Patterns for Pirates

P4P stylish, modern, wearable patterns

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!

New Pattern Release :: Charleston Crossover!

We are excited to share that we’ve got another pattern coming at you! The Charleston Crossover is the latest pattern from designer Katy McKinley to hit our site and we just know you’re going to love it!

The Charleston Crossover is drafted for our adult sizes 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 Charleston Crossover is a faux-wrap dress and peplum. The crossover bodice is finished with a knit binding and is form-fitting throughout the sleeves, bust and waist. It meets at the wearer’s natural waistline and flares out with a half circle skirt, for an oversized fit at the hips. The pattern features multiple skirt lengths, with the option for colorblocking or keeping it all one fabric. There are also four sleeve options to choose from, allowing you to make something suitable for any season!

You can dress the Charleston Crossover pattern up or down, depending on the fabrics you choose! It is drafted for light-to-medium weight knit fabrics with at least 40-50% horizontal stretch. Some vertical stretch for the bodice fabric is recommended, for more comfort in wearing and the ability for added coverage in the bust.

Specific Fabric Suggestions: Cotton Spandex, Double Brushed Polyester, Ribbed Knits, Medium Sweater Knits, Stretch Velvet, Athletic Knits, etc.

Pattern options for the Charleston Crossover include:

  • Multiple sleeve lengths (Tank / Short / Three-Quarter / Long)
  • Plain skirt lengths (Peplum / Mini / Knee / Maxi)
  • Colorblocked skirt lengths (Knee / Maxi)
  • Optional In-Seam Pockets

Let’s take a peek at the different options!

SLEEVE LENGTHS (TANK / SHORT / THREE-QUARTER / LONG)

PLAIN SKIRT (PEPLUM / MINI / KNEE / MAXI)

COLORBLOCK SKIRT (KNEE / MAXI)

OPTIONAL POCKETS

We are thrilled to see what you sew for yourself using the Charleston Crossover pattern! It is available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, May 24, 2023.

Charleston Crossover

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!

Charleston Crossover Facebook Album

But wait, there’s more! We have an Easy Hacks blog post for our Charleston Crossover — helping you take the pattern a little further!

We can’t wait to see what you make!

Charleston Crossover :: Easy Hacks

Sometimes there are things that we want to show you how to do with our new pattern releases, that we just can’t figure out how to add to the main pattern without making it a mile long. So instead, we create these fun “easy hacks” blog posts, and help you take your pattern one step further.

Or in the case of this blog post, THREE steps further! 

Today we are going to show you:

  • How to add a lining (for those sheer fabrics in your stash).
  • How to add a ruffle neckline.
  • How to add a waistband and make a separate skirt.

HOW TO ADD A LINING

Don’t discount sheer fabrics when deciding which to use for the new Charleston Crossover! I’ve been saving this gorgeous (and spendy) silk jersey for just the right pattern and it was just a *touch* too sheer for my comfort.

No worries! Just add a lining! 

I lined the bodice and skirt using a slinky cupro that matched the feel of my silk jersey.

Here’s the how-to.

Cut a set of your front and back bodice and skirt pieces out of your lining. Your skirt lining will need to be a few inches shorter than your main fabric. I cut mine 3 inches shorter.

Sew your bodice main pieces and bodice lining pieces at the shoulder seams.

With right sides together, pin and sew your bodice lining and main together along the neckline. 

I added clear elastic to my seam because both of my fabrics have a lot of drape. You may find that your fabrics have enough recovery to skip the elastic.

Understitch your seam allowance to your lining.

From this point, assemble the bodice per the pattern instructions, treating the bodice main and lining as one piece. I highly recommend basting your seams before sewing them. You are handling several layers of fabric in the side seam.

Next, sew your skirt side seams together on both the main and the lining pieces.

You have options after this point. You can baste the skirt and lining along the waistline with wrong sides together or with lining right side to main wrong side. 

I chose to do the latter because I didn’t want my seams to rub against each other. If you prefer a cleaner look on the inside of your skirt, sew with wrong sides together.

Again, baste your skirt and lining together at the waistline and complete the construction of your dress per pattern instructions.

Another note of personal preference… I chose to serge the hemline of my lining and left it as is. I didn’t add a proper hem. It seemed unnecessary! 

Enjoy your pretty new dress! It requires a lot of twirling when you wear it!

HOW TO ADD A RUFFLE NECKLINE

This pattern just calls for adding a little something extra to the neckline!

Step 1: Cut ruffle piece. I cut my ruffle at 2.75″ tall by 4x the binding piece. I wanted less seams, so I cut 2 long strips at 2x the width of the neck binding strip.

Step 2: Gather your ruffle. 

Step 3: Sew shoulder seams of bodice, then find quarter points.

Step 4: Find the quarter points on your ruffle AND your bodice neckline. Pin/clip gathered ruffle to front neckline, wrong side of ruffle to right side of bodice. Add a basting stitch if you’d like. Pin/clip ruffle 1/2″ away from the edge of the bodice on the side that will face out.

Step 5:  Pin/Clip binding piece right sides to right sides on top of the gathered ruffle, and sew.

Step 6: Topstitch binding, and construct the rest of your top/dress as normal.

What you end up with is an incredibly adorable (ruffle added) Charleston Crossover!

Thanks for sharing with us Jessica!

HOW TO ADD A WAISTBAND + MAKE A SKIRT

Have you been eyeballing the skirt from the Charleston Crossover but want it on it’s own, as a separate piece? Same. SAMEEEEEE.

Well let me tell you: it’s super easy to make happen.

Simply follow the skirt construction portion of the Charleston Crossover tutorial. Completely omit the bodice, as we won’t need it for this sewing project. What we will need is a waistband…so here’s a quick cut chart for that.

The measurements below are included as LENGTH x WIDTH. (Width = stretch of fabric) Inches are rounded to the nearest .25, Centimeters are rounded to nearest .1

Assemble skirt as instructed in Charleston Crossover tutorial.

Fold waistband in half, right sides together, matching along short side.

Stitch along short side, using 1/2″ seam allowance.

Flip waistband piece, with right sides together, creating loop.

Mark quarter points on waistband and skirt.

Match quarter points on waistband and skirt. 

**Waistband is slightly smaller than skirt opening. You’ll need to stretch waistband to fit when sewing.

Stitch, using 1/2″ seam allowance.

Flip waistband up, away from skirt. Steam + press.

Wear the heck out of your new skirt because it’s the cutest!

We hope you love the easy hacks we provided, and are thrilled to see what you sew for yourself using the Charleston Crossover pattern! It is available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, May 24, 2023.

Charleston Crossover

New Pattern Release :: Circe Swim Top + Brizo Bikini Bottom!

Woohoo! Are you ready for this? We’ve got not one, not two, not three, but FOUR NEW PATTERNS coming your way today! And we couldn’t be more excited! It’s been a hot minute since we’ve released a swim pattern and these were worth the wait. Promise.

Let’s talk all about the Circe Swim Top and Brizo Bikini Bottom!

The youth sizes range from 3m – 14 and the adult sizes are 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!

Let’s talk the Circe Swim Top first!

The Circe Swim Top will make you feel like a beautiful Greek Goddess capable of magic!  After all, who wouldn’t be impressed when you sew up this stunning, fully reversible bikini top?  Choose from thin straps or more supportive thick straps.  You can choose the thinner waist ties or go with more coverage with the thicker waist ties.  You can also add in removable swim cups, but this does make the top not reversible.  All options have a v neckline and the wrap design gives a little more wiggle room with fit if you fluctuate sizes, or as your child grows. You can also relax and let me do your adjustments for you if you need a small or full bust adjustment, as this pattern includes pieces with those adjustments already made for every size.

Pattern options for the Circe Swim Top include:

  • Straps: Thick / Thin
  • Waist Ties: Thick / Thin
  • Optional: Removable Cups
  • All Options Fully Lined- Most Fully Reversible
  • Sizes: Regular, Small Bust Adjustment, Full Bust Adjustment

The Circe Swim Top Pattern is drafted for traditional, high stretch swim knit.

Specific Fabric Suggestions: Swim Knit.

Let’s take a peek at some of the options on the Circe Swim Tops!

THIN STRAPS

THICK STRAPS 

THIN WAIST TIES

THICK WAIST TIES

We are thrilled to see what you sew for yourself using the Circe Swim Top patterns! They are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, May 13, 2023.

Circe Swim Top | Circe Swim Top Youth | Circe Swim Top 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!

Circe Swim Top Adult Album | Circe Swim Top Youth Album

Did you know that we have a discount set up so you can mix/match our swim patterns? Use the code “SWIMBUNDLE” to get the discount when you add two or more swim patterns to your cart!

And now we get to talk about the Brizo Bikini Bottom patterns!

The Brizo Bikini Bottom will bring out your gorgeous inner Greek Goddess this summer!  Choose from fun options that create vastly different looks.  The High Rise front is a 3 piece colorblock that gives you full tummy coverage and gives you the chance for some fun color and print mixing.  The V Rise front is a fun 2 piece colorblock that leave the tummy showing. Both are a high rise all the way up to natural waistline on the side seams and back.  You can pick from a low legline or go with the high legline that shows off miles of leg and a cheeky booty view, for the adult pattern version.  If your fabric is nice and thick go with the partial lining option, or if your fabric is lighter in color or thinner you can go with the fully lined option.

Have fun mixing and matching all the fabrics in your stash and use up those smaller scraps! Don’t have coordinating fabrics? You can grab the fully lined front for a solid option too.

Pattern options for the Brizo Bikini Bottom include:

  • Rises: V Rise/ High Rise
  • Leglines: Low / High (adult pattern high legline is “cheeky”)
  • Lining: Partial/ Full

The Brizo Bikini Bottom Pattern is drafted for traditional, high stretch swim knit.

Specific Fabric Suggestions: Swim Knit. (You can also use a cotton spandex and clear elastic for undies).

Here are some quick looks at the different options!

HIGH RISE / V-RISE

LOW LEGLINE / HIGH LEGLINE (CHEEKY FOR ADULT PATTERN)

We can’t wait to see what you make using the Brizo Bikini Bottom patterns! They are available on sale (no code needed) through 11:59pm CST, May 13, 2023.

Brizo Bikini Bottom | Brizo Bikini Bottom Youth | Brizo Bikini Bottom 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!

Brizo Bikini Bottom Adult Album | Brizo Bikini Bottom Youth Album

Did you know that we have a discount set up so you can mix/match our swim patterns? Use the code “SWIMBUNDLE” to get the discount when you add two or more swim patterns to your cart!

P4P Spirit Month 2023

We’ve got spirit, yes we do.  We’ve got spirit, how ’bout you?!?!

I am pumped to share that we are gearing up for another round of “P4P Spirit Month“, just like we did in 2020! As soon as the calendar flips to May 1, it’s go time y’all!

What are we doing exactly?  Our team is super in love with Me Made May and the idea behind getting to know your self-made clothing, and to celebrate your sewing skills.  Big props to So, Zo…What Do You Know? for starting this social media movement a decade ago.

We decided to kick it up a notch by creating themes around each day.  Think of it like Spirit Week at school…where all of your fellow classmates dress in theme together and you get to feel the excitement and camaraderie surrounding your themed clothing efforts.  Instead of it only lasting a week, it’s the ENTIRE MONTH.  And the themes are pretty achievable, using items you already have in your closet.  You can play along as much or as little as you’d like.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE PRINTABLE CALENDAR HERE

The rules are pretty simple.

  1. Wear a new / old Patterns for Pirates clothing item that you’ve made, matching up with the daily theme.  ie: wear a purple Basic Tee on Purple Day (May 3).
    • Simple adjustments / pattern mashes are fine to share.  We just want to be able to recognize the P4P pattern you used to make your clothing item!
  2. Take a photo of yourself in the item.
    • It has to be a new photo, taken that day.  Mirror selfies with a messy room behind you are completely acceptable.  We just want to see you, in this moment, playing along with us!
  3. Share the photo on the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group wall, in a separate post that you’ve created.
    • You must use the hashtag #P4PSpiritMonth so we can find your image. (It must be EXACT to come up in our search.)
    • Tell us what P4P pattern you used to create your look.
  4. Have fun with it!

Why play along with us?  To have fun, of course.  But also — there are some prizes involved.

We will pick three random names from all of the images that are shared using our hashtag.  (Our super pirate sleuths will make sure you’re following all of the rules and posting on the correct days.)  And those winners will be walking away with $25 in store credit to the Patterns for Pirates pattern shop!

Each day that you participate and share counts as an entry into the contest.  The winners will be random lottery winners, meaning that everyone has a chance….from a beginner who might be sewing their first P4P to a seasoned apparel sewist!

But wait.  There’s more!

Each day, we will be featuring a different P4P pattern, and for 24 hours only, that pattern will be $2 off.  No code needed.  Each featured pattern will be announced in the Facebook group at 9am EST by Crew Member Katy McKinley…so go find her posts each morning to find the daily deal!

Have more questions for us?  Send us an email ( help@patternsforpirates.com ) and we will be ready on the other side with an answer!

Brizo and Circe Swimsuit Simple Hacks

We always have fun showing off a few ways to modify our new patterns to give you even more options! Here are some quick and simple hacks to the new Circe Swim Top and Brizo Bikini Bottoms!

CIRCE-ADDING THICKER UNDERBUST ELASTIC

If you’re looking for a bit more underbust support, here is the hack for you.  Since this add a lot more support and stability, you might consider sizing up as it will feel much tighter wrapping around you that the normal sizing. Cut and assemble your top until the step where you stitch elastic into the bottom edge.

You’re going to not attach elastic along the back and just an inch or two into the front bodice. Just baste or stitch together with no elastic on this center section.

We’re going to cut our thicker swim elastic (I have 3/4″ here) from the front wrap section (the top corner) to the bottom side seam of the bodice, around the back and to the opposite side.

Making sure to match center backs, we’re going to pin the elastic to the seam allowance along the section we left with no elastic.

Stitch elastic to the seam allowance along this section. Make sure to use a stretch stitch. After stitching the center back section, flip the seam allowance like it will be once the top is flipped right sides out. Pin end of the elastic to the seam allowance at the top corner of the bodice. Stitch end of elastic to the seam allowance here.

Repeat on opposite side.

Continue the rest of the top as the tutorial instructs. Flipping rights side out, closing side seam hole and optional top-stitching.

Enjoy the extra support and stability.

 

 

CIRCE- THICKER STRAP ELASTIC

If you’re looking for a bit more support on the shoulder straps, but love the look of the thin strap option…  here is perfect hack for you! You can up the elastic in thin strap easily.  Here I’m using 3/4″ swim elastic instead of the 1/4″, but you can use whatever width you’d like.  Remember, this will make the straps feel tighter, so you may need to slightly adjust the length.

Do a little math… whatever width you choose add double the difference from the 1/4″ to the strap pieces.  I used 3/4″, which is 1/2″ wider than the original. So, I added 1″ to the strap width pieces.

You will also need to add a little width to pickups on the main front bodice pieces.  You will add the width split on each side of the pick up.  So, I needed to add 1/2″ total to my pick up width.  I added 1/4″ on each side of the pick up.

Sew up the Circe just like the tutorial has you sew up the thin strap option and enjoy your thicker straps 🙂

CIRCE- RING HACK

Sew up your Circe all normally, but grab a gate ring and have a new, fun way to wear your top!

CIRCE- CLASP HACK

Want a different look instead of the back waist ties? Try adding a swimsuit clasp. For this hack, you will need to begin by finding your center back measurement. Measure from the side seam to the center of your back either using a tape measure around your back and splitting the measurement in half, or using the tie pattern piece pinned to mark the center back. Mark this new line on the tie pattern and cut four shorter ties (2 lining and 2 main) from the new piece. (For this hack, I am using the thick tie option. If you are using the thin ties, your pieces will not need much modifying and you may want to use a smaller clasp.)

Follow the sewing tutorial as written, except I recommend sewing the last two inches of the tie with your sewing machine and leaving off the elastic. This will help reduce bulk and allow you to easily add your swim clasp. Once you get to the step of basting your ties closed, it is a great time to turn it right side out and check the fit. You may find you need to shorten your ties to get the fit you like. Make any needed adjustments. You can see here I modified the thick tie to better fit my 1 inch swim clasp. I tapered down the tie so that it would fit into the clasp without too much gathering of the fabric.

Add your swim clasp by taking one tie and sliding the end of the tie through the closed portion of the clasp. Make sure the hook is pointed down. Wrap the fabric around the clasp towards the back of the suit. The fabric may gather slightly to fit. Place a safety pin where the stitching line will be. Next, create the loop portion by taking the opposite tie and folding the suit back on itself. You need to create a small tube for the clasp to enter. Place a safety pin where the stitching line will be. You want this line about 1/2 inch from the edge. It needs to be large enough for the clasp to fit into, but not so large that the clasp shifts too much with wear. Try the suit on and check the placement of the clasp.  Make any needed changes. Then stitch closely to the clasp with a stretch stitch and on the opposite tie to create the loop.

And now you have a swim top with a clasp closure.

 

 

SOLID FRONT BRIZO BOTTOM

Don’t have coordinating fabrics for your Brizo Bikini Bottom? Just grab the full lining front piece on either the high rise or the v rise and sew them up with a solid front!

Featured Patterns