How to Sew a Pirate Costume
In this fun sewing tutorial, we are making a pirate top and cut off trousers to create a super cool pirate costume! We are using pinking shears for the edges so it's minimal sewing with maximum impact – you actually don't even need a sewing machine for this one, as you can just as easily hand sew the whole costume and use no-sew Heat 'n' Bond for the applique. Choose your colour scheme from the huge range of fat quarters to get started on this eye-catching costume.
You will need
Subtotal
Is $ 9.49
Out of stock
Subtotal
Is $ 9.49
Out of stock
Subtotal
Is $ 51.00
Out of stock
Subtotal
Is $ 1.49 , was $ 3.49
Out of stock
Subtotal
Is $ 3.49
Subtotal
Is $ 4.49
Subtotal
Is $ 1.49 , was $ 3.49
Out of stock
Subtotal
Is $ 7.49 , was $ 15.00
Out of stock
Subtotal
Is $ 5.49
Out of stock
How to Make
Use 1 x fat quarter for very small child & use 2 x fat quarters for larger version
Fold 1 x fat quarter in half lengthways and fold it in half again press the folds in place. Unfold ensuring you can clearly see those creased lines and cut in half along the halfway crease. For the larger version: Fold one fat quarter in half lengthways for the front and the other fat quarter lengthways for the back.
Put aside one of the pieces for now and work with the other one. This will be the front. Fold back in half along the crease line.
Take your pinking shears and a tape measure, from the centre top crease measure down from the centre of neck (middle of neck bones) down to where you would like the v of the neckline to go. Take this measurement (usually around 3.5″ or 9cm) . Using your pinking shears create a V or a curve here for the neckline. Ensuring to take into account the tops that will be the shoulder lines (see image).
If using 'sewable' Heat 'n' Bond, use a template from https://misslibbyrose.com/learn-to-sew/applique/ (link above) to cut out fabric & Heat 'n' Bond. Follow the manufacturer's instruction on the Heat n Bond packets and use your iron to heat and press your fabric applique in shape. If you are using the 'no-sew' heat n bond you are all set once it is heated down. If you want to sew around your shape, set your machine to a tight zigzag and go ahead and sew in place.
If using no-sew, again, use a template from https://misslibbyrose.com/learn-to-sew/applique/ (or your own picture) to cut out fabric & heat n bond (the red packet, no sew). Follow the manufacturer's instruction on the Heat n Bond packets and use your iron to heat and press your fabric applique in shape. Once it is heated in place it's all done!
Add buttons for eyes or other fun haberdashery on the applique.
Put the 2 x tabard shapes with right sides together. Sew up the tops (shoulders) that are located next to the scoop for the neck.
Last bit of sewing is to sew up the sides. To leave enough space for armholes, measure from the top of shoulder to under armpit so the wearer has enough space to get arms in and out. More space is better. Do remember this is only a fun costume so you don't need to be exact. When I did mine, I left a space of 13cm.
Time for some fun with pinking shears! Go along the bottom hem, arms and snip snip snip! Create a jagged edge to make it look very pirate-like!
Craft with us at our workshops
Related Products
Vikings are some of the most well known historical pirates and made a huge impact in the development of wherever they settled. Every good Viking needs a good shield, and we're here to help with this handy how to make a Viking shield school project.