In case you missed the news, making your own wardrobe is a powerful thing. Learning how to sew clothes to match your unique measurements and sew your own style to fit, is something we're passionate about.
Making your own clothes not only gives you a confidence boost (what better chance to show off your dressmaking prowess?), it's also the perfect way to tackle the mismatch between the available clothing sizes we find in shops and the variety of shapes and sizes that women's bodies come in in real life.
The average woman in the UK is a size 16 dress size, with a third of UK women being a size 18 or above. Yet plus size clothing accounts for just 22% of the UK clothing market.
While fashion for those of us with curves is a growing sector of the industry, and the body positivity movement grows stronger by the day, certain body shapes remain underrepresented when shopping for sewing patterns. So if you're on the hunt for beautiful plus size sewing patterns to give your me-made wardrobe a boost, this article's for you.
Main image (above): The Estuary Skirt © Sew Liberated Patterns via Etsy
Best plus size sewing patterns
We've rounded up some of the best plus size sewing patterns from our favourite brands so that you can make your own clothes that fit your shape perfectly. In this article you'll find a mixture of paid-for and free plus size sewing patterns, for different garments with different levels of sewing experience.
Whether you're looking for dresses, skirts or even DIY underwear, our aim is to include something for everyone. We've got plus size sewing patterns from the UK, US and the EU.
We'd love to see what you sew, and if you think we've missed a brand or website that should be in this list then let us know in the comments and we'll add them to this post!
If you're on the hunt for sewing pattern inspiration or free sewing patterns, you might also like our guides to the best coat sewing patterns, best sewing patterns for beginners or our favourite summer dress sewing patterns.
Are you a fan of creative TV shows? Check out our guides to The Great British Sewing Bee, The Great Pottery Throw Down and Interior Design Masters.
Best plus size dress patterns
1. Alexandra Dress, Gathered Shop
- Buy it now: Gathered Shop, £8.99
- Sizes: UK sizes 6-32 (US 4-30/EUR 34-60).
Make a flattering everyday dress that you'll find yourself reaching for no matter the occasion. The Alexandra Dress is sure to become a wardrobe staple, featuring a collar, high waistline and two sleeve length options that let you tailor the dress to suit your style.
You can also make the dress your own by sewing it in a range of fabrics, including viscose, linen, chambray, double gauze, crepe de chine, light to medium-weight rayon, Tencel, and bamboo.
2. Amber Dress, Seamwork
- Buy it now: Seamwork, $20
- Sizes: Make it in US sizes 0-26 (UK 6-28)
This ultra-flattering sundress features a fitted bodice and a gathered tiered skirt. Wide straps make it bra-friendly and easy to adjust.
Sew it in light-to-medium-weight woven fabrics such as cotton lawn, shirting, rayon, linen, double gauze, or chambray.
3. Myrna Dress, Colette
- Buy it now: Seamwork, $20
- Sizes: US size 0-26 (up to size 28 in UK sizes).
This feminine dress gathers at the shoulder and waist, and you don't need a lot of dressmaking experience to give it a go. It comes with two shaped waist yoke options, as well as two skirt lengths for versatile and flattering results.
Make it in lightweight woven fabrics such as cotton voile, lawn, rayon challis and silk crepe.
4. Sofia Dress, Gathered Shop
- Buy it now: Gathered Shop, £8.98
- Sizes: UK sizes 6-32 (UK 2-28)
The Sofia dress is the kind of frock that can be worn as a cool and casual summer outfit, or dressed up for a special occasion. The pattern also includes the option to add a frill hem and neckline.
Get started on this pattern today and sew a statement piece that's sure to wow.
5. Penny Pinafore, Sew Liberated Patterns
- Buy it now: Etsy, £15.68
- Sizes: US 0-34 (UK 4-38)
Isn't this sweet? This lovely pinafore dress looks like it comes straight out of a fairy tale. We love the cute crossed back and all of the little details that Sew Liberated Patterns has included – and of course it has pockets!
It would look perfect worn over a t-shirt for a relaxed weekend walk.
6. Butterick Pullover Dress B6051
- Buy it now: Amazon, £12.73
- Sizes: F5 – UK 16 to 24
Reach for those stretch knits and make this elegant DIY dress with an elasticated waist plus neckline and skirt variations.
We love the wrap-effect bodice and our favourite sleeves are the ones pictured here, but you can easily adjust to be sleeveless if you're looking for a cooler summer dress pattern.
7. Burda Style Women's Summer Dress B6449
- Buy it now: Simplicity, $16.07
- Sizes: EUR 44-52 (UK 20-28) but see sizing chart to find the right size for you.
Burda have a range of patterns for plus sizes but we picked this pattern for its relaxed style and on trend details. Choose between sewing cut-out sleeves or small, wing sleeves.
With its elastic waist and flared, panelled skirt this dress is flattering to wear without sacrificing comfort. You'll also get to add in-seam pockets (did we mention we love a pocket?).
8. Everyday Chic Dress, Sew Different
- Buy the pattern: Sew Different, £12-£20
- Sizes: UK sizes 8-26 (US 4-22, EUR 36-54)
With its A-Line shape, half length raglan sleeves and wide boat neck with v-slash, there are so many features to love about this dress pattern. And that's not even including the giant pockets.
Available as a paper or digital pattern, make your Everyday Chic Dress in medium-weight fabrics such as light denim, needlecord or heavy cotton linen.
9. Claudette, Colette Patterns
- Buy the pattern Seamwork, $20
- Size: The digital pattern comes in US sizes 0-26 (UK 6-28).
Claudette is a chic sheath dress with a fitted, lined bodice and a fitted, midi-length skirt. Sew it with a scoop neckline, long fitted sleeves and princess seams or opt for a v-neckline, ruffle cap sleeves, and French darts.
The Claudette Dress comes with 4 variations, giving you plenty of room to customise it to suit your style, including cowl and scoop necklines.
10. Hinterland Dress, Sew Liberated patterns
- Buy the pattern: Etsy, £15.68
- Sizes: US sizes 0-34 (UK 4-38)
This is a gorgeous classic dress that you'll want to wear all year round! There are three different sleeve options, so you can choose the right one to suit the season or your personal style.
This dress has a really flattering, comfortable shape that will suit most women. You'll want to make one in every colour!
Best plus size skirt patterns
11. Estuary Skirt, Sew Liberated Patterns
- Buy it now: Etsy, £15.68
- Sizes: US 0-30 (UK 4-34)
We are absolutely smitten with this pattern – we're already planning to make about three different versions this summer. Pocket action aside, it's a great beginner-friendly skills builder with a comfortable elastic back and a front button placket which you can make with buttonholes or (shhh) with a faux, buttonhole-free effect.
Did we mention those super-sized, and super-handy pockets? Make them as patch or in-seam pockets and easily adjust the length to suit your preference and height!
12. Burda Flared Skirt Pattern 6491
- Buy it now: Sew Essential, £12
- Sizes: EUR 46-60, US 20-34, UK 16–30
Make a classic flared skirt in midi or maxi length and a shaped waistband that you'll make to your measurements for a perfect fit. It's designed to suit viscose-rayon, blends or lightweight wools.
Give it a go for a staple sewing pattern you'll wear from season to season.
13. Gypsum Skirt, Sew Liberated Patterns
- Buy the pattern: Etsy, £15.68
- Sizes: US 0-34 (UK 4-38)
Say hello to your new favourite skirt! With a comfy waistband and deep slouchy pockets, you'll want to wear it all the time. It's made for chilled out weekend outings or simply hanging out at home.
This pattern is suitable for confident beginners to attempt.
Best plus size sewing patterns – wardrobe essentials
14. The Mimosa Blouse, SBCC patterns
- Buy the pattern: SBCC Patterns, $11
- Sizes: Two size options are available, including XL to 3XL (UK 16-28) but read their sizing information for details.
Specialising in patterns for petite body sizes, Skinny Bitch Curvy Chick offer sewing patterns for those of us who are "short in stature but not in attitude".
Their range of patterns caters for anyone for whom shopping on the high street for shorter body lengths and curvier shapes can be challenging.
15. Harriet Bra, Cloth Habit
- Buy the pattern: shop.clothhabit.com, £13
- Sizes: The pattern comes in two UK size ranges: 28-42 (cup size E-H) and 28-42 (cup size A-E) but you can see how this converts to overseas sizing or check your size using their measuring guide.
Get ready for some oomph! This bra sewing pattern has been created to balance sensual shape with practical support. Its underwired design features a balconette neckline, supportive scoop-back straps, and a 3-piece cup seam design that lifts and centers.
If you're up for a bra-making adventure, the pattern includes how to add an optional lace upper cup.
Best free plus size sewing patterns
16. Vintage Skirt Pattern
Looking for free plus size sewing patterns? You can't go wrong with this beautiful vintage skirt pattern from Peppermint, which is available in sizes A-K.
Check the sizing guide on the pleated skirt instructions to find your perfect fit.
17. DIY Maxi Dress
- Download the free pattern: www.itsalwaysautumn.com
If you have a favourite T-shirt, find out how to turn it into a made-to-measure maxi dress with this great tutorial for a dress you'll wear again and again from It's Always Autumn.
18. Ruffle Sleeve Top
Who doesn't love a ruffled sleeve? Adding a ruffled sleeve can really elevate a simple top (if you've never tried this technique before, check out our how to sew ruffles guide).
You can get this ruffle sleeve top pattern by signing up for Peppermint's sewing newsletter.
19. Boho Kimono Dress
Rin at Sew in Love shares her guest post on how to make a stylish dress, which you can make to fit your measurements. Rin initially created this project as a maternity dress, but with her easy video you can take your own measurements and make your shape.
Find the tutorial: so-sew-easy.com.
20. A-Line Top
Get the free pattern from On the Cutting Floor. It goes up to size US 22 (UK 26). Sleeveless, A-line tops are a great me-made item to add to your wardrobe this summer and we can't wait to get cutting this one in a medium-weight fabric.
With the free pattern and step by step photo instructions from On the Cutting Floor, you'll make a modern A-line top with a boat neckline and in-seam pockets.
21. Drop Sleeve Top
This classic drop sleeve top pattern is a great project for anyone looking for plus size sewing patterns in the UK.
It's available in UK sizes 6-22 (US sizes 2-18) and you can claim your free download when you sign up to The Avid Seamstress newsletter.
Best plus size sewing patterns
We hope you've enjoyed our best plus size patterns round-up and are inspired to get sewing. Whether you're looking for dresses, skirts or wardrobe essentials, we've got a pattern to suit. So pick your favourite and give your me-made wardrobe a boost today!
Sew your own clothes with Gathered
Looking for more beginner-friendly sewing patterns? Start your sewing journey with our round-up of the best sewing patterns for beginners.
