Patterns for Pirates

P4P stylish, modern, wearable patterns

Fall Into Fashion – November 6 :: Favorite Tee

All November long, we are looking to “Fall Into Fashion” with some sewing and style fun. As the weather cools down, fashion heats up! This time of year can provide some of the best opportunities for styling yourself.

Have you ever heard the term “capsule wardrobe”?  It is the practice of editing your wardrobe down to your favorite clothes (aka the items that fit your fashion sense, your body, and your lifestyle right now), remixing them regularly, and shopping/sewing less often and more intentionally.

Here at Patterns for Pirates headquarters, we thought it would be so fun to show you how to do this with your handmade wardrobe!  We hired some incredible sewists from the Pirate Community and asked them to sew a pattern from our collection, and then show you how to get more wearability out of it.  They are showing up each day to remix a different P4P pattern AND the pattern of the day will be on sale for that 24-hour period.  So fun, right?

TODAY’S FEATURED PATTERN

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Pattern: Favorite Tee

Quick Summary: The Favorite Tee will be just that! A favorite you an fill your closet with all the different options and great flattering fit.  It is fitted at bust and semi-fitted through waist and hips.  It skims your figure with enough relaxed ease to be comfortable. Neckline options include both scoop and v neck.  Sleeve options include short, 3/4 and long.  Hem and length options include a banded knot tie hem, shirt length with side vent hem, tunic length with side vent hem, a curved tunic length and a curved dress length.

This pattern is on sale only thru tonight, at 11:59pm CST. If you’ve had your eye on it, don’t wait to jump on the deal!

Make sure you check out Instagram and Facebook today, for more fun videos and photos from our featured sewist! But before you go, here are a few quick pics to keep you inspired!

P4P University: Sewing Machine vs. Serger

Sewing Machine vs. Serger: The Who, What, When, Where and Why of each.

When it comes to sewing, there are obviously a lot of tools of the trade. The most commonly thought of item would probably be a sewing machine I would imagine. We are all familiar with sewing machines and their general functions. But have you really thought of ALL the ways you can use a sewing machine? And what about a serger? What is its function and how does its use differ from a regular sewing machine? I’ll go over the functions of each, and show you examples of when you would use these on a couple specific Patterns for Pirates sewing patterns!

First and foremost, it is important to note that most sewing machines can do all of the same functions of a serger, but maybe not as efficiently or quickly as a serger can do them. A sewing machine can sew in a wide variety of stitches and placements, finish raw edges, create buttonholes, topstitch, hem, sew on buttons, sew on a zipper, and baste. A serger on the other hand, can really only sew and finish raw edges (but do so all in one step no less!) A serger can also be used as an alternative way to gather, and can do a rolled hem, but these are much less common uses for a serger. So, lets look at each machine more in depth!

Sewing Machine:

A sewing machine can sew two (or more!) pieces of fabric together to construct clothing, quilts, bags, or other textile arts. They usually have at least a handful of different stitch types to do this. There are straight stitches, zig zag stitches and sometimes even some fancy decorative stitches. When sewing fabric together, a sewing machine can sew along the edge of the fabric following the seam allowance of the pattern, or it can sew across the middle of a piece of fabric, several inches in from the edge. It is only limited by the throat space, but it is a imporant distinction over a serger to note that there is a lot of flexibility of where a sewing machine can sew on a piece of fabric. A sewing machine can usually also be used to finish (also known as overlock) the raw edges of fabric, either using a simple zigzag stitch or even a specific overlocking stitch (which uses a different overlocking foot.)  This is necessary to keep woven fabrics from fraying, to neaten the raw edges of knit fabrics, and to just give a more professional look to a seam. Sewing machines are also used to baste while sewing. Basting is the process of using the longest stitch length available to temporarily hold pieces of fabric together, or to gather or ruffle a length of fabric. Another important use of a sewing machine is creating hems, either with a single needle or some machines can even accommodate a double needle for hemming.

Hemed edge with double needle

edges finished on sewing machine with an overlock stictch, and a basting stitch sewn above it

gathering done using basting stitch from sewing machine

straight, zig zag, and decorative stitches from a sewing machine

topstitching

 

Sewing machines are also necessary for sewing on zippers to garments and bags, and some sewing machines also have other useful functions like creating buttonholes and sewing on buttons!

Sewing machine sewing on a button

Button holes and button

Serger

Now lets look at what a serger does. A serger can also sew two or more pieces of fabric together, but it is limited to ONLY sewing along the edge of fabric. The reason for this is that it also finishes, or overlocks, the edges of the fabric as it is sewing, creating a nice clean looking edge. So while a serger may be limited in what it can “do” its usefulness comes in how quickly and efficiently it does those things. For knit garments, a serger can be used to quickly construct an article of clothing. Woven fabric on the other hand, needs to first be constructed on a sewing machine, then have the seams finished on an overlocker (that’s another name for a serger by the way!)  Some lesser known uses of sergers can be accomplished by changing some of the settings. You can use it to gather a length of fabric by adjusting tension and differential feed, or create a narrow rolled hem by removing one of the needles and essentially having the loopers tightly wrap the edge of the fabric to finish it neatly.

Neatly finished edges

Gathers created on a serger

Rolled Hem done on a serger

When to use one vs. the other:

While it may seem like there is often a lot of bouncing back and forth between a regular sewing machine and a serger during a sewing project, each machine has its benefits for creating great things! I want to mention a few specific steps you will come across during sewing, and which machine you should use for each. First up, lets say we are making a v-neck, knit shirt pattern like the Favorite tee. The main garment construction like the shoulder seams, side seams, sleeves, etc., would best be done on a serger. It would come together very quickly this way. This then leaves the steps of hemming the garment and attaching the neckband. Hemming of the sleeves and bottom is best done on a sewing machine since a standard serger does not have that functionality.  Next, while many neckbands can be attached using a serger only, a v-neck will look neater and cause you less frustration, if you use your sewing machine on the v-neck point. Basting and slowly working on the “V” on your sewing machine will get you that crisp point. After the point has been created on your sewing machine, you can bounce back over to your serger to neaten the edges and attach the remainder of the neckband. Another aspect of constructing knit garments that you should use the regular sewing machine for would be inseam pockets. Just like for a neckband, the best way to get sharp corners on inseam pockets is with a sewing machine. You can then go back and finish the edges with a serger.

While you may find yourself using your serger a lot when creating knit garments, there are lots of other special circumstances that you may come across that you will need to go back to your regular sewing machine for, such as sewing on patch pockets, any type of topstitching, making buttonholes for either buttons or drawstrings, and sewing zippers.

When it comes to sewing patterns that are designed for woven fabrics on the other hand, your sewing machine will be doing the bulk of the work here! The seams should all be sewn on your sewing machine, and then the seam can be finished (aka overlocked) on the serger. Sewing first on the sewing machine may seem like an extra step or feel excessive, but it will make your garment stronger, and minimize your risk of busting out a seam.

Below are some examples of some P4P makes with details on which machine was used to create them!

 

Happy Sewing!

-Jody

Fall Into Fashion – November 5 :: Cocoon Cardigan

All November long, we are looking to “Fall Into Fashion” with some sewing and style fun. As the weather cools down, fashion heats up! This time of year can provide some of the best opportunities for styling yourself.

Have you ever heard the term “capsule wardrobe”?  It is the practice of editing your wardrobe down to your favorite clothes (aka the items that fit your fashion sense, your body, and your lifestyle right now), remixing them regularly, and shopping/sewing less often and more intentionally.

Here at Patterns for Pirates headquarters, we thought it would be so fun to show you how to do this with your handmade wardrobe!  We hired some incredible sewists from the Pirate Community and asked them to sew a pattern from our collection, and then show you how to get more wearability out of it.  They are showing up each day to remix a different P4P pattern AND the pattern of the day will be on sale for that 24-hour period.  So fun, right?

TODAY’S FEATURED PATTERN

SHOP NOW

Pattern: Cocoon Cardigan

Quick Summary: This is a loose, slouchy fit through waist, but skims bust and hips for a flattering but comfortable silhouette. Sleeves are a dolman style and lower sleeve is a slimmer fit, but still has a bit of ease to allow for layering under comfortably.
The cocoon, circular shape is perfectly on trend and easy to dress up or down! This pattern pairs amazing with a sweater knit, rayon spandex, rayon blend french terry or other knit fabric with a softer drape.
It comes with almost endless options! Cropped looks great with a dress, tunic looks great with jeans or leggings. They both include short and tall bands. The tall bands give a shawl collar effect. Sleeve lengths include short (both hemmed and banded), 3/4, long (hemmed, short or tall banded). We also added 2 different pocket styles! Inseam or patch pockets finish off this cardigan for the perfect staple piece in your closet!

This pattern is on sale only thru tonight, at 11:59pm CST. If you’ve had your eye on it, don’t wait to jump on the deal!

Make sure you check out Instagram and Facebook today, for more fun videos and photos from our featured sewist! But before you go, here are a few quick pics to keep you inspired!

Fall Into Fashion – November 4 :: Mama Bear Joggers

All November long, we are looking to “Fall Into Fashion” with some sewing and style fun. As the weather cools down, fashion heats up! This time of year can provide some of the best opportunities for styling yourself.

Have you ever heard the term “capsule wardrobe”?  It is the practice of editing your wardrobe down to your favorite clothes (aka the items that fit your fashion sense, your body, and your lifestyle right now), remixing them regularly, and shopping/sewing less often and more intentionally.

Here at Patterns for Pirates headquarters, we thought it would be so fun to show you how to do this with your handmade wardrobe!  We hired some incredible sewists from the Pirate Community and asked them to sew a pattern from our collection, and then show you how to get more wearability out of it.  They are showing up each day to remix a different P4P pattern AND the pattern of the day will be on sale for that 24-hour period.  So fun, right?

TODAY’S FEATURED PATTERN

SHOP NOW

Pattern: Mama Bear Joggers

Quick Summary: These joggers are perfect to lounge around in or dress up! They have a relax fit through the top and fitted at calves.  They are drafted for more stable knits like french terry.  This pattern was sponsored by Raspberry Creek Fabrics who carries a lot of great french terry. Options galore with roll up hem, elastic hem, cuff hem, elastic waistband, yoga waistband, drawstring, slat pockets, patch pockets, low rise, mid rise, and a shorts length!

This pattern is on sale only thru tonight, at 11:59pm CST. If you’ve had your eye on it, don’t wait to jump on the deal!

Make sure you check out Instagram and Facebook today, for more fun videos and photos from our featured sewist! But before you go, here are a few quick pics to keep you inspired!

Sporty Piko Sew Along – day 7 (winners announcement)

Ahoy, pirates! Thank you so much for joining me last week in our last Sew Along of 2020. I absolutely loved watching you sew all the Sporty Piko, littles and adults. There were so many beautiful entries, we had a hard time picking the two winners.

Congratulations Nicole Palma! You are our first winner. Nicole won a $20 gift card to Patterns For Pirates and a $25 gift card from Hapa Fabrics. 

We chose a second winner as well. Congratulations Rachel Griffin! You won a $20 gift card to Made for Mermaids. 

 

Huge thank you to Hapa Fabrics who kindly sponsored this sew along. 

I look forward to sewing along with you back here in January! The Mermaids are sewing their Carli pattern this month. In the meantime, don’t forget to share you beautiful Pikos in the Patterns for Pirates Facebook group too. You did fantastic! 

Sporty Piko SAL | day 1

Sporty Piko SAL | day 2

Sporty Piko SAL | day 3

Sporty Piko SAL | day 4

Sporty Piko SAL | day 5

Sporty Piko SAL | day 6

Sporty Piko SAL | day 7

Fall Into Fashion – November 3 :: Boundless Knit Dress

All November long, we are looking to “Fall Into Fashion” with some sewing and style fun. As the weather cools down, fashion heats up! This time of year can provide some of the best opportunities for styling yourself.

Have you ever heard the term “capsule wardrobe”?  It is the practice of editing your wardrobe down to your favorite clothes (aka the items that fit your fashion sense, your body, and your lifestyle right now), remixing them regularly, and shopping/sewing less often and more intentionally.

Here at Patterns for Pirates headquarters, we thought it would be so fun to show you how to do this with your handmade wardrobe!  We hired some incredible sewists from the Pirate Community and asked them to sew a pattern from our collection, and then show you how to get more wearability out of it.  They are showing up each day to remix a different P4P pattern AND the pattern of the day will be on sale for that 24-hour period.  So fun, right?

TODAY’S FEATURED PATTERN

SHOP NOW

Pattern: Boundless Knit Dress

Quick Summary: This beginner friendly pattern has boundless options! Choose from empire or at the waist bodice to get the most flattering cut for your body.  Then choose from sleeveless/tank, short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, or long sleeve to fit any season.  Dress lengths included are mini (great for date night or paired with tights!), at the knee, tea, and maxi to suit every occasion! Bodice can be partially or fully lined (directions include quick and easy method or enclosed seams).  The lined bodice means no neckband- so if you’re a new sewist who struggles with getting the perfect neckband sewn this will be a great feature for you!  You can also add fun, over-sized inseam pockets to have a place for your cell phone, cash, or snacks ;).  The scoop neckline is a flattering cut without showing cleavage and the scoop back gives you a fun flirty feel with all the comfort of not worrying about wearing a special bra!  You can also choose the higher neckline for more coverage as well as mix and match the higher and scoop for fronts and backs. The bodice is fitted throughout as well as fitted sleeves.  The front and back bodice have the same piece and the bodice is meant to have a slight dip from center front to center back. Skirt is a slimmer gathered skirt using a rectangle shape in a cut chart.

This pattern is on sale only thru tonight, at 11:59pm CST. If you’ve had your eye on it, don’t wait to jump on the deal!

Make sure you check out Instagram and Facebook today, for more fun videos and photos from our featured sewist! But before you go, here are a few quick pics to keep you inspired!

Fall Into Fashion – November 2 :: RagDoll Raglan

All November long, we are looking to “Fall Into Fashion” with some sewing and style fun. As the weather cools down, fashion heats up! This time of year can provide some of the best opportunities for styling yourself.

Have you ever heard the term “capsule wardrobe”?  It is the practice of editing your wardrobe down to your favorite clothes (aka the items that fit your fashion sense, your body, and your lifestyle right now), remixing them regularly, and shopping/sewing less often and more intentionally.

Here at Patterns for Pirates headquarters, we thought it would be so fun to show you how to do this with your handmade wardrobe!  We hired some incredible sewists from the Pirate Community and asked them to sew a pattern from our collection, and then show you how to get more wearability out of it.  They are showing up each day to remix a different P4P pattern AND the pattern of the day will be on sale for that 24-hour period.  So fun, right?

TODAY’S FEATURED PATTERN

SHOP NOW

Pattern: RagDoll Raglan

Quick Summary: This is a loose, slouchy, baggy top that is perfect for pairing with those tighter fit bottoms like leggings or skinnies.  You can sew it up in a drapey rayon for a lighterweight top in the summer or a sweater knit for a super cozy, oversized sweater in the winter! It has raglan style sleeves, which are very beginner friendly, but they have a drop, batwing that mimics the look of a exaggerated dolman sleeve.  It is straight through the body and loose fit throughout, besides being fitted at the lower arms.  It has a wide, low neckline to continue that comfortable, loose fit and pairs with a thicker than average neckband.  If you use a very stretchy fabric you can pull the wide neckline off one shoulder if you like some days.

This pattern is on sale only thru tonight, at 11:59pm CST. If you’ve had your eye on it, don’t wait to jump on the deal!

Make sure you check out Instagram and Facebook today, for more fun videos and photos from our featured sewist! But before you go, here are a few quick pics to keep you inspired!

Fall Into Fashion – November 1 :: Straight Palazzos

All November long, we are looking to “Fall Into Fashion” with some sewing and style fun. As the weather cools down, fashion heats up! This time of year can provide some of the best opportunities for styling yourself.

Have you ever heard the term “capsule wardrobe”?  It is the practice of editing your wardrobe down to your favorite clothes (aka the items that fit your fashion sense, your body, and your lifestyle right now), remixing them regularly, and shopping/sewing less often and more intentionally.

Here at Patterns for Pirates headquarters, we thought it would be so fun to show you how to do this with your handmade wardrobe!  We hired some incredible sewists from the Pirate Community and asked them to sew a pattern from our collection, and then show you how to get more wearability out of it.  They are showing up each day to remix a different P4P pattern AND the pattern of the day will be on sale for that 24-hour period.  So fun, right?

TODAY’S FEATURED PATTERN

SHOP NOW

Pattern: Straight Palazzos

Quick Summary: This beginner knit pattern has all the style you need in a soft comfortable pant! It is a slim fit over booty and falls straight/wide down legs for a flattering fit on any size!
Options include: shorts, capri, and pant length with 30″,32″, and 34″ inseam cut lines. Yoga wasitband you can fold over or wear high waisted, and enclosed elastic waistband. (Thicker width elastic for a much more flattering look!)

This pattern is on sale only thru tonight, at 11:59pm CST. If you’ve had your eye on it, don’t wait to jump on the deal!

Make sure you check out Instagram and Facebook today, for more fun videos and photos from our featured sewist! But before you go, here are a few quick pics to keep you inspired!

Fall Into Fashion – November 2020

Happy Fall, Pirate Friends!! We are beyond thrilled to finally be able to announce what we’ve been working on behind the scenes here at Patterns for Pirates! Get ready for a super fun-filled November — because we sure are!

Each day during the month of November, we are going to be featuring a different Patterns for Pirates pattern.

On that day you can expect:

  • a 24-hour sale for the daily featured pattern.
  • videos and photos from your favorite sewists + bloggers.
  • daily styling inspiration.

We challenged our promo team by asking them to make one item from the daily featured pattern, and style it three (or more!) ways. For the next thirty days, you’ll see our team take something like that a basic t-shirt and make it look sporty, professional, and casual — simply by styling it differently. Or pairing a Wiggle Dress with different items from their closet to dress it up, or dress it down.

I’ve been blown away by everyone’s creativity and fashion know-how and I think you will be as well!

Be sure to keep an eye out each day in the Facebook Group / Page, on Instagram, or at this blog — because that’s where we will be notifying you of the featured pattern, and letting you know how to get your hands on that 24-hour sale price.

We could not have done this without our team of talented, creative, amazing people! Let’s meet each of them!

Judy Hale – Owner and head designer for Patterns for Pirates. Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group | Website

Nicole Lanzarotto – P4P Crew Member and Owner of Edge Apparel and Accessories. Facebook

Alex Radu – P4P Crew Member and blogger at My Creative Room. Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Ashley Toombs – Designer at Lexi Lee Handmade. Instagram | Facebook

Brad Schultz – Designer at Brad Schultz Design. Instagram

Kamali Obiagu – Blogger at Obiagu Makes. Instagram | Blog

Livia Jonker-Yamada – Blogger at Liviality. Instagram | Blog | Facebook

Katy McKinley – P4P Crew Member and Owner/Blogger at Wild + Wanderful. Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group | Website + Blog

Erinn Ounsted – P4P Crew Member, teacher, blogger at Love Madelynn. Instagram | Blog

Aaronica Bell Cole – Blogger at Crunchy Mommy Blog and Needle and the Belle. Instagram | Facebook | Blog

Becca Eutsler – Owner of Black Sheep Fabrics. Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group

Kaara King – Blogger at Poppie Darling. Instagram | Facebook | Blog

Leanne Fayard – Blogger at Thready for It. Instagram | Blog

Rachel Hopkins – Blogger at Always a Project. Instagram | Blog

We are so looking forward a month full of celebrating fashion, fall, and sewing at Patterns for Pirates. Are you ready for the fun??

Featured Patterns