SEW BY PATTERN PIECES

Tag: Stretch

  • 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