Shirt Dress Sewing Patterns to Sew for Spring
As we move into Spring we’ve been thinking about sewing some fantastic wardrobe staples for Summer. That made us think about sewing shirt dresses, so we had had a good hunt to find some amazing sewing patterns. Shirt dresses can be a bit intimating for beginners because of the fit and addition of cuffs and button holes so we’ve selected a range suitable for all levels. Whether it’s your first shirt dress or you are a pro looking to take on a challenge, there is something in here for everyone!
Franca Dress from Fibre Mood
We love the relaxed fit of the Franca Dress with it’s curved hem, buttons placket down to the chest and wide sleeves. The loose fit on this makes it a good option if you are in the beginner camp but it also has enough features to make sure you’d learn lots of new skills sewing it.
Sizes: UK 6 – 30
Chai Shirt and Dress – Itch To Stitch
The Chai Shirt and Dress is a classic fit-and-flare style. You can use a floral fabric for a vintage flair, or use a bright fabric for a modern look. It has a classic collar on a collar stand, sleeveless and gathered short sleeve options, centre front button closure and in-seam pockets with the dress option.
Sizes: approx. UK 8 – 22, A, B, C, D and DD cups
The Reeta Midi shirt dress – Named Clothing
A favourite at Fold Line HQ, the Reeta Midi dress was released as part of the Spring/Summer Playground collection from Named Clothing. It’s bang on trend with the midi length finish to the skirt and deep side seam vents. It’s really easy to fit with a draw string waist but the pattern has lots of design features including a button down front with collar, yoke and facing, so definitely one for an intermediate sewer.
Sizes: UK 6 – 28
Lenox shirt dress – Cashmerette
Cashmerette designs modern patterns for women with curves in sizes 12 to 28. The Lenox shirt dress has all the classic elements you would expect from a shirt dress but with curved princess seams to give shape to the bust. You can opt for a pleated or gathered skirt, both with pockets.
Sizes UK 14 – 30
The Sydni Shirt Dress – Sew to Grow
The Sydni dress is a casual take on the classic shirt dress, with an optional collar, front pleated pockets, sleeve band, and side slit. Make the dress version and add the optional tie, belt loops and pockets for a completely new look.
Sizes: UK 8 – 24
Camp Shirt and Dress – Liesl and Co
The Camp Shirt and Dress makes a classic convertible-collar blouse and dress. Details include a yoke and optional chest pockets. The blouse (View A) includes a curved hem and long sleeves with a button cuff and tower placket. The dress (View B) features a curved hem and cuffed short sleeves.
SizesL approx. UK 8 -20, A/B, C, and D cup sizes.
Lindy Shirtdress – Folkwear
This dress comes from the 1940s when square shoulders, narrow hips, and skirts that ended just below the knee were the height of fashion. Fabric rationing had led to the use of darts, pleats, tucks and other fabric manipulation to add interest to dresses without a lot of extra fabric. The Lindy Shirtdress has an interesting bodice construction, with shoulder and waist pleats and darts, and a shawl collar. Skirt darts create a flattering look while adding plenty of ease in the hip area. Elbow-length sleeves with cuffs make this nearly a year-round dress.
Sizes: approx. UK 6 – 30
The Rosa shirt and shirt dress – Tilly and the Buttons
The Rosa shirt dress and shirt from Tilly and the Buttons is fitted with gentle curved princess seams at the front and back. There are lots of options to add detail with this shirt dress including contrasting topstitching and inserting piping into the yoke seams. There is also a two-part collar, button stand and tabs for the sleeve cuffs.
Sizes: UK 6 – 20
Sorrel Dress – Jennifer Lauren Handmade
Sorrel is a fresh take on the classic shirt-waist dress, seamlessly pairing vintage elements with modern design. It also has A to D cups and pockets! Shaped with double open-ended darts around the bodice and skirt waistline, Sorrel’s relaxed silhouette and sleek skirt provide the illusion of a fitted garment with all the comfort of a shift-style dress. A simple foldout collar frames the face, creating a gentle V neckline, and grown-on sleeves lend a casual vintage vibe. Layer Sorrel with fitted long sleeves and boots for cool weather, or make it up in double gauze or flowing cotton lawn for a lightweight summer garment.
Sizes: UK 6 – 24 with A, B, C and D cups
Shirt dress 8014 – Simplicity
This Simplicity shirt dress 8014 comes with four variations including a full or knee length dress or short skirt with both slim line and flared skirts. There are patch pocket details and a mandarin or two part collar so you can mix and match lots of design elements to make it your own.
Sizes: UK 4 – 20
Azur Shirt Dress – Atelier Scammit
We absolutely love the Azur shirt and dress it’s a classic shape and one you’ll reach for year on year. Choose between two variations, the first features a very elegant ruffle collar, and the second your classic shirt collar. It’s has a straight cut and you can add an optional belt tie at the waist.
Sizes: UK 6 – 20
Vintage shirt dress – Sew Over It
Inspired by the 1940s and 1950s, the Sew Over It Vintage Shirt Dress has a fab silhouette with sleeve and sleeveless options. It has a notched collar and button down front with pleated skirt. Colour blocking works really well with this pattern and the sleeve and sleeveless options allow you to make versions for Summer and Winter.
Sizes: UK 8 – 20
Irma Dress and Shirt
I am Irma is a dress that can also be made as a shirt. This pattern features a concealed button placket, where the front hem is shorter than my back, and on the back it has a yoke with a large box pleat. There is a classic shirt collar and you can choose between traditional shirt sleeves or bishop sleeves with a cuff.
Sizes: UK approx. 6/8 – 18.
Ivory Dress – Fibre Mood
The Ivory dress from Fibre Mood had a bit of a cowboy/ cowgirl feel to it. The pattern features a big collar, curved details at the front and back and a belt at the waist. We also love the sleeve gathering into the cuff, all in all this dress had a fantastic silhouette.
Sizes: 6 – 28
Kalle shirt and shirt dress – Closet Case Patterns
The Kalle shirt dress is loose fitting with dress and top versions, both with a curved high low hem. You don’t have to insert sleeves with this one as it has grown on sleeves with arm cuffs. There are a number of design features you can add including standard or band collar, patch pockets, different pleats and three types of placket – button, popover or hidden. The combinations are endless and we are a big fan of this one!
Sizes: UK 6 – 20
Isca Shirt Dress – Marilla Walker
If you haven’t come across the Isca shirt dress yet then you are in for a treat. There are two variations to pick from, the one we are showing you is our favourite of the two. It’s fitted at the shoulders and relaxed at the waist. The waist seam is higher at the front and lower at the back for a flattering drape. We also love the seam lines on the bust – go check out the line drawing for a closer look.
Sizes: UK 6 – 22
Alder shirt dress – Grainline Studio
The Alder Shirt dress from Grainline Studio is an oldie but a goodie and it’s certainly been popular in the sewing community, just check out all the reviews. It is loosely fitted and has a curve hem. You can opt for either a-line in shape or gathered at the sides and back (at the waist). It is sleeveless with patch bust pockets, button down placket and bust darts. This is a great pattern for different body shapes as you can make it emphasise the waist or choose a more minimalist silhouette.
Sizes: UK 8 – 18
Olya Shirt and Dress – Paper Theory
Olya is a relaxed, loose fitting shirt with traditional details and a classic silhouette but features unusual and innovative style lines. Olya is easy to wear and designed to be a versatile wardrobe staple with longevity. There are two patterns included: one is for the shirt and the other is for a dress version.
Sizes: approx. UK 8 – 22
TPC20 Shirt and Shirt Dress – Trend Patterns
Shirting and especially patchwork or mismatched shirting is a popular street and catwalk trend. This is a combo pattern so there are shirt and shirt dress variations, with wide sleeves for a sharp but casual silhouette. The dress has a drawstring at the waist giving a cinched in shape, and the shirt has a drawstring on the hem making it casual and cool.
Sizes: approx. UK 8 – 22
Byrdie Button-up blouse and dress
Byrdie is a button-up, collared blouse with thoughtful details that take this wardrobe staple to the next level. It has a loose fit with subtle shaping and optional bust darts to give it a flattering silhouette. Pair Byrdie with your favourite jeans for a casual look, or tuck it into slacks for a more polished style. Both versions can also be sewn as a shirtdress with a tie waist.
Sizes: approx. UK 6 – 28, with B, C and D cup sizes.
Jolene Shirt and Dress – Ready To Sew
This shirt and shirtdress features a classic design with a gathered princess seam detail. It has a fitted bodice, with traditional shirt details like a collar stand and a button placket. There is also an expansion pack for this pattern, which allows you to make Victorian era-inspired Jolene dresses.
Sizes: approx. UK 6 – 16
