11 Free Dress Patterns
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Use one of these dress patterns to make a comfy, easy dress or a dressy date night dress. I have gathered a list of free dress patterns to help you sew your next dress.
Dresses are so versatile. A knit sundress can comfortable, easy to wear, and cool for the summer. A woven dress can be dressy and powerful. If you add sleeves to these dresses they can be worn in the winter!
The fabric choice really makes a difference with all of these free dress patterns so you can make the dress totally your own!
I just love a good dress, and it can totally brighten my day. It just brings a spring to my step.
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In this list of dress patterns you will find some are for knit fabric and some are for woven fabric. Some have zippers and some don’t. Some come in one size and lots of them come in multiple sizes.
Almost all of them are free printable sewing patterns so you can get started right away! All of these dresses are about knee length, but you can shorten them for a mini dress or even a top, or you can lengthen them for a maxi dress.
You can also check out this list of free maxi dress patterns if you don’t want to lengthen a pattern! The options are endless!
What fabric is best to use for a dress?
For a summer knit dress the best fabric to use is cotton spandex jersey, cotton modal jersey, or bamboo rayon spandex jersey. For a winter knit dress the best fabric is either a sweater knit or French terry.
For a summer woven dress the best fabric is rayon challis or cotton lawn. For a winter woven dress the best fabric is flannel or wool.
Do you sew for girls more than women? I also have a list of free dress patterns for girls!
When sewing a knit dress you can use these tips for sewing knit fabric. When sewing a woven maxi dress you can use these tips for sewing lightweight fabrics. There are lots of basic sewing stitches that will help you to sew a dress.
What is a PDF sewing pattern?
A PDF pattern is a sewing pattern designed on the computer and organized so that it can be printed on several letter or A4 size pieces of paper.
I love using PDF sewing patterns because if the pattern gets ruined or if my children or I changed sizes, I can always print it again. It’ll never be destroyed since I have a digital version!
How do you use a PDF sewing pattern?
Open the PDF on a computer and click print. When printing make sure that the scaling is set to 100% or no scaling so that the pattern prints at the correct size.
Once the pattern is printed it can be taped together to get the full size. Then the pattern can be cut for each pattern piece size or individual sizes can be traced so that the pattern can be used again and again. Learn how to use PDF sewing patterns.
Check out all these free PDF sewing patterns!
Free Dress Patterns
The Alcoy Dress Pattern
I love the simplicity of this dress! It would be so comfortable to wear in the summer or winter!
The Lace Back Dress Pattern
This dress has unique sleeves and a great button up lace detail in the back. It’s an easy dress to customize!
Jersey Dress with Pockets Pattern
When you want to relax in something comfy this dress would be perfect! Just throw on some tights and boots. I bet you could even shorten the sleeves and use a lightweight knit for summer time!
T Shirt Dress Pattern and Tutorial
There is not much more comfortable than a t-shirt dress when you want to look put together!
Bow Back Dress Tutorial
The bow detail on this dress is just stunning! It’s classy and easy!
The Cypress Dress Pattern
This dress has lots more details than your average dress, but it is gorgeous and unique!
Sewing Bee Shift Dress Pattern
Sometimes the most simple dress can be the best! This dress would really highlight an amazing print!
Flippy A-line Dress Pattern
This is a comfy dress that looks great! You could even colorblock the bodice and the skirt for a two piece look!
Summer Sundress with Pockets Pattern
I love the style lines of this dress, and it has pockets!
the easy tee dress pattern in a woven fabric
This dress is easy to sew and easy to wear!
Brief Encounter Dress pattern
Circle skirts are so flattering! I love the silhouette this dress creates!
If you make something using this sewing project, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!
I believe small sewing moments can create great joy. Find your own “right” way to sew. -Heather
What was the pattern for the white dress you wore with the pleats in the front and the flounce on the sleeve?
That is not a free pattern. That is Simplicity 8551.
You have shared really good information, Thanks
Good information was shared, thanks for this.
The link for the Denim Pinafore is not working and I cannot find it on the Burda site. Can you please help me?
It looks like the pattern was removed from the website. They don’t offer free sewing patterns anymore, but they used to offer a lot. Check out these free patterns from Mood: https://www.moodfabrics.com/blog/category/free-sewing-patterns/
Heather, thanks for sending this. I always enjoy your blog so much!
You’re always so generous with tips and how-to’s.