As the summer approaches and the weather gets sunnier, we are preparing for beach holidays and road trips by picking out our favourite girls’ dresses sewing patterns. All of these amazing dress patterns are designed by independent pattern designers on Makerist, and come with step by step instructions and easy to follow guidelines so that you can make the perfect dress at home. Whether you’re looking for dresses for weddings and formal occasions, or need something that can withstand somersaults, you are sure to find the perfect pattern below.
1. Carousel Sun Dress & Bolero
The Carousel dress is perfect for beginners to intermediate and can be made for children aged from 3 to 10 years. This also includes a snug bolero, elevating the pattern to a more formal design which would be perfect for weddings and parties.
2. Leighanna Dress & Top
The Leighanna pattern can be made as a dress or a top, meaning this is a sewing pattern that you can come back to again and again. This dress can be made to fit children aged 12 months to 14 years.
3. Maddie Dress & Top
Another great value sewing pattern bundle from indie designer Jennifer Paganelli that can be made for children aged 6 months to 12 years. Create a cool summer top or dress perfect for any occasion.
4. Avontour Tunic Dress
Our favourite sewing patterns are the ones for versatile clothing that children love at every age. The Avontour dress from the Eli Monster can be made as a tunic for over leggings or jeans, or a casual and sporty dress for summer. Suitable for ages 12 months to 12 years.
5. Barefoot Dress
Twig & Tale’s Barefoot sewing pattern is full of options to customise your dress, using heavy or light fabrics depending on the season, a flat or gathered yoke, 10 strap options, 4 pocket options, 3 lengths, 2 ruffle options and starts in sizes for premature babies right up to children aged 10. This is the ultimate year-round sewing pattern.
6. Tunic Wrap Dress
This gorgeous dress pattern encourages you to embellish and make it your own, with embroidery or upcycling old materials. This can be made as a tunic or a dress to fit ages 5 to 10 and is a great project for beginners.
7. Classic Smock Dress
North Patterns’ Smock Dress can be made for newborns all the way up to children aged 6. This is a classic sewing pattern, a timeless knee length, loose fitting smock dress with peter pan collar and 3/4 length sleeves.
8. Picknick Dress
The Picknick Dress features a full button front, ruffle collar and ruffle sleeves and POCKETS! Make this sewing pattern with or without a petticoat, depending on what situation it’s for! 12 months through to 12 years.
9. Flower-girl Style Dress
If you’re looking for a dress sewing pattern you can easily repurpose, this is the one for you! Depending on the fabric you use, this dress can be a casual and comfy school dress or it can be a delicate flower girl dress.
10. Raglan Jersey Tunic Dress
Frocks & Frolics Raglan Tunic dress pattern is a summer dress that can easily carry through to autumn and winter. Using breathable cottons and jersey, you can easily create an everyday dress.
11. Driehok Dress
The Driehok dress features an elegant and unique neckline, in a classic Art Deco cut. This sewing pattern is great for beginner sewists and can easily be completed in an afternoon. This pattern is for ages 1 to 12 years.
12. Sleeveless Summer Dress
Another super simple sewing pattern is the Sleeveless Summer Dress, which can be customised with pockets and frilling at the end. The pleats in this design make the cut really soft, perfect for lazy summer afternoons.
13. Party Dress
A button down dress is a staple in every girl’s wardrobe, no matter what age they are. Make this cute party dress for children aged from newborn to 6 years.
14. Pinafore Shift Dress
If you are making just one dress sewing pattern this summer, this pinafore should be on your To Make list! Add contrasting fabrics for a sixties flourish or use plain fabrics for a more versatile look.
And there you have it, 19 gorgeous girls’ summer dress sewing patterns for all occasions. Many of these sewing projects can be completed by beginners in just an afternoon. Making your own clothes is an amazing way to know where your clothes come from and live in a more sustainable, fair and environmentally friendly way. But above all, it’s really fun and rewarding. If you need some helpful sewing tips, we have lots of video courses to help teach you everything you need to know!
