Flutter Wrap SAL day 7

April 28, 2020

What a fantastic week! Thank you so much for joining me in the Flutter Wrap sew along. The time has come to announce our winners and let me tell you… The mermaids/pirates team had a hard time picking!

Congratulations Gaelle Davila! As our first winner, Gaelle will receive a $20 Patterns for Pirates gift card and a $50 Oh So Pretty Custom Fabrics one.

We were also mesmerized by Tiffany Ottoson‘s dress! Tiffany is our second prize winner, a $20 gift card to Made for Mermaids and a $25 Oh So Pretty Custom Fabrics one.

A big THANK YOU to Oh So Pretty Custom Fabrics, our Sew Along sponsor, who also provided the bamboo lycra fabric for the videos.

Team Mermaids will be taking over the SAL group in May. Stay tuned for their pattern choice announcement!

Flutter Wrap SAL day 1 | Print and cut pattern

Flutter Wrap SAL day 2 | Cut fabric

Flutter Wrap SAL day 3 | Sew back, shoulder and side seams

Flutter Wrap SAL day 4 | Sew sleeves or tank binding

Flutter Wrap SAL day 5 | Add neckline binding and waist ties

Flutter Wrap SAL day 6 | Finish skirt

Flutter Wrap SAL day 7 | Winners announcement

Flutter Wrap SAL day 6

April 25, 2020

Welcome to the last sewing day of the sew along! What a fun week! Today we add the bottom flounce flounce or hem the dress/shirt.

If you opted for the no flounce style, start by hemming the vertical raw edge first. Fold it 1/2″ and stitch it down with a zig zag stitch, a coverstitch or twin needles. Before you start, take a look over our Hemming blog because we have a few tips for easy and successful hemming. If you are finishing the bottom hem using twin needles, a good refresher blog is the P4P University Twin Needles Tips.

For my dress, I went with the flounce hem. Start by creating the very long flounce by sewing the pieces together as instructed in the pattern. If you added the neckline flounce yesterday, you will be doing a very similar process today. Once the flounce is created you will add it to the raw hem, right sided together. The ratio is 1:1 so you will not be stretching the dress or the flounce.

All done! All you have left to do is enjoy your gorgeous creation and show it off…you know… “I made it!” 😉

You can see today’s video below! Once you finish your dress or shirt snap a photo of it (modeled or not) and post it in the comments of day 6 photo of the Flutter Wrap Sew Along album in the SAL FB group. We will be choosing the two winners from the photos in the comments! Once you do your check in, please do share your work in the main Patterns for Pirates FB group too.

Flutter Wrap SAL day 1 | Print and cut pattern

Flutter Wrap SAL day 2 | Cut fabric

Flutter Wrap SAL day 3 | Sew back, shoulder and side seams

Flutter Wrap SAL day 4 | Sew sleeves or tank binding

Flutter Wrap SAL day 5 | Add neckline binding and waist ties

Flutter Wrap SAL day 6 | Finish skirt

Flutter Wrap SAL day 7 | Winners announcement

Flutter Wrap SAL day 5

April 24, 2020

Ahoy, pirates! Today’s steps will be adding the neckline binding and creating & attaching the ties. Pretty easy! Start by pressing the binding 1/4″ inch along one of the long edges. Set that aside if you are adding the neck flounce.

Create the long neckline flounce by sewing the pieces right sides together as instructed in the pattern. Make sure you attach the flounce 1/2″ away from the ends. Once this step is completed, add the neckline binding right sides together with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Remember, the binding is not visible on the outside of the dress.

Last thing we need to do today is to create the two ties. Take the long tie and fold it in half, lengthwise, right sides together. Sew along one of the short ends and the long one, turn inside out. It is very important that you attach the long tie to the side where you have the side opening.

Day 5 video is posted below, take a look. When you finished today’s steps post a picture of your progress in the comments of day 5 photo of the Flutter Wrap sal album in the M4M/P4P Sew Along group on Facebook.

Flutter Wrap SAL day 1 | Print and cut pattern

Flutter Wrap SAL day 2 | Cut fabric

Flutter Wrap SAL day 3 | Sew back, shoulder and side seams

Flutter Wrap SAL day 4 | Sew sleeves or tank binding

Flutter Wrap SAL day 5 | Add neckline binding and waist ties

Flutter Wrap SAL day 6 | Finish skirt

Flutter Wrap SAL day 7 | Winners announcement

New Pattern Release :: Classic Sports Bra!

April 23, 2020

We know that times are……something right now. Our new normal isn’t anything remotely what normal used to mean to us. It’s scary, lonely, wacky, busy, boring, stressful, and all of the descriptive terms you could ever lump into a couple months of life. Let me begin by telling you that our hearts go out to everyone right now. Our entire Pirate Crew hopes that you are safe, healthy, and maintaining whatever version of “okay” you can muster up during this moment in time. We absolutely love our Pirate Family and we wish you all the best. Thank you for continuing this feeling of community and camaraderie that we are all craving and deserving at this moment in time. You have no idea how much you mean to all of us.

And with that, we were hoping to bring a little sewing excitement into your lives! (drum roll please) :: It’s release day, y’all! Let’s talk about the Classic Sports Bra, our newest pattern duo!

Right now, sports bras might be more important than they’ve ever been. I can’t tell you how many of my friends are either completely taking advantage of their new schedule by working out more than ever before — and how many of my friends are taking advantage of their new schedule by rocking loungewear all day, every day. Whichever version of my friends that you are, we’ve got you covered.

The Classic Sports Bra is…well…a classic sports bra!

You can create a light impact bra out of casual fabrics for lounging, sleeping, and all around comfort. You can use an athletic knit for a light impact for yoga, walking and other lighter exercising. You can add more support with inner-lining, removable cups, more stable athletic fabrics like supplex, using the more supportive wider under bust band for a great medium impact sports bra ready for light jogging, hiit workouts, zumba, ellipital, etc. Anyone can find their favorite combo with racerback and straight strap options, full back or with a cut out and hook and eye bra back closure. Lets talk a little more about that bra clasp option… it’s amazing! It’s simple to attach and makes getting the tight fit bra on and off so much easier– especially after a hot workout when you’re sweaty!! wheww!

The sizing follows our normal XXS-Plus 5X size chart, but ALSO includes both small bust and full bust adjustment pieces. So if you find your full bust falls into a size smaller or larger then your over bust…we have you covered! Youth sizing is 12 months to 14.

The front color-blocking is perfect for using up those beloved….hoarded? 😉 fabric scraps you have saved for the perfect project! You can make a more solid by using all the same fabrics or create a super fun combo with all different fabrics!

The tutorial includes several videos throughout the tutorial including fabric selection, size mashing for youth, sba and fba explanation for adult, piecing the front color-blocking, “burrito roll” lining method and sewing in elastic, bottom binding, attaching hook and eye bra closure and TWO complete sew ups using different options.

You will also find one more file with our new release… the Projector File. This is a larger PDF with all pieces on the fold facing the same direction, a couple grid layers you can turn on to scale and off to cut, and one big page to scroll down as you cut. I hope this helps all those jumping into the new trend of going paperless!

**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!

COLORBLOCKED FRONT

FULL BACK

BRA CLASP

STRAIGHT STRAPS

RACERBACK STRAPS

So whether you’re ready to lounge or get active… maybe a little of both… you can grab the Classic Sports Bra and be ready for it all!

CLASSIC SPORTS BRA| CLASSIC SPORTS BRA – YOUTH | CLASSIC SPORTS BRA – BUNDLE

We know times are crazy right now and a lot of us are trying to budget more- so I took the time to hunt down a few small shops that sold the hook and eye bra clasps in a variety of colors (fun!) so we could help support a small business AND I could give you all an exclusive coupon code to help if you need this supply that might not be in everyone’s stash already! <3

– Stitch Love on Etsy or her own site code p4p20 for 20% off
www.stitchlovestudio.com/

– Sasha Fox Sewing Supplies on Etsy code: PIRATES40 for 40% off
[www.etsy.com/shop/SashaFoxStudio

-Bra Makery: 30% code for the website PATTERNSFORPIRATES (only on the site not on Etsy).
www.thebramakery.com

So you if need some hook and eye bra clasps for a new Classic Sports Bra, I would love for you to support one of these small businesses that gave us a great discount!

And if our pattern alone doesn’t provide enough options for you, we’ve also included a blog post that will help take the Classic Sports Bra 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 Friday, May 1, 2020 (11:59PM US Central Time Zone).

Happy Sewing, Pirates!

Flutter Wrap SAL day 4

April 23, 2020

Welcome to day four of the Flutter Wrap sew along! Today we add the sleeves or, if you selected the tank option, add the arm bindings. For my dress I decided to go with the flutter style. All sleeves will be added in the round.

For the short, 3/4 and long sleeves start by pressing a memory a 1/2 hem. Fold the sleeve right side together and sew the raw edges with a stretch stitch or you serger. Hem the sleeve…see how easy it is to stitch now that you have a memory hem done? 😉
If you opted for the tank style, start by pressing the binding 1/4″ along one of the long ends. This step will make it so “hassle free” when you fold the binding inside the arm opening.
The flutter style sleeve will not be hemmed. You will need to finish the serger thread tail. You can read about some of my favorite ways to finish the serger stitch here.

My flutter sleeves process in the video below. As always, once you complete today’s steps, post a picture of the shirt/dress in the comments of day 4 photo of the Flutter Wrap SAL album.

Flutter Wrap SAL day 1 | Print and cut pattern

Flutter Wrap SAL day 2 | Cut fabric

Flutter Wrap SAL day 3 | Sew back, shoulder and side seams

Flutter Wrap SAL day 4 | Sew sleeves or tank binding

Flutter Wrap SAL day 5 | Add neckline binding and waist ties

Flutter Wrap SAL day 6 | Finish skirt

Flutter Wrap SAL day 7 | Winners announcement

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.

Flutter Wrap SAL day 3

April 22, 2020

Day 3 is here! Today we start sewing. We are going to start by stitching the back pieces together at the center seam with a 1/2″ seam allowance. Once you have your back sewn, stitch the front pieces right sided together at the shoulder seam.

Tip: Add clear elastic to the shoulder seams to strengthen them and make sure the shoulders don’t stretch throughout the day.

The Flutter Wrap pattern features set in sleeves but this time they are sewn in the round. That means that we will sew the side seams prior to adding the sleeves. Don’t forget to leave the opening for the wait tie. That will be on the wearer’s right.

You can see my progress below. Once you sew the back, shoulder and side seams post a picture of the shirt or dress in the comments of DAY 3 photo of the Flutter Wrap album in the SAL group.

Flutter Wrap SAL day 1 | Print and cut pattern

Flutter Wrap SAL day 2 | Cut fabric

Flutter Wrap SAL day 3 | Sew back, shoulder and side seams

Flutter Wrap SAL day 4 | Sew sleeves or tank binding

Flutter Wrap SAL day 5 | Add neckline binding and waist ties

Flutter Wrap SAL day 6 | Finish skirt

Flutter Wrap SAL day 7 | Winners announcement

Flutter Wrap SAL day 2

April 21, 2020

Welcome to the second day of the Flutter Wrap sew along. Today we choose and cut the fabric. This is probably the “longest” day, depending on the style you chose but it’s a pretty easy one. The pattern is drafted for knit fabric with at least 30% stretch. Fabrics with soft drape will make the best flounces. My personal recommendations are rayon spandex, bamboo lycra, ITY, Cupro and double brushed poly. If you are looking for various fabric looks, check out the Flutter Wrap Round Up Blog where Judy show cases various materials that can be used.

For my dress I am using a stunning Oh So Pretty bamboo lycra which has beautiful drape and a soft feel. Bamboo is my favorite fabric base ever so it was only natural that I picked this base. Oh So Pretty Custom Fabric is this sew along’s sponsor as well so our two lucky winners will be receiving gift card to treat themself to their custom prints (must be a member in the OSP Facebook group to qualify)

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. We 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.

The Day 2 video is posted below. Check it out and once you are done cutting your fabric post a picture of your pretty pile in the comments of the Day 2 photo of the Flutter Wrap SAL album in the M4M & P4P Sew Along group.

Flutter Wrap SAL day 1 | Print and cut pattern

Flutter Wrap SAL day 2 | Cut fabric

Flutter Wrap SAL day 3 | Sew back, shoulder and side seams

Flutter Wrap SAL day 4 | Sew sleeves or tank binding

Flutter Wrap SAL day 5 | Add neckline binding and waist ties

Flutter Wrap SAL day 6 | Finish skirt

Flutter Wrap SAL day 7 | Winners announcement

Flutter Wrap SAL day 1

April 20, 2020

Welcome to our Flutter Wrap Sew Along!

Day One is reserved to purchasing the pattern, printing and cutting the size(s) you need. If you plan on sewing for yourself you can get the Flutter Wrap here, if you’re sewing for your little one, the Flutter Wrap Youth can be purchased here and if you’re sewing for both of you (just think of the mommy and me matching outfits!) you can get the bundle. If you can’t decide which style to make, our Round Up blog will give you a glance at all options included with the pattern.

This sew along will be held in the the M4M & P4P Sew Along group so be sure to join the group not only for the exclusive discount code available for the Flutter Wrap patterns but also to post your progress this week. Don’t be shy about asking questions or suggestions, we are a helpful bunch. 🙂

Now that you purchased the pattern(s), print the size needed. In order to do that it is very important that you take your most accurate measurements. You will need your waist, hips and chest measurements in order to choose the correct Flutter Wrap size. P4P has an amazing blog that gives you tip for accurately taking your measurements. You can read all about it here. If your measurements put you in a different size for chest/waist/hips be sure to check out our P4P University blog and grade to achieve the perfect fit.

You can see in the video below how I blend two sizes to make my Flutter Wrap knee length with flounce a flutter sleeves. Once you cut your pattern pieces post “done” in the comments of day 1 photo of the Flutter Wrap Sew Along album in the SAL group. We don’t allow pictures of the pattern pieces so this comment will count as your daily check in.