SEW BY PATTERN PIECES

Category: Blog Post

  • Apply the Sunshine Tee Template to your favourite t-shirt pattern

    Apply the Sunshine Tee Template to your favourite t-shirt pattern

    We have Katie to thank for this beautiful post today.  She has completed the most outstanding top using the Girls Sunshine Tee Template to adapt one of her favourite t-shirt patterns. 

    Why not hack the girls’ tee to make one for yourself or with a different t-shirt base pattern.  Apply the Sunshine Tee Template to your favourite t-shirt pattern.

    As we knew you’d love to see how to do this, as you have been asking in the group, Katie graciously offered to take photos of each step on her top that she was making, so that we can share how she has made this top with us.

     
     
    Print and assemble the corresponding size of Spliced Sunshine Front Piece Template for your sewing project.  For example; If you are sewing a size 2, then choose the “Size 2 Template Pattern.” If you are sewing a ladies size then choose the largest youth size, which is the youth size 14.  This size template will be a suitable size ratio for most ladies sizes.

    Begin by tracing both sides of the chosen shirt pattern so you end up
    with a full front piece.
    Transfer pattern marks.  Fold your new traced piece in half and fold whole Sunshine Tee Template Piece in half to make it easier to line up centre using the crease.  Line up traced shirt front pattern on top of spliced pattern.  Line up the armsyce so the sun will stay in about the same place.
    Trace sun and rays lines, extending if necessary.  
     
    Number the pieces!  Also, I’d suggest adding a grain line arrow on each piece at this stage – I wish I had done that!  It was a little hard to figure it out once it was cut up.
    Play with fabric arrangements.

     
    On piece #13 be sure to mark all the corresponding notches for the sun ray lines.  This will assist you when sewing this curve.
      
    Cut up new pattern pieces.
    Don’t forget to add seam allowance when cutting out your pieces or retrace and add all your seam allowances to your pattern pieces! 

    Pieces rearranged before sewing the front together to keep them in order.  

    When ready to sew, I recommend following the instructions from page 28.  This will show the correct layout for sewing the pieces together this way all seams lay the same direction on the finished garment.

     
    Ta da!  Front piece done.  Continue tutorial as written to add sleeves and back. 
     

    Beautiful t-shirt made, yeah!


     
    The lovely Amy Hodge has also been able to make one of these for her son.  It is a boys version of the Sunshine Tee, using the “Front Piece Template!”
     
     
    In this version Amy has made and adjustment to better fit her print of CP30 in the semi-circle.  Note; all the the “grainlines” and “direction of most stretch” placed on the pattern pieces which just assist when going to cut out fabric.
    Amy went the route of retracing and adding seam allowances to the pattern pieces before cutting.
    The completed Tee.  Looks awesome doesn’t it?
     
     
    We hope that you will get the time to make one for yourself or loved one and put a little Sunshine into their life too.
     

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #sunshineteepdfpattern #sewbypatternpieces

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • Girls Sunshine Tee Tester Round Up

    Girls Sunshine Tee Tester Round Up

    Welcome to the Girls Sunshine Tee tester round up. We have had so much fun creating this pattern.

    Something that just started out as a fun scrap buster for a shirt for my daughter has turned out to be a great hit. We could not wait to get started on this pattern test.

    We broke this test into two parts. Testing the plain version of this pattern and then the spliced Sunshine version. The plain version of this pattern really shows off fun prints and panels in a basic, fun and quick sew.

    Sunshine Tee Style Sheet

    I am so thankful for the beautiful sewing and photos that all the Girls Sunshine Tee Testers provided.

    Alison Daines
    Emilie Griffin Zaugg
    Emily Harrison
    Fea Stephens
    Felicity Williams
    Heather Heidlage
    Jan Crawford
    Jennie Lindstrom
    Karen Olivia Mathews
    Kristen Prystupa
    Linda Stilling
    Magda Estrela
    Ondinneke van Hoof
    Sarah Mumford
    Sue-Ann Jones
    Whitney Hyer

    During this part of the test we decided it would be fun for kids to design their own Girls Sunshine Tee. At the beginning of the PDF pattern instructions you will find this colouring in printable. You are welcome to print it off and have your kids design their own with your scraps or just have fun colouring in while you sew.

    This colouring in sheet – minus the competition details – is available in the instructions PDF.

    It was now time to pull out those boxes of fabric scraps and design away. These wonderful testers blew me away with the pretty combinations they came up with. Enjoy the colourful round-up ahead!

    Abigail Shelling. Such a fun way to use stripes.
    Alison Daines
    Amy Hodge
    Emily Harrison
    Fea Stephens
    Heather Heidlage
    Jennie Lindstrom. Supporters Jersey!
    Kyrsten Prystupa
    Lynsey Breivogel
    Linda Stilling
    Ondinneke van Hoof
    Pam Allen
    Pam Black
    Rachel Barnes
    Sarah Mumford
    Sue-Ann Jones
    Tee Bee
    Margo Parkyn

    Such a fun Girls Sunshine Tee Tester Round Up. Don’t you think the testers provided such a great line up of colour? Which colours or fabrics will you choose to use to make up your Girls Sunshine Tee? I hope you will show us in our Facebook Sewing Circle.

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #sunshineteepdfpattern #sewbypatternpieces

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • The Christmas Gift Giving Blog Tour

    The Christmas Gift Giving Blog Tour

     
    Welcome to the Christmas Gift Giving Blog Tour.  Today is Day One of the Tour and both Tibeca Yao from Sewing by Ti and Lauren Wernli from Sew by Pattern Pieces, will be your hosts.
     
    It is that time of year where we are looking for something to wear that is a little festive.  Ever since I laid my eyes on this beautiful fabric in a destash group (Thank you Sneha), I have had the vision of this dress in my head.  I am so excited that I have now had the time to put it together and also to be able to share it with you.  
     
    Thank you to the lovely, awesome, fantastic, and very patient Tasha Kimlin who took the following photos for this post.  Tash has the most amazing eye for detail and this is represented throughout her home.  As soon as I saw her stunning tree (as it is every year!) I knew I had to use this location as the backdrop to showcase this dress.
     
     
    In order to create this dress, I have taken the Ladies Fun Tee and brought it in 1/2″ each side at the waist and cut it off 1″ below the lengthen shorten line at the waist (I am long in the body!)  Next I measured the Glamour Swirl Skirt (Free when you join my group) waists and found a size to fit the top half of the Ladies Tee and used that for the skirt.  This skirt is a full circle.
     
     
    There are many options to create a feature at the waist.  One idea could be an actual belt!  We very nearly used a rose gold one.  Another idea could be a contrast band in stretch.  We decided, in this case, to use a statin sash, about 8cm wide and wrapped around twice and tied into a bow.  The sash finishes the dress off nicely worn either at the front of the dress or at the back.
     
     
    Have you decided on your Christmas outfit this year?  Using the Ladies Fun Tee could be a great option.  We live in Australia and I find this dress so comfortable in the heat, no need to iron and it has the ability to dress up or down to suit the occasion.  Plus I can change the band at the waist and my shoes and have a completely different outfit.
     
     
    The Ladies Fun Tee is available with Fronts for A-G cup
     
    Sizes supplied in this pattern 
     
      AU 6 – 26, US 2 – 22, EU 32 – 52
     
     
    We have had many lovely designers contribute to the prize package for this tour. With only a couple of weeks until Christmas, we thought it would be a great idea to showcase a pattern from each designer that would make a great gift to give away over the Festive Season.  
     
     
     
    Every one of the businesses that are featured in this post has kindly donated the prizes for The Christmas Gift Giving Blog Tour, so I hope you love reading about the fun projects they have on offer and pay them a visit.  
     
     
    All of the contributors are listed in alphabetical order.
     
    The holiday cutout dress by Bella Sunshine The Holiday Cutout Dress & Top is packed full of options. Different cutouts, different lengths, and an optional appliqué give you the opportunity to make it unique every time you sew it. Layer it over a long sleeve shirt and leggings for the winter or keep it as is for warmer months. And with the different cutouts available in various sizes, you can make one for every one of your favorite holidays. Included cutouts feature a heart, shamrock, bunny, star, pumpkin, and tree.
     
     
     
    The Puppet Purses from Bishy Barnababes make great, fun gifts that can be whipped up in no time. Using felt or fleece, they are a unique design that combines both a puppet and a small purse for loose change or other treasures. Kids love them! There are two sets of animals and both patterns are currently on sale in the Bishy Barnababes shop.
     
     
     
    The Primrose Pj’s from Daydream Patterns is a super cute design for your favourite girl – perfect for sleepover parties and summer fun! An easy and quick Christmas present – who doesn’t need new jammies for Xmas?

     
    The pdf pattern includes pajama shorts with lace edging along the hem and pocket and a stretch knit singlet top with soft gathers across the front shoulders and across the back.  The pattern includes 4 applique templates – a heart, a cupcake, a butterfly shape, and a Christmas tree shape, especially for the festive season. Also included is a sleep mask in size small and medium. Full instructions on how to make these are included in the tutorial.
     
    The pattern includes size 4 – 14 girls sizes and a detailed instruction tutorial with illustrations. An A0 copy shop file and a 36″ wide copy shop file are also included.
     
     
     
    Harem Shorts Little Kiwi’s Closet. Easy to sew and super addictive to make, just one pair of these harem shorts is not enough. Made from comfy knit these shorts move and grow with your child as they explore their world.  Smaller sizes are suitable for cloth and disposable nappies.
     
     
    The Tainted Love Fold Over Clutch from Little Moo Designs brings together clean lines, contrast panels and a double zipper focus for a perfect clutch to take you from daytime to evening. This grab and go style clutch features an internal zipper welt pocket and a double card slot holding all of your essentials in one place. Designed for leather and vinyl, the contrast panel allows the Clutch to be matched to your favourite seasonal outfit.
     
    Coif from Mother Grimm Designs There are 4 basic Coif styles- One Seam, Two Seam, Short, and Long Pixie points.  This is a close-fitting hood/hat that can be lined and made reversible.  It can fit easily underneath coats and tops, keeping the neck and the entire head warm – meaning that scarves and other bulky items are not necessary to keep warm. 
     
    The add-on features a completely different bonus free coif pattern that allows you to make a shark/dolphin/fish.  The add-on pack also contains a selection of different ear styles and sizes (including Dragon, Rabbit, and Puppy), spikes/teeth as well as a range of Knight crests and a visor for budding adventurers.  
     
    Your imagination can run wild and create a completely new and unique look every time.
     
    Mermaid Tail Blanket from Made for Mermaids are comfy, take little fabric, adorable, and a quick sew! If you need a quick gift for ANY child, they will love this fun blanket. Very easy fit with options given to make it fit a large size range. Matching dolly takes NO extra yardage and makes the perfect add on to your handmade shop OR your doll loving daughter. Mermaid tail blankets for everyone!  Free Downloadable pattern from their website.
     
    Image result for made for mermaids mermaid tail blanket
     
     
    The Tea To Go tea bag travel case from Rachel Rossi Designs makes a great gift for any tea lover: mothers, grandmothers, best friends, and sisters! Tea To Go is the perfect way to travel with your favorite teas, It includes 6 pockets and folds up small enough to fit in your jeans pocket.
     

    A PDF sewing pattern for a camera toy by Swoodsen Says, with both neck strap and wrist strap options. A small vinyl pocket on the back allows you to slip in pictures for a ‘view-finder’ to use in pretend play. Perfect as a softie for a baby or infant OR a prop for dress-up & imaginative play for an older child.

     
    The Briar and Fluer dolls from Twig and Tale are wonderful for young
    ones learning about the world absorb all they see, hear, and feel with wide-open
    eyes and hearts.  A doll made from natural materials makes the intangible
    real and shows them love can be held and nurtured.  Made by you, he or she
    will always be perfect in their eyes, a priceless gift, and lifelong
    friend. 
     
    These delightful dolls have clear, detailed tutorials – no previous dollmaking or embroidery experience is required!
     
    The patterns for their lovely wee clothes are also included so your doll is
    all ready for someone special to love and play with.
     
    The Fable Headband from Wolf and Tree  This pattern has so many options that can be made out of woven, knit, wool, felt…..Make ear muffs with a round shape or troll shaped. You can also add ears or flowers to embellish or omit the ear muffs and make beautiful headbands to turn this pattern into a pattern for all seasons.

    Use the pattern to make crowns as party favors and gifts. This pattern does it all.
    Today we have seen amazing gift giving patterns on the market,  
    which one will you grab hold of and sew for a friend or family member?
     
    The Christmas Gift Giving Blog Tour runs from
     
    Tuesday 13th- Friday 16th December 2016
     
    Day 1 Tuesday 13th _  Tibeca Yao
    Day 2 Wednesday 14th _  Sarah Hoggett
    Day 3 Thursday 15th _  Angie Kyp
    Day 4 Friday 16th _ Nelleke van der Haar (Rounding up the Tour)

    Shop for Patterns: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #sewbypatternpieces

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • Adding flare to the hips when making the Combo Dress

    Adding flare to the hips when making the Combo Dress

    Taking the Girls Fun Tee and Girls Skip Skirt Pattern am going to show you how you can change the flare on the hips of the pattern pieces, to give you the option of making a slightly looser dress over the hips.  This is what I have done with the dress below.  It seems to go with this style of skirt nicely.

    We have three further gorgeous photos of the dresses made from combining the Fun Tee and Skip Skirt.  Isn’t it fun to see the different looks that can be achieved when doing this?

    The patterns have been made so that the top and the skirt fit together perfectly so that you have the option to create a dress.  The instructions to create the looks above come with the #22101 Skip Skirt pattern.

     
     

    So to give you an overview of what we are going to achieve.  Below is the Fun Tee front pattern piece.  The areas in orange are what I have added to the pattern piece.

     

    To begin, go to the centre front hem of the pattern and add 3/8″ or 1cm and square out to the halfway line.

     

    On the side seam square up from the hem 2″ or 5cm and mark out 5/8″ or 1.5cm.

     

    Going back to this image, as shown in orange, join the markings on the hip with the waist notch on the side seam and draw the curve from the hip to the centre front.

     
     

    Next, shorten the length of the Tee as specified in the pattern by 2″ or 5cm and trim this off as shown.

     
     

    Next, divide the amount added onto the hip of the Fun Tee. Add the 1/4″ or .75cm onto the centre front of the skirt and 1/4″ or .75cm onto the side seam as shown below.

     
     

    Those are all the changes you will need to make to the front pattern pieces.  Next, you will need to replicate these changes and add them to the back.

    Now your little models’ dresses will have a little more swing and a little more flare.

     
     

    The complete Fun Tee and Skip Skirt can be made by following the instructions that come with the patterns.  

    Skip Skirt Pattern

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #skipskirtpattern #skipskirt #sbppskipskirt

    Tester Inspiration: Blog Post Link

    Pinterest Page: HERE

    Fun Tee Pattern

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #funteepdfpattern #sbppfuntee

    Tester Inspiration: Blog Post Link

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • Fun Tee Pocket Hack

    Fun Tee Pocket Hack

    Pockets are all the rage on T-Shirts.  We are going to show you our Fun Tee Pocket Hack  It is a quick and easy way to add a bit of fun and add a splash of colour onto a garment.  I wanted to make up a garment using this feature and keep it youthful, so I started by doing a little research online.
     
    This is what my research came up with:
     
     
    Next, I did not want to spend the earth on fabric, so I headed to the nearest 2nd hand shop with a vision of stripes in my head.  Quite excited by my $4 au purchase, this is what I came home with and popped straight into the washing machine.
     
     
     
    When making children’s wear, it is amazing the number of pattern pieces you can fit onto the fabric of an Adults shirt.  The cardboard pattern piece shown below has been directly printed from my work computer.  It is a front pattern piece of a Size 10 Fun Tee.  Another point to make here is, when using ready-made clothing to create a new garment, there is NO hemming required, as you can utilise the existing hem, now that saves setting up the cover-stitch machine or finding that twin needle and two spools of matching thread.
     
     
    Cut out your preferred choice of the two pocket types. The Fun Tee Pocket Hack instructions are available for download.  Join our group for your FREE copy today.  
     
     
    Use a single fold hem on the top edge of the pocket, press, pin, and sew in place with the desired stitch.
     
     
    For a more professional finish, use the same stitch for the top edge and the circumference of the pocket.
     
     
     
    Press the seam allowance for the sides and bottom edges of the pocket toward the wrong side of the fabric.
     
     
    It is always easier to attach a pocket to a garment before assembling.  This will ensure the fabric is not distorted. Before attaching your pocket to the garment, work out its general placement, and stabilize the wrong side with iron-on interfacing or tear-away stabilizer.  Use a piece that is approximately 1” bigger in width and length than your pocket.
     
     
    Using the information provided in your FREE pattern, regarding the placement for the size you are making, measure, and pin the pocket in place.
     
     
     
     
    If you feel the pocket will still move whilst sewing with the pins in place, you could opt to use wonder tape to hold the pocket in place.
     
     
     
    To start begin near the lowermost point of the hem, on the upper right-hand side of the pocket.  Here you will form a triangle to reinforce the pocket on the garment.  Straight stitch towards the upper fold of the hem of the pocket, then pivot and sew two stitches towards the corner and then pivot once again, forming a complete triangle.  Continue down the right side, along the bottom and up the left edge of the pocket.  Complete attachment of the pocket with a second triangle, on the upper left side of the pocket,
    back-tack to secure.
     
     
    Trim threads and either trim away the excess interfacing or carefully remove the tear-away stabilizer on the back of the garment.  If you used wonder tape this will dissolve away when washed.
     
     
    Finally, continue sewing the remainder of the garment using the #21100 Fun Tee Pattern Instructions.  (Link for store below)
     
     
    Now you have an up to the minute fashionable shirt that your child will be happy to hang about in.
     
     
     
    Thank you for viewing.  We hope this has inspired you to put some pockets on your tees when you sew them.  Are you in need of a great fitting Fun Tee PDF Pattern for your little ones?
     

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #funteepdfpattern #sbppfuntee

    Tester Inspiration: Blog Post Link

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • Sport Dress Tester Round Up

    Sport Dress Tester Round Up

     
     
    The Final photographs sent to me from the lovely testers of this pattern were so gorgeous I just had to share them in one location for all to see as a Sport Dress Tester Round Up.

    I have been very fortunate to have many testers come back a second, third, and fourth time to test my new patterns.  I feel very thankful for that and for the friendships formed through this process. 

    Thank you to all the lovely testers that helped work on this pattern.  Without you, it would not have been possible.

    I have shown the widths and lengths testers have used to make their model clothes to demonstrate that not many people are standard height and width. Through using the layers function when printing the patterns you can easily make the correct size required for your model.  Full instructions for making combination sizes come with the pattern.

    Photographs shown are in order of size. 

    Size 1 width 3 height
    Mirelle Melanson

    Size 1 width 2 height
    Rhonda Bowen
     
     
     
    Size 2 width 4 height
    Megan Ray
     
     
    Size 2 width 3 height
    Kary Davis
     
     
    Size 2 width 3 height
    Linda Stilling
     
     
     
     
     
    Size 3 width 3 height
    Amy Hodge
     
     
     
    Size 3 width 4 height
    Thao Luxa
     
     
     
     
    Size 3 width 4 height
    Shalini Verma
     
     
     
    Size 4 width 5 height
    Megan Ray
     
     
     
     
     
    Size 3 Chest 5 Hip and 4 length
    Juanita Bell
     
     
    Size 4 width 5 height
    Rena Knotingham
     
     
     
     
    Size 4 width 5 height
    Alison Daines
     
     
     
     
    Size 5 width 5 height
    Danielle Kuznia
     
     
     
    Size 6 width 6 height
    Lauren Wernli
     
     
     
    Size 7 width 6 height
    Dianne Firth
     
     
     
     
    Size 7 width 7 height
    Jessica Vert
     
     
     
     
     
    Size 10 width 10 height
    Lauren Wernli
     
     
     
     
    Size 12 width 14 height + 3″
    Cindy Parett
     
     
     
     
     
    Size 14 width 
    Donna Welburn
     
     
     
    Well there you have it, so many amazing testers showing just how you can utilize this pattern, in all its views whether that be the Top, Tunic, Knee length, or Long length.
     
    We cannot wait to see your version of this fabulous Sport Dress if you’d like to share photos in our sewing group.
     

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #sportdresspattern #sbppsportdress

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • Sport Dress – Free Star Heart Template

    Sport Dress – Free Star Heart Template

    The latest pattern from Sew by Pattern Pieces has arrived!  The Sport Dress is the perfect base garment for this up and coming Summer.  The pattern can be adapted in so many ways.  Featuring 4 lengths it can be a comfortable tapered top, tunic, or dress along with 3 back armhole options.  The Tbar, Sport, and Sleeveless.


     
    Every little girl wants to feel comfortable while they are playing and this design sure makes them feel this way but feminine at the same time.  As I have two girls, I watch which items of clothing my kids pull out to wear time and time again and I design with this information in mind.
     
     
    You will love how quickly these garments come together.  It has an easy to follow tutorial with a combination of line drawings and photographs and video links to help you every step of the way.
     
     
     
    The size chart and finished garment measurement chart ensure you will get a perfect fit on your little model.  The coloured and layered printing function helps you to achieve the combination sizes for when your child is having those growth spurts.  Sizes included are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14.  The PDF pattern is available for download on tiled pattern pieces that can be printed and taped together using US 8.5″ x 11″ and or A4 paper or take your A0 file to the copy shop and do away with all the taping.   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    It is not always easy finding gorgeous prints on stretch so I have put together two fun applique templates, which you will be able to access in my sewing group as a Free Download Sure to add some fun to your next project.  These templates are in a layered PDF printable document and are available in three sizes to suit sizes 1-14 and will also suit the Fun Tee pattern already available in the store.
     
    Download your FREE star and heart sewing template. HERE 
    Projector File HERE     1″ and 5cm Grids for calibration, toggle on and off in layers menu.
     
     
    We were having so much fun in testing we came up with a pattern hack at the same time and this has also been included in this pattern release.  The technique to add ties or splits to any of your existing favourite patterns, is fully described and comes with a “Turnback Template” to help you adapt your pattern and add these features.
     
     
     
    So much included in this pattern, so why not head over to our store and purchase your new Summer staple pattern today.  
     
    While I have your attention also be sure to be on the lookout for our leggings pattern which also looks lovely paired together with the Sport Dress.
     
     
      The 3/4 length leggings look great with the tunic or top from this pattern release.
    Thank you for viewing this post and have a great day!
     
     
     
    If you’re having trouble downloading from here pop into our sewing group and look in the files menu to download your FREE star and heart sewing template to add to your next project.

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #sportdresspattern #sbppsportdress

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • Girls Basics Range Leggings

    Girls Basics Range Leggings

    Girls Basics Range Leggings PDF Pattern

    A good leggings PDF pattern is something handy to have on hand when sewing a wardrobe for kids. From the experience I have had with my kids, it so much easier to get them to wear leggings, rather than jeans in the winter. Meet the Girls Basics Leggings Pattern.

    This PDF document comes with all the pattern pieces you need to make any of the 4 lengths of leggings being; full length, 3/4, knee , and boyleg.

    Size Range: 1-14

    Fabric: Jersey 25% and Lycra 4 way stretch 50%  

    If you would like to learn how to measure the fabric stretch, hit the link to watch a short video on how to do this HERE.

    Leggings Style Sheet

    This pattern was fortunate to have a mini-review written by Janet on the Blog 7 Pine Design if you would like to check it out.

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #skipskirt #zipitgoodrashie #sewbypatternpieces

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • Stinger bodysuit vintage ruffle hack

    Stinger bodysuit vintage ruffle hack

    Stinger body suit ruffle hack
    Sew a stretch ruffle
     
     Today I am very excited to show you my latest sewing project.  Stinger bodysuit vintage ruffle hack.  From the time that I created this pattern, my daughter’s friends have quite vocally let me know they wanted one as well.  Slowly the whole group of them are getting one to wear, this is the 10th Stinger Suit that I have had the pleasure to sew.
     
     
    The image above shows the finished swimsuit, however, it does look like it needs a little more to complete the look in this fabric and we have decided it needs a ruffle on the hem.  So today I am going to show you how to add a ruffle to the Stinger Bodysuit, which can be utilized on any project made from Lycra.
     
    1.  Firstly, measure the hem of the area you will be adding the ruffle to.
     
     
    2.  Next cut the strips to be ruffled at 1 1/4″ or 3cm wide.   These strips need to be cut with the longest measurement going from selvage to selvage 2 1/2 times the garment length measured. The total circumference of fabric required was too long for the width of fabric, so I cut 2 1/2 times the front for the front strip and 2 1/2 times the back for the back strip. 
     
     
    3.  Now run a gathering stitch along the left and right edge of our strips of fabric.  Start by putting your machine on the longest straight stitch possible. Then line up the right edge and sew 3/8″ or 1cm in from the edge, as shown below.
     
     
     4.  Next with the left side under the pressure foot sew the second row of gathering, again this is done 3/8″ or 1cm in from the edge, as shown below.
     
     
    5.  Now pull up the gathering stitches on your strips of fabric, pulling on the bobbin threads only.  Pull the threads so that they gather evenly along the length and check that they now measure the correct length to fit onto the area you wish for them to attach to.
     
    6.  Next, change your machine to a wide zig-zag stitch, or in this case I used a 3 step zig zag.  The reason you will use a zig-zag is because the ruffle is being added onto stretch fabric and if we use a straight stitch it will be more prone to cracking or getting damaged if the area is pulled whilst being worn.
     
     
    7.  Pin your ruffle to the area that you are attaching it to.  To begin sewing place the ruffle under the foot of the machine and let 3/8″ or 1cm overlap the side seam of the skirt. Start your sewing 3/8″ or 1cm in from the strip of edge. 
     
    Ensure you are sewing your row of zig-zag in the centre of the ruffle strip and do not stretch the skirt as you sew.
     
     
    8.  This how it should look once sewn.
     
     
    9.  This is what the reverse side of the skirt looks like.  With the ruffle slightly showing as it covers the raw edge of the skirt.
     
     
    10.  Next place and pin the ruffle to the back of the skirt.
     
     
    11.  To begin sewing the ruffle onto the back tuck the back ruffle under the front 3/8″ or 1cm overlap and continue using your zig-zag to attach.
     
     
    12.  Remove all your gathering stitches and yippee you are done!  Easy as that!  Now you will want to start ruffling everything in sight.
     
     
    The complete Stinger Suit can be made by following the instructions that come with the pattern.  If you would like to make this suit without a skirt, instructions to eliminate it also come with the pattern.  How cute is this fabric?
     
     
     
    Photo supplied by Laurie McDonnell from Hannah’s Daisy
     
    You can also visit the Sew by Pattern Pieces Sewing Circle to ask questions or gather more sewing inspiration.  Thank you for your time today and happy sewing! 
     
    Ready to make your own?  
     

    Shop for Pattern: Girls Pattern HERE Ladies Pattern HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #stingerbodysuitpdfpattern #sewbypatternpieces

    Tester Inspiration: Girls Blog Post Link Ladies Blog Post to come

    Pinterest Page: Girls HERE Ladies HERE

  • Girls Skip Skirt PDF Pattern Tester Roundup

    Girls Skip Skirt PDF Pattern Tester Roundup

    Today I’m sharing our new Girls Skip Skirt PDF Pattern and Leggings PDF Pattern makes from the testing group with you. I will forever have so much appreciation for all that our Testers do! They provide so much valuable feedback on the instructions and fit of the patterns we are testing. It can be an anxious time to put a new pattern to the test and expose all its flaws but as we reach the end I’m so grateful for the whole process and the sewists that test for us.

    Alison Daines

    The original style option I came up with for the Skip Skirt was as shown above by Alison Daines that has been paired with the Fun Tee PDF Pattern. It is a cute 2 tier 1/2 circle skirt a style my girls adore wearing. As I started putting the pattern together I became inspired to offer other options that could also attach to the the yoke and offer more options, within the one pattern, that could look great being worn with our Fun Tee.

    Skip Skirt Style Sheet_1

    I am excited to tell you that through the design process these are the options that have been made part of the new Skip Skirt:

    Single Tier Skirt, View A.
    Gathered Single, Tier View B. 
    Plain Pocket Single Tier, View C.
    Gathered Pocket Single Tier, View D.
    Gathered Patch Pocket, View E.
    Plain Double Tier, View F.
    Gathered Double Tier, View G.
    Leggings, 3/4 Length and Boyleg

    Bunky Bell. View C, and G.
    Carmen West. View C.
    Carmen West. View G and Bike Pant.
    Cindy Parrett. View C.
    Cindy Parrett. View G.
    Dianne Firth. View C.
    Dianne Firth. View G.
    Emma Schmack. View A and Bike Pant.
    Linda Stilling. View A and Leggings.
    Linda Stilling. View C and Leggings.
    Linda Stilling. View G and Leggings.
    Lisa Neri. View G and Leggings.
    Lisa Neri. View E and Leggings.
    Meahd Farnaby. View C.
    Meg Moore. View F and Leggings.
    Megan Ray. View A and Leggings.
    Merav Ganz Ruthman. View C and Leggings.
    Michelle Peterson. View A.
    Sarah Benbrook. View B.
    Sneha Nirody Monga. View B
    Sneha Nirody Monga. View C.
    Laurie McDonnell. View D.

    I hope you have enjoyed looking through all the fabulous photos of the Girls Skip Skirt PDF Pattern that our wonderful testers have provided us of all the fun options the Skip Skirt offers. Which one will you be making up first? We hope you will give it a try.

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #skipskirtpattern #skipskirt #sbppskipskirt

    Pinterest Page: HERE

    Thank you for your time here and happy sewing!

  • Girls Fun Tee PDF Pattern Piping Hack

    Girls Fun Tee PDF Pattern Piping Hack

    I am really excited today to share with you the technique of adding piping to a sleeve.  This technique can be used for many projects.  I will be adding piping to the “Gathered Long Sleeve” of my Fun Tee, however, you can add piping to any project. 

    1.  Firstly, cut a long strip of fabric and piping, enough for your entire project.  We are using stretch fabric so you will need to make sure that the stretch goes along the length of your strip of fabric.  For this project, the piping will be going around the body.  You will need to determine the width of your fabric by wrapping it around the piping and making note of that length and adding twice your seam allowance.

    2.  Next, using your zipper foot and a long straight stitch sew a row of stay stitching along the edge of the piping.  If you wish you can sew this in a contrasting thread to make it easier to see if you wish to remove it at the end.

    3.  Stitch the strip of prepared piping to the lower edge of the sleeve using your zipper foot and straight stitch.  This stitching could also be in a contrast colour for removal later.

    4.  Prepare the gathered portion of the sleeve by sewing two rows of gathering along the top and lower edges.

    5.  Now attach the upper sleeve to the lower sleeve, again using the zipper foot and a straight stitch  Prior to sewing, reduce the length of the straight stitch and ensure that you sew in the colour of your main fabric, slightly stretching your work as you sew.

    6.  This is what your project will now look like from the right side.

    7.  Now you can remove the piping and any of the gathering or stay stitching threads that are exposed.

    8.  Now that the bulk of the piping has been removed you may wish to add a row of overlocking or edge stitching to neaten the raw edge.  However, as this is made from knit fabric it is not necessary as the fabric will not fray, it would purely be done for aesthetics and neaten the inside.

    The Gathered Long Sleeve can be completed by following the instructions that come with the Fun Tee pattern. 

     If you would like a matching skirt for your new Fun Tee the Skip Skirt and Leggings go really well and are a great wardrobe staple for summer or winter.

    You can also visit our sewing group to ask questions or to gather more sewing inspiration. 

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #funteepdfpattern #sbppfuntee #sewbypatternpieces

    Pinterest Page: HERE