Dress Sewing Patterns

Dress Sewing Patterns: 15+ Gorgeous Sewing Designs Every Sewist Must Have!

The summer is the best time for sewing and one thing that is sure to be on every woman’s list this year is a new dress sewing pattern! There are many different dress patterns to choose from, and you can experiment with various styles for your wardrobe.

It doesn’t matter if you want something casual, trendy, or elegant; there are plenty of options to choose from in all three categories. This article will highlight some of the most popular dress patterns available in the market today so that you can pick out your favorite one and get started on making it right away!

Summer Dress Sewing Patterns

Summer dresses are among the most easy-to-sew apparel that needs no extravagant designing or any flashy boutique pattern. Thus, they require the slightest level of sewing expertise. 

With a plethora of women’s dress sewing patterns available online, you can now stitch stylish summer apparels you’ve been thinking about all this time. 

We have listed some beginner-friendly and popular summer dress sewing patterns below:

Saltspring Dress from Sewaholic

Dress sewing patterns
Image Source: Sewaholic

Apart from being a simple yet elegant dress, Saltspring comes as inter-seasonal versatile apparel. Wear it as a sundress for breezy summer nights, or slip it on with a trouser or cardigan to pleasant evenings of the fall. The dress is perfect for all seasons except winter!

The dress comes with a shorter-than-average bodice area that acts as an in-blouse, preventing you from the hassle of wearing an extra layer. You can adjust the shoulder straps to your taste and preference. 

Saltspring also has two in-seam side pockets that amount to the practicality of the dress.

The dress pattern comes in two above-the-knee and below-knee variants. The zipping at the back makes Saltspring an easy-to-wear and comfortable dress, not to mention how effortless it is to stitch even for a beginner.

Sabrina Dress from By Hand London

Sabrina dress sewing pattern
Image Source: By Hand

Who doesn’t have an A-line dress in their wardrobe these days? If you are a person who has a hard time catching up with trends, this dress pattern by By Hand is the perfect start to a trendy summer. You can stitch on a fantastic and chic A-line dress with your preferred fabric with the Sabrina dress pattern. Just make yourself acquainted with a few sewing hacks, and you are good to go.

You can create this princess-seamed dress with a few simple steps thanks to the Sabrina sewing pattern ByHand offers. 

The best thing about this dress pattern is that it offers two different variations in A-line. You can either go with:

    • the sleeveless option comes with a center-back zipper and has a bateau or jewel neckline or,
    • you can choose the college girl style with thin shoulder straps and button it down to the bottom hem of the skirt. 

Some Sabrina staples are buttoned only till the bodice section for a decent outlook.

The Vivian Dress from Simply Sewing

Summer dress sewing patterns
Image Source: Pinterest

Want to give your summer nights an elegant touch with your DIY dress? Then the Vivian dress can be your way out. The dress has a feminine touch to it that adds to your glamour and style. The dress also comes in sleeved and sleeveless versions, each requiring nothing more than basic sewing skills.

If you have learned how to sew simple dresses, creating a sleeveless Vivian dress wouldn’t be a problem. 

Compared to the sleeveless Vivian partywear, the long-sleeved variant might require an intermediate expertise level. 

Since this is a decent dress pattern that isn’t too revealing, you can also pull it off at work or wear it to any other formal routine.

Most ladies are more inclined to wear the sleeved version of the Vivian dress in pleasant seasons like early fall. A lot of it depends on the type of fabric you are using.

Summer Sundress by Peppermint

Summer sundress pattern
Image Source: Peppermint

Whether you are thinking of spending lazy evenings in the park with family or planning an indoor party with friends, this summer sundress should be at the top of your priority list. 

Let this be your trendy summer frock, or turn it into an elegant maxi dress with a boutique pattern. The clothing is both comfortable and chic and will help you look attractive either way.

These easy-to-sew sewing patterns for sun dresses usually are stitched in a slim fit silhouette with a zippered back. The bust has to be seamed precisely. That’s the part that demands some skills. 

If you know your way around skirt sewing patterns, you can make a few adjustments to your sundress and sell them at retail stores with a custom hang tag or care label with your name. 

You can customize and adorn your summer sundress the following ways:

    1.   Add a waist tie belt.
    2.   Make a thigh-length mini skirt.
    3.   Attach a low-high flowery skirt.
    4.   Extend into a paneled maxi.

You can wear it with fancy sandals or your everyday sneakers, just the way you prefer. 

While most people prefer sewing it in breathable cotton fabric, you can make this sundress sewing pattern using any material. Recommended fabric choices are:

    • Linen
    • Silk
    • Chiffon 
    • Rayon
    • Cotton

Tea Dress from Sew Over It

Tea dress sewing pattern
Image Source: Sew Over It

If you want to add a vintage dress to your wardrobe, the tea dress rightfully deserves the chance. Being particularly inspired by the 1940s vintage sewing pattern, the dress can act as your everyday wear. 

Unlike other women’s sundress sewing patterns, this tea dress pattern requires an intermediate beginner level expertise and intensified interest in sewing.

The mode of usage mainly depends on how you pull the dress off rather than relying on the design or the print. You can wear it with sandals and use it as an occasional evening dress or wear it to family dinners and outdoor parties.

The main highlight of the dress is its gathered bust with a fancy button attached and an inset bodice. 

The midriff section is paneled and is attached to a skirt that stays right above the knees. The midsized elbow sleeves with puffy shoulders elaborate the vintage essence of the dress.

Kimono Sundress from Freckles

Diy kimono sundress pattern
Image Source: Freckles

Previously limited to Japan, the kimono is now a worldwide fashionable dress code that every woman likes to wear. 

So why not jump on the trendy bandwagon of kimono sundresses right now? With a few sewing tips and tricks and sundress sewing patterns, you can create your very own kimono dress.

This kimono sundress from Freckles is perfect for the hot summer weather. You can create a kimono using your bed sheets or living room curtains, as long as they have a light and comfortable fabric

Some standard fabrics you can use for sewing a kimono are:

    • Poplin
    • Thin Denim
    • Lawn Cloth
    • Cotton
    • Chiffon

You can use the two wide ribbons attached to create the dress in a figure-skimming silhouette. 

You can either let the outer seam near the neckline open or stitch it down for reinforced stitching forming a V-shaped neck on both sides. 

Keeping the bottom line above or below the knees is entirely your choice.

Ariana Woven Dress by Style Arc

Ariana woven dress
Image Source: Style arc

Ariana woven dress is the exquisite combination of modernist style with a vintage theme that every woman loves to have in her collection. 

The gorgeous sundress has a princess seamed bust with a shirred back and thin shoulder straps, making it easier to wear and carry around in your daily routine.

The gathered skirt starts right from the midriff to the knees, but you can keep the length as low or high as you want. You can also add pockets to the skirt for convenience. 

The puckered back doesn’t require any complicated zippers, which adds to the comfort level manifold. The recommended fabrics for a lovely Ariana woven dress are linen, cotton, and crepe.

To add more to the table, this unique dress can serve as two-in-one apparel. 

If the dress does not turn out according to your taste, you can detach the skirt from the dress and customize it into something chicer. With the help of a crop top sewing pattern, create a fancy midriff top with the dress’s bodice and wear it with standard denim jeans.

Picnic Dress by One Avian Daemon

Picnic dress sewing pattern
Image Source: One Avian Daemon

If you are thinking of getting your teenage kids some cool beach dresses, this picnic dress by avian daemon might be the right one for you. 

Compared to other sewing patterns for kids, this one requires a beginner skill level and takes less sewing time. Thus, you might be able to stitch it in one go.

The cutting might be the only tricky part of the entire process, so make sure you take the correct measurements. 

You can choose between making a princess seam or want to go with a gathered bust. The bodice doesn’t need to be a silhouette, as the ribbons attached to the zippered back will be enough to tighten or loosen the dress.

You can produce your clothing line with these princess-styled picnic dresses, as it is deemed a signature outfit in most vicinities. Don’t forget to add woven labels to your dresses to promote your brand both online and offline. You can find different types of woven labels online.

Long Dress Sewing Patterns

What better dress could there be for attending cocktail parties, family events, and festivals than a long maxi dress?

The classic sundress or an evening gown both fall under the category of long dresses. No matter which it is, maxis will always let you be the focus of attention. Not only does that add charm to the person wearing it, but it also enthralls the onlookers, making heads turn as you walk.

Apart from being super stylish, maxi dresses also have some added benefits such as:

    1. They are friendly apparel for all body types.
    2. More comfortable and feminine.
    3. Versatile for all occasions
    4. Perfect for pregnant ladies.
    5. Free from any wardrobe malfunctions.
    6. It Doesn’t put you through the hassle of matching different parts of apparel.

There is an extensive range of easy-to-stitch free sewing patterns for women’s dresses available at multiple online stores. 

We have shortlisted some fabulous and decent maxi dresses for you. The table below provides a comprehensive summary of each of them.

Dress Name Skill level Fabric Requirement Sewing Equipment

Florence Dress

Intermediate

    • Silk
    • Chiffon
    • Georgette
    • Lightweight crepes
    • Polyester thread
    • Measurement and Marking tools
    • Sewing machine

Venice Knit Dress

Intermediate

    • Knit
    • Jersey
    • Knit cashmere
    • Measurement and Marking tools
    • Sewing machine and threads

Fiona Sundress

Beginner

    • Chambray
    • Sateen
    • Thin Denim
    • Twill

Basic sewing equipment

The Lola Dress

Intermediate

    • Cotton
    • Linen
    • Lawn
    • Satin
    • Tailor’s ham
    • Measurement and Marking tools
    • Other sewing equipment

Heidi Dress

Beginner

    • Rayon
    • Chiffon
    • Georgette

Basic sewing Equipment

Charlie Caftan

Beginner

    • Linen
    • Breathable Cotton
    • Twill
    • Chiffon

Basic Sewing Equipment

Florence Dress by Sew Over It

Long dress sewing pattern
Image Source: Sew Over It

The boho dress is the biggest inspiration behind this elegant maxi dress. The pattern is entirely feminine with slight 1970s vintage vibes. 

The extended skirt up to the ankles adds a touch of elegance and romance in equal proportions. Despite the style and drama, the dress is both easy to sew and wear.

You can add mandarin collars to the neckline or keep it basic; that depends on you. 

The pattern manufacturer designed Florence so ladies can wear it in the summers. They kept the fabric suggestion lightweight to make it perfect to wear on a hot summer day. 

You can carry this beautiful dress pattern as it is or customize it according to your preferences. Here are some suggestions:

    1.   Wear it as a lightweight gown perfect for summer.
    2.   Wear it with woolly tights for chilly weather.
    3.   Add a side slit for a modernistic and stylish look.
    4.   Wear it with a waist belt with low-top boots.
    5.   Stitch a boutique collar and turn it into formal party wear.

You can choose any lightweight fabric that you are currently missing in your wardrobe collection. Chiffon, linen, and thin crepes are the recommended ones.

Venice Knit Dress by Style Arc

Venice knit dress
Image Source: Style Arc

You must have observed how fast the knit dress is becoming a trend. The Venice dress represents sophistication but with a girlish touch to it, which is why you must have it in your collection. This one is a perfect long dress that can make a valuable addition to your wardrobe.

This refreshing style requires an intermediate skill level, but stitching this won’t be a problem if you’ve mastered some beginner-level sewing patterns

The asymmetrical lines diagonal to the length of the dress imparts a signature look to it. You can add pockets in the mid-length of the soft cocoon-shaped dress.

As the name suggests, the Venice knit dress works best with knit fabrics that give a cozy outlook to the staple.

Knit cashmere and jersey wear are the most common fabrics people use to create this dress. 

You can outline the length of the skirt and sleeves according to your preference.

Fiona Sundress by Closet Core

Fiona sundress pattern
Image Source: Closet Core

The unique Fiona dress is occasional refined wear that follows a sophisticated theme. Despite how complicated it may seem, you can effortlessly stitch it up with the most basic sewing knowledge. 

The dress is buttoned down from top to bottom in an attractive way with a straight-fit skirt with half-length dual side slits.

The most attractive element of the dress is its bra-friendly and structured bodice with proportioned seamlines

With an enhanced level of sewing skills, you can make it look even more fancy and appealing. Make a low back with intermingling straps for a refined look.

If you stitch it in thin denim or chambray fabrics, the dress will be perfect for all four seasons. You can pull it off with a long fur coat or a Turkish jersey for colder weather.

You can download the pattern here.

The Lola Dress by Simply Sewing

Beginners maxi dress sewing patterns
Image Source: Gathered

Want to represent true fashion through your hand-stitched apparel? The Lola dress can help you with the style you want. Designed to be light and breezy, the dress can be worn everywhere, from beaches to fancy restaurants and cocktail parties. Believe it or not, the elegance of the dress could work as a lucky charm for you if you have a date planned up. 

The stylish elements of the dress include:

    • Drapey cotton texture
    • Spaghetti shoulder straps
    • Off-shoulder sleeves with side slit (optional)
    • Princess style bodice

To make the dress look more captivating and lovely, you can use fabrics with a silky texture if you have the required skill level. However, if you’re a sewing novice, sewing the dress in a silk material will give you a pretty hard time.

To spice things up, even more, add a sexy side slit if you are up for it, and enjoy the party. 

The best part about this maxi dress pattern is that it comes in all types of sizes, meaning you can find the one for you.

Heidi Dress by Sew Over It

Womens dress sewing patterns
Image Source: Sew Over It

Wrap dresses are one of those apparel that has been evergreen. Whether you are a university student or a working mom, the dress is perfect for all age groups.

One of the best things about the Heidi wrap dress is that it’s not specific for any particular occasion.

You need to stitch the fluffy skirt to the seam line waistband bodice. Despite being an added straight-silhouette structure, the dress is comfortable to wear and easy to carry. 

The wrist-long loose sleeves with closed cuffs make it perfect for summers. While the extended length in the form of maxi presents a pleasant look, you can still adjust the length to your preference. 

Like any other costly wrap dress, the Heidi sewing pattern offers you a dual ribbon feature for a charming look to your dress, all at a super affordable price.

Charlie Caftan from Closet Core

Plus size caftan pattern
Image Source: Closet Core

If you keep yourself up to date, you might know how caftan is gradually becoming the fashion norm. The Charlie Caftan by Closet Core suits your aesthetics and feels very comfortable and lightweight on the body. 

If flashy beachwear isn’t your thing, the Charlie caftan would be the perfect apparel for you.

This dress comes in a variety of fabrics and prints. For hotter climates, you can use thinner clothes such as cotton or linen for better airflow. The dress features:

    • deep V neckline
    • Dolman sleeves
    • side pockets
    • inset panel in the center

Put it on for a romantic evening in your backyard, or wear it at an outdoor cocktail party by the poolside on a summer night; the dress is fantastic for any occasion. 

Not just that, the caftan is a fit-for-all body shape. This dress pattern is a plus-sized sewing pattern that hides all your bulgy imperfections, making you look as gorgeous as you are.

The caftan is available for download as a PDF file.

Misses Dresses Sewing Patterns

We have enlisted some of the best dress designs sewing patterns you can try out this season. These impressively designed outfit patterns can be your best choice for outdoor wear. 

They demand simple sewing techniques, and once you know how to make sewing patterns, you can even market your creative ideas to the world.

Misses’ Button Front Dress by Simplicity

Dress designs sewing patterns
Image Source: Simplicity

Have you ever heard of a fashion trend that never died? The Misses button front dress by new look is one of those. Being an intra-seasonal dress, you can wear it all year long

You can add and subtract notions and features depending on your choice. The trendsetter button front dress has the following main features:

    • Buttoned front
    • Elastic waist
    • An elongated skirt below the knees.
    • Collared neckline with half sleeves.

The dress has an appropriate touch of sophistication that allows it to fit in well at complementary parties and family events. 

The recommended fabrics for this unique apparel are:

    • Chambray
    • Linen
    • Poplin
    • and crepe de chine.

Sleeveless Shift Dress by Ann Normandy Patterns

Ann Normandy design sleeveless shift dress sewing pattern
Image Source: Ann Normandy Patterns

Create this fantastic minimalist-designed shift dress with the essence of the corporate culture. If you are a working woman, gear yourself up and stitch out this fabulous dress. 

Out of all misses’ staples out there, this one takes no time to sew, even if you are a beginner. The highlighted features of this shift dress pattern are:

    1.   Standard A-line shaped
    2.   Combination of v and square necklines.
    3.   Dual side pockets
    4.   Flat seams with no gathered bust.

The minimalist seamless design enchants a notion of empowerment to the one wearing it. You can wear it for your weekly office meetings or slip it on for a regular day out. The outfit will make you look like a diva in both. 

Breton Dress by Simply Sewing

Breton dress sewing pattern simply sewing
Image Source: Gathered

Breton dress provides an incredible college girl look and is one of the easiest to wear dresses. The dress pattern allows you to be as creative as you like with your dress. 

If you have previous experience with shirt sewing patterns, you can upcycle your old t-shirts to create this nice and easy dress.

The Breton dress typically goes with a shorter skirt that extends up to the knees, giving it a sporty yet charming feel. You can select whatever colored combo you prefer. 

The dress requires a beginner-level skillset, allowing you to stitch the complete outfit in one go. Ensure that you select the skirt of a similar fabric to that of your shirt to provide a whole outfit look.

S9261 Misses’ Knits Only Dress by Simplicity

Outfit sewing patterns
Image Source: SewOverIt

This is the last pattern from our list of dress outfit sewing patterns. The ultimate knits-only dress sewing pattern allows you to sew your customized dress in two lengths at home. 

Comfortable fabric, proportionate fitting at just the right spots, and personally preferred additional designing are the trademarks of this pattern. 

The sewing pattern keeps you covered with all your needs with two front pockets and a cute knee-length design.

You can attach the zipline on the side just below the machine hemmed waistline. Surprisingly enough, you can stitch this fantastic piece of outfit with just four simple pattern pieces.

Despite being among the most simplified dress sewing patterns, it still demands a particular sewing skill level that requires you to learn to sew well.

The process is free of any complicated and hard & fast stitching rules. Just acquire knowledge of essential stitching hacks, and the rest will be a piece of cake.