosed elastic waistband, back yokes, front and back pocket options. Make skinnies for the weekends and the straight leg for work – all while being so comfortable in knit/stretch fabric!

**Want to learn more about how to measure yourself / your little one 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! And, 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.

SKINNY

STRAIGHT

: edf

BACK YOKE

Are you ready to make your soon-to-be favorite pair of pants? Grab your patterns now!

SOS PANTS – YOUTH | SOS PANTS – WOMEN’S | SOS KNIT PANTS BUNDLE

And if that didn’t give you enough options, make sure to check out the hacks post to help take your patterns even further.

The release sale (no code needed) will be through Monday, November 19, 2018 (11:59PM US Central Time Zone).

Happy Sewing, pirates!

2018 Halloween Costume Contest :: The Winners!

November 2, 2018

Hi friends! It’s me, Katy, your Halloween-loving Pirate Crew Member! And I’m here to announce the winners of this year’s Halloween Costume Contest.

We asked our fellow sewists to share their costume creations from this year — and you can see the entire album in our P4P Facebook Group HERE. They were all amazing and I couldn’t help but pick a few winners, instead of just one. Because how do you really choose from all of these incredible feats of creativity?

I almost chose everyone as a winner. But that’s not allowed, so here are the top three that stood out to me:

Simply Robo-dorable: Erika Tatiana Maldonado
Her Rosie Robot was created using almost only Patterns for Pirates patterns: Relaxed Raglan, Wiggle Skirt, & Peg Leg Leggings.

The Ghost With the Most: Cecsalea Shae Buhles‎
This adorable mini-Beetlejuice was created using the Lumberjack Shirt, Yo Ho Henley, Little Loungers patterns.

How Delightfully Tragic: Taryn Renae‎
I love a good family ensemble! Tish Addams was brought to life by Taryn using the Wiggle Dress.

Thank you so much to everyone that shared their creations with us! I can’t wait to see what next year brings!

P4P Maternity Wear :: Hack & Tips

August 16, 2018

Today I’ll be talking about P4P patterns and maternity! We got lots of questions in the Facebook group about what kinds of patterns can be used for maternity as-is and what kind of modifications or hacks can be done in order to make patterns maternity friendly. I’ll go over a categorization for P4P patterns and which ones can be worn both pre, during, and post maternity and how to do a simple hack to make most other knit top/dress/swim patterns accommodate a bump.

For links to all patterns, check out the women’s section of the shop.

Pattern Breakdown

No Modifications Needed

These patterns should work for most women for a majority of pregnancy, if not the whole way. Some women may prefer more ease than others.

Cocoon Cardigan
Free Spirit Tank
Grandpa Cardi
Pumpkin Spice Dolman
Relaxed Raglan
Summer Kimono
Carefree Cardigan
Boho Babydoll
RagDoll Raglan
Boundless Knit Dress
Peg Legs with Maternity Add-On
Siren Swim Top
Favorite Tee (earlier pregnancy)
Everyday Elegance Top (earlier pregnancy)
Go To Jacket (earlier pregnancy)
Pirate Pencil Skirt (earlier pregnancy)

Here’s examples of how these some of these patterns fit with no mods on a 22 week bump!

: Boho Babydoll

: Free Spirit Tank

: Favorite Tee

: Relaxed Raglan

: Pumpkin Spice Dolman

: RagDoll Raglan

: Cocoon Cardigan

Simple Hack Suggested

For most women, a simple hack I’ll show you below should make these patterns pregnancy-friendly. Disclaimer: Some women have had success wearing some of these patterns without any mods during pregnancy, or towards the beginning of pregnancy. Personal body shape, fabric choice and fit preference will play a large role in this. I would suggest using the hack in general because they will likely fit better this way.

Essential Tank
Slim Fit Raglan
Sweet Tee
Layer Me Up Shirt
Favorite Tee
Wiggle Dress
Cross My Heart Cami
Women’s Henley
Boyfriend V-Neck

Not Suggested for Maternity Wear

Timeless Tunic
Brunch Blouse
Sweetheart Dress
Sunshine Dress
- Could possibly work very early pregnancy.
Hello Sailor Swim Bottoms

Simple Maternity Hack

Before you cut into your fabric, you will want to double check your measurements because they will definitely be in flux during pregnancy. To ensure the best fit, choose the size that you currently measure, not just your pre-pregnancy size.

Here’s what you will need:

Desired pattern to hack
Any required notions for pattern chosen
Layer Me Up Maternity Add-On
1/4″ elastic

For this tutorial, I chose to show how to use the Layer Me Up Maternity Add-On with the Essential Tank.

: 1. Assemble your desired pattern. You will only need to alter the front piece.

: 2. Assemble the Layer Me Up Maternity Add-On

: 3. Lay the add-on on top of your pattern piece, roughly 1″-2″ below the armpit curve.

: 4. Note the difference between two of the same hem lengths on your pattern and the add-on. In this case, the difference was 5″ between hemmed shirt lengths.

: 5. Add this difference in length to your pattern piece, just above the hem.

: 5. Grade between your piece and the add-on in the stomach area, making sure to keep your lines smooth.

: 6. Trace your new pattern piece on to a new sheet of paper, to make things easier.

: 7. Make sure to transfer the notches from the add-on. Your elastic will be stretched here.

After you’re done making the changes to your pattern, add the elastic as shown in the Layer Me Up Add-On instructions. Then, finish sewing up your desired pattern as per those instructions. That’s it! Use these same guidelines to combine the add-on with any of the patterns shown on the Simple Hack Suggested list above.

As a bonus, I’ll also point out that knit pants with an elastic waist can be easily adjusted for under-belly maternity wear by slightly decreasing the rise. (See this post for more info on adjusting the rise.) I lowered the rise about 1.5″ on the front of the Mama Bear Joggers to make these shorts maternity-friendly.

Feel free to try this out with any knit P4P shorts or pants. You could try it with woven pants as well, if you are more adventurous as this may require more adjusting. Don’t forget the Peg Legs have the Maternity Add-On as well, which works perfectly!

With just a little hacking, a lot of patterns can easily be made maternity friendly. Happy sewing!

Pattern Storage- Sew it, Win it, Build it- from P4P

October 22, 2016

We see the question, “How do you store your printed patterns?” all the time in the P4P FB Group! So, as we’re celebrating hitting 30k members in the group with our “Sew it, Win it, Build it” Giveaway we’re hoping to answer that question today!

We’ve been discussing all about planning, building and organizing your sewing room this week as one lucky member will win a Sewing Room Make-Over Grand Prize! Pattern storage is one that has been really tricky for me as I am planning my new sewing room! I’ve changed my mind a few times and I’m still not 100% certain with what I’ll have in there!

Currently, I use a file folder and standard filing cabinet. It works very well for youth size patterns. I usually only have to fold them a bit to fit nicely into a file folder and I have each drawer labeled as boys, girls, ladies, mens, ect. So, they’re very easy to find, throw back in, and keep fairly tidy. My only complaint is that my adult patterns do get folded quite a bit and I often have to re-tape and work at flattening them back out when I pull out and go to cut.

It’s currently in our garage since we packed up our house to show/sale, so excuse the packing tape and packed garage behind it 😉

So, I was wanting something that I didn’t need to fold- at least not as much- on my bigger adult patterns. Kelly hangs her with a little hole punch and ring:

This is a good solution for not having to fold, but I don’t have any closet space in the new room. So, I’d have to either do a curtain rod, wardrobe or something like this to use this method. I’ve been on the hunt for a beautiful antique wardrobe to hang them in, but they’re hard to come by! And I don’t have too much time to spend hunting, but maybe one will fall into my lap! I can hope, right? Patty hangs hers with clips onto a mobile wardrobe hanger.

Another option is big shallow drawers. I’ve found a few horizontal file cabinets for engineers or photographers that are pretty big that would work pretty well. The only pull back to this is how many drawers can it have? Not enough for each pattern to have a drawer that’s for sure 😉 So, I would have to think of a way to keep them organized even within the shallow drawers, which could be difficult! Plus, the couple I have found have been very high priced!

A lot of ladies use big envelopes to store their patterns. Patty has them with the pattern cover on the front and fabric requirements on the back. Then she has them sorted by categories in magazine holders.

Erinn stores her traced pattern pieces in binders. She has the pieces in a clear paper protector with the pattern and size labeled. She also keeps the bigger master copy just on the very top of her bookshelf if she needs to retrace a new size.

We’ve heard members rolling their patterns and slipping them into toilet paper/paper towel cardboard to store! Some use milk crates to keep slip each pattern into and hold it in place too, seems like a great way to keep the big master copies!

My sister only keeps her very favorite patterns she uses over and over. For those she makes a giant “file folder” from poster boards and labels them, slips the pattern pieces inside! And if you’re super cute like my sister you can even decorate them with hearts <3!

We saw a great share in the P4P Facebook Group that she likes to roll her big printed copies up and labels them with paper towel or toilet paper rolls!

I hope seeing all these option for storing your sewing patterns helps you find the perfect solution for your craft room! Don’t miss out on the rest of our posts this week and to enter into our “Sew it, Win it, Build it” Giveaway!

Thank you to our Sponsors- 30k Members “Sew it, Win it, Build it” from P4P

October 12, 2016

We’re in the midst of our biggest, most exciting giveaway yet here at P4P! The Sew it, Win it, Build it giveaway celebrating our Facebook Group hitting 30,000 members is this week!

We have a HUGE grand prize for one lucky P4P fan that includes an amazing fabric stash worth a little over $1000.

To say thank you to our wonderful sponsors we’d like to take a minute to share their shops with you! Check them out! Here they are in no particular order 🙂