20 of the best summer dress sewing patterns
As the nights get lighter here in the UK, we're celebrating the season of DIY summer dresses with this collection of our favourite sundress patterns. We've rounded up the best summer sewing patterns to make this season.
From spaghetti straps to classic linen shifts, beach cover-ups to refashioning projects, we've filled this article with patterns for all skill levels. From beginners to experienced dressmakers, and with styles to suit all shapes and sizes.
We've scoured the collections of our favourite sewing pattern brands, alongside our pick of the best summer patterns from our own collection of free sewing projects here on Gathered.
Pick your favourite summer dress looks, from ruffles to button-fronts, grown-on sleeves to cute collars. Read on to dive into a sunny range of patterns from classic sundresses to the maxi dress summer staples.
The best summer sewing patterns for you to make!
1. Eden summer dress pattern
Eden is a relaxed-fit dress that's a breeze to sew and wear this summer. Sew it as a top or above-the-knee dress using light to medium-weight fabrics, such as gorgeous linens.
This dress is a satisfying, speedy sew for more experienced stitchers and great for beginners who want to challenge themselves and learn new skills.
• Sizes range from a UK 6-20, available as a PDF. Buy it now from the Gathered Shop
2. How to make a halter dress
This beginner-friendly summer dressmaking pattern can be refashioned from large scarves or jersey fabric of your choice.
Karoline Dahrling shows you how to make a halter dress with a halter neck strap and gathered elastic bodice at the front.
Need help stitching?
If you're new to sewing, take a look at our how to use a sewing machine and beginner's guide to sewing guides.
3. Lulu dress pattern
Ideal for all occasions, the Lulu shirt dress is the perfect outfit for those who want a little more coverage this summer. This PDF pattern included two collar styles, two dress lengths and the option for pockets and a waist tie.
• Sizes range from a UK 10-30, available as a PDF. Buy it now from the Gathered Shop
4. Gelato Blouse and summer dress sewing pattern: Liesl and Co
Make your own relaxed pull-on peplum blouse and A-line dress with scooped neck and bust darts. Sew it as a blouse with a ruffled peplum and sleeve along with a button-placket at the back. Or make it as an A-line dress including short sleeves, double-welt angled front pockets and a centre-back seam.
Good news if you like the look of this versatile pattern – it comes with detailed instructions including how to do a full bust adjustment. Make it in sizes UK 8-30, US 4-28, EU 36-60.
- Buy it now from The Fold Line
5. Evelyn dress sewing pattern
Add some vintage style to your summer wardrobe with the fabulous Evelyn dress pattern. Taking inspiration from the 1940's, this stunning dress is perfect for your favourite floral fabrics.
There's two different styles of feminine collar to try, and you can choose your preferred length of above or below the knee.
- Available as a PDF pattern for UK sizes 6-20. Buy now from the Gathered shop
6. Style Arc: Ariana summer dress pattern
Style Arc's sun dress with a fitted shaped bodice and full skirt has a laid-back '90s vibe. The Ariana Dress sewing pattern was released earlier this year and is the perfect 90s-inspired strappy sun dress.
It features a button-through front, fitted bodice with a shirred back panel (which makes fitting easier), and a full skirt that will skim over your hips. If you don’t fancy having elastic in the back and you’re a confident sewist, you could re-draft this to have a plain back.
Add the optional patch pockets and you have the perfect dress for summer picnics, trips to the beach or evening drinks. We’d recommend trying this pattern in a cotton lawn or viscose as you’ll want some drape to the skirt.
We've spied some great versions of this dress popping up on Instagram, and we’ve fallen in love with @seammachine’s version using Anna Maria Horner’s ‘Helios’ print fabric, which is covered with flying Pegasus. This dress needs to be in your summer sewing projects collection.
- Available as PDF or printed pattern, sizes 4-30 (AUS) / 8-34 (UK). Buy now from www.stylearc.com
7. The Rosa Dress: Simply Sewing
This summer frock is vintage-inspired, oh-so-swishable and a breeze to make and wear. It has a button fastening, lining, strap tabs (to create that pretty sweetheart neckline) and a gathered skirt. Plus an optional hemline ruffle for added flounce!
Make it in lightweight fabrics such as cotton, cotton lawn, crepe or rayon to keep you cool. There's plenty of fabrics covered in summer patterns so you can truly wear the season. The Rosa Dress sewing pattern comes in UK sizes 6-20 (US 4-18/EUR 34-38).
- Download the PDF pattern from the Gathered shop
8. The Lara Dress: NH Patterns
This me-made sundress features a full lining, invisible zip at the back, princess seam bodice, waist darts, and adjustable straps.
It's an intermediate make so you may need a few previous dressmaking projects under your belt before you give it a go.
You'll need to know how to sew darts, insert an invisible zip and under stitch. This pattern comes in UK sizes 4-18.
As this summer sewing project is strapless you may get a bit chilly! Head over to our collection of coat sewing patterns and stitch yourself a cover up.
- Buy it now from NH patterns (pay what you like)
9. Sofia dress sewing pattern
We love nothing more that that moment where you've try on your freshly finished dress, and of course you've got to swish that skirt about a bit! The Sofia dress is practically made for showing off with a twirl!
The optional frill hem and neckline just scream to be taken out dancing, but you can leave them off if you'd prefer a more classic summer frock.
- Available as a PDF pattern for UK sizes 6-32. Buy now from the Gathered shop
10. Sew your own maxi summer dress
Portia Lawrie's step-by-step how to make a maxi dress project from Simply Sewing is all you'll want to wear this spring.
This is a patternless project, so we'll show you how to make it fit your measurements.
Stitch yourself a winter dress
Buy the Danni Dress Sewing Pattern PDF and start sewing your winter wardrobe.
11. Raya dress sewing pattern
Whether you're heading to the beach or hanging out at the poolside bar, this Raya dress is the perfect summer strappy outfit for sunny days.
Choose between a rounded or V-shape neckline as well as different skirt lengths – the longer option looks fantastic when casually worn over a plain tee!
- Available as a PDF pattern for UK sizes 6-30. Buy now from the Gathered shop
12. Shift Linen Dress Pattern: Ann Normandy Patterns
DIY summer dresses don't come more classic than this A-line, sleeveless shift dress pattern. This knee-length dress has an eye-catching square and v neck and (happy days) pockets.
Make it as a cool and casual summer dress or dress it up for special occasions. It comes in sizes Small to Extra Large and is drafted with C cup (head over to the Etsy listing for details).
If you're looking for some more plus sized options for summer, head over to our collection of Plus Size Sewing patterns.
- Get the pattern from Etsy
13. Girl's party dress sewing pattern
Summer dresses aren't just for the grown-ups, so make your little one a special summer outfit with this girl's party dress sewing pattern.
This super-sweet pattern features a contrasting collar and belt, and looks beautiful in both plain and patterned fabrics. The pattern can be made to fit 6 months up to 7 year olds, so you can easily ensure your little girl looks super-cute throughout their childhood.
- Buy now from the Gathered shop
14. New Look Misses Button Front summer dress pattern
Button-front dresses are set to be huge this summer and now you can make your own with an elastic waist to add shape with New Look's Sewing Pattern N6651.
Make it in sizes 10 to 22 and choose between two versions with different collar and sleeve options.
While the option with sleeves is pictured below, you can easily switch versions to go with a sleeveless alternative for warmer days. Make it in challis, chambray, crepe de chine, linen blends or poplin.
- Buy it now from Amazon
15. Chloe dress sewing pattern
Say hello to your new favourite summer outfit! The Chloe dress is a stylish and comfortable design that is perfect for everyday wear.
Using light-to medium-weight knit fabrics helps to keep this dress feeling relaxed by giving you a decent amount of stretch. Pair it with a some heels for a night out or keep it casual with trainers, it looks great with either!
- Available as a PDF pattern for UK sizes 6-30. Buy now from the Gathered shop
16. Island Flouncer: Weekend Designer
Draft your own pattern to sew a fun and summery sundress with spaghetti straps and ruffled hem with the step by step instructions over at Weekend Designer.
- Head over to their blog for this how to make this sundress pattern.
Looking for more fun sewing projects?
If you're hooked on making your own clothes, you might also like our guides to the best Sewing Patterns for Beginners.
17. Lola dress sewing pattern
If you're looking or a super-glam strappy summer dress that's perfect for holidays, look no further than the gorgeous Lola dress sewing pattern.
This statement maxi frock works brilliantly in maximalist print fabrics, and if you're not comfortable in simple spaghetti straps you can choose the elegant off-the-shoulder sleeves instead.
- Available as a PDF pattern for UK sizes 6-20. Buy now from the Gathered shop
18. Patternless dress in a day project
If you're new to dressmaking, we've got a free tutorial for you! Karoline Dahrling's video guide shows you how to sew a dress in a day using a patternless two piece method (use your favourite top as the template rather than a traditional pattern).
It's the perfect summer dress pattern and so easy to make!
19. Free summer shirring dress sewing pattern
Not only will you learn how to do shirring, you'll also learn how to make Simply Sewing's gorgeous shirred dress.
The floaty shape of the dress will help you to stay cool and comfortable throughout the summer months. It's an incredibly versatile dress that can be styled to suit almost any occasion.
The dress pattern is available in UK sizes 6-22 (US 4-20 and EU 34-50).
20. Farah dress sewing pattern
Here's another pattern that is ideal for everyday wear, helping you to look fabulous whatever you're up to, whether it's the weekly shop to doing the school run.
The Farah dress features a relaxed flow and feel thanks to the classic smock design, with optional sleeve and skirt lengths so that you can choose the style you feel most comfortable in.
- Available as a PDF pattern for UK sizes 6-30. Buy now from the Gathered shop
Forever gorgeous
If you're looking for a dress that really wow's, check out our free infinity dress pattern!
More of our favourite summer sewing patterns
Not quite feeling the full dresses? Here's a few more of our favourite summer sewing patterns that you might like too.
Capri shorts sewing pattern
If you''re on the lookout for summer sewing patterns but aren't quite comfortable in dresses, you might prefer our fabulous Capri shorts sewing pattern.
Making them in linen or lightweight cotton keeps them cool and casual for hot summer days, but the pattern also includes instructions for a trouser option too so you can kit yourself out for every season.
- Available as a PDF pattern for UK sizes 6-30. Buy now from the Gathered shop
How to make a child's sunhat
Whip up a quick DIY summer accessory for children aged 6 months to 7 years with this free sunhat sewing pattern by Kirsty Hartley.
Make your own harem pants
Pick your favourite jazzy print fabric for the sunniest of summer wardrobe essentials with Jennie Jones’ quick-sew tutorial.
Follow her free harem pants pattern and make this your summer sewing project!
Wrap skirt sewing pattern
Fancy a fabulous flowing skirt rather than a summer dress? No problem, our wrap skirt sewing pattern is a classic make that everyone should add to their wardrobe, and can be made in maxi or midi lengths.
- Available as a PDF pattern for UK sizes 6-24. Buy now from the Gathered shop
Heather peplum top sewing pattern
Looking to make a stand-out summer top? This Heather peplum top is ideal for showing off your sewing skills. It's easy top match with your own style, as it looks just as good over a pair of jeans as it does worn with a skirt.
Plus, the adjustable necktie, flutter raglan sleeves and optional frill hem and neckline give you a whole extra level of style to experiment with.
- Available as a PDF pattern for UK sizes 6-30. Buy now from the Gathered shop
Stunning skirts
Looking for more sewing outfit inspiration? Check out our pick of the best skirt sewing patterns.
Update your wardrobe with these summer sewing patterns
Whether you're stitching yourself a new summer dress or whipping up a case for your sunglasses, summer is the perfect time to get the sewing machine out.
Find the best summer sewing pattern for you and get creative with pattern, style and accessorizing. There are no limits when it comes to summer dressing – anything goes!
Discover more summer sewing patterns with Gathered
Looking for more summery makes? Take a look at our favourite swimsuit patterns.
