Trending: Garden Party Dresses
The weather is about to get warmer, the outdoor functions start stacking up and the garden parties begin. Whether you have a summer BBQ, picnic in the park party or street party planned, it’s handy to have a go-to garment to pop on to feel dressed for the occasion. We spotted a bit of a “Garden Party” theme across the high street, with floral dresses trending in some of our favourite shops.
We have pulled together a gorgeous selection of dress sewing patterns together that should suit any summer soiree you might have coming up. Don’t forget that florals are a must!
Tilly and the Buttons Mabel Dress and Blouse – the shirred one
Pretty enough for a picnic, but comfy enough for cake, Tilly and the Buttons Mabel Dress and Blouse is top of my list for summer functions. If you’ve been thinking about trying the hottest sewing skill – shirring – you’re in safe hands with this pattern! It features a sport of shirring on the sleeves and waist, so it’s a very manageable amount for your first shirring project. Plus, Mabel has a free video tutorial by Tilly if you need extra help.
Sizing: UK 6 – 34
Format: Paper and PDF
Also worth checking out from this designer… Check out the Indigo Top and Dress and the Indigo Top and Dress Add-on
Vikisews Esther Dress– the cool square one
I am rather partial to a square neckline and I think the Vikisews Esther Dress is perfect for summer celebrations. The on-trend midi dress is close-fitting and features a deep square neckline and fastens with buttons and buttonholes at the centre front. As you can see, it looks rather lovely in a floral print fabric and could be dressed down with casual sandals or trainers, or up with heels.
Sizing: UK 6 – 20
Format: Paper and PDF
Also worth checking out from this designer… Rosalyn Dress
Style Arc Belle Woven Dress – the easy-breezy one
I picked this pattern as I could absolutely imagine snacking on finger sandwiches and drinking tea from a china cup while watching lawn games in this one! The Style Arc Belle Woven Dress is a beauty. This v-neck, button-through dress features shirred statement sleeves with an elastic opening, as well as back waist shirring. It has a gathered bodice, skirt and sleeve heads, double front waist yoke, and optional in-seam pockets. It will also be really comfy to wear – a huge plus!
Sizing:UK 4/6 – 16/18 or UK 18/20 – 32
Format: Paper
Also worth checking out from this designer… Millicent Wrap Dress
Jennifer Lauren Handmade Kinfolk Dress – the bust cup one
This was one of my favourite new patterns last summer, and I never got around to making one so maybe this will be the year! The Jennifer Lauren Handmade Kinfolk Dress has bohemian 40s style at its heart. Part kaftan, part wrap-style dress, slip Kinfolk over your head and wrap the front waist ties around to the back to cinch in the silhouette however you please. It features princess seam shaping and construction is a breeze with no fastenings and casual grown-on sleeves. I think it’s just beautifully cut and would look great in gingham, floral prints or even just plain linen!
Sizing: UK 6 – 24 with A – D cups or UK 16 – 34 with C – F cups
Format: PDF
Also worth checking out from this designer… Jade Wrap Dress
Nina Lee Kew Dress and Skirt – the multiple choice one
This pattern has become a bit of an icon in the summer sewing world. The Nina Lee Kew Dress and Skirt is a dreamy blend of vintage and contemporary elements inspired by the British summertime. Think picnics and garden parties, strawberries and cream, and being beside the seaside. You have a few options to choose from and can even just make it up as a skirt. It looks lovely in summery cotton lawns, but also lends itself to fabrics fit for a wedding.
Sizing: UK 6 – 20 or UK 16 – 28
Format: PDF
Also worth checking out from this designer… Park Lane Dress
Sew Love Patterns Joelle Dress – the statement one
If you love a bow (Sewing Bee fans will know judge Esme Young is partial to a big bow) then this is the dress for your summer parties. The Sew Love Patterns Joelle Dress features a cute bow that is threaded through a tie at the front and sewn on with a couple of hand stitches so it is easy to take on or off. You can make it as a mini dress or maxi dress with a frilled hem. I just love it!
Sizing: UK 6 – 20
Format: PDF
Also worth checking out from this designer… Springe Dress
Closet Core Patterns Pauline Dress – the one with the details
Closet Core Patterns always inject some darling details into their patterns, and the Pauline Dress is no exception. A true statement dress: dramatic, romantic and loaded with special details, you can create truly distinct looks by mixing and matching sleeves and skirt styles to make the Pauline of your dreams. If you like a little arm coverage the striking puff sleeve is sure to catch your eye. They are billowy so won’t feel constricting in the summer heat. It also has a cooling keyhole opening in the back bodice tied at the nape of the neck.
Sizing: UK 6 – 20
Format: Paper
Also from this designer… Elodie Wrap Dress
Bella Loves Patterns Linda Dress – the milkmaid one
Want to feel like you’re sipping a spritz on the terrace of a gorgeous bar on the Amalfi Coast (when you’re actually under an umbrella in a British beer garden!)? I think the Bella Loves Patterns Linda Dress channels a little Italian glamour. This column dress features puffy elasticated sleeves and cut-out cups with rouleau ties to accentuate the bustline and a stunning slit.
Sizing: UK 6 – 20
Format: PDF
Also worth checking out from this designer… Flor Dress and Top
Sew Over It Martha Dress – the simply chic one
If you are someone who enjoys BBQ after BBQ over the summer months, you’ll want something fun and comfy to wear at your events that is, preferably, handmade! Fitted with darts, the Sew Over It Martha Dress bodice is designed to have a snug fit, with pleats leading into a dramatic long sash. The wrap-over bodice allows you to cinch in the waist or leave it a little loose – perfect for after-picnic comfort!
Sizing: UK 8 – 18 or UK 18/20 – 28/30
Format: Paper
Also worth checking out from this designer… Oona Dress
Victory Patterns Sofia Dress and Top – the modular one
Shirring became an incredibly popular technique after everyone watched the contestants on the Sewing Bee whipping up beautiful dresses last series. The Victory Patterns Sofia Dress and Top was snapped up at a speedy rate! It’s quite a modular pattern, so there are lots of ways you can make it up and customise it to sew your dream dress. Sofia features an elasticised, shirred bodice that allows for easy fit and wear. You will find full instructions on how to sew shirring. Choose from three garment styles along with several sleeve options, which can be mixed and matched to create different looks.
Sizing: UK 6 – 18 or UK 16 – 32
Format: PDF
Also from this designer… Rowena Jumpsuit and Pants
