32 Maternity & Nursing Dress & Top Sewing Patterns (4 FREE)

After diving deep and researching 116 maternity patterns (!), we shortlisted the best on offer for pregnant mums, including 4 free PDF gems! This list is focused on tops and dresses for bumps and breastfeeding. We included useful information like sizing, design features, fabric recommendations, and suitability for beginners.

You can find more maternity-friendly sewing patterns in our articles for maternity pants and general maternity patterns.

Button-up shirts, loose t-shirts, t-shirt dresses, and jersey wrap dresses are also popular options for breastfeeding and pregnancy, so make sure you check out these roundups.

Contents list:

Free sewing patterns
Maternity dresses & tops that are bump-friendly
Only tops for pregnancy / maternity
Nursing dresses & tops for breastfeeding
Breastfeeding / nursing tops only
Quick Q&A’s

FREE sewing patterns:

“Orchard” Classic Camisole with Bias Binding

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Download now from Helen’s Closet – FREE (with newsletter sign-up)

Sizes: US 0 – 34. Bust: 31” – 60” (78.5 – 152.5 cm).
Design: Classic camisole. Spaghetti straps. A-line silhouette. Bias-bound neck and armholes with binding extending to form the straps. Dress view also included.
Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics like linen, cotton blends, rayon, viscose, crepe, or silk. The more structured your fabric, the more dramatic the shape of your camisole will be.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A comprehensive instruction booklet is included with the download.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this pattern would be suitable for an advanced beginner. Some garment sewing knowledge would be an advantage as attaching the bias binding and forming the straps will require accuracy and precision, but the instructions are designed for beginners and very detailed.

Wide Strap Maxi Dress With Square Neckline

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Download now from Peppermint Mag – FREE

Sizes: A – J. Bust: 30” – 51.5” (76 – 131 cm).
Design: Full-length maxi dress. Square neckline with wide straps. Elasticated back. In-seam pockets. Side slits. Neckline finished with facings.
Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabric with some structure, such as cotton, linen, batiste, or denim, For a more drapey version choose a viscose, rayon, or crepe.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. The design of the dress is simple with no tricky fastenings or sleeves to insert. This would be a great pattern for a beginner wanting to advance their sewing skills and learn how to sew a facing, an elastic casing, in-seam pockets and do gathering. Use a stable fabric such as a cotton or linen to make the sewing process easier.

“Luna” cropped, flowy, knit tank top

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Download now from Helen’s Closet Patterns – FREE (with newsletter sign up)

Sizes: US 0-34. Bust: 31” – 62” (79 – 157.5 cm).
Design: Cropped, flowy tank top. Curved, raw hemline. Arm and neck bands which can be sewn in a hidden or exposed way. Scoop back and neckline. Scooped sides.
Fabric: Four-way stretch knits with at least 20% horizontal and vertical stretch. Lightweight knit fabric with lots of drape like bamboo jersey, rayon jersey,modal jersey, lightweight cotton jersey, ITY, or rib knits.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Illustrated, detailed instructions are included with the pattern. A tutorial for making a woven version can be found here. An additional photo tutorial for sewing a knit neckband can be found here.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this pattern would be a great one for a confident beginner with a little previous sewing experience, who wants to advance their skills in sewing with knits. The Luna Tank is a very simple design with minimal pattern pieces to sew and the instructions are clear and well illustrated, including lots of tips for beginners. Some sewing experience would be helpful for handling the drapey knit fabric required for the top and sewing in the neck and arm bands.

“Amaryllis” Wrap Bodice Dress with Gathered Skirt

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Download now from Mood Fabrics – FREE

Sizes: US 2 – 30. Bust: 32.5” – 58.5” (82.5 – 148.5 cm).
Design: Trapeze style dress with wrap bodice. Princess seams. Gathered, tiered, above-the-knee skirt. Short sleeves.
Fabric needed: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with drape, like cotton or rayon batiste, double gauze, chambray, or voile.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Instructions are included. Photo instructions are available on the blog post but they are rather minimal with not all the steps included.
Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern would suit an advanced beginner. There are a couple of techniques in the pattern that could prove difficult such as sewing princess seams, facings, and gathering. The instructions aren’t very detailed, so some prior sewing experience would be helpful.

Maternity dresses & tops that are bump-friendly:

“Emma” Maxi Dress with High Halter Neckline

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Buy now from Rebecca Page – $14.50

Sizes:
- 1 – 10. Bust: 31” – 54” (79 – 137 cm).
- 6C – 15C. Bust: 44” – 76” (112 – 193 cm).
Design: High-neck sleeveless maxi dress. Halter neckline with wide, fitted neckband. Keyhole back opening. Loose, flared skirt. Optional belt to make the waist fitted. Fully lined.
Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven or knit fabric. For example, cotton blends, cotton lawn, linen, viscose, rayon or crepe, viscose, rayon, bamboo or Tencel knits.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Instructions are included. There’s also a bundle available here which includes a kids’ version of the dress.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this pattern would suit a confident or adventurous beginner. The style of the dress is simple with minimal fitting and a simple fastening. Adding the lining and attaching the neckband could be difficult for a complete beginner with no previous garment sewing experience.

“Agnes” maternity dress and top with scoop neckline and sleeve options

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Buy now from Tilly & the Buttons – £11.50 (approx. $14.60)

Sizes: UK 6 – 20. Bust: 32” – 46” (81 – 117 cm).
Design: Close fitting, longline top or knee length dress. Option for plain scooped or ruched sweetheart neckline. Option for short, three quarter or full length sleeves. Ruched front bodice to create space for a growing bump. Top can be made with drawstrings to gather or loosen as your pregnancy shape changes.
Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 25% crossgrain stretch. For example, cotton, viscose or wool jerseys with around 5% spandex, lycra, or elastane content.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? No. I think a complete beginner would struggle to sew this pattern as creating the ruching at the bodice can be tricky to do with a stretchy, knit fabric. Some previous sewing experience with jersey and knit fabric would be helpful here. A cotton jersey would be the best fabric choice for an easier sew.

“Givre” fitted knit maternity dress, tank & t-shirt

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Buy now from Deer and Doe – €12 (approx. $13)

Sizes: EU 34 – 52. Bust: 31 ½” – 45 ⅝” (80 – 115 cm). The pattern comes with two belly sizes, suitable for 3-6 months and 6-9 months of pregnancy.
Design: Close fitting midi dress, and hip-length t-shirt or tank. Option for crew or scoop neckline. Neckband finish. Option for yoked or plain bodice. Option for sleeveless, short or long sleeves. Ruched front bodice to allow for bump growth.
Fabric: Light to medium weight lycra-blend knit fabrics with at least 50% stretch. For example, cotton, rayon or wool jersey.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? No, I think some previous experience sewing with knit fabrics would be helpful. The plain t-shirt and tank tops are simple in style but creating the ruching could be difficult for someone with no sewing experience. If you’re not feeling confident, opt for the tank top to start and choose a stable cotton jersey.

“Hannah” spaghetti strap floaty bikini, top, and dress

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Buy now from 5 out of 4 – $12

Sizes: 2XS – 5XL. Bust: 31” – 58” (79 – 147 cm). Different bust cup sizes are included.
Design: Swing style, floaty bikini top, crop top, or dress. Optional built-in shelf bra. Spaghetti straps with two thickness options. Straps can be sewn crossed at the back or straight. Options for V-neck or scoop neck. Instructions for making the pattern maternity and nursing friendly are included.
Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with good drape, at least 50% horizontal and 25% vertical stretch, and good recovery. For example, lycra or spandex blend viscose, rayon, cotton, or bamboo jersey or swimwear fabrics.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Projector files are included. Instructions are included with links to video tutorials for some steps.
Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate level sewist with some experience sewing garments with stretch and knit fabrics. Sewing the shelf bra and spaghetti straps could be fiddly and difficult to sew, especially in a drapey, slippery knit fabric.

“Floreat” maternity dress and top with asymmetrical hem

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Buy now from Megan Nielsen in standard sizes or in plus sizes – $17-20

Sizes:
- US 0 – 20. Bust: 32” – 46” (81 – 117 cm).
- US 14 – 30. Bust: 40” – 56” (102 – 142 cm).
Design: Simple maternity dress or top with asymmetrical or straight hem options. Round neckline with facing. Inseam pockets. Option for sleeveless, short or long sleeves. Center back seam. Optional waist tie belt.
Fabric: Light to medium weight woven or knit fabrics with some drape. For example, cotton, linen, chambray, viscose, rayon, Tencel, or jerseys.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version can be purchased at an additional cost in the standard sizes (US 0-20). Instructions are included. A free sew-along can be found here.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think a confident beginner could sew the more simple versions of this pattern, such as the sleeveless top or dress with a straight hem. More experience would be helpful for sewing the set in sleeves and asymmetrical hem since these might be challenging to sew in a drapey fabric.

“S9600” V-neck empire waist knit dress with sleeve and length variations

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Buy now from Simplicity – $21.95

Sizes: US 6 – 24. Bust: 30 ½” – 46” (78 – 117 cm).
Design: Pull over maternity dress. V-neck. Empire bust line. Ruching detail. Twist tie belt. Option for knee or maxi length. Option for sleeveless, short or long sleeves.
Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with some drape, such as viscose, rayon or bamboo jersey.
Format: Paper pattern with printed instructions.
Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would be best suited for an intermediate level sewist with some previous experience sewing with stretchy knit fabrics. A beginner would likely struggle with sewing the V neckline and the ruching detail, as these can be difficult to to sew in a drapey, stretchy fabric.

“Blossom” V-neck wrap blouse and dress with curved hem

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Buy now from Sew Over It – £11.50 (approx. $14.60)

Sizes: UK 8 – 20. Bust: 33” – 45” (84 – 114 cm).
Design: Pull-over top or dress. Wrap style bodice with V neckline. Faced finish. Empire bust line with elastic gathering at the sides of the underbust. Fitted shoulders with ¾ length sleeves. Curved hemline.
Fabric: Lightweight woven fabrics with drape, such as rayon, crepe, silk, viscose, or georgette.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Copyshop printing is available at an additional cost. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would better suit an advanced beginner to an intermediate sewist. Sewing the front facing, setting in the sleeves, and creating the elasticated sections under the bust might prove challenging for a complete beginner, especially in a drapey, slippery fabric.

“Chrissy” crossover front maternity dress and top

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Buy now from Rebecca Page – $14.50

Sizes: 2XS – 5XL. Bust: 32” – 59” (81 – 150 cm).
Design: Pull-over top or dress. V-neckline, with front pieces that cross over for easy breastfeeding access. Options for short, ¾ length or long sleeves. Options for top, knee or midi lengths. Optional under cami. Options for bound or elasticated straps. Ruched front bodice to create space for a growing bump. Maternity and nursing friendly.
Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with good stretch and recovery. For example, cotton, viscose, or wool jersey with elastane or spandex content.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? No, although the designer suggests the pattern is beginner-friendly, but I think some previous sewing experience would be helpful. A beginner might struggle with creating the ruched shaping around the bodice and sewing the V neckline without stretching the fabric. Using a cotton jersey will be helpful for stability whilst sewing.

“Ilma” off-the-shoulder smock dress and sleeveless top (+Video)

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Buy now from Named Clothing – €15-24 (approx. $16-26)

Sizes: XS – 2XL. Bust: 30” – 52 ¾” (76 – 134 cm).
Design: Smock style, off-the-shoulder mini dress. Elasticated neckline. Wavy, tiered hemline. Wrist length puff sleeves. Ruffle shoulder straps. Can be sewn as a hip length top with elasticated sleeves or a mini dress.
Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such as cotton lawn, linen, rayon, viscose, or tencel.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version is available at an additional cost. Instructions are included. A free video sew-along can be found here.
Suitable for beginners? No, this pattern is better suited for intermediate sewists. A beginner could struggle with sewing the wavy, gathered hemline and the elasticated neckline or sleeves. If a confident beginner with some sewing experience wanted to sew this pattern I would recommend starting with the top and using a stable fabric such as a cotton or linen. The bottom tier could be left off and the main tier can be lengthened to make the sewing process easier. The video tutorials would also be helpful for less experienced sewists.

“Fringe” short sleeve V-neck dress and top pattern with neckline variations

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Buy now from Chalk & Notch – $18

Sizes: US 0 – 30 with two cup sizes.
- A-B cup: 32” – 56 ” (81 – 142 cm).
- C-D cup: 34” – 58” (86 – 147 cm).
Design: Loose fitting, knee-length dress or blouse with two views. View A features a button closure, V-neckline, and short sleeves fastened with sleeve tabs. View B is a pull over dress with a notched V-neckline and cuffed short sleeves. A tutorial showing how to raise the waistline to make the dress maternity friendly is available here.
Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some drape. For example, cotton, lawn, linen, rayon, viscose, voile, double gauze, crepe or tencel.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0/US copyshop sizes. Instructions are included. A free sew along can be found here.
Suitable for beginners? No, I think a complete beginner would struggle with some parts of this pattern like sewing the button placket and sewing in the sleeve cuffs on the round. Some sewing experience would be helpful for handling these. For an easier sew, choose view B and use a stable cotton or linen.

“Bettine” scoop neck dress with optional button placket and elasticated waist

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Buy now from Tilly & the Buttons – £11.50 (approx. $14.50)

Sizes: UK 6 – 20. Bust: 32” – 46” (81 – 117 cm).
Design: Pull over dress with scoop neckline. Optional button placket for nursing. Grown on short sleeves. Sleeve cuffs. Knee length. Elasticated, empire waistline. Optional waist tie. Can also be sewn from a knit fabric.
Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven or knit fabrics with drape, such as viscose, chambray, cotton voile, double gauze, crepe, or cotton, viscose or bamboo jersey for a knit version.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? I think this would be a great pattern for an adventurous beginner with some sewing experience to sew. The plain version (without buttons) is simple in style with easy to sew grown on sleeves. The dress is elasticated so it doesn’t involve a lot of fitting. Make from a stable cotton or chambray fabric for an easier sew.

Only tops for pregnancy / maternity:

“Esther” peasant style tunic top with neckline and sleeve options

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Buy now from Liberty of London – $27

Sizes: XS-2XL. Bust: 29.5”-48” (75-122 cm).
Design: Floaty, peasant style tunic top. Option for slit or tied neckline. Square yoke. Gathered skirt. Option for gathered, frilled or open sleeves.
Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such as cotton lawn, cotton voile, cotton gauze, chambray, swiss dot, linen, rayon challis, or crepe.
Format: Paper pattern with printed instructions.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an advanced or confident beginner would enjoy sewing this pattern. The style of the top is reasonably simple but does include some techniques that a complete beginner might find tricky, like, setting in the gathered sleeves and constructing the square yoke. Some previous sewing experience would be helpful here.

“Claiborne” boho style top with ruffle sleeves

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Buy now from DIBY club – £9 (approx. $11.50)

Sizes:
- US 00 – 20. Bust: 31” – 46” (79 – 117 cm).
- US 14 – 36. Bust: 41 ½” – 63 (105.5 – 160 cm).
Design: Pull on, boho inspired top. Fitted shoulders. Flared bodice. High, round neckline with a faced finish. Option for plain, ruffle or double ruffle sleeves. Empire waist or high-hip bodice. Optional single or double ruffle at the hem. A free add-on pack to make the top maternity friendly is available here.
Fabric: Lightweight woven fabrics with drape, such as cotton lawn, viscose, chambray, cotton voile, double gauze, or crepe.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this would be a good pattern for a beginner with some sewing experience to sew. The style of the top is simple with no shaping or fastenings to sew in. Some experience would be helpful for gathering in the bottom of the bodice. Sewing the ruffle and double ruffle finishes could be fiddly but these could be left off for a simpler sew.

Nursing dresses & tops for breastfeeding:

“Alcott” Knit Faux Wrap Dress with Sleeve Variations

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Buy now from Cashmerette – $16-20

Sizes: US 12 – 28. Bust: 40” – 56” (102 – 142 cm). Three cup sizes (C – H).
Design: Faux wrap dress with two hem and three sleeve variations: Knee-length full skirt or midi skirt with ruffled tier. Cap or elbow length flutter sleeves, or long set-in sleeves with frilled cuffs.
Fabric needed: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 20% stretch like jerseys.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter and A0 / US copyshop sizes. Illustrated instructions are included with the pattern.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this pattern would suit an advanced or adventurous beginner as the lines of the dress are quite simple and a stable knit fabric can be used to make the process easier.

“Edenbrooke” t-shirt dress with multiple skirt options and button placket

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Buy now from Peekaboo Pattern Shop – $9.95

Sizes: 2XS – 3XL. Bust measurement 30″ – 50″ (76 – 127 cm.
Design: T-shirt style bodice. Optional partial or full button front. Pleated, skater or gathered skirt options. 3 sleeve length options: short, 3/4, long. Optional inseam pockets.
Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with 50% stretch and good recovery. Viscose/rayon, bamboo, and modal jerseys would work well for a drapey dress.
Format: PDF pattern in print-at-home and A0 copy shop sizes. A projector file is also included. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern would suit a confident beginner wanting to advance their skills. The button placket would be challenging in a stretchy fabric.

“Madrid” maxi dresses, tops and skirts with different design features

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Buy now from Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop – $9.95

Sizes: 2XS-3XL / US 00 – 24. Bust: 30” – 50” (76 – 127 cm).
Design: Knit maxi dress or top with optional built in nursing bra access. The top can be sewn sleeveless or with elbow length, long or short sleeves. The interchangeable skirt can be sewn with a gathered or A line skirt. Some of the design options include a peplum top, a high or scoop back, and an empire or natural waist bodice.
Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 40% two way stretch, like cotton, viscose, double knit or bamboo jersey with spandex or lycra content.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Projector files are available. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this pattern would suit a confident beginner with some sewing experience, specifically with knit fabrics. Sewing in the additional nursing bra could be tricky for a complete beginner. Choose a stable knit to make the sewing process easier such as a cotton jersey or double knit, and start with one of the simpler views to practice your skills with knit fabrics.

“Amber” faux wrap bodice empire waist dress or top

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Buy now from Megan Nielsen Patterns – $13

Sizes: XS – XL. Bust: 34” – 42” (86 – 107 cm).
Design: Nursing and maternity friendly dress or top. V-neck faux wrap bodice. Built-in modesty panel. Concealed nursing openings. Pleated, empire waistline. Option for short or elbow length sleeves. Option for below the knee dress or hip length top.
Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics. For example, cotton, viscose, double knit or bamboo jersey.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would be difficult for a beginner to sew. Constructing the wrap front, the modesty panel, and the nursing parts will be fiddly and tricky to sew. Some previous experience sewing with stretchy knit fabrics would be an advantage here. Use a stable knit fabric to make the sewing process easier.

“Ultimate” knee-length wrap dress with long sleeves

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Buy now from Sew Over It – £11.50 (approx. $15)

Sizes: UK 8 – 20. Bust: 33” – 45” (84 – 114 cm).
Design: Simple, classic knit wrap dress. Wrap front bodice. Knee length skirt. Tie waist belt. Fitted shoulders with elbow length sleeves. Tutorials for converting this pattern to a maternity dress are included for free with the pattern.
Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics like cotton, Ponte, interlock or double knits. Opaque viscose or rayon knits will also work well.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Copyshop printing is available at an additional cost. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think a beginner with some sewing experience would enjoy sewing this pattern. The style of the wrap dress is simple and easy to sew. Knit wrap dresses are relatively easy to fit, and they don’t feature any tricky fastenings. Choose a stable knit fabric without too much drape, such as a Ponte or a double knit, to make the sewing process easier.

“Knot your average” maternity friendly top and dress with knotted neckline

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Buy now from 5 out of 4 – $12

Sizes: 2XS – 5XL. Bust: 31” – 58” (79 – 147 cm).
Design: Maternity and nursing friendly top or dress. Unique knotted front detail. Includes regular and full bust adjustment options. Optional nursing/modesty underlayer. Options for top, tunic, short or knee lengths. Options for sleeveless, short, ¾, elbow-length or long sleeves. Includes maternity modification for top.
Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with two/four way stretch of at least 50%. For example, cotton lycra, poly, athletic fabrics, rayon, French terry or bamboo.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Projector files are available. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think some options from this pattern would suit a confident beginner. However, I think sewing experience with knits would be very helpful for sewing in the maternity modifications and nursing underlayer which could be tricky to sew, especially in a stretchy fabric.

“Zero Waste Gather Dress” with button front V-neckline and oversized fit

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Buy now from Brigitta Helmersson – €16 (approx. $17)

Sizes: 2 sizes (the exact sizes of the finished dress will depend on the width of your fabric).
- Size 1 – Bust: 34” – 46” (86 – 117 cm).
- Size 2 – Bust: 45” – 61” (114 – 155 cm).
Design: Oversized, zero-waste dress. Boxy style. Dropped shoulders with optional gathering at the shoulders and long sleeves. Cuffed or gathered wrists. Gathered skirt. Side pockets. Full length button placket. Empire bust line. Optional patch pockets. A hack is included for sewing the dress without a button closure.
Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some drape and structure, like cotton, linen, crepe, gauze, chambray, viscose, or rayon.
Format: This pattern comes with a detailed cutting guide to help you draw the pattern straight onto the fabric. You’ll only need to print 5-6 A4/US letter size pages. Instructions for how to cut and sew the dress are included. Additional tutorials and hacks can be found here.
Suitable for beginners? No, I think a complete beginner might struggle with this pattern. As the pattern is an unconventional zero-waste design, you’ll need to draw the guidelines onto the fabric using a cutting guide. The facings and the generous amount of gathering would also be challenging for a beginner. I would recommend this pattern for an intermediate sewist who’s already successfully sewn some garments.

“Women’s Everyday Dress” with optional nursing access

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Buy now from Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop – $9.95

Sizes: US 00 – 28W. Bust: 30” – 58” (76 – 147 cm).
Design: Relaxed, everyday knit dress. Round neckline with optional hood. Options for short, elbow-length, ¾ or long sleeves. Options for half circle skirt or gathered skirt with gathered or curved hem. 2 length options: above the knee or knee length. Inseam pockets. Optional patch pockets. Optional nursing access.
Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 50% stretch and good recovery. For example, cotton jersey, lycra blends, viscose jersey, double knit, or bamboo jersey.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Projector files are available. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern would best suit an advanced beginner with some previous experience sewing with knit fabrics. The dress is a fairly simple style but inserting the nursing access bra could be tricky and fiddly to do with a stretchy knit fabric a beginner might struggle without practice. A confident beginner could sew the simpler view and work their way up to the more complex design features.

Breastfeeding / nursing tops only:

“Lily” maternity and nursing top with double front layers

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Buy now from Sew Over It – £11.50 (approx. $15)

Sizes: UK 8 – 20. Bust: 33” – 45” (84 – 114 cm).
Design: Elegant, maternity and nursing friendly blouse top. High, round neckline. Double layer front for easy breastfeeding access. Fitted shoudlers. Options for ¾ length or cap sleeves.
Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with lots of drape, such as viscose, rayon, voile, tencel, or crepe.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Copyshop printing is available at an additional cost. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? I think a confident beginner could sew this pattern. Some sewing experience would be helpful since the top is sewn from a drapey viscose which can require some extra care when handling. A little experience would also be helpful for setting in the sleeves and sewing the curved hem. Otherwise the top is simple in style with no fastenings to include so would make a great project for advancing your sewing skills.

Criss cross maternity and nursing tops with sleeve variations

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Buy now from Jalie – CAD $14.98 (approx. $11)

Sizes: US 4 – 22. Bust: 33” – 50” (84 – 127 cm).
Design: Maternity and nursing friendly knit top. Criss cross bodice with V-neckline. Straight hem. Fitted shoulders. Options for sleeveless, short flutter sleeves, or long flared sleeves.
Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 40% stretch for the nursing tops, and 70% for the maternity tops. For example, cotton jersey, viscose jersey, double knit or bamboo jersey with spandex or lycra content.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit a more experienced sewist with some previous experience sewing with knit fabrics. A beginner may struggle to sew the criss cross design and V neckline which can be prone to stretching out without careful handling and sewing. Choosing a cotton jersey with less drape would help to avoid this happening.

Cowl neck nursing top with modesty panel (+Video)

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Buy now from Zen Llama Patterns – $9.95

Sizes: 2XS – 4XL. Bust: 33” – 58.5” (84 – 148.5 cm).
Design: Maternity and nursing friendly knit top. Cowl neck. Built-in modesty panel in two widths. Options for dress, tunic, or top length. Flared bottom and curved hem with a facing finish. The cowl neck can be pulled down for easy breastfeeding access.
Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 50% two way stretch. For example, cotton lycra, rayon spandex, or brushed polyester.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included. A video tutorial can be found here for the trickier steps.
Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit someone with experience sewing with knit fabrics. Although cowl necks are easy to sew, the top requires a drapey fabric which can be difficult to work with. A beginner may struggle with sewing the cowl neck and inserting the modesty panel without previous experience.

“Petal” top with cross-over petal front detail (+Video)

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Buy now from Ellie and Mac – $8.95

Sizes: 2XS – 5XL. Bust: 29” – 60” (73.5 – 152.5 cm).
Design: Nursing friendly knit top. Cross-over “petal” front. The top layer is a higher rounded neckline, and the under layer has a lower scoop neckline for easy breastfeeding access. Options for sleeveless, short, or long sleeves. Straight hem.
Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 50% four way stretch. For example, cotton viscose or bamboo jersey.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included. A free video tutorial is also available here.
Suitable for beginners? I think an advanced, confident beginner with some experience sewing with knits could sew this pattern. There are some potentially difficult parts which a complete beginner might struggle with, like sewing the curved petal closure and adding in the front panel. The additional YouTube video tutorial will be helpful if you’re not feeling confident. Choose a stable, cotton blend knit fabric for an easier sew.

“Essential turtleneck top” with maternity and nursing friendly option

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Sizes: 2XS – 5XL. Bust: 30” – 58” (76 – 147 cm).
Design: Classic turtleneck top. Options for mock neck, turtleneck, or cowl neckline. Options for standard or bishop sleeves. Sleeve cuffs. Option for nursing underlay for easy breastfeeding access. Maternity modifications are included.
Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 50% stretch, such as rib knits, sweater knits, brushed poly, cotton jersey, wool jersey, or viscose jersey.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Projector files are available. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an advanced confident beginner with some previous sewing experience could sew this pattern. The trickiest parts would be sewing in the mock or turtleneck and setting in the sleeves, but they can be done if you go slowly. Use a cotton blend jersey without too much drape to make the sewing process easier.

“Essential raglan top” with nursing overlay option

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Sizes: 2XS – 5XL. Bust: 30” – 58” (76 – 147 cm).
Design: Raglan sleeve t-shirt and dress. Round neckline. Options for short,¾, or long sleeves. Additional pull up overlay for easy nursing access. Includes a maternity fit with ruching at the sides.
Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 35% stretch. For example, lycra, slub, modal, viscose or cotton jersey.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Projector files are available. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this would be a great pattern for a confident beginner to sew. Raglan sleeves are easy to sew and the style of the top is also simple and straightforward. Sewing in the additional nursing overlay could be tricky for a complete beginner, so some sewing experience with knit fabrics would be helpful here.

“Pinnacle” pullover sweater with optional hood and zippered panel detail

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Sizes: 2XS – 5XL. Bust: 30” – 58” (76 – 147 cm).
Design: Pullover sweater with crew or hooded neckline. Side panel detail. Option for kangaroo pocket or in-seam pockets. Hem band and sleeve cuffs. Easy nursing access with a zipper closure on the side panel.
Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 35% stretch, such as lycra, slub, modal, French terry, or sweater knits.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Projector files are available. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate level sewist with some experience sewing with knit fabrics. Since the nursing option requires inserting a zipper, I think a beginner would struggle as this can be particularly difficult to do in a knit fabric. For an easier option sew the crew neck version from a stable sweater or sweatshirt knit.

Quick Q&A’s:

How do you convert a sewing pattern to maternity?

Converting a sewing pattern to maternity will depend on the style of the garment you want to convert. For some dresses, this can be as simple as raising the waistline of the bodice to an empire waistline, which sits underneath the bust. If the skirt is gathered, having the bodice seam sit higher will allow for a growing bump.

If you’re converting a knit top or dress, you can add extra length to the front panel, which can be gathered at the side seams to match back up with the back panel. The extra material at the front will comfortably stretch over your bump as it grows.

How do you turn clothes into maternity clothes?

There are a few different hacks you can try for turning existing garments into maternity wear. For example, for jeans, a stretchy band of elastic or tight fitting knit fabric can be sewn around the waistband to pull up over your growing bump. Old T shirts can be cut into crop tops to be worn above the bump, or over a maternity vest or cami. Long, elastic waist skirts can be worn over the bump with a short crop top, knotted oversized T shirt or shirt.

Easy maternity patterns?

Some of the easiest maternity patterns to sew are simple tank tops or t-shirts with a gathered side seam to accommodate a growing bump. For example:

The Agnes top and dress from Tilly and the Buttons
Every day top from Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop

Simple woven dresses with elasticated necklines or waistlines are also easy to sew. For example:

The Ilma Dress from Named Clothing
Bettine Dress from Tilly and the Buttons

What fabric to use for maternity clothes?

Knit fabrics are great for maternity clothes since they stretch to accommodate your changing size. Viscose or bamboo jerseys are a lovely choice since they are light, drapey, and very comfortable to wear. Cotton jerseys are nice and breathable, and great for holding their shape for a knit maternity dress, especially if they have some lycra, elastane, or spandex blended into them.

For woven dresses and tops, choose something light and breathable. For example, cotton blends, linen, and cotton lawn are great options for wearing in hot weather. Viscose fabric is also a good choice since this type of fabric is swishy, drapey and very comfortable to wear. Great for gathered or elasticated dresses or skirts.

What to read next:

This article was written by Sally Gauntlett, and edited by Nisan Aktürk.

Sally Gauntlett (author)
Sally started sewing as a child. In 2008, she started a handmade business selling personalized gifts and homeware. She then became a sewing content creator, sharing her makes on Youtube and Instagram. Read more…