Blog - Patterns for Pirates

2023 A Year in Review

December 26, 2023

It’s always so much fun for us to look back on the year as it comes to a close and reflect on all that we did during that time! Here’s a quick glance back at 2023 with Patterns for Pirates!

We released TWENTY ONE (21) brand new patterns to the catalog.

The majority of them were designed and drafted by Judy Hale (our beloved Pirate Captain) and five of them were from (our lead admin + designer) Katy McKinley!

Don’t forget that we offer youth + adult patterns in bundles, as well!

We shared FIVE (5) super fun freebies with our sewing community!

They are our way of saying “thank you” for being such amazing members of our sewing family!

We delivered TWELVE (12) amazing fabrics to our subscribers!

Fabric for Pirates has been such an incredible journey for us and we’ve loved the excitement, creativity, and joy you all share with us as you receive your fabric each month!

Please join the fun and subscribe to Fabric for Pirates for the 2024 season!

Fabric for Pirates-A Monthly Mystery Fabric Subscription

$30.00 on the 1st of each month

Sign up now

You chose your MOST LOVED patterns of the year!

We always enjoy checking the stats and seeing what the most popular downloads were for the past year. This year was just as fun to check out, with these six patterns showing up the most in our customers’ carts.

We made a BIG announcement!

We spent an intense amount of time going through every. single. pattern. in our catalog and they’ve all been updated to include all of the current file types that we offer!

Every pattern now has Letter, A4, A0 and Projector file types with active layers!!! ::cue happy dancing::

Even the earliest patterns in our collections have received these updates. All you’ll need to do is log into your account and head to “Downloads” and any pattern you’ve previously purchased from us will automatically have these files updated and available for you to download.

**When we say “every”, there are a few patterns that don’t include A0 file types. They are typically the pattern pieces that are so small that we considered it a waste of money, paper and resources to print them on such a large piece of paper.

————

Let’s do a quick refresher of the different files + formats we offer, in case you needed it:

Letter – Formatted for printing on letter size paper (8.5″ by 11″). Located in the US? This is your paper size!
A4 – Formatted for printing on A4 size paper (8.25″ by 11.75″). Located outside of the US? This is most likely the paper size you use!
A0 – Formatted for wide-format printers using 36″ wide paper. We have a blog post showing how to print this size paper, if you’d like to give it a read.
Projector – A newer style of paperless/printless way of cutting the fabric pieces requires a special set up. Read this post to learn about the basics of using a projector for sewing.

Please keep in mind that, while even our Freebies received these updates, our free patterns will continue to have a 3o-day expiration policy on the file downloads. This policy was enacted in January 2021 and is explained in this post: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT :: CHANGES TO FREEBIES! (tl/dr version…our free patterns expire after 30 days. If you haven’t saved them to a local device and it’s past the 30 days, you’ll simply have to go through the checkout process with the ::still free:: pattern to get access to the downloads again.)

We watched our social media GROW!

Thank you to all the new followers, members, etc and for everyone who was here already and stayed with us! We appreciate each and every single one of the follows, members, subscribers, etc! Not only are you learning from our patterns + posts, but you’re returning the favor by helping us learn and be inspired daily!

It has been a heck of a year and we look forward to sewing through 2024 with you!

Protected: Fabric for Pirates :: December 2023 Reveal

December 11, 2023

Sophia Pencil Skirt :: Easy Hacks

December 6, 2023

Get ready to elevate your sewing game with our “easy hacks” post for the Sophia Pencil Skirt pattern. We’re sharing three ingenious ways to take this pattern a little further!

You’ll this pattern to complete these super fun sewing hacks: SOPHIA PENCIL SKIRT

Side Zipper Hack

Here is a super simple way to move the zipper from the back of the Sophia Pencil skirt to the side! Cut your fabric according to the instructions. Note that the zipper in the purple illustration below is the original pattern placement.

Next, transfer the zipper markings to the Front skirt and Left back skirt, using the original pattern pieces. I installed the zipper on the same side as my slit.

Re-arrange your pattern pieces, to match the below illustration with the pieces needing zippers on the outside. I color coded which seams need to be sewn together with dashed lines in the illustration below. Match the colored seams, right sides together, and sew. You’ll want to do this construction with the right side of your main fabric facing up and repeat with your lining but with the right side facing down.

Continue the construction of the skirt as listed in the tutorial! Easy, peasy!

Happy Sewing!

Djem

Button Front Hack

We are all loving our new Sophia Pencil Skirts, but if you love the look but want to make it without the zipper, then we have a simple hack to add a button front instead. Not only does it look great but it means you haven’t got to install the zipper – win win!

For this hack we are using the skirt without the separate waistband. We will start by adding 2” extra width to the centre of the front main piece, and then cutting 2 x mirrored front skirts, rather than cutting on the fold. This extra 2” will give us a ½” extra on each skirt piece for a 1” overlap, and a button placket.

Front skirt piece with 2 inch extra width added to fold line

For the lining we will add an additional ½” to the centre front of the lining piece.

With your main fabric, construct your darts and side seams as per the tutorial and then also sew the centre back seam too. Repeat for your lining.

Right sides together, sew the main to the lining along the top, matching up your seams and darts. Your lining will be shorter than your main at either end.

Flip the lining round to the inside. Press the seam allowance towards the lining. It is a good idea to understitch the skirt lining to the seam allowance to help stop it creeping out to the outside. Give this top seam a good press with steam to help it lay flat.

We will be finishing the hems separately, so turn the lining hem to the wrong side by a ¼”, and then again by another ¼” . Press, then stitch hem with an edgestitch.

Moving back to the centre front seam, turn the front edge to the wrong side by ½” and press. Then turn to the wrong side again by 1” and press. This forms the button placket. Your lining should fit nicely inside the placket, concealing the raw edge. Stitch with an edgestitch – take your time to get a good straight stitch here as it will be visible at the front of your garment. Repeat with the other front edge.

: Fold 1/2″ to wrong side

: Fold a further 1″ to the wrong side, covering the lining.

Turn the bottom hem up by ½” and hem. Alternatively, you could hem by turning ¼” twice, again.

Sew on your button holes and buttons. I like to place them fairly close together to prevent gaping.

You’re done! A nice and simple sew and a total wardrobe classic.

Happy sewing!

Dana xx

Belt Hack

I’ll admit, I got totally Pinspired with this one after seeing a really cute belted pencil skirt online, and had to further hack my button front skirt. I knew it would be an easy hack on the new Sophia, so I got to it!

I wanted a fairly wide belt and decided on a finished width of 2.5”. With an added ½” seam allowance that gave me a measurement of 3.5” for the belt width. Then for the length I took a piece of ribbon and tied it round my waist with a decent sized bow. This was 84” long ( I wear the plus 1X with a waist measurement of 42”, for reference). This was too long for my fabric so I split it in two and added seam allowance. My final measurements for the ties were 3.5” x 43”; cut 4.

You will have 4 tie pieces. Sew two of these tie pieces together along the short sides using a ½” seam allowance, repeat for the other two tie pieces. Press the seam allowances open. Place these two tie pieces right sides together and sew using a ½” seam allowance, making sure you leave a 2-3” gap in the centre of the tie for turning through. I wanted a diagonal angle at the ends of my ties so I tapered in towards the ends of the ties to create this.

Trim corners and turn through. Press well and top stitch around entire length of belt.

For the belt loops, I cut a strip of fabric measuring 1.5” wide by 20” long (ish). Then I folded the fabric together right sides together along the long edge, and sewed it together with a ¼” seam allowance. Turn the tube through ( a tube turner of safety pin is helpful for this), then press. Edge stitch down both sides of the ties, then cut it into 5 pieces measuring 4” in length. These will be your 5 belt loops.

One belt loop will be placed at the centre back, two loops will be placed next to both of the centre front darts, and then the last two loops will be evenly spaced on either side between the previous two points.

Place the loops at the top of the skirt, about ½” from the top edge. Sew across the belt loops twice, once at the bottom and once just below the top.

Then fold the belt loop down towards the body of the skirt, tuck the raw edge under by ½” and top stitch down across the bottom.

Repeat for the other 4 belt loops. Thread through your belt, tie and enjoy your new skirt!

Happy Sewing!

Dana xx

We are thrilled to see what you sew for yourself using the Bacall Bodysuit + Sophia Pencil Skirt patterns! They are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, December 12, 2023.

Here are some links to the patterns: BACALL BODYSUIT | SOPHIA PENCIL SKIRT

As always, we’ve got more photos for you to use as inspiration! Head over to the Facebook group to browse our albums full of gorgeous photos, compliments of our tester team!

Bacall Bodysuit Facebook Album | Sophia Pencil Skirt Facebook Album

New Pattern Release :: Bacall Bodysuit + Sophia Pencil Skirt

December 6, 2023

Happy Release Day, y’all! We are super duper excited for this particular release day because we’ve got TWO incredible patterns to share! Trust us when we say that they’re great staples and will be perfect if you’re looking for something to wear to all of the holiday parties that are coming up.

Let’s get to talking about the Sophia Pencil Skirt and Bacall Bodysuit!

Both patterns are drafted to our Adult – Hourglass size chart, extending from XXS – Plus 5X.

*Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for these pattern? We’ve got you covered with an in-depth blog HERE. And for even more helpful fun, we have a free* printable that you can use to help record your measurements as you take them.
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, A0 and projector sizes.
We’ve also got an excellent planning tool for you with our Coloring Pages. It’s a resource that is updated with every new pattern addition, this pattern included!

While the two patterns pair incredibly well together, they really (truly) stand up on their own. So let’s go ahead and talk about each one separately…starting with the Sophia Pencil Skirt!

The Sophia Pencil Skirt is a classic wardrobe staple. Named for the actress Sophia Loren, we hope you feel just as stunning as she always looks when wearing it. You can use any bottom-weight woven, non-stretch fabric for this timeless pattern.

The pattern is fitted tight at the natural waist and body skimming through high hip and hip in comes in slightly at thigh, but has room to comfortably walk if you decide to not make the slitted option. You can make anything from a business appropriate skirt to a fun party mini with this pattern! Choose from no slits for a simple version, add one front thigh slit for some fun or double slits for double the fun. All options are fully lined with a back center zipper. You can sew up a skirt with a plain, no waistband solid look or opt for the waistband to highlight the waist area.

Pattern options for the Sophia Pencil Skirt include:

Multiple Lengths: Micro Mini / Mini / Above Knee / Knee
Waistband / No Waistband
Plain Hem / Slit / Double Slit
Back Center Zipper
Fully Lined

The Sophia Pencil Skirt pattern is drafted for bottom-weight woven, non-stretch fabrics. Bottom-weight fabrics means medium to heavier weight fabrics that are more durable, meant to withstand sitting, bending, etc.

Specific Fabric Suggestions: Heavy Flannel, Suiting, Tweed, Denim, Suede, Corduroy.
Specialty Suggestions: Velvet, Sequin, Satin, Pleather, etc.

Let’s take a quick walk through the different options!

LENGTHS (MICRO MINI / MINI / ABOVE KNEE / KNEE)

WAISTBAND / NO WAISTBAND

PLAIN HEM / SLIT / DOUBLE SLIT

The Bacall Bodysuit, named for the iconic Lauren Bacall is a classic look that will make you feel like a million bucks (who loves the movie How to Marry a Millionaire? ) .

This pattern features a tight fit throughout to create a perfect base layer for going under all your bottoms and top layering pieces too. It has a crew neckline with several options for finishing with lining, a neckband, mock turtleneck or classic turtleneck. The sleeve options are also somewhat endless with tank (lined or bands finish), fitted sleeves with several lengths and also a gathered sleeve with several lengths.

You can take this bodysuit from summer to winter very easily with options and fabric choice. You can also sew in a bra with the shelf bra option included in the fully lined option. The lining is drafted slightly snugger at the underbust and through the waist to help the shelf bra support bust. You can create a crop or bodysuit with a thong or brief bottom. All bodysuits are finished with a hook and eye closure towards the front of the body for easy on/off.

Pattern options for the Bacall Bodysuit include:

Sleeves: Tank Un-Lined / Tank- Lined / Fitted Short Sleeve / Fitted 3/4 Sleeve / Fitted Long Sleeve with Cuff / Fitted Long Sleeve Hemmed / Gathered Short Sleeve / Gathered Half Sleeve / Gathered Long Bishop Sleeve
Neckline Finishes: Lined / Crew Neckband / Mock Turtleneck / Turtleneck
Lengths: Crop / Thong Bodysuit / Brief Bodysuit
Fully Lined / Un-Lined
All Bodysuits Finish with Hook and Eye Closure

The Bacall Bodysuit pattern is drafted for high stretch knit fabrics that stretch both horizontally and vertically. Spandex blends are best, so they don’t stretch out and get loose throughout the day.

Specific Fabric Suggestions: Double Brushed Poly, Yarn Dyed Ribbed Knits, Yummy Rib Knit, Rayon Rib Knits, Modal/Bamboo/Rayon Spandex Jerseys, Cotton Spandex, Sweater Knits, etc.

Of course, let’s check a few of the options available in the pattern!

MULTIPLE SLEEVE OPTIONS (TANK, SHORT, 3/4, LONG…FITTED OR GATHERED!)

NECKLINES: LINED CREW / CREW / MOCK TURTLENECK / TURTLENECK

LENGTHS: CROP / THONG BODYSUIT / BREIF BODYSUIT

We are thrilled to see what you sew for yourself using the Bacall Bodysuit + Sophia Pencil Skirt patterns! They are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, December 12, 2023.

Here are some links to the patterns: BACALL BODYSUIT | SOPHIA PENCIL SKIRT

As always, we’ve got more photos for you to use as inspiration! Head over to the Facebook group to browse our albums full of gorgeous photos, compliments of our tester team!

Bacall Bodysuit Facebook Album | Sophia Pencil Skirt Facebook Album

But wait, there’s more! We have an Easy Hacks blog post for the Sophia Pencil Skirt pattern — helping you take that pattern a little further!

2023 Holiday Freebies :: Snowfall Shrug

December 1, 2023

Happy Holidays, Pirate Friends! We are excitedly back for another year and another round of holiday freebies to share with you! Since 2016, we’ve compiled different tutorials and patterns that we think would make *perfect* gifts for your friends and family. Curious about what we’ve already released in the way of holiday freebies? Head right here to see all of them: Holiday Freebies Roundup.

Today, we are bringing you the: Snowfall Shrug!

The Snowfall Shrug is unique in design, in that it is a ZERO WASTE design. What does that mean exactly? Zero waste sewing patterns use up every inch of the yardage without any waste / scraps that get tossed, meaning it’s a little more sustainable than a typical sewing endeavor.

The Snowfall Shrug is a classic shrug or bolero. It is a 3/4 “batwing” style sleeve and is a one-size pattern that falls across your shoulders. It’s a great addition when you need a little extra cozy coverage!

Fabric Requirements / Recommendations:

3/4 Yard knit fabric, 40-50% stretch minimum

Grab Your Pattern Pieces Here:

Snowfall Shrug pattern pieces

TUTORIAL:

Cut out all of your pieces. You’ll need:

– 1 Bodice Piece, cut on fold
– 2 Cuff Pieces (cut from main bodice piece)

This is a no-waste pattern, meaning we use up the entire length and width of the fabric.

1.) Lay the bodice piece, right sides up, with the cut-out corners at the top, furthest from you.

2.) With right sides together, fold one bottom corner up towards the top. Match along the raw edges of the cutout and the long top edge.

3.) Repeat on the opposite side. Sew along both top raw edges, using 1/2″ seam allowance.

4.) Using 1/2″ hem allowance, hem middle opening.

5.) Fold cuff piece left-to-right, with right sides together.

6.) Fold in half again, from top-to-bottom.

7.) You’ll now have two folded edges. Sew with 1/2″ seam allowance along raw side edge.

8.) Flip right sides out.

Repeat with other cuff.

9.) Baste at 1/8″ and 1/2″ to create gather stitches at sleeve opening.

10.) Gather sleeve opening to match size of cuff.

11.) Slide cuff over sleeve opening, matching along the raw edges. Sew using 1/2″ seam allowance.

12.) Flip cuff away from sleeve.

13.) Repeat steps 9-12 with opposite sleeve + cuff.

Your Snowfall Shrug is complete! Throw it on for some extra cozy warmth while you make a few more for gifts this holiday season!

In case you consider yourself a more “visual learner” here’s a video tutorial that walks you through the entire tutorial, start-to-finish.

Before you go, take a look at these fantastic Snowfall Shrugs from our tester team!

I la-la-love when you share your photos with me! Head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group and show us what you’ve made!

Happy Holidays, Pirates!

2023 Holiday Freebies :: Mistletoe Earmuffs

November 30, 2023

Today, we are bringing you the: Mistletoe Earmuffs!

Fabric Requirements / Supplies Needed:

1/4 Yard Fleece / Sherpa / Faux Fur fabric
Fiber Fill (or other preferred filling)
Headband (I used these and they worked great)

Grab Your Pattern Pieces Here:

Mistletoe Earmuffs pattern pieces

TUTORIAL:

Cut out all of your pieces. You’ll need:

– 4 Earmuff pieces
– Fiber Fill
– Headband

Lay two earmuff pieces right sides together. Sew around outer edge, leaving 1-2″ opening for turning.

Turn right side out.

Stuff with filling. Make sure not to overstuff.

Repeat with second earmuff.

Tuck in seam allowance and place headband inside of earmuff, through opening. Pin/clip into place.

Repeat with other earmuff.

**I highly recommend trying them on and seeing if any adjustments need to be made to the placement of the earmuffs.

Carefully glue headband to inside of earmuff, on both sides of the band.

Pinch in place, waiting for glue to dry.

Repeat with second earmuff.

Using a needle + thread, hand stitch remainder of opening.

You’re finished! How cute are these?

In case you consider yourself a more “visual learner” here’s a video tutorial that walks you through the entire tutorial, start-to-finish.

Before you go, sneak a peek at the cute Mistletoe Earmuffs that our testers created for themselves!

I la-la-love when you share your photos with me! Head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group and show us what you’ve made!

Happy Holidays, Pirates!

2023 Holiday Freebies :: Holiday Buttons

November 29, 2023

Today, we are bringing you the: Holiday Buttons!

Do you remember playing with Shrinky Dink material when you were younger? You’d draw on plastic film, cut it out and then watch magic happen in the oven as it shrunk down. Well did you know that they make ::printable:: shrink plastic?

You can relive your childhood memories, make something cool, AND have it be sewing related. What beats that?

NOTE: I wouldn’t recommend using these for clothing that will be worn frequently. They aren’t as strong as the buttons that you buy! However, they would be cute for accents on stockings or garments. You can even make wine glass charms or pendants.

Material Requirements / Recommendations: Printable Shrink Film (Grafix is a great brand, but sometimes harder to come by) + Mod Podge Dimensional Magic

Grab Your Printable Button Download Here: Holiday Buttons graphics

TUTORIAL:

Layout button graphics in your design software of choice – Canva, Silhouette, Word, etc. Set the design transparency to 75%. Colors will become more vibrant when the buttons shrink.

Buttons will shrink to 20% of their original size – so determine how large you want your final button to be and calculate accordingly. My examples started at 1 1/2″.

Print each button slightly larger than your hole punch size, if not using scissors or a cutting machine. That will make it a bit easier to punch your buttons with edge-to-edge designs.

Use a smaller hole punch for your button holes. You can also make charms for a necklace or wineglasses – just punch one hole closer to the edge, rather than 2.

I used a 1 1/2″ hole punch and a 6mm hole punch.

Shrink according to package directions. TIP! Place a heavy book on top of your buttons immediately upon removing from the oven to help flatten them out.

Use Mod Podge Dimensional Magic to seal and glaze your buttons.

Use 2 toothpicks to hold your button and keep the holes free of Dimensional Magic.

Don’t over apply Dimensional Magic! It will flow into the holes and clog them as they dry.

Carefully remove from toothpicks and allow to dry for 24 hours.

Enjoy your festive buttons!

I la-la-love when you share your photos with me! Head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group and show us what you’ve made!

Happy Holidays, Pirates!

2023 Holiday Freebies :: Cordial Can Coolers

November 28, 2023

Today, we are bringing you the: Cordial Can Coolers!

Honestly, we are shocked we didn’t think of this pattern earlier! Can coolers are such a great gift because you can never have too many. And the customization and personalization possibilities are endless! They make great stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, presents, craft booth items…you name it!

Fabric Requirements / Recommendations:

1/3 Yard (each) Main and Lining in Quilting Cotton + Fusible Fleece (affiliate link) for standard can
3/8 Yard (each) Main and Lining in Quilting Cotton + Fusible Fleece (affiliate link) for tall can

Grab Your Pattern Pieces Here:

Cordial Can Coolers pattern pieces

TUTORIAL:

Cut out all of your pieces. You’ll need:

– 1 Cut on Fold Main
– 1 Cut on Fold Lining
– 1 Cut on Fold Fusible Fleece Interfacing (or other preferred interfacing)

1. Iron interfacing to wrong side of main fabric.

2. Align Main + Lining pieces with right sides together.

3. Using 1/4″ seam allowance, (important to follow this SA or it won’t fit your can!) stitch along the top, bottom and middle edges.

4. Carefully clip the corners, making sure to not cut through your stitches.

5. Use pinking shears to trim down the extra fabric along the curved edge, to help for a smoother curved edge.

6. From one of the side openings, turn the can cooler right sides out.

7. Press.

8. Fold in half, with right sides (main fabric) together. Sew along both outer edges using 1/4″ seam allowance.

9. Use pinking shears or serge along raw edges, to help reduce fraying.

10. Turn right sides out and press. You’re finished!

You can decorate it with HTV or embroidery. Or leave it as-is and make a million more!

In case you consider yourself a more “visual learner” here’s a video tutorial that walks you through the entire tutorial, start-to-finish.

Before you go, take a look at these awesome can coolers that our testers created!

I la-la-love when you share your photos with me! Head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group and show us what you’ve made!

Happy Holidays, Pirates!

2023 Holiday Freebies :: Dino Nugget Plushies

November 27, 2023

Today, we are bringing you the: Dino Nuggest Plushies!

I have this very strong feeling that we are going to be seeing a ton of these cuties sewn up for gifts this holiday season! Well…and beyond. Because Dino Nugget Plushies have no season to them — they’re just always incredibly adorable! This pattern includes all five of the classic dino chicken nugget shapes: Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Brontosaurus, Pterodactyl, and Triceratops.

Make one, or make them all! They’re bound to be loved no matter what.

Fabric Requirements / Recommendations: Sherpa or Fleece fabric. Each dino takes 1/3 yard. If you’re making all shapes, you can get them all out of 1 1/4 yards.

Grab Your Pattern Pieces Here: Dino Nugget Plushies pattern pieces