Hobbies and Crafts

Patterns for Pirates Layer Me Up Tee

Long sleeve "Layer Me Up Tee" by Patterns  For Pirates
Long sleeve “Layer Me Up Tee” by Patterns For Pirates

You’re in luck, because today I have two new patterns to introduce you to. The first is the “Layer Me Up Tee” by Patterns for Pirates. It was my first time pattern testing for Judy Hale, and I’m really excited about the two shirts I made during the test. I have plans for 3 more. Yup, you read that right. It was an easy sew (always a really good thing when you have a baby hanging out).  While I tested the pattern, I was under no obligation to post a review. All of my notes are on the tested pattern. 

When putting the PDF pages together, there’s no need to trim – you simply line them up and tape and you’re good to go. There are only a few pieces for this pattern – meaning you can switch them out for the option you’re looking for. 

I stitched up the tank version in the tunic length first using a yellow sweater knit I found at JoAnn’s fabrics and a red glitter knit found in the same place. Yes folks, I did not use thrift store fabric for this one. The reason? I couldn’t decide on which fabric I wanted from my stash. The tank went together easily – until I got to the banding. You see, I chose a knit fabric that wanted to curl instead of stretch when using it for the arm, neck, and waistbands. I made it work, though, and I’m super excited about how it turned out! The fit on the top is great, and it will make a great spring wardrobe addition (and it will work its way into fall rotation due to its easy layering properties). 

I made the long-sleeve version in a slinky knit with the same red fabric banding. I really love this shirt. I also chose to do the tunic length. In the final version of the pattern, a little length was added on the larger sizes (the pattern goes from XXS-XXL and Plus 1x-3x, I made the Plus 2x).  The fit on this one was also great – and it’s super comfy. Again, it’s a really lightweight material. I once again wrestled the banding fabric, but I think it looks amazing and was well-worth it. I’m happy because I have extra of both the block fabric and the sweater knit fabric. I may make an infinity scarf with the leftover red glitter knit. (I want more of it too…I think it would be great for Paprika Patterns’ Jade skirt…which is on my next to sew list). 

I’m really pleased with the results fo this pattern test. These shirts are definitely going to be in regular rotation. I have a few spandex prints that I think might make nice tank versions of this shirt, and I have a black knit with cutout details that would be a great short-sleeve version. Because it stitches up quickly, it’s a great wardrobe builder. I also love that I didn’t have to do any pattern grading to get the fit I got. 

Here are the tank pictures, long sleeve pictures are below.

Here’s the long-sleeve option. 

You can purchase the Patterns for Pirates Layer Me Up PDF here. This is not an affiliate link. Use code “NEWPATTERN” to receive $2 off through the weekend. 

Come back later today to check out the other pattern test I did last week. 

Ronda Bowen

Ronda Bowen is a writer, editor, and independent scholar. She has a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Northern Illinois University and a B.A. in Philosophy, Pre-Graduate Option, Honors in the Major from California State University, Chico. When she is not working on client projects from her editorial consulting business, she is writing a novel. In her free time, she enjoys gourmet cooking, wine, martinis, copious amounts of coffee, reading, watching movies, sewing, crocheting, crafts, hanging out with her husband, and spending time with their teenage son and infant daughter.

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2 Comments

  1. Love them both, but the colors in the long sleeve version are awesome!

    1. Thanks! I love that shirt. It came out really well, I think 🙂 (and I’m a big fan of the fabric)

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