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. Simplicity fitted summer dress 8096
- Buy it now: John Lewis (£11)
- Sizes: GG/26-32
Make a flattering classic summer dress with button and collar details, princess seams and different strap and length options. You'll get to practise constructing a fitted bodice with pleated skirt that shows off curves perfectly as it's made to measure.
Sew it in cotton, challis, crepe, linen or lightweight denims (to name a few) or add a lace overlay to glam it up for special occasions.
2. Amber Dress, Seamwork
- Buy it now: Seamwork, $14
- 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, $14
- 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. Amelia Dress, BellaSunshineDesigns
- Buy it now: Etsy, £11.12
- Sizes: US 0-30 (UK 4-34)
Who doesn't love a stylish sun dress? The Amelia dress is the kind of pattern that can be worn as a casual summer outfit or dressed up for a special occasion. It has a comfortable empire waist, a wrap front around the bust and a gathered band to ensure a good fit.
If you're looking for a dress for the autumn and winter you're in luck – this pattern gives you the option to add long sleeves too.
5. Penny Pinafore, Sew Liberated Patterns
- Buy it now: Etsy, £14.83
- Sizes: US 0-34 (UK 4-38)
Isn't this sweet? This lovely pinafore dress looks like it comes straight out of a fairytale. 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, £7.50
- 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, $11.17
- 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, £9-£17
- 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, $14
- 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, £14.83
- 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!
11. Hughes Dress, Friday Pattern Company
- Buy it now: Minerva, £24.99
- Sizes: XS-XXL
This pretty dress pattern is perfect for everyday wear – it's smart enough to wear for work, but casual enough that you could also wear it for a meal out or coffee with friends.
It has adjustable laces at the back so you can tighten the dress to fit your figure.
Best plus size skirt patterns
12. Estuary Skirt, Sew Liberated Patterns
- Buy it now: Etsy, £14.45
- Sizes: US 0-30 (UK 4-34)
We are absolutely smitten with this pattern – we're already planning to make about 3 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!
13. Ellis Skirt, Cashmerette
- Buy it now: Minerva Crafts, £19.99
- Sizes: US size 12-28 (UK 16–32)
Nobody does sewing for curves like Cashmerette – hence why we've featured a few of their patterns in this post. With the Ellis skirt they're bringing you your new staple skirt pattern with two pelvis options (apple or pear) plus a fitted waistband, and tailored back darts.
Make it in option A (as a classic jean skirt with a knee length hem and belt loops) or in option B as a mini skirt with diagonal pockets and topstitching.
14. Burda Flared Skirt Pattern 6491
- Buy it now: Sew Essential, £7.50
- 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.
15. Gypsum Skirt, Sew Liberated Patterns
- Buy the pattern: Etsy, £14.83
- 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
16. Sagebrush Top, Friday Pattern Company
- Buy the pattern: Minerva, £24.99
- Sizes: XS-7X
This frilly blouse is made for bright spring days! It's breezy and light with puffed sleeves and gathers at the front.
This simple top would be easy to customise to suit your style. It's designed to be made with woven fabrics such as cotton voile.
17. Luzerne Trench Coat, Deer and Doe
- Buy the pattern: Deer and Doe, €11-14
- Sizes: The PDF pattern ranges from sizes 34 to 52 (EU size) or 8-26 (UK size)
Oh how we love a trench coat. This close-fitting, unlined, double-breasted coat has princess seams, pleats at the front and back, diagonal welt pockets, and two-piece sleeves. It's as much fun to sew as it is to wear!
Check your measurements before you sew on the pattern page (link above).
18. Ipswich Swimsuit, Cashmerette
- Buy the pattern: Minerva, £23.99
- Sizes: make it in US sizes 12 to 28 with various cup sizes (UK 14 to 30 but check Cashmerette's size guide before you sew).
Get ready folks, it's time to stretch those sewing with lycra/spandex skills! Make a splash with two cleverly color-blocked variations of this modern pattern.
Sew it as a one-piece swimsuit with a contrast waistband or a high-waisted bikini with piping detail. Both suits feature supportive straps, and an optional underwired foam swim bra and boning.
Prefer to wear a tankini? You're in luck – there's a free expansion pack available to turn this pattern into one.
19. The Auburn Blazer, Cashmerette
- Buy the pattern: Minerva, £25.99
- Sizes: US 12-32 (UK 16-36)
A smart blazer is a real wardrobe staple – it can be worn over a dress or trousers to complete any outfit! Blazers are particularly useful to have in your wardrobe in the spring and autumn, when the weather can still be chilly.
This classic jacket is specifically designed to fit a full bust and features a single button closure.
20. 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.
21. Stanton Hoodie, Cashmerette
- Buy the pattern: Minerva, £23.99
- Sizes: US 12-32 (UK 16-36)
Everyone needs a snuggly hoodie for when you're settling in for a crafting session or for keeping warm on chilly outings. There are times when only a hoodie will do!
You'll want to make a couple of these cosy tops for your wardrobe because they're so practical and comfortable.
22. Harriet Bra, Cloth Habit
- Buy the pattern: shop.clothhabit.com
- 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
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. Ruffle Sleeve Top
Who doesn't love a ruffled sleeve? Adding a ruffled sleeve can take a fairly simple top up a level (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.
26. Boho Kimono Dress
Find the tutorial: so-sew-easy.com. Rin at Sew in Love shares her guest post for how to make a stylish dress (be still our hearts that v-neckline!), which you make to fit your measurements, so it can be made to fit all shapes and sizes.
Rin initially created this project as a maternity dress but with her easy video you can take your own measurements and make your shape.
27. Cowl Neck Poncho tutorial
This beginner-friendly pattern is probably the easiest make to try if you're new to dressmaking in this round up – and it's super simple to adapt to fit any shape, simply adjust the size of the fabric you cut.
Go to the littleststudio.com to make the pattern now.
28. 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 inseam pockets.
29. 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.
30. 20k Leggings
Everyone needs a pair of leggings and this fantastic 20k leggings pattern from Max & Meena goes up to size 5X.
Although you can buy this pattern on the website, you can claim a free download by joining the Max & Meena Facebook group – follow the instructions on the page to find out how.
For more inspiration, we recommend checking out the Curvy Sewing Collective – an online community with a great list of companies who do plus-size patterns here. They also have some great blog posts on sewing and body positivity and a tried and tested reviews section of plus size patterns.
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.
