Patterns for Pirates

P4P stylish, modern, wearable patterns

  • Home
  • Blog
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Pattern Releases
      • Free Patterns
    • P4P University
      • Fitting
      • Sewing with Stretch, Knit Fabrics
      • Sewing with Woven Fabrics
      • Sewing Machines
    • Sew-A-Longs
    • Fabric for Pirates
    • Pattern Hacks
    • Announcement
      • Blog Tours
      • Contest/Giveaway
  • Shop
  • Bundle Discounts
  • Gift Cards
  • My Account
  • Cart

Classic Sports Bra – Easy Hacks

April 22, 2020

The newest P4P pattern is a must have for work out aficionados and not only! So many options are already included but you know us, we have to add just a few more to our easy hack blog. This time, the P4P blog team will show you how to make the Classic Sports Bra with a solid front, an exposed elastic and without a clasp but still having the cut out. Let’s get started!

…..

Solid Front

 

 


One of my favorite attributes of the Classic Sports Bra is the colorblocked front. But let’s say you have a favorite panel or fabric that you want to show off and you rather not have 3 front pieces…create your own “one piece solid front.

 

 

Overlap the three front pieces 3/8″ as show above. The overlap will be 3/4″ – the total of the two seam allowances. Scotch tape the 3 pieces together or trace them to create a new one. Now that you created a new pattern piece, simply cut it from your main fabric and proceed to cutting all the other pieces of the pattern (back, linings, band, elastic).

Sew the bra as instructed in the tutorial and enjoy your brand new creation. Easy peasy!


For my solid front Classic Sports Bra I used cotton lycra for both the main and the lining. It makes the most comfortable lounging bra ever!!!


…..

Exposed Elastic

Sometimes you find cute or extra special elastic and you want to show it off! It’s a super easy modification to stitch on the elastic without the knit band so it is exposed.  If you have the Fierce Bra you can follow those instructions.  Just make sure if you’re using a hook and eye bra closure option that your elastic width coordinates perfectly with your clasp size.

I had ordered this navy elastic with silicone stripes on the underside to help it stay in place and have been wanting to try it out on a sports bra…so here was a great opportunity!  You can also find elastic with prints or words on them as well.

Sew up your bra exactly as you would until the underbust band steps.

Mark your center front of your sports bra and your center of your elastic.

Pin your elastic onto the sports bra with the top edge of the elastic 3/8″ away from the sports bra’s bottom raw edge. (Tip- I like to baste my sports bra around the bottom edge 3/8″ away so I have a clear marking to follow).  You do not need to stretch either the elastic or the sports bra at all.

Stitch the elastic in place using your favorite high stretch stitch (mine is a triple step zigzag).

If you’re using the hook and eye bra closure option attach bra clasps just the same as the tutorial.

Now enjoy!


Judy

…..

No Clasp, Cut Out Back

 

To create a sports bra that has the keyhole back detail, but without the bra closure, you’ll need to make one small change when cutting your pieces, and a few minor adjustments when sewing on the band.  When cutting out your pieces, you can go ahead and cut out all the front and back pieces from the main and lining as you normally would, but then you’ll need to create a new bottom band piece for the elastic casing.  The new band piece you will be using for this hack needs to be the WIDTH of the full back option band, and the LENGTH of the bra closure option band.  You can either mash the two pattern pieces together, or simply use the measurements from the cut chart. I find using the cut chart quicker and easier than mashing the two pattern pieces.  Again, make sure you use the WIDTH of the Full back piece, and the LENGTH of the bra closure piece. For the elastic, make sure you cut the elastic itself the width of the full back option as well.

After cutting, you will assemble the sports bra according to the pattern up until the point of attaching the band.  For this hack, you will take your band piece, and fold it right sides together lining up the short ends, and sew together.  I prefer to use my sewing machine so I can press the seam open and reduce bulk here.


Your band should be the same width as the bottom of the sports bra.  Using the seam as the back center point, quarter the band and mark the front center and sides.  Match up these points on the bra and mark them as well.  I also like to mark the outsides of the cutout to make sure the band gets even attached.


Slide your band inside your bra, lining up the RIGHT SIDE of the band against the lining.


 

Sew or serge your band onto the bra, sewing all the way around even across the opening to give a nice edge for folding the binding there.  After it has been sewn on, pull the band down and press seam allowance down as well.


Go ahead and stitch your elastic closed in a loop, by overlapping the ends and zigzagging to secure together.  The elastic should also be the same width as the band.  Slide the elastic up over the band.


 You will then need to fold the bottom ¼” of your band up and press flat, and then fold up and over the elastic encasing the elastic. 


 Pin (and/or clip) the band all the way around the bra, making sure you have fully covered the seam allowance. 


Edge stitch all the way around, then put that comfy, cute bra on and ROCK IT! 

Happy Sewing!


Jody

Now that you have seen how easy it is to get 3 more options for the Classic Sports Bra, go sew yourself or your little one, one! 🙂 We would love to see your creations so share them in our P4P Facebook group too or hash tag #patternsforpirates on Instagram.

 

Filed Under: Frequently Asked Questions, Pattern Hacks, Pattern Release, Uncategorized 6 Comments

Timeless Tunic and Tiny Timeless-Pattern Release!!

September 13, 2016

I’m asked for more patterns drafted for non-stretch woven fabrics all the time! And although my heart will always sing for those quick knits 😉 I do love a nice woven top or dress too!

So without further ado, let me introduce the Timeless Tunic and the youth version the Tiny Timeless (because Baby Girl needs to match Mama sometimes)!  We also have them bundled together for a discount in the Timeless Bundle!   All will be on sale through Sunday 9/18/2016 US Central Time Zone.

new-release

listing-pictures-bundle

I love a softer drape for my own tops.  I feel like the drape gives a more flattering silhouette.  Personal favorites are rayon challis, crepe, peachskin, poly chiffon and voile.  But, I drafted it so that you can get away with using a stiffer woven like a chambray or flannel without loosing too much of the glamour!  Now you will have a great, timeless pattern that allows you to use up that gorgeous woven fabric you’ve been hoarding for that “perfect pattern”!  (ah ah ahhhhhhhhhh…)

14324626_10157531259405599_1898415430425264769_o

Both include the same options:

Tank– Perfect for warmer weather or for a nice layering piece. I loved to wear a nice silky tank under a cardigan!

14242301_10210716022718957_378574312330514505_o14241659_10100199813559177_5606052251135658841_o14125490_10207570896533783_6302897511345138404_o

Short Sleeve– A bit more coverage, but still great for warmer weather and layering!

14184470_10206952209069922_8833346384594323059_n14241581_10102547913260398_7254487766094641562_o14242208_10210571073896937_805838614165298697_o

3/4 Sleeve– A great transition length that you can wear year round.

14249950_10154503698239666_7646869345079131584_o14352546_10210567848103560_4851958667013892215_o14206059_10157281958945562_7297118569733716242_o

Long Sleeve- Take this length into the colder months no problem! A lot of our testers loved the longer sleeve paired with a cozy flannel!

14242334_10104325619441019_6908037680625653308_o14125531_10157496754100599_3483788795218596629_oimg_3072

Top/Shirt Length- Cute, comfy, and easy to wear!

14324611_10153780722145841_3662509677212397532_o14238084_10153700243027016_1014006267670653907_n

Curved Tunic Length- My personal favorite 🙂 It’s flattering and has some coverage but still looks trendy and put together. Younger girls love that curved tunic for pairing with skinnies or leggings!

img_279114231138_10153769419810841_3613078633363806887_o14290074_10153768368870841_553585620824454842_o

Dress Length- Meant to hit about 2″ above knee (a super flattering length on all shapes) you can make it casual everyday or sew it up in a nicer fabric and pair with heels to dress it up!

14258341_10207132892821807_6136906350317382751_o14207652_10157496740100599_2033111073842957631_oimg_2624

So, just how versatile is this pattern? It can really be styled up or down so many ways you could wear this anywhere!

This is such a classic look you can make it a casual, everyday/play look:

14249963_10154503755929666_9129185631609573782_o14231413_10207876129193547_6674605127882798680_o14205954_10210512674724260_4397482894494798683_o

Maybe a casual date, girls meet up, or shopping day:

14207814_10154300057696539_8237162624284821183_o14203258_10208929354683616_2720049744373384192_n14207750_10210551066636768_7037204826372407243_o

Use something a bit nicer and you have a great office or work wear attire staple. Send your littles in it for school ceremonies or picture day:

14231234_10153612253591735_8839325507524326519_o14232033_10208995061987559_5269068041149513619_o14188314_721772925249_1691406524578386645_o

It’s the perfect style for a shower or party! Perfect for those adorable border prints as well!

14196081_10153869020893317_5082474374666622486_o14291746_10100703800196229_1962536080284580740_n14249724_1066496020113465_6724777699018234887_o

You can even do a great silky fabric and make a more formal version:

14222301_10154394234975185_4863718361316041852_n14206175_10103253572656169_8892717186004317338_o14207838_10154332104716539_4627475586566883372_o

Warning though, doing this dress in a fabulous silky leopard print can really make you feel glamourous!! This little one had some great modeling poses in her fancy dress!! Don’t we all love to feel beautiful! <3 <3 <3

14311451_10154332105296539_2865024478159272751_o

I hope you enjoy this new pattern as much as we all do!

The Timeless Tunic and Tiny Timeless will be a great weapon to pull out when you or your little one find that perfect woven fabric!

img_9056

Filed Under: Pattern Release, Uncategorized 2 Comments

Siren Swim Top | Pattern Release!

April 25, 2016

Today is such a treat.  And a total labor of love.  We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to bring you the perfect swimsuit top and today is release day!  Woohoo!

The Siren Swim Top is a winner.  Just trust us!  Have we steered you wrong yet?

listing pictures1

Swimsuit season doesn’t have to be dreaded this year.  The Siren Swim Top will get you the perfect fit, comfort, and lift all in one easy-to-sew top.  AND you also get to choose your best style and level of coverage.

Not only does the pattern accommodate you for the proper fit around, but it also includes cup sizes!  You can take your bathing suit this season one step further by sewing your A – G cup size.  Can’t get any better than that!

listing pictures3

Like all Patterns for Pirates patterns, this walks you through all of the steps in an easy to read manner.  While it could sound super intimidating to work with special swim fabrics, it’s broken down into simple steps that will turn you into a bathing beauty in no time.  On top of the step-by-step instructions in the pattern, we’ve also handed you some basic bullet points for sewing swimwear in a blogpost here: Basics of Sewing Swim.

The Siren Swim Top pattern comes packed full of options: cup size, pointed/straight/back flounce, criss-cross/regular straps, cups, power mesh, etc.  As a bonus, Judy and Nicole also took it one step further and gave you some really fun and easy hacks.  Check out their blog post here: Siren + Hello Sailor Hacks.

And don’t forget to gather all of the inspiration you can from our darling testers.  We are lucky to have such gorgeous women, willing to share these images with us!  If these pictures aren’t enough, be sure to head over to our album on Facebook: Siren Swim Top Album.   Now get to sewing!


























Filed Under: Pattern Release 5 Comments

Newest Patterns

  • Uptown Joggers - Youth $10.00 $8.50
  • Uptown Joggers $12.00 $10.50
  • Uptown Joggers - Bundle $20.00 $18.00
  • Notch Top & Dress $12.00
  • Notch Top & Dress - Youth $10.00
  • Privacy Policy
  • Refund Policy
  • Affliliate Program
  • Contact Us
  • About

Copyright © 2023 Patterns for Pirates

Copyright © 2023 · Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in