No longer just a trend, pinafore dresses have become a staple of our every-season wardrobes. Great for layering up with our handmade T-shirts and blouses and always cool when paired with chunky boots. They're easy to sew and easy to wear, we just can’t seem to make enough of them!
Luckily, there are plenty of pinafore dress patterns for us to add to our stash! The sewing patterns we've included in this round up range from casual, loose-fit dungaree styles to more tailored, vintage-inspired pinafores.
Here are a few of our favourites, and we've included a couple of bonus apron dress patterns too for those of you who are interested in making this close cousin of the classic pinafore dress.
New to sewing? Take a look at our how to use a sewing machine guide and beginner's guide to sewing, and if you want a bit of practice before buying a pattern, we've got loads of free sewing projects for you to try!
Get into Dressmaking!
Learn how to make your own clothes with Get into Dressmaking – an essential new collection of dressmaking advice from Simply Sewing. Order your copy today
Top pinafore dress patterns to try today
1. The Pinafore Dress
Of course, we had to kick start this round-up with our very own pinafore dress (what can we say? We genuinely love it).
This classic design was first published with issue 61 of Simply Sewing magazine and it's available now as a PDF download in our Etsy store.
It's the ultimate mix-and-match layering piece for wearing all year round. Colourful corduroy, classic denim and heavier-weight cottons are all ideal for this style, and you can customise it with the two pocket and strap options included to switch up the look.
- Buy The Pinafore Dress pattern on Etsy
2. Mildred Pinafore Pattern by Sew Girl
Looking to sew a classic apron-style pinafore? This loose fitting dress called Mildred is a lovely beginner dressmaking project, though you'll find it easiest if you've had a bit of sewing experience.
Choose between long or short lengths and make it in sizes UK 8-22. It has an A-line shape, two adjustable buttoned straps, a large front pocket (happy days) and two small back pockets. We think it will look lovely sewn in soft denim, linen or needlecord.
- You can find the Mildred Pinafore pattern on Etsy
3. Say hello to the Pippi Pinafore
If you’re looking to give your sewing skills a boost, add Jennifer Lauren’s Pippi Pinafore to your must-make list!
Available in sizes 6-24, featuring a vintage-look style with a fitted bib, pleated skirt, curved patch pockets and a side button placket. There are lots of fun techniques to tick off the list here – perfect for confident beginners who want to take their dressmaking to the next level.
- Head to Jennifer Lauren Handmade to get the Pippi Pinafore Pattern
4. Go big on pockets
With its flattering scooped neckline and armholes, modern cocoon silhouette and oversized round patch pockets, this cute design is all about the curves!
Included with the York Pinafore pattern are two versions in sizes 0-30: version A has those large scoop pockets, a dipped neckline, and is knee-length, while version B is a shorter length with a higher neckline and a kangaroo pocket.
- Get this pattern at Helen’s Closet Patterns
5. The Maria Apron Dress Pattern
Hundreds of five star reviews from fellow sewists have voted this one of the hottest Apron Dress Patterns on Etsy.
Make your own practical and stylish apron dress inspired by a traditional maker's apron. Make it in a choice of small, medium, large and extra large sizes and opt for version A (with a wrap style back and cross over straps) or B (a classic pinafore style with a side tie closure). Oh, and it has large patch pockets... just sayin'.
- Find this popular Maria Dress Apron Pattern on Etsy
Hand-picked pattern inspiration
Discover even more dressmaking pattern guides to inspire you to make your own wardrobe with Gathered:
6. The Cleo Dress
Tilly’s Cleo has become a cult favourite (just search #sewingcleo on Instagram for thousands of versions!) and it’s easy to see why.
With a flattering straight fit, a mini or knee-length hem, optional centre-front split, patch pockets, topstitching and buckles or buttons, this beginner sewing pattern can be made differently every time. Don’t forget to share yours using #sewingcleo to join in the fun!
- The Cleo dress sewing pattern is available from Tilly and the Buttons)
7. The Apron Dress
Is it an apron? Is it a pinafore dress? No – it’s both! This apron-style design by Swedish pattern brand The Assembly Line is a workwear-inspired pinafore with cross-over back straps, useful oversized patch pockets and a unique pleat skirt opening that’s closed by two buttons, and it comes in sizes XS-L.
We’re big fans of its Scandi simplicity and classic styling; make it in a practical cotton canvas for a utility feel.
- Head to the The Assembly Line to find this Apron dress pattern
8. The Camden Pinafore
Named after one of London’s coolest areas, you’ll definitely feel like you’d fit right in there wearing this fun pinafore dress.
This fitted style is fully lined for a professional finish, has a deep V-neckline and fitted waistband, and, with its statement patch pockets, has a bit of a mod vibe to it – think London in the Swinging Sixties! The pattern includes a skirt version with an A-line silhouette, too.
- You can buy the Camden pinafore sewing pattern directly from Nina Lee
9. The Scoop Pinafore
Oh, how we love a stash-busting pattern! Sew Different’s Scoop Pinafore has clever side panels and a hem band, which give us plenty of options for customising and playing with different fabrics and scraps.
Also, it has pockets hidden in those contrast side panels. It can be made in lots of different fabric types, from cotton to scuba – pick one with structure to make the most of the pattern’s cocoon shape.
- Get this Scoop Pinafore sewing pattern from Sew Different
10. The Amber Pinafore
Want a pinafore that works for casual daywear and an evening out? Look no further than Named’s Amber pattern.
This chic number has an elegant curved, deep-V neckline, swishy lined skirt and a racerback detail with a statement buckle fastening and eyelets. Pick a fabric with a soft textured nap to give it a more dressed-up feel: Named’s sample is made in a luxurious velveteen.
Just pair it with a simple tee for daytime, and swap for a slinky satin blouse for the evening.
- Check out the Amber Pinafore on Named Clothing
11. The Faron Dress
Founders of indie pattern brand Fig + Needle, Ping Mathre and Sandra Helsley, want to get us all feeling amazing in our me-mades – and you’ll definitely feel just that in their Faron Dress.
Designed with beginner and advanced beginner stitchers in mind, their pinafore dress combines modern lines, a unique statement zip fastening and skills-boosting techniques – and it comes in two size options: 0-12, and 14-26.
Improve your techniques as well as your wardrobe
We all like a bit of variation in our outfits, and sewing different shapes and styles of outfits will not only give you more choice but help you to get to grips with different techniques. Even if you only really ever wear a particular style of garment such as a pinafore dress pattern, trying two patterns from different sources will help you to spot the similarities and become more familiar with pattern differences and similarities.
Find your perfect summer dress
Now that you've got your pinafore dress pattern sorted, take a look and find your favourite summer dress sewing patterns with Gathered.
