Patterns for Pirates

P4P stylish, modern, wearable patterns

Hale Half Zip – Easy Hacks

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

You’ll need one of these patterns to complete these brilliant sewing hacks:

Hale Half Zip – Adult Hourglass | Hale Half Zip – Adult V Figure | Hale Half Zip – Youth | Hale Half Zip – Bundle

NO ZIPPER HACK

Let’s be honest, not all of us like zippers.  When I teach sewing classes they are one of the things people are most fearful about sewing, so you’re not alone if you don’t like them.  Or, maybe you just don’t have any to hand and still want to sew up a Hale Half Zip for yourself?  Well, we’ve got you covered.

Now for this option you’re going to have to pick the hood, rather than the collar as the neckline finish, as the collar won’t work without a zip.  You could also draft a neckband to finish the neckline with instead of the hood, and I’ll cover that at the end, but for the main tutorial I will be using the hood.

First you will cut out all your pieces as normal, except the front yoke.  This is ‘cut x 2 mirrored’ in the tutorial, but we will be removing seam allowance and cutting on the fold.  To begin, we need to work out how much seam allowance to remove.  Now, the seam allowance used for attaching the zipper is 3/8″, like this.

However, don’t forget in the finished garment we have the width of a zipper to account for too, like this.

So, I will be taking off an extra 1/8″ to account for half the width of the zipper teeth.  That means our full seam allowance to remove will be 1/2″.  I simply mark it on the pattern piece and fold it over, that means you still have the full pattern piece to use again in the future if you wanted to.

Then cut your front yoke on the fold.

We assemble the garment now according to the tutorial instructions, but I like to leave the neckline to the end, so I did it in this order:

Front centre yoke to front sides

Front yoke to back yoke at shoulder seams.

Kanga pocket to front bottom.

Front yoke to front bottom.

Back yoke to back bottom.

Assemble sleeves. Attach to body of garment.

Side Seams.

Cuffs and waistband.

Then we start again with the neckline.  Sew the back curved seam of your main hood, right sides together.  Then repeat for your lining.

Sew the front chin curve for your main right sides together, then again for your lining.

Turn the lining right side out, and slip it inside your main.  These should now be right sides together.

Sew around the hood face opening to join the hoods together.  Clip your seam allowance if necessary, then turn right sides out and top stitch if you wish (it gives a great, professional finish and stops the hood slipping around).

Then quarter your neckline, and quarter your hood.  Turn the main garment inside out and drop the hood into the neckline right sides together, matching the quarter points.  The hood should fit nicely into the neckline.  Sew them together, and you’re done!

 

If you want to use a traditional neckband instead of the hood, then you can measure your neckline opening like this

Then calculate your neckband.  I used a ribbing and therefore used a calculation of 75%, but for a fabric with less stretch you could use 80 or 85%.

So, the neckline for my daughter’s age 10 measured 8.75″ across, x 2 for the full circumference is 17.5″.  Then multiply by 75% gives us 13″, plus 1/2″ seam allowance at either end gives us 14″.  I used a width of 2.5″ for a final neckband depth of 3/4″.  So my neckband is cut at 14 x 2.5″.

Sew the short ends together, press in half longways and then attach as you do the hood, by quartering both the neckband and the neckhole and sewing them together, matching the quarter points.

Give it a press, pop it on and show off to all your friends!

Happy sewing!

Dana xxx

 

CORDING

 

Adding some cording along the hood or along the top of the collar is simple and quick.

Mark where you would like your button hole or grommets.  Take into account the 1/2″ seam allowances and the zipper. I like to just press all my seamlines to easily see them.

Put little pieces of interfacing where the grommets or button holes will be.  You want the interfacing to be bigger than your grommet or button hole.

Put your buttonholes or grommets in on the main fabric piece only.

Sew up normally.  If you’re lining your hood or doing the collar option, you’ll need to sew a casing stitch.  Just a stitch that will hold your cording along the edge. It can be whatever width/seam allowance you like the look of as long as it’s wide enough to fit your cording and grommets/buttonholes inside.

Thread your cording through when finished.

 

Snap Placket Hack

If zippers intimidate you, consider a snap placket for your Hale Half Zip Pullover! It’s an easy hack that can be accomplished with the pattern pieces you already have.

Cut 2 zipper guards from your fabric – they are now opposite sides of your snap placket. I used a ripstop canvas for stability and looks. If you’re using a knit or any other woven, it is best to interface both pieces to ensure that your snaps are secure.

For this make, I chose to use the rounded end of one guard and the squared end of the other. Totally up to you what you choose!

Press both of your placket pieces with wrong sides together.

Open up and fold right sides together and stitch across one short end on both pieces.

Turn right sides out and topstitch along the folded edge, if you prefer.

I actually ripped out my topstitching after these pics because I didn’t like it!

Sew your collar pieces, right sides together, along the top edge of the collar.

Sew the collar main to the neckline of your bodice.

Line up one of your placket pieces with the raw edge of your bodice front and fold the collar lining over to sandwich the placket between the right sides of the collar main and collar lining.

Fold up the seam allowance of the collar lining.

Sew the length of the bodice front, securing the collar layers and placket.

Turn the collar right side out and topstitch the seam allowance down the front.

Secure the collar lining per pattern instructions.

Lay one side of the placket on top of the other – I stacked the right side on top of the left – and baste the bottom edge together.

At this point, you can decide to add your snaps or wait until the end of construction (like I did).

When marking for snaps, I like to line up the placket and push a pin through the layers. I use a fabric pen to mark the pin points on both sides of the placket.

Add your snaps and enjoy your new pullover!

Can’t wait to see what you make!

Rachel

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create cozy, stylish half-zip sweaters and hoodies for yourself and your loved ones. The Hale Half Zip patterns are available and on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, Friday, October 6, 2023.

Hale Half Zip – Adult Hourglass | Hale Half Zip – Adult V Figure | Hale Half Zip – Youth | Hale Half Zip – Bundle

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!

Adult Hourglass Album | Adult V Figure Album | Youth Album

Stay warm, stay stylish, and stay comfortable all season long! We can’t wait to see what you create for yourself!

New Pattern Release :: Hale Half Zip

Are you ready to embrace the cozy season in style? Look no further than the Hale Half Zip patterns, our newest patterns available with Patterns for Pirates!

The best part? The Hale Half Zip patterns are designed for our Adult Hourglass, Adult V Figure AND Youth size charts!

  • *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!

The Hale Half Zips are designed to keep you warm and cozy without sacrificing style. With their loose and comfortable fit, multiple customization options, and unique seamlines, these pull-over garments are a must-have for your wardrobe. Whether you prefer an athletic look or a smart sweater style, this pattern has got you covered.

One of the standout features of the Hale Half Zip pattern is the ability to customize your creation.

Here are some of the options you can choose from:

  • Necklines: Pick between a classic collar or a snug hood to top off your sweater.
  • Lengths: Tailor your garment to your preference with various length options. Youth and Adult Hourglass styles offer cropped and longer shirt lengths, while Adult V Figure styles include short, regular, and tall options.
  • Sleeves: Decide between solid sleeves for a clean look or go for colorblock sleeves to add some extra flair.
  • Pockets: Opt for a kanga-style pocket to keep your hands warm and your belongings close by.
  • Zipper Guard: Add a zipper guard for extra comfort and protection.
  • Finishing Methods: Choose from unfinished seams, binding seams, or lined collar and hood options to give your garment a polished finish.

To achieve the best results with the Hale Half Zip pattern, it’s essential to use medium-weight, stable knits. Stable knits have less stretch, but don’t worry—only the cuffs and bottom band require stretch, so the other pieces can have mechanical stretch.

Specific Fabric Suggestions: Consider using fabrics like sweatshirt knit, French terry, double knits, quilted knits, stretch velvets, fleece, or even cuddle fabrics for a plush feel.

No matter who you’re sewing for, the Hale Half Zip pattern has you covered. The pattern includes an extensive range of sizes:

Adult Hourglass Sizes: XXS to Plus 5X

Adult V Figure Sizes: XXS to 6XL

Youth Sizes: 3m to 14

Both imperial and metric measurements are included, making it easy for you to choose the right size for your project.

Let’s take a quick look at the different pattern options!

HEM LENGTHS / CROP + SHIRT (YOUTH AND HOURGLASS ONLY)

HEM LENGTHS / SHORT, AVERAGE + TALL (V FIGURE ONLY)

SLEEVE OPTIONS / SOLID OR COLORBLOCK

NECKLINE OPTIONS / COLLAR OR HOODED

OPTIONAL KANGAROO POCKET

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create cozy, stylish half-zip sweaters and hoodies for yourself and your loved ones. The Hale Half Zip patterns are available and on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, Friday, October 6, 2023.

Hale Half Zip – Adult Hourglass | Hale Half Zip – Adult V Figure | Hale Half Zip – Youth | Hale Half Zip – Bundle

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!

Adult Hourglass Album | Adult V Figure Album | Youth Album

Stay warm, stay stylish, and stay comfortable all season long! We can’t wait to see what you create for yourself!

BUT WAIT. There’s more! We’ve got an Easy Hacks post to help take your patterns even further! Head on over to check out the quick changes you can make to these patterns, that aren’t available in the pattern tutorial itself!

2023 Fall Sale!

Are you ready for some fantastic news? The wait is over, and we’re thrilled to announce our final sale of the year at Patterns for Pirates! As the days get shorter and the leaves start to fall, we’re rolling out the red carpet for all you sewing enthusiasts.

Last Sale of the Year – 30% Off Sitewide!

It’s your chance to stock up on your favorite patterns and dive into a world of creativity and endless possibilities. From trendy outfits to cozy winter essentials, we’ve got something for everyone.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This:

  1. 30% Off Everything: Yes, you read that right! Every single pattern on our website is available at an incredible 30% discount. It’s the perfect time to explore new designs or grab those patterns you’ve had your eye on.
  2. Unleash Your Creativity: Whether you’re a seasoned sewist or just starting, our patterns cater to all skill levels. With step-by-step instructions and a supportive community, you’ll be crafting beautiful pieces in no time.
  3. Unique Styles: Our collection includes a wide range of styles, from casual wear to elegant evening dresses, and even patterns for the little ones in your life. There’s something to suit every taste and occasion.
  4. Instant Digital Downloads: No need to wait for shipping! Our patterns are available as instant digital downloads, so you can start your project right away.
  5. Support and Community: When you choose Patterns for Pirates, you’re not just getting patterns; you’re joining a passionate community of fellow sewists. Share your creations, get inspiration, and connect with others who share your love for sewing.

How to Join the Sale:

  1. Visit our online store: Patterns for Pirates
  2. Browse our extensive collection.
  3. Add your favorite patterns to your cart.
  4. At checkout, enter the code “FALLSALE30” to enjoy the 30% discount.

But don’t wait too long; this sale won’t last forever! It’s your chance to make your autumn and winter wardrobe dreams a reality at a fraction of the cost.

  • The code will automatically pop up for you to add to your cart, but just in case use: FALLSALE30
  • The Fall Sale runs from September 18, 2023 thru September 27, 2023 @11:59pm CST.
  • Fabric for Pirates Subscriptions + Extras are excluded from the discount pricing.

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to fall in love with sewing all over again. Our fall sitewide sale is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to some new patterns, discover fresh sewing projects, and create stunning pieces for yourself and your loved ones.

Thank you for being a part of our Patterns for Pirates community. Happy sewing, and enjoy the savings!

New Pattern Release :: Ruched Top & Dress

Woohoo! We are here to party with our favorite Pirates for another Pattern Release Day! The Ruched Top & Dress is the pattern you’ve been searching for…we are sure of it. We can’t wait to tell you all about it, so let’s get right to it!

The Ruched Top & Dress pattern is drafted for the full, newer size chart, extending from XXS – Plus 5X for the Adult Hourglass Figure.

  • *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!

The Ruched Top & Dress is drafted with a snug fit throughout to give a classic, curve hugging silhouette. The side seams have a small amount of ruching (from bust-to-hip) to give a comfortable and forgiving fit.

There are so many lengths included to fit your preference for every occasion!  The Crop, Top, and Shirt lengths also include an option for side ties to add a cute detail and to give you more freedom in how much you ruche it up or not.   The longer dress lengths, including Midi and Maxi lengths, have a side seam split for a fun to wear and elegant walking vent for the slim fitting skirt.

You can also add a shelf bra into any option and turn it into a workout top, swimsuit/rashguard, or to just go braless/give more support for the bust. You can sew up a top or dress perfect for any weather with all the sleeve options.  You can also choose from a higher crew neckline or a lower jewel neckline on any option.  This pattern also works well for maternity wear (I just recommend grading out the front piece at the waist to accommodate bump).

Options Include:

  • Seven Hem Lengths: Crop, Top, Shirt, Mini, Knee, Midi + Maxi
  • Four Sleeve Options: Tank, Short, 3/4, + Long
  • Two Neckline Options: Higher Crew, Lower Jewel
  • Optional Shelf Bra
  • Crop, Top, Shirt Only: Tie Side Seam Option
  • Midi, Maxi Only: Side Seam Leg Split

The Ruched Top & Dress pattern is drafted for light-to-medium weight knit fabrics with at least 30% horizontal stretch. Fabrics that have good recovery will work best for this pattern so it doesn’t end up “sagging” after wear. Fabrics that are more stable will show gathering/ruching more.  The fabrics with more drape will not show the gathering as much and the center back and front will drape down in a curve (also a cute look).  The shelf bra must have high stretch knit fabrics like swim, athletic, or high quality cotton spandex.

Specific Fabric Suggestions: Ribbed knits, cotton spandex, cotton jersey, modal/rayon/bamboo with good recovery, sweater knit, waffle knits with good recovery, swim knit, athletic knits, double brushed polyester, DTY, ITY,  etc.

Ready to take a closer look at all of the options? Let’s do it!

CROP / TOP / SHIRT / MINI / KNEE / MIDI + MAXI HEM LENGTHS

TANK / SHORT / THREE-QUARTER / LONG SLEEVES

ELASTIC SIDE SEAMS / SIDE SEAM TIES (CROP, TOP + SHIRT LENGTHS ONLY)

SPLIT HEM (MIDI + MAXI DRESS ONLY)

We are incredibly excited to see what you make with the Ruched Top & Dress pattern! It is available and on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, Friday, August 25, 2023.

Ruched Top & Dress pattern

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!

Ruched Top & Dress Facebook Album

We can’t wait to see what you create for yourself!

New Pattern Release :: Francis Flounce!

It is our pleasure to be sharing with you our newest pattern duo: Francis Flounce + Francis Flounce – Youth! These patterns, as you probably guessed it, have the sweetest flounce floating above a double v-neck tank and are an incredible addition to your summer wardrobe.

Let us tell you all about it!

The Francis Flounce patterns are drafted for our youth size chart (3m – 14) and our adult sizes are in the full, newer size chart, extending from XXS – Plus 5X for the Adult Hourglass Figure.

  • *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!

 

The Francis Flounce is a tank top featuring a v-neck on both the front and back necklines. It includes a fun flounce in three different lengths and a stunning a-line silhouette. The pattern is fitted at the bust, semi-fitted at the waist and swings out at the hips, with four different hem lengths ranging from a crop top to a maxi dress. The flounce adds extra flair to an everyday tank top and is the perfect pattern to take you from a casual summer look to something a little more dressed up.

Options Include:

  • Four Hem Lengths: Crop, Top, Dress + Maxi
  • Three Flounce Lengths: Small, Medium + Large
  • Optional Plain Neckline (no flounce)
  • Front + Back V-Neck
  • Binding finishes on arm + neckline openings

The Francis Flounce Pattern is drafted for light-to-medium weight knit fabrics with at least 40% horizontal stretch. Fabrics that have good recovery and drape nicely will work best for this pattern. Especially with the dress and maxi lengths, avoid fabrics with poor recovery and that grow over time. Thinner fabrics will have better bounce and drape for use with the flounces, avoid using fabrics that are on the thicker side.

For binding, use a knit fabric with 50% stretch and good recovery.

Specific Fabric Suggestions: Rayon Spandex, Brushed / Double Brushed Polyester, ITY, DTY, Lighter-Weight Cotton Lycra, Bamboo Lycra, Yummy Ribbed Knit, Modal, etc.

Let’s take a peek at the options available in these new patterns!

FLOUNCE OPTIONS: SMALL / MEDIUM / LARGE + NO FLOUNCE

HEM LENGTHS: CROP / TOP / DRESS / MAXI

We are incredibly excited to see what you make with the Francis Flounce patterns! They are available and on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, Monday, July 24, 2023.

Francis Flounce | Francis Flounce – Youth | Francis Flounce – Bundle

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!

Francis Flounce Adult Album | Francis Flounce Youth Album

We can’t wait to see what you create for yourself! Flounce away, friends!

New Pattern Release :: Breezy Overalls!

We are jazzed to be sharing our latest sewing patterns for our shop! The Breezy Overalls are going to blow you away with their cuteness. Let’s get to talking all about them!

The Breezy Overalls are drafted for our youth size chart (3m – 14) and our adult sizes are in the full, newer size chart, extending from XXS – Plus 5X for the Adult Hourglass Figure.

  • *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!

The Breezy Overalls are perfect for your relaxed days.  Loose and comfortable everywhere with most the traditional overall look.  The more relaxed style means a quicker and simpler sew up than traditional overalls with buttons, but with the same cute look. If you don’t love the super loose look, so you can opt for a drawstring to cinch in the waist area.

The Breezy Overalls have all the pocket options you need to carry all your snacks, keys, phone, and other treasures.  The loose fit is perfect for any layering underneath you’d like to do.  It can be a great swimsuit coverup in the summer or wear the longer pant option with a sweater under in the winter. Perfect for those beautiful  apparel wovens you have in your stash.

Pattern options for the Breezy Overalls include:

  • Lengths: Shorts (Adult- 3″ and 5″ Curved) (Youth Curved and Straight) / Capri Length / Ankle Length Pant
  • All Lengths are Finished with Cuffs
  • Optional Pockets: Front Slat Pockets / Back Pockets / Front Bib Patch Pockets
  • Optional Drawstring

The Breezy Overalls Pattern is drafted for light-to-medium weight woven fabrics. I recommend something on the lighter end of “bottom weight”- meaning thick enough you don’t mind it on your booty, but light are airy if you’re going for summer wear.  It’s always recommend to use an apparel fabric, not fabric meant for quilting.

Specific Fabric Suggestions: Rayon Twill, Boardshort fabric, Seersucker, Tencil Twill, Chambray, Linen Blends, Lightweight jean, Madras, etc.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the options that we jam packed into the Breezy Overall patterns!

DRAWSTRING VERSION

LOOSE WAIST VERSION

SHORTS (3″ AND 5″ CURVED FOR ADULT / CURVED AND STRAIGHT FOR YOUTH)

CAPRI / ANKLE LENGTH PANTS

OPTIONAL POCKETS

We are beyond excited to see what you create with these new patterns! They are available and on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, July 2, 2023.

Breezy Overalls | Breezy Overalls Youth | Breezy Overalls Bundle

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!

Breezy Overalls Adult Album | Breezy Overalls Youth Album

We can’t wait to see what you sew up!

Featured Patterns