Patterns for Pirates

P4P stylish, modern, wearable patterns

P4P’s Next Top Tester

“How do I become a P4P tester?”  It’s a question we’ve heard a million times.  We even wrote a blog post all about how to get noticed by the Pirate Crew.

But friends.  Listen up.  Because next week, we are bringing you a special opportunity that just might fast track you into our tester group.  Allow me to announce:

That’s right!  We are doing an open call for a FULL BLOWN pattern test for P4P, and you’re invited!  Be sure to check the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group on Monday, because we will posting a tester call.  And we are taking EVERYONE.  It’s going to be a wild ride and I couldn’t be more excited!

Top Tester will be putting you through the ringer.  You will be taking on a pattern test, and you’ll be doing all of the steps that we do for any of our normal tests.  Which means we will have size assignments, fit pictures and feedback, final photos, tutorial feedback, and promoting of the pattern when it gets released.

#P4PNTT will result in two official winners: a Top Tester and the Runner Up.  But first, let’s talk schedule.

Tester Call!
Monday, September 18, 2017
I will post a “Tester Call” for the challenge in the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group. You’ll need to sign up with your size and information in the form we will be sharing with you.  There area actually two unisex patterns, and we are looking for men, women, boy, and girl models.  Everyone is welcome to join!

Measure, measure, measure!! Kids grow fast and weight/size fluctuates weekly.  Make sure you have the most up-to-date measurements so you can make the appropriate sized garment.  Knowing your actual measurements and not what you’d pick up in a store is SO IMPORTANT for testing.  We want to put out a pattern that is drafted for the proper sizes.  (Need help measuring?  We’ve got a post HERE all about it!)

We aren’t telling what the pattern is until you’re in the group (since we’d like to keep it a surprise) but we didn’t want to leave you scrambling for fabric this week.  Here are the fabric requirements, based upon 44″ wide WOVEN fabric.

Print, Sew & Fit Feedback + Tutorial Edits/Feedback
Tuesday, September 19 – Friday, September 22, 2017
All participants will be added to a private Top Tester group on Facebook. (Remember to check your emails on Tuesday for the invites!!)

Print, assemble and cut your pattern.  Select your fabric.  Sew up your garment.

This portion of the process, we ask that you make your assigned version first, and you make sure to only print the pattern right before you’re about to sew — since we can make several changes to the patterns during the process and we want people sewing the most recent update.

Show us “fit” pictures with feedback.  This is a huge step in getting our patterns just right.  These do not need to be professional pictures.  They can be cell-phone shots or selfies, but we need to see how things are fitting in the size you signed up for!  It helps us identify any fit issues throughout the testing process.

We will also be posting the tutorial for the pattern(s) for you to edit.  The PDF will be located in the files within the Top Tester group and will have spelling mistakes, typos and maybe some construction errors.  Put on your “editing eyes” and catch the problem areas and provide us with revisions.

Final photos
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Take your photos and load them into the Top Tester group.  We prefer natural, outdoor photographs but understand completely that the weather doesn’t always cooperate.  You will need to provide at least 5 pictures showing fit from all angles. Think front, back, side shots, close up on details, etc.  You may style them as you like, but remember the focus of the picture should be the garment and it should make sense for the item you’ve sewn.  **You do not need to have a fancy DSLR camera and photo editing software to produce clear, beautiful tester photos.**

All of these tasks must be completed by their respective deadlines in order to be in the running for Patterns for Pirates’ Top Tester title.  Most of our testing periods last 4-7 days.

Winners will be announced on Monday, September 25, 2017!  Here are the prize packages:

Top Tester- 1st Place
Guaranteed testing spot for next 3 patterns
3 P4P pattern pack of choice
Pattern of Choice from Cole’s Creations and Made for Mermaids
LFRB Fabric Bundle from Sly Fox Fabrics

Runner-up
Guaranteed testing spot for next pattern
3 P4P pattern pack of choice
LFRB Fabric Bundle from Surge Fabric Shop

*Note: while only 2 winners will be selected, depending on your performance and effort, you may be invited to join our testing group!!! Bring your A-Game, P4P Fans!

**Winners will be chosen by the Patterns for Pirates Team**

Are you ready to party?!  Make sure to tune into the P4P Facebook Group on Monday, so you can join the tester call!!

Brunch Blouse:: New Pattern Release!

The Summer of Wovens has brought some pants with the Linen Loungers, an updated Everyday Elegance Top and Sweet Bow Dress… and now we give you the perfect top for your apparel wovens, the Brunch Blouse!

We also did it in youth for those with littles.

And, as always we gave you a deal if you wanted both in a bundle listing!

They are both fitted through chest/bust and looser through waist and hip.  They are the perfect casual event top and dress! Use up those gorgeous wovens in your stash or you see at the store and have the perfect thing for that next baby shower, birthday party, brunch with the girls…it even works great for your work or church rotations.

**Want to learn more about how to measure yourself for this pattern?  We’ve got you covered with an in-depth blog HERE.  And in case you’re new to Patterns for Pirates and PDF patterns in general, we have a great blog full of new user tips HERE to help you get started!  And, as with all of our current releases and updates, the pdfs now include our layers feature and can be found in Letter, A4 and A0 sizes.

Lets go over ALL the options!

They include a dolman style short sleeve, cap sleeve and tank.

Shirt length:

Tunic/Curved Hem:

And Dress Length:

 

They both include a henley option:

Chest Pockets:

Short Sleeve Cuffs and Button Tabs:

 

Waist Ties:

The neckline and  tank are finished with single fold bias binding to the inside:

 

Both have a center back seam:

Youth has a button and loop closure on the back while women’s is a simple pull on with no closure.

Don’t forget you can check out this pattern on all shapes and sizes and get a look at more examples of all the options in our albums in the P4P Facebook group! Here is the women’s Brunch Blouse Album and the youth Bitty Brunch Blouse Album.

The sale price will last through Sunday September 17th (midnight US Central time zone) so grab it while you can get that awesome price!

And if that wasn’t enough options, be sure to check out our Brunch Blouse Hacks HERE.

Brunch Blouse – easy hacks

In true P4P fashion, we have a few easy, fun hacks for the Brunch Blouse. Grab the pattern here and get creating!

. . . . .

Color Block Dress

First off I will show you how to achieve a color block look with the dress option of the Brunch Blouse. You can use the same principles for the top option, you will just need to adjust some measurements. Start by printing the pattern in the size you need. Now grab a ruler and some scissors or a rotary cutter (for paper only 😉 ) because we’ll do some cutting.

Take the front pattern piece and mark 1.5″ down from where the dart mark is. Now draw a horizontal line (perpendicular to the center fold). Measure the distance between this line and the bottom of the dress.

Divide the length in half and draw a horizontal line at the half way mark. You have now split the front in 3 separate pieces.

Measure the side seam from the bottom to the bottom colorblock line. Take your back piece and measure up on the side seam the same amount and mark it. Now draw a horizontal line on the back piece. We will be measuring the front middle part side seam now. Mark the point on the back piece from the bottom colorblock line to whatever the measurement was for the middle front side piece. Draw a horizontal line front that marking point. You have now color blocked your back pattern pieces too, making sure that they will line up beautifully with the front color block pieces. Great job!

We will now cut the fabric. DO NOT FORGET THE SEAM ALLOWANCE! Since we are only dealing with straight color blocking lines, I will show you the easiest way to add SA. Simply use a quilter’s ruler and cut away 1/2 from the newly designed pattern pieces. Remember you need to add seam allowance only to the colorblock parts, NOT the center fold or side and middle back seam. Those seam allowances are already included in the pattern.

Once you have all your pieces cut (3 for the front, 6 for the back) you will start sewing them together. First sew the front top to the front middle (RST) with 1/2″ seam allowance, serger your raw edges and optionally top stitch. You will now sew the front bottom to the front middle, right sides together. You now have your front piece ready. Repeat the process for the back pieces. Remember that the back of the Brunch Blouse is not cut on fold so you will end up with two mirrored back cuts.

Finish sewing your BB dress as per the tutorial instruction. How easy and fun was that? You can get creative with your color blocking…just imagine a beautiful ombre blouse, or a blouse with lace overlay for the top colorblock. The possibilities are endless.

. . . . .

Belt Loops and Sash Hack

This hack is super easy but a fun option for a different look than the normal Brunch Blouse!  You can do this hack with any option except the one that already includes the waist tie.

1. First, sew up your blouse/dress as usual.  Make sure to mark the notches on the side seams, add a pin as well after you’ve sewn the side seams so that you can still see where the notch is.

2. To make the sash, refer to this cut chart based on your size.  Cut two.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Right sides together, sew the short ends together.  Press open and finish edges.

 

4. Right sides together, sew the long edges now, but leave 2″ unsewn in the middle.  This is how you’ll turn it right side out when you’re done.

 

5. Iron the short edge over to form a triangle.  Now sew here to make the pointed edge, and trim the seam allowance down to 1/2″.

 

6. Turn right side out, press, and topstitch as close to the edge as you feel comfortable.  When you get to the 2″ you left open, align the seam allowance inside and and stitch shut while topstitching.

 

7. For the belt loops, first decide if you want two or three.  I opted for two because I didn’t want one on the back (I just don’t like the feeling).

8. Cut rectangles 3″ x 1.5″ – four for two belt loops or six for three belt loops.

 

9. Stitch along the long edges, right sides together.  Then trim seam allowance to 1/4″.

 

10. Turn right side out, press short raw edges to the back 1/2″. then topstitch down the long edges as close to the edge as you feel comfortable.

 

11. Find the notch on the blouse side seams you marked earlier.  Sew the loops on to the side seams, over the notch, by topstitching the short side 1/4″ from the edge.  If you’d like a loop on the back too, find the middle of the back neckline and use a ruler to find the center back of the blouse from there and attach.

 

12.  Press everything one last time.  Slip in your sash into the loops and wear your new blouse!

~Elisabeth

. . . . .

Front Zipper Hack

 

 

This is a little more intense and involves one of those scary things… you know, a zipper!  Now, if you’ve never installed a zipper this may be a little daunting, but I promise, take it slow, you can do this!

I am using a 7″ (I think?) exposed metal zipper but you can choose your preferred length if you want it shorter or longer.  If you’re choosing this option, do this prior to any other step in completing your top.  So now, let’s get started.

There you have it!  I hope that wasn’t as difficult as it appears.  If you’re not sure you’re ready to tackle the zipper on your top, try it on a few scrap pieces first.  Practice makes perfect right?

 

We hope you enjoyed the hacks as much as we did.   Don’t forget to share your makes in the Facebook Group, we’d love to see them!  Happy Sewing!

P4P University – plackets

 

Ohhh….plackets! Why are you so scary? Today on the blog I’m hoping to change that perceptions of them and help you face this fear.

What are plackets?

Plackets are basically just a slit or an opening in the fabric that allows for garments to be easily put on or taken off. Sometimes plackets are purely decorative. You can find them on sleeves, on pants, back of skirts and neckline. You can have a placket on the back of the neckline or on the front. The most common neckline front plackets are for Henley or Polo style shirts. On this blog I will be using the new Brunch Blouse placket but you can certainly utilize the same principles for a Yo Ho Henley or a Women or Men Henley shirt too.

 

Interfacing? Yay or nay?

My first tip/recommendation is to always use light weight interfacing for the placket piece. Simply fuse a piece of interfacing to the wrong side of the pattern piece. You can get away with not using any if you’re making a woven pattern but even so, the result will be so much better if you do add it. Interfacing will help stabilize your piece which in turn will make it a lot easier to sew. ALWAYS use interfacing for knit plackets!

Mark and press!

As you can see in the video above, I use a tailor chalk to mark the pressing and sewing lines on the back of the placket piece. You can use a soluble fabric pen or a fabric marker too.

If you have a tailor clapper now would be a good time to use it. It will defiantly come in handy and help keep those pressing marks firm. Spray starch will help too!

Sew slowly!

Make sure you pin a lot and catch any notches that need to be enclosed! This may be the most tedious part of adding a front neckline placket so it is well worth paying extra attention and sewing slowly.

Enjoy the fruits of your labor! 🙂

Now that you took the time to create the perfect placket, show it off! Be proud of your achievement and don’t let sewing techniques intimidate you! Speaking of showing off…don’t forget to brag about your Henleys and Brunch Blouses in the P4P group.

 

Sweet Bow :: Pattern Release/Update!

Summer might be coming to an end, but we’ve still got some “Summer of Wovens” patterns up our sleeves!

Before we get to the fun: If you already own a copy of the original Sweet Bow, you will NOT need to re-purchase to get the updates.  If you bought here (PatternsforPirates.com) or on the Craftsy store, you will simply need to sign into your account and re-download the file.  If your purchase was via Etsy, email help@patternsforpirates.com (WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE) and you will get an updated file.  It’s as easy as that, we promise!

The Sweet Bow is a stylish pattern with a sweetheart neckline, a bodice that hits at the natural waistline, and features a very full and twirly skirt.

This was one of the earlier Patterns for Pirates patterns and we wanted to make sure to update it to the current P4P standards.  The pdfs now include our layers feature and can be found in letter and A4 (no A0- it is only 2-3 pages to print!).  We also tweaked the fit for the smallest sizes and added maxi length option for some extra glamour.

The Sweet Bow now features three hemlines (top, dress and maxi), two strap options (cross and easy on-off), and optional bow embellishments (small and mega bow).

**Want to learn more about how to measure for this pattern?  We’ve got you covered with an in-depth blog HERE.  In case you’re new to Patterns for Pirates and PDF patterns in general, we have a great blog full of new user tips HERE to help you get started!  And don’t miss out on the Measurement Chart printables, to help keep all of those crazy numbers in one easy-to-reference spot.

Here’s a quick rundown of the options:

Three Hem Lengths

Cross Straps, Small Bow + Mega Bow

 

 

Ready to purchase the Sweet Bow and get to sewing yourself?  Go grab your copy HERE!!  The pattern is on a re-release sale through Sunday, September 10, 2017.

If you’re still needing more inspiration, be sure to head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group Album to see everything our beautiful testers have sewn for their littles.  Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram (@patternsforpirates | #patternsforpirates) and to share your finished items over in our Facebook group!  We love to see what you make!

Happy sewing, friends!

Harvey Relief Thank You!

I wanted to say THANK YOU each and everyone of you that purchased a pattern during my one day only flash sale where I promised to give 100% of profits to Harvey Relief charities.  Blog Post Here.

To say the least I WAS BLOWN AWAY with the response.  We raised an incredible amount to give to the southern coast of Texas, that is in such a huge need right now.

I am so proud to be able to give this donation with your help. Helping those victims of Harvey, who are still without their homes and struggling to find the necessities makes my heart sing. Now when I scroll through my Facebook feed and see my friends and family in those flood areas trying to recover from their losses, I can feel a little better knowing that the P4P community was able to help provide some relief. I can’t imagine how scary of a time this is for them, as they’re still not able to get to their homes, and they have such a long, rough road ahead of them.

 

Together we are able to help so many families in need with over $15k donated.  I split the amount between a few local relief efforts including the Houston Diaper Bank, Houston Food Bank,, the JJ Watt Houston Flood Relief Fund  , and  Texas Association of Fire Fighters (designated directly to Harvey victims).

Each charity has it’s own main focus of relief- which is why I choose to split.  The Food Bank to help get meals to those in the area.  The Diaper Bank to get diapers and other toiletries to those in need in that area- and is one of the things I’ve heard most from local disaster relief efforts that is needed so badly.  The JJ Watt Houston Flood Relief is a very specific fundraiser with goals to help with all immediate needs- clean water being a focus currently as well as future planning to help relieve the re-build and aftermath this storm will leave the areas with.  He has an incredible foundation where there are no fees incurred and is working hard to put the money into the very best action for his city.  Lastly, I gave a small amount to the Texas Association of Fire Fighter- designated specifically to Harvey Relief where some of the fire fighters who are working tirelessly as first responders have also lost everything.  Fire families sacrifice so much to be the first in action and help their community.

I waivored sharing the amount raised for a few days, but I hope if you purchased from the P4P site 8/31/2017 that you share the pride in being able to give to these great charities that will absolutely be making a difference in the victims lives both immediately and down the road when the media has moved on to other headlines.  THANK YOU! If you missed the sale and are disappointed, you can always donate to one of the local charities I choose or another you like.

-Judy

Harvey Relief

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, together we can help!

-Judy

Choker Neckline Hack

 

Choker necklines are all the rage right now, so we thought we’d give you the “how-to” so you can add it to your most loved top.  I used the Favorite Tee since it already has a V-neck option but you can really use any of our t-shirt patterns and add a lower scoop neck or v-neck to it.

Once you have decided your pattern and cut your pieces, do not assemble your shirt!  We need to finish the V-neckline first and is easier to do prior to construction.  I chose to bind the V-neck, but you could also use a traditional neckband if you wish.  (Need more help with knit binding? Check out our tips HERE)

 

Next, construct and finish your shirt as indicated in the tutorial, but do not use the existing neckband instructions.  We will now finish the choker portion of the neckline.

I did not want the choker neckband piece to be too high on my neck, so used the Women’s Henley as a guide for placement. You can make your own adjustments if you prefer to have it higher or lower. Place a pin or mark on the neckline where you wish to have the choker band.

 

We are going to use the same binding method as we did the v-neck to finish the choker band.  My binding strip is 2.5″ and finishes about 1″.  Again, this is customizable and if you wish to have a thicker or thinner choker piece, adjust the height of your band accordingly.  (just be sure to add 1/2″ to the height as we will be folding and enclosing the raw edges).

To determine the width of your choker binding:  A + ((B x 2) x 90%)).  For example, my measurement A is 8″. Measurement B is 8″. So my choker band is 8″ + 14.4 (or 8 x 2 then x 90%) = 22.4″ .  To make it a nice even number I just rounded it out to 22.5″.

 

Voila!  You’re all finished.   🙂

 

Tips for adding a woven skirt to a knit bodice

Ahoy, pirates! The Summer of Wovens is in full swing so I wanted to show you how easy it is to add a gathered woven skirt to a knit bodice. You can use this technique to the Boundless dress, like I have, or the Sunshine dress. If you love the bodice of the Sweetheart dress as much as I do you can use it and hack it with a woven gathered skirt too.

The most important thing to keep in mind when adding a woven skirt is CHOOSING THE RIGHT WOVEN fabric. Make sure to use a light weight fabric with great drape. I used a Nicole Miller chiffon and it worked beautifully. You can also use rayon, rayon challis  or crepe georgette. Avoid quilters cotton, it will look stiff and add visual width which we don’t want. Am I right, ladies? 😉

Cut the pieces as per the pattern. You do not need to size up or down, just be sure to measure yourself and choose the size based on that. I do recommend adding some width to the skirt for more comfortable wear. I did not add it to mine but you can certainly increase width by a couple of inches. You can see how to take your measurements here.

Sew the bodice as per the pattern tutorial. I marked the center of the front skirt piece and the back. I like to use clear elastic when I attach the skirt to the bodice. I do that for two reasons, the clear elastic will add stability to the seam and it will help you gather your skirt evenly. Simply cut a piece of elastic that matches the bodice bottom. Don’t forget to add seam allowance! I prefer to cut just one piece and match the elastic seam to the center back but if you prefer to cut two pieces and match the seams to the sides you’re welcome to do that as well.

Mark the quarters of the clear elastic. Mark the side seams and center back and front of the skirt. Remember to mark the to of the skirt if you’re using a fabric with a directional print 🙂

Match the quarters of the skirt to the quarters of the elastic.

Sew the clear elastic to the top of the skirt. Use a zig zag stitch and adjust the tension and width to better fit the type of fabric you are using. Stretch the elastic as you sew. If you use a 1/2″ clear elastic simply align the edge of the elastic to the edge of the skirt. I use 3/8″ clear elastic so I put it a little lower than the edge to accommodate the 1/2″ seam allowance that is followed in this pattern.

All you have to do now is attach the skirt to the bodice. The bottom of the bodice and the top of the skirt will be the same circumference. Match the side seams and the center backs and fronts, pin right sides together and sew.

I like to attach the skirt to the bodice using a zig zag stitch but you can also use a triple stretch stitch.

Optional: top stitch the seam allowance up towards the bodice.

Tadah! You’re all set to rock your new woven skirt Boundless (or Sunshine) dress! I can’t wait to see your take on this easy hack so be sure to post it in the P4P group too!

FREE Printable Measurement Charts

 

I am excited to be sharing this new FREEBIE with you today!  The biggest/best part of sewing for yourself or your family is being able to create custom clothing for exactly the unique size and shape that you are.  But that’s a lot of numbers to remember.  So we are here to make it a little easier on you by sharing these measurement charts.

There is a fill-in chart for each member of your family.  Simply print, measure, write it down, and get to sewing!

Need help figuring out some of these measurements?  We’ve already got you covered!  Head over to Judy’s post about “How To Measure Yourself” to see where to place the measuring tape and how to get the most accurate numbers.

What are you waiting for?  Go grab a copy of these PDFs and make life a little easier on yourself!
FREE PRINTABLE MEASUREMENT CHARTS

Happy sewing, friends!

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