Everyone loves a free dress sewing pattern, including us! We have recently been inspired to add another blog post all about free dress sewing patterns as we are joining in with Frugal Frocks 2021.
Frugal Frocks is a challenge run by the lovely Sam at Frugalisima on Instagram. The idea is to pick a free sewing pattern for the many hundreds available online. Next, head to your fabric stash and match it to some gorgeous fabric. We really love this idea and can’t wait to join in.
So if you are looking for some free dress pattern inspiration, look no further.
Stitch Sisters Kaftan
Firstly, of course, we had to include one of our fabulous free tutorials! The Stitch Sisters Kaftan was the first tutorial to appear on our blog and it has been super popular. It’s a very simple draft your own pattern and is so cool and breezy to wear on hot summer days. Indeed, it’s great for layering over a bikini or dressing up for a night out.
Mood Fabrics – Gambit Pinafore
Have you been OBSESSED with The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix? If so, you will love the Gambit Pinafore from Mood Fabrics. We think it is such a lovely recreation of the original and we just love it.
Simple Simon 3 Seam Caftan
Above you will see this simple 3 seam caftan from Simple Simon looks sooo comfy! This would be a gorgeous dress for the summer and you could easily dress it down over a bikini for the beach or dress it up for dinner.
It’s Always Autumn – The Everyday Dress
Next is The Everyday Dress from It’s Always Autumn, and it’s another wardrobe staple. Having a comfortable jersey dress that’s super flexible can add so much interest into your wardrobe. It would look just as awesome in a print as in a plain fabric and could be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Mood Fabrics – Nyssa Dress
We love the Nyssa Dress from Mood, with its faux wrap bodice and that gorgeous high low hem. This definitely contender for us to sew for the challenge. This dress truly looks special and we are off immediately to check out our fabric stash.
Merricks Art – Summer Swing Dress
If you have always wants to make a dress out of your favourite top, this great tutorial shows you how. It’s a draft your own pattern but we love how versatile it is. Of course you can add your own spin to this dress and make it your own.
Sewing Rabbit – Trapeze Tank Dress
Above is this lovely oversized tank which is another option for your summer holiday. Wouldn’t it be fab layered over a bikini or dressed up for the evening? Of course it would be a quick make and something you could whip up in an hour or two.
Peppermint Magazine Jersey Dress
If you are still thinking you need more loungewear then this is the dress for you! Peppermint magazine bring you an amazing slouchy oversized dress sweatshirt – with pockets! Additionally this dress could be made in a gorgeous scuba or patterned jersey, which would make it very special.
Fabrics-Store – Quin Patchwork Dress
Did someone say patchwork dress? Oh yes! This dress looks so cute with all the different fabric colours. You could even do a little bit of pattern clashing, perfect for using up all those scraps. In addition, this dress looks perfectly comfy for day to day wear.
French Navy – Orla Dress
Here is the Orla Dress from French Navy, it’s another wardrobe staple shape that you will reach for time and time again. The fitted bodice, scoop neck and gathered skirt are such a flattering shape.
Mood Fabrics – Cypress Dress
If one free dress pattern isn’t enough for you, how about two? The adorable Cypress dress not only comes in adult size but also mini-me sized too. So if you have a daughter or niece to sew for, this is the one for you. Too cute!!
Fabrics-Store.com – Avery Tiered Shirt Dress
The Avery Dress would be a great transition dress between the seasons, adding tights or leggings if needed. Additionally, it would also be a lovely dress for working at home of transitioning back to the office.
Sharon Sews – Summer Dreams Maxi Dress
Next, the Summer Dreams Maxi dress is definitely making us dream of summer! For example, just imagine this dress with a pair of flip flops, a big hat and shades! So, you will be 100% summer ready.
Fabrics-Store.com – Ruby
Last but not least, is another four favourites from Fabrics Store. We just love the simple style with its faux wrap bodice and elasticated waist. Isn’t it perfect for a stripe too!
So, on the whole we are think we have found some great patterns for you here. Whether you are taking part in the Frugal Frocks 2021 challenge or not, we hope you have found them useful for your upcoming sewing plans.
Indeed, if you make any of these dresses do send us a picture or tag us on social media.
Happy Sewing!
Thank you for putting this together, I always thought free patterns would be a bit basic but these are lovely, really want to make the gambit dress. The big pattern companies had better look out! xx
Yes we completely agree! Companies like Mood are brining out lots of high fashion free patterns, which is just wonderful for the sewing world.
Happy Sewing x
The Quin patchwork dress and the Ruby striped dress are now on my list of fun things to sew thanks to your “sleuthing”! I already have a dress picked out for the Frugal Frock challenge, but these two are calling my name too! Well done Rachel and Nikki!
You’re welcome Loriann xxx
Trapeze Tank Dress
Hi Rachel and Nikki,
As you’ve made this collection of free patterns I’m sure all of them are wearable and easy to sew.
Do you think that the Trapeze Tank Dress could be a nice nightgown?
Thank you, Alicia
Yes I think it would! Go for it and let us know how you get on.
These are fab and very inspirational. I now have same great choices for the frugal frocks 2021 challenge. Thanks Nikki and Rachel.
You’re very welcome Stacie
I’ve seen some gorgeous scuba fabric but am struggling for a dress pattern-any ideas?
You can use any pattern that needs a stretch (jersey) fabric, everything from tops to dresses. Scuba fabric is usually best for figure hugging items, like shift dresses but we have also used scuba for trousers but this will depend on the weight of your scuba.
Hope this helps.