SOS Knit Pants -easy hacks

November 16, 2018

Not only did the SOS Knit Pants get a facelift but we also released the mini version and added a few easy hacks. Here are some of the P4P team’s favorite mods you can do to get even more looks.

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Moto Hack

The SOS Knit Pants have been around awhile and there seems to be a never-ending request for a Moto style option. With the revamp of the original pattern, we thought, what better time to take the Moto for a spin. Rather than trying to make you figure out the pieces on your own, we decided to provide a full step by step tutorial, including pattern pieces…for FREE! You can “purchase” the Moto Hack HERE. These are definitely not a “quick-sew”, so be prepared to spend some time stitching all those pin-tucks, but seriously… how amazing are the final results! (This is for the women’s version only at this time but don’t worry…we plan on releasing the same hack for the girls’ soon!)

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Contour Waistband

Admit it, you’ve been thinking about using the Peg Legs contour waistband that’s included in the free Add-On with all our pants patterns, haven’t you? Well, I have, so I wanted to show you how easy it is to replace the SOS elastic waistband with the contour one.

Cut your SOS Knit Pants fabric pieces without the elastic and the knit waistband. Print and cut the contour waistband included in the Peg Legs Add-On. Sew the knit pants and the contour waistband as instructed in their respective tutorials.

Tip: If you would like the extra tummy control you can add a layer of power mesh in between the lining and the main fabric of the contour waistband.

For my contour waistband, I used custom brushed poly so it is pretty thick. The lining is the same fabric so I did not add any power mesh.

Attach the contour waistband to the SOS pants the same way you would attach it to the Peg Legs.

Tadah! All done. All you have left to do now is enjoy your new contour waistband SOS knit pants.

Note: please note that the rise on the contour waistband SOS will finish a little higher than the original pattern.

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Shorts

SOS Knit Shorts is one of the most popular requests and probably one of the easiest modifications. Determine your desired inseam and preferred hem allowance. I chose to keep the 1″ hem (1/2″ folded twice) as shown in the pattern and a 5″ inseam.

Measure the length of your inseam, starting 1/2″ from the pattern line (for seam allowance) to your desired length. Draw a horizontal line across the leg for both front and back. Now that you have adjusted your inseam length we will make our hem gauge for the hem. Cutting the outward notch will allow the hem to lay flat once folded. The angle of the gauge should be a mirror image of the seam just above it so that when its turned under it will lay flush. Again, my hem allowance is 1″, if you choose to do a narrower or wider hem, you will want to make your hem gauge to match the same length of your hem allowance. This is super easy and can be done both skinny and straight leg options. Now, you can customize your pants to any shorts length!

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Button/Snap Waistband

Most of the time, everyone raves about a “jean” with an elastic waistband that was accomplished with the SOS… I mean, other than leggings or sweats, what could possibly be more comfortable and look like real pants? With a few simple steps, we’re going to transform the SOS to mimic real pants with a semi-functional waistband to give you an even more RTW jean/pant look!

First, add 1″ to the waistband and elastic measurements. You’ll need that little extra so that the waistband overlaps one another. Construct you pants as instructed in the tutorial except as follows:

: Starting 3/4″ from the top edge, stitch front crotch seam.

: If you choose to finish the raw edge of the faux fly, finish each separately and do not sew together.

: With wrong side facing up, press faux fly to wearer’s left and fold the top fly piece wrong sides together 3/8″.

: Top stitch faux fly, being careful not to catch the portion of the faux fly piece you previously folded.

: Complete construction of the main pants as shown in the tutorial.

: Fold waistband right sides together.

: Aligning the elastic with the folded edge of the waistband, pin or clip in place at each end.

: Stitch with 1/4″ seam allowance along short end.

: Turn waistband right side out.

: Find center of waistband.

: Match center of waistband with back center seam of pants.

: Match the waistband with the center from seamline. The top fly will be folded and not stitched here.

: Continue pinning waistband to pants.

: Stitch.

: Add a snap or button and top-stitch fly closed along the center seam.

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Zipper Accents

The SOS just screamed for a zipper detail so I made myself a pair using some pretty decorative lace zippers. Here’s how to achieve this look.

Print and cut the SOS knit pants pattern pieces and grab two lace zippers. I used 9″ ones. I did cut a calf length instead of the pattern’s ankle length because I had a remanent of this grey athletic fabric that I really, really wanted to use. It’s very easy to make 3/4 length SOS pants…just cut both the front and the back leg at the calf marking instead.

Using a fabric pen or tailor chalk, mark the top of the zipper on both the front and back side seam.

We will now be changing the construction of the pants a little. Sew the pockets and crotch curves as instructed in the tutorial. Sew the inseam next. Hem your SOS pants using a coverstitch or twin needles.

Now that the inseam and hem are done, you will sew the side seams. Using your serger or a stretch stitch sew the side seam, front and back, right sides together and STOP AT THE MARKED POINT. Using a basting stitch, sew from the marked point to the hem.

Place your zipper on the right side of the pants and pin pit n place. It is important to have the zipper teeth on the side seam.

Remove the basting stitches to make it easier to sew the zipper in place.

Using a zipper foot and a straight stitch, sew the zipper on, making sure you fold the lace under the hem.

All done! Now go to Pinterest for some more zipper skinnies inspiration, order yourself some lace zippers and get creating!

How’s that for more options? We hope you love the hacks as much as we do. Sew up a pair of SOS Knit Pants using one of our hacks? Be sure to share in the Facebook Group or tag us on Instagram (@patternsforpirates).

Alex, Katy & Nicole

Go To Jacket :: New Pattern Releases!

March 2, 2018

Stop the presses! P4P is releasing THREE new patterns today and we couldn’t be more excited! The Go To Jacket is available in enough sizes that you can make one for every member of your family. Because we made it for Men, Women and Kids!

Just like the rest of our patterns, we’ve packed the Go To Jackets full of as many options as we could! It is drafted for women (sizes XXS – Plus 3X), men (sizes XXS – XXXL) and youth (3M – 14) and can be made into a bomber style, or finished with a 3-piece hood. There are two pocket options, two length options and three different sleeve hem types.

The Go To Jacket patterns were drafted for knit fabrics, which can range for lightweight fabrics to something on the heavier side, like fleece.

Don’t be scared of those zippers!! We have a couple very helpful links to walk you through them in the tutorial- you’ll be zipping ALL THE THINGS soon 😉

**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.

Let’s see some options in action, shall we?

Bomber Style

Hooded

Tunic + Shirt Lengths

Cuffed / Hemmed / Thumbhole Sleeves

Kangaroo + Inseam Pockets

The jacket also boats a zipper/chin guard so your little one can zip up themselves and not worry about getting their little chins rubbed by the zipper all day! We also include instructions how to finish the neckline and zipper with a clean nice finish on the inside for extra gorgeous-ness!

Ready to grab your patterns? You won’t regret it!

Go To Men’s | Go To Women’s | Go To Youth | Go To 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! Men’s Album / Women’s Album / Youth Album

The sale price will last through March 8 (11:59 PM US Central time zone) so grab it while you can at the introductory price!

And if that wasn’t enough options, make sure to check out the hacks post to help take your patterns even further. Also head over to the P4P University post to learn all about shortening zippers for your Go To Jackets!

Happy Sewing, friends!

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

September 27, 2017

With the first day of fall come and gone it’s time for us to say goodbye to summer, and the Summer of Wovens here at P4P. It has brought us many blogs, patterns, updates all for you woven lovers.

It brought you a few new woven releases:

Linen Loungers | Little Loungers | Loungers Bundle

Brunch Blouse | Bitty Brunch Blouse | Brunch Blouse Bundle

We took the time to update a few woven patterns that were already in our collection. The Everyday Elegance and Sweet Bow dress had their size ranges updated, the layer features added, and also included the A0 copy shop print size as part of the PDF pattern package.

Everyday Elegance | Sweet Bow Dress

We also geared our blog tips, tricks and posts all about sewing with woven fabrics! If you missed them here are the blogs we did through the summer of wovens (click on picture to go read that blog!):

But we’re ending with MORE!

We have a new freebie to add to your collection. The Walk the Plank unisex PJ Bottoms will be perfect for all that flannel and cotton you have that you have in your stash! These are the QUICKEST, easiest pj pant which will help you to whip out a whole stack for any season and have it checked off the to-do list in no time at all! No side seams + no waistband piece = no extra time. They are a loose fit for growing room and extra comfort. Walk the Plank PJ Bottoms are a wider leg pj pant with three lengths: shorts, knee, and pant. The unisex adult pattern comes with a few inseam lengths and a mens/higher rise and women’s lower rise option. Both adult and the youth come with short shorts, knee length and pant length options to cover you for all seasons of PJ needs. You can check out our album full of pictures and our roundup blog post with more details too!

We are also celebrating wrapping up a great Summer of Wovens and start to Fall by having our last SITE WIDE SALE this year! The sale will end October 4th. (Sale times are based on US Central time zone) Get 30% off your total purchase with code: HELLOFALL

We hope you loved exploring sewing with wovens this summer as much as we did. It was a challenge to step out of the “knit only” comfort zone for some but we loved seeing what everyone was able to create along with us!

Harvey Relief

August 31, 2017

As most of you know, I’m a Texan. The tragedy of Hurricane Harvey came so quick and devastated so many, it’s completely overwhelming. We know so many friends and family who evacuated, are without their home, had to leave in the shortest notice with nothing but their children in tow, and so on. There are so many heart-wrenching stories and those that were lucky are doing everything they can to help their neighbors, it’s inspiring. I was at a loss of what I could do with P4P to help, but I’m hoping together we can raise some funds to send down to my fellow Texans in need.

I will be donating 100% profit of all sales made TODAY (August 31, 2017) on the P4P site. And to try to boost that number I will be doing a site wide sale code (we usually only do site wide sales 2-3 times per year!) Use code: TEXASSTRONG for 20% off your total purchase today only- August 31st, 2017. To help give the most we can, I’m asking kindly to share without affiliate links today- this will help get every penny to those who are is desperate need.

Turns out I’m not the only PDF Sewing pattern designer thinking of those on the Texas coast either. My sister, who has huge ties to the southern coast, immediately set down and designed some wonderful Texas Pride cut files and is giving 100% profit of all sold to the Harvey Relief. You can get them bundled all together here or buy few individually as well.

I loved them so much- I purchased them and made one for each member of my family. Even my husband asked for one, although I haven’t grabbed his pictures just yet. My son isn’t quite old enough to understand the situation, but he knew the shirts meant people in Texas needed help and we were going to try to help so he was ready to pose for me unlike he usually does.

I think Megan might have made this saying just for my Baby Girl 😉 She’s always Rarin’ to GO! So many parents with younger kids are now without diapers, formula, bottles, let alone their pacifiers, blankies, lovies…any comfort we can provide those little babies will make my heart lift up. So many found themselves carrying their small children above the flood waters.

We’re not the only ones that have joined in trying to send funds for the Harvey Relief. A ton of PDF Sewing pattern designers are looking to help and many have set up their own sale codes in their groups! I’m so grateful to be in an industry that is so kind and willing to work together to help others. I urge you to go take a look at each designer here and make any purchases today while they are giving some proceeds to a Harvey Relief charity.

The Harvey Relief sale codes are only valid TODAY- August 31st, 2017 so please let everyone know that might be interested in PDF Sewing patterns! We will be posting in the P4P Facebook Group where you can tag any friends/members. Again, if you are an affiliate with P4P or these other designers please remember not to use affiliate links when sharing today so we can give everything we can to the charities.

Thank you, together we can help!

-Judy

Sew it, Win it, Build it- A Chance to Win a Sewing Room Make-Over from P4P

October 11, 2016

I’m so excited to announce that we’ve hit another milestone in our P4P Facebook Group of 30,000 members! I’m so very honored to have so many ladies interested in P4P it makes my heart (and maybe my eyes) swell!!

I brainstormed on how we should celebrate for a LONG time! In the past we’ve done free patterns for group members, big giveaways, sales… but I kept thinking about how much fun I was having planning and designing my new sewing room at our new house we’re in the process of building. Here I am in my soon-to-be new sewing space!

I get giddy every time I think about that new bigger space! So I came up with the idea to give away a new sewing room for one lucky member!

What is included in a Sewing Room Makeover?

We all thought long and hard about what we love in our current sewing rooms (and what we’d love to upgrade in them if we had the opportunity) and here is what we thought you needed for a brand new or upgraded sewing room!

We included an Ikea gift card to help furnish the space. I’m planning on doing a big U shape for my machines in my new room from Ikea! I will share some more on how I planned my room as well to help you!

We also included a Joann’s gift card to help get those supplies like scissors, good lighting, notions, and whatever else you may be missing that don’t have those extra funds for! Don’t worry if that sounds a little daunting to pick out- we will be sharing some of our favorite things this week during the contest to help you plan and pick!

We added a Hobby Lobby gift card so you can pick up some cute decor for your new space as well! Grab one of those signs, clock, mirror and jazz up the place 🙂

We will be sending a few things straight from Amazon to the winner to help fill out your new room! How about a great new printer and ink? Need some paper? I love this extra large Alvin Cutting Mat I’ve been eyeing for my room and I can’t wait to get a new iron too! And of course a brand new machine- a Brother 420, which is what I sew on! You will LOVE that automatic cutter ladies!! (*These are affiliate links*)

Last, but not least, is an ample fabric stash for your room! Thanks to all of our wonderful sponsors, which we will be highlighting with links to their shops this week, we have a HUGE stash for your new room. So make sure you get some great storage pieces from Ikea!

Speaking of storage, we will be sharing some of our favorite sewing storage tips this week as well to help get those sewing rooms organized and tidy… well, as best we can, creative minds can be messy right ladies? 😉

****Note**** With a prize this large, P4P will need a W9 filled out by winner prior to prizes being sent. Winner must claim prize on taxes per US law. International winner will have to remit up to a 30% tax withholding of prize winnings and subject to US tax/treaty agreements.

So, are you ready to enter? Here is how:

A few rules to highlight:

The item sewn up and shared must be a P4P pattern.

You need to sew it up as is, with only fit changes (so no hacks or mods ladies). Adding embellishments is great, just no major changes.

Your picture must be in your current sewing space showing off where you sew currently.

Share your pictures on one or all of the social media networks for more chances to win with hashtag #P4PSewWinBuild — it must be EXACT to come up in our search for the winner!

Let us know what P4P pattern you sewed up and what you’re most looking forward to winning or changing about your sewing space!

You can share as many sews as you can for more chances to win–but ALL items/images shared must be sewn AFTER the giveaway starts 10/11/2016! Any older sews will be disqualified from winning the grand prize. Last entries accepted will be Sunday 10/23/2016 at Midnight US Central Time.

Since you might need to grab a new pattern to get motivated we have a SITE WIDE SALE through the end of the giveaway! This will be the last site wide sale this year so grab them up while you can 😉 !! Sale ends Sunday 10/23/2016 at Midnight US Central Time.

Winner will be random lottery winner! So everyone has a chance from a beginner who might be sewing their first P4P to a seasoned apparel seamstress!

We will have a few more posts throughout the week to keep reminding you to sew up your P4P contest entries AND to help you plan your new sewing room or your sewing space makeover!

P4P Raglan Week: Jolly Roger Raglan Update + Add-Ons Release!

September 19, 2016

Welcome to the first day of the P4P Raglan Week! It’s looking like you are just as excited as we are! Let’s get the party started with Day 1: the Jolly Roger Raglan update + Jolly Roger Raglan Add-On pattern release!

Let’s talk the Jolly Roger Raglan update first! It’s one of the most tried and true patterns for kids in the Pattern for Pirates family, and we did a little tweaking to make it even better. First, we added the layers feature! We also gave the entire tutorial and pattern an overall facelift to make sure everything was perfect from neckband to hem and everything in between.

We have also adjusted the angle of the raglan-sleeve to better match the style of our two women’s raglans (the Relaxed Raglan and the Slim Fit Raglan). Our testers went through several rounds of the sleeve being adjusted before we all agreed on the fit. I think you will all love it too!

**If you already own the Jolly Roger Raglan, 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.

Now let’s talk the highly requested Add-On Pack for the Jolly Roger Raglan! You are going to love it so much! **You must own the Patterns for Pirates Jolly Roger Raglan as well, since this is an add-on and not a stand-alone pattern.

The Add-On Pack is full of super fun options:

Two hood types (traditional and cross-over funnel hoods)

Kangaroo Pocket

Cowl Neck

Inseam Pockets

Funnel Collar

Thumbhole Cuffs

Ruffle Hem

You can mix-match these options a million times over and still want to make more! (Just ask our fabulous testers!)

The Jolly Roger Raglan is available for purchase HERE.
Find the Jolly Roger Add-On Pack for purchase HERE.
Or, you can bundle the Jolly Roger + Add-On Packs together HERE.

Be sure to head over to our Facebook Group and check out all of the amazing tester creations for the Jolly Roger Raglan and the Jolly Roger Add-On Pack! They will provide for endless amounts of inspiration if you’re ever needing it!

Are you joining us for P4P Raglan Week? Be sure to share your creations on Instagram or in our Facebook group and use the tag: #P4PRaglanWeek !! One lucky person will be featured on the blog and win a P4P pattern of their choice!

Here’s the rest of the schedule for the week:

Monday, September 19: Jolly Roger Raglan Pattern Update + Jolly Roger Add-On Pack Pattern Release

Tuesday, September 20: JRR Woven Fabric Hack

Wednesday, September 21: JRR Animal Faces Add-On

Thursday, September 22: Contrast Band Hack for Kangaroo Pockets

Friday, September 23: Women’s Keyhole / Scoopback Raglan Hack

Saturday, September 24: Off-The-Shoulder Raglan Hack

Sunday, September 25: Adding Stripes to Your Raglan Sleeves

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.

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…)

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!

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

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

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!

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

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!

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!

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:

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

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:

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

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

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

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!

Independence Day Sale!

June 29, 2015

I’m so excited to celebrate my new independent site along with the 4th of July this year! I hope everyone has an amazing holiday and can enjoy some patterns on sale to make it even better!