Summery Sundress sewing patterns
Summer days are for relaxing with a cool drink in your hand in a floaty and feminine sundress. Whether you prefer a maxi dress or want to flaunt your legs in a mini, the perfect sundress is the one you’ve sewn yourself from just the right fabric.
Frock up and feel feminine and pretty in the hot weather with these sundress sewing patterns.
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What is the best fabric for a sundress?
The best sundress fabrics are lightweight and breathable. Synthetic fabrics trap the heat and make you feel sweaty – nothing feminine about that! Fabrics such as lightweight cotton, dupioni, crepe, rayon, and shirting are excellent for a light and breezy dress. Linen and quilting cotton are options for a more structured, less drapey dress.
For knit fabrics, looks for something that is lightweight, with drape and that is breathable or cool to the touch. For natural fibres, rayon spandex/lycra, cotton jersey and bamboo jersey are great options. While ITY and DTY are made from polyester, they feel cool against the skin so are lovely to wear in summer.
Sundress Sewing Patterns for Beginners
Even if you’re a beginner, don’t be afraid to sew a dress. These beginner sewing patterns are mostly straight seams with no zippers or buttonholes in sight!
The elegant and easy dress from Martha Stewart is a great free dress sewing pattern for beginners. Choose a fabric with a nice drape, sew a few straight seams, and before you know it, you’ve got a lovely sundress to wear all summer.
The Easy summer dress is a free pattern from So Sew Easy.
For more coverage from the sun on your shoulder, try the one-hour dress. It’s a stylish free beginner sewing project from CraftStylish
If you’re feeling more adventurous and want to give shirring a go, try the Shirred Mendocino sundress by Heather Ross – another free sundress pattern!
The Sara Everyday Dress is a simple knit sundress sewing pattern from 5 out of 4. It’s a comfortable dress for lazy hot days.
See my version here.
The Sunny Day Dress sewing pattern from Ellie and Mac is another simple knit sundress, this time with a gathered waist and three length options, from mini to maxi.
Sundress sewing patterns with frills and flounces
The Saltwhistle dress from Love Notions has a fun vacation vibe with its cute scalloped hem. There are options for a three-tiered skirt or just the single tier if you prefer.
See my top version here.
The Martine Dress from StyleArc has a full-length ruffle feature at the front for an interesting twist on a simple dress.
Weekend Designer shows you how to draft this simple flouncy dress with a retro feel.
Maxi Dress Sewing Patterns
For the days when you can’t be bothered shaving (or if you want to hide the glare from super white legs like mine!), keep your legs covered with these long dress patterns.
The Mimi Maxi dress from Seamingly Smitten is another great beginner dress pattern, with options for straps, halter neck or just wear it strapless.
The Maxi dress by Pat Bravo is a simple and elegant maxi dress sewing pattern.
Rebecca Page has a great collection of maxi dresses. Buy all in 4 in this pattern bundle, or get the patterns individually.
More Summer Sundress Pattern Fun
The Tempo Sundress from Love Notions has some fun details, like a soft v-neckline, thick straps to keep your bra straps covered and a shirred or elastic panel in the back.
Jamie dress sewing pattern by Sis Boom is very feminine and gorgeous design.
The Back Tie Dress pattern from Rebecca Page has a unique tie detail at the back, which makes for a light and airy summer dress.
Summer sundress from Peppermint magazine is a classic design and a free pattern.
The above free sundress pattern is from the book Twinkle Sews and is a sexier option for a hot night out.
Saltspring Dress by Sewaholic Patterns is perfect for relaxing in the summer sun (and do I see pockets?).
For a sporty look with lots of support (so you don’t need a bra), try the Brazi Dress from Stitch Upon a Time.
The Sabrina Dress from By Hand London is sweet and simple with a princess seam and A-line silhouette.
The Lonsdale Dress by Sewaholic has an interesting knotted bodice and halter neck. The pattern comes with options for knee-length and maxi dress.
The Flutter Skirt Dress from Weekend Designer works for during the day and out on the town.
Pick your favourite patterns and get sewing!
Time to sew up these perfect summer sundress sewing patterns and enjoy some sunshine and a cool drink!
More sewing inspiration:
- Sew the perfect swimmers with one-piece swimsuit sewing patterns for women.
- From Boho to Chic: 12 Timeless Tunic Sewing Patterns
- Keep the sun off your face with shady sun hat sewing patterns for the whole family.
