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 patterns for lightweight garments to sew your own style this summer.
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.
If you're new to sewing, take a look at our how to use a sewing machine and beginner's guide to sewing guides.
The best summer sewing pattern for you to make!
1. Tilly and the Buttons: Stevie Tunic summer dress pattern
Stevie is an easy-fitting modern tunic 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.
With no darts, zips or set-in sleeves, it’s a great summer sewing project for sewing newbies, or a satisfying speedy sew for more experienced stitchers.
• Sizes range from a UK 6-20, available as a PDF or paper pattern. Buy it now (eBay)
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.
3. Vogue Very Easy A-Line summer dress pattern
Whip up your very own DIY summer dress with Vogue pattern 9100! This gorgeous summer sewing pattern is a knee-length dress with a scoop neck, shoulder straps, a cinched waist and a zip fastening on the reverse.
You'll get to practise sewing slanted side pockets and a flared skirt.
- Buy it now: Paper pattern, £17.50 – sizes 14 to 22 (John Lewis) or sizes 6-14 (Minerva Crafts)
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 (The Fold Line, £14–21)
5. 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) at: www.stylearc.com
6. 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 Simply Sewing Etsy store.
7. Closet Case Patterns: Charlie Caftan summer dress pattern
This on-trend kaftan sewing pattern is both elegant and relaxed all at the same time. Imagine wearing this by the poolside, cocktail in hand as the sun sets, or slipping into it after work for a drink in the garden!
The dramatic kimono sleeves make a real statement and will flatter most body shapes. We think this would look spectacular made up in a bold-print, bright viscose or even a cotton for a more structured look, which would benefit the pleats in the front.
This is a PDF pattern, sizes 0-20 (see sizing guide here). Shop the pattern at: closetcasepatterns.com
[image id="102207" size="full" align="none" title="Charlie caftan sewing pattern" alt="Charlie caftan sewing pattern" classes=""]8. Sew easy beach cover up
It isn't a holiday without a lightweight cover-up and this free summer sewing pattern is so easy to follow - no pattern required!
Make yours from a breezy material featuring summer patterns and prints then take it on your next getaway. Head over to our how to sew a beach cover up for the tutorial.
[image id="5517" size="landscape_thumbnail" align="none" alt="How to sew a kimono beach cover-up" classes=""]9. The Lola Dress, Simply Sewing
We couldn't resist including one or two of our own here. We just love this easy-to-sew, maxi, summer dress sewing pattern, first seen in Simply Sewing magazine.
Make yours with simple spaghetti straps or elegant off-the-shoulder sleeves, pick a drapey cotton, viscose or crepe for maximum swish-factor and a colourful summer pattern so you can spread sunshine where ever you swish!
This pattern comes in UK sizes 6 to 20 and is available as a digital PDF sewing pattern for £8.99 in Simply Sewing's Etsy store.
- Head over to the Simply Sewing Etsy store to download it and start sewing
10. Make your own wrap dress
Portia Lawrie has designed this great free tutorial showing you how to sew your own summer dress. It's a wrap dress pattern made to fit your measurements!
[image id="46850" size="full" align="none" title="How to make a wrap dress without a pattern" alt="Free wrap dress pattern" classes=""]11. The Rosie Dress: Sew Over It
Sew Over It's ultimate summer dress pattern is fun and flirty with a good dose of 1950s inspiration. With it's fitted bodice and full skirt, you'll learn how to sew a boned, princess-seamed bodice and a full skirt featuring a box pleat at the front, and flattering gathers at the sides and back.
Get ready to insert an invisible zip at the back. Choose between three pattern variations.
Firstly try sewing it with a vintage colour and wider straps for a vintage look. Secondly, opt for a gentle sweetheart neckline and dainty rouleau straps or go for version 3 – a versatile skirt that will see you all the way through to Autumn.
- Available as a PDF for £13. Shop the pattern at: sewoverit.co.uk
12. Victory Patterns: Simone top and summer dress pattern
The Simone is a summer sewing pattern that has that extra wow factor. Add a contrasting placket and tab detail with pleats to create fullness.
We love the fitted neckline, opening at the front and secured with a hook and eye. The back features a contrasting racer-cut yoke. Make it as a dress with an asymmetrical hemline or try it as a tank top.
- Buy the paper pattern from Victory Patterns for £12.00 at victorypatterns.com
The Simone Top and Dress Pattern © Victory Patterns
13. The Vivian summer dress pattern: Simply Sewing
If you're looking for a feminine and versatile summer dress pattern, meet Vivian. The sleeveless version is the perfect DIY dress for your summer wardrobe.
Wear it with sandals for a day out or dressed up with wedges and a belt for an evening garden party. The long-sleeved version will take you through many an outdoor catch-up through to autumn.
The Vivian Dress is designed for light- to medium-weight fabrics, ideally with a bit of drape.
- Buy the PDF pattern now in the Simply Sewing Etsy store
14. Refashion a t-shirt into a DIY summer dress
We love an upcycling project and this simple make from Jenny Jones and Simply Sewing is worthy of The Great British Sewing Bee's transformation challenge!
Grab a large t-shirt and follow our how to turn a t-shirt into a sundress pattern.
[image id="58043" size="full" align="none" title="How to turn a shirt into a beach cover-up" alt="How to turn a shirt into a beach cover-up" classes=""] How to turn a tshirt into a DIY summer dress15. The Lara Dress: NH Patterns
Sew a DIY strappy summer dress pattern with hundreds of rave Etsy reviews. 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 (Etsy, £8.40)
16. 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.
17. 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 (£17.31, Etsy)
18. 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 (Amazon, £10.25)
19. 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.
20. 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!
21. Spring dress sewing pattern
This beautiful tiered dress designed by Nina Chang would be perfect to wear to the beach. Simply add heels and you're ready for dinner!
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).
Plus try these other favourite summer patterns
Helen’s Closet: Winslow Culottes
Make these swishy culottes as full length palazzo pants, as shorts or anywhere in between for an effortless, summer look.
Your fabric choice can create a real impact with these versatile culottes. We think making the full length version in plain black viscose will create a sleek and elegant look.
Whereas using a light denim or cotton twill on the shorter lengths will make a more relaxed but structured look.
- Available as a PDF download for US $16 at helenscloset.ca
Not sure if culottes are your thing? Take a look at 500+ and counting versions of this pattern on Instagram #winslowculottes and you’ll see how adaptable and wearable these are on all sorts of body shapes and in all kinds of style. Pair your Winslow Culottes with a simple, but classic True/Bias Ogden Cami, or the Sew Over It's Silk Cami Top.
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!
Bunting sewing pattern
We've focused mainly on garments and dressmaking patterns in this post, but we couldn't have a summer sewing guide without mentioning the most cheerful sewing project out there...
Why not whip up some bunting from your leftover fabric scraps? Learn how to make bunting and decorate your garden for summer.
Jennie Jones: Bento bag
This simple how to make a bento bag pattern can be made up into a myriad of different looks by just switching up the fabric.
Choose navy and cream or red for a classic nautical vibe, or colourful, summer patterns for your new go-to beach bag. The tutorial by Jennie Jones is up for free on Gathered.
Sunglasses case
For the ultimate in sunny day projects, Jennie Jones and Simply Sewing show you how to sew a lined sunglasses case.
DIY crochet sandals
OK, so this bright and cheery sandal project doesn't include any sewing but we're including it anyway as it may well be the most summery make on our whole website!
Give a plain pair of sandals a crochet revamp with our free embellished sandal crochet pattern from Sara Huntington.
Update your wardrobe for summer
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 projects with Gathered
Looking for more summery makes? Take a look at our favourite swimsuit patterns.
