Overalls (aka. dungarees) are one-piece garments with trousers, pockets, a bib, and shoulder straps. They were originally used as protective garments, but today fashion brands have turned them into casual streetwear.
Boiler suits (aka. coveralls) are similar-looking utility garments, but they offer full body protection. They’re normally a one-piece garment with long sleeves, trousers, a full-coverage bodice, a front closure (buttons, zips, snap fasteners, etc), and many pockets.
They’re both generally loose-fitting and made from sturdy fabrics. You can use them for messy work (painting, DIY, gardening) or wear them every day for a casual utilitarian look.
Contents list:
Overall / dungaree patterns with bibs:
“Ruby” Overalls with Square Bib and Elasticated Back
Buy now from Helen’s Closet – $16
- Sizes: US 0 – 34. Hip: 33” – 62” (84 – 157.5 cm).
- Design: Simple, wide-leg overalls. Square bib. Elasticated waistband at the back. Options for short or long legs. In seam pockets. Optional dungaree style straps with hardware.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabric with no stretch. For example, linen, cotton, chambray, cotton lawn, quilting cotton, flannel, denim, or canvas.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4, and US letter size. An illustrated instruction booklet is included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a great pattern for a confident beginner. There are no tricky fastenings involved, a stable fabric can be used to make the sewing easier, and the pattern comes with great, detailed instructions.
“Jenny” Wide-Leg Fitted Overalls
Buy now from Closet Core – $16 – 20
- Sizes: US 0 – 20. Hip: 33” – 48” (84 – 122 cm).
- Design: Classic overalls with wide, cropped or short legs. Classic bib with cross-back straps and dungaree hardware. Fitted waistband with a high rise. Back darts. Curved slash and patch pockets. Optional faux-fly front. Single or double zipper and button closure at the side(s).
- Fabric: Bottom-weight woven fabrics with no stretch. For example, denim, twill, canvas, gabardine, linen, jacquard, and brocade.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4, and US letter size. A paper pattern is also available at an additional cost.
- Instructions: An illustrated instruction booklet is included with the download. There are additional helpful resources on their blog.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is suitable for intermediate sewists, since there are tricky details involved like the waistband, the zipper and button closures, or tons of topstitching; and some fitting skills are required.
“M8162” Traditional Fitted Overalls with Skinny or Flared Legs
Buy now from Something Delightful – $14.67
- Sizes: US 6 – 22. Hip: 32.5” – 46” (83 – 117 cm).
- Design: Traditional, close-fitting overalls. High rise with skinny, flared, or short legs. Faux fly with lapped zipper closure at the side. Back darts. Slanted and square patch pockets. Dungaree straps and clips. Classic dungaree style back.
- Fabric: Bottom-weight woven fabric with stretch, like stretch denim or stretch canvas.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4, and US letter size. A paper pattern is also available here for sizes 6 – 14. An instruction booklet is included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate to advanced sewist. There are a lot of technical details involved in this pattern such as inserting a lapped zipper, sewing a faux fly, tons of topstitching, and sewing with heavyweight stretchy fabric.
“Mila” Slim-Fit Traditional Overalls
Buy now from Tilly and the Buttons – £11.50 (approx. $13)
- Sizes: UK 6 – 20. Hip: 33” – 47” (84 – 119.5 cm).
- Design: Slim-fitting dungarees with skinny legs. Mid-rise. Side button closures. Patch pockets. Dungaree straps and clips. Classic dungaree style back.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabrics with stretch. For example, stretch denim, needlecord, or woven cotton with at least 2% lycra or spandex content.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4, and US letter size.
- Instructions: A detailed, photo instruction booklet is included with the download. There’re additional, supporting resources here.
- Suitable for beginners? This pattern is suitable for an advanced beginner or an intermediate sewist. Although there are some tricky details like the back straps or the side buttons, Tilly and the Buttons patterns are very thorough in their instructions. Some garment sewing experience would be helpful for handling the heavier weight stretchy fabrics required.
“Partner” Straight-Leg Overalls with Drawstring Waist
Buy now from Ready to Sew – €10.20 (approx. $10)
- Sizes: EU 32 – 46 (B-cup) and 46 – 58 (D-cup). Hip: 35” – 59.5” (89 – 151 cm).
- Design: Workwear-style overalls with straight legs. Drawstring waist. Double front patches, four patch pockets. Adjustable dungaree-style straps and clips. Chest dart for the larger sizes.
- Fabric: Bottom weight fabric. For example, denim, twill, canvas, gabardine, moleskin or linen,
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, US copyshop, A4, and US letter size.
- Instructions: An illustrated instruction booklet is included with the download. There are additional resources available here. An expansion pack is available here.
- Suitable for beginners? I think an advanced beginner could have a go at this pattern since there are no tricky fastenings involved. Some prior sewing experience would be helpful for the topstitching, the drawstring waist, and the straps.
“Ronja” Fitted High-Waisted Dungarees with Open Back
Buy now from Named Clothing – $13 (approx. $13)
- Sizes: US 0 – 14. Hip: 33” – 61” (84 – 155 cm).
- Design: Trendy, high-waisted dungarees. Straight, cropped leg with optional fringed hem. Fitted waist, side button fastenings. Angular bib with interesting cross-back straps, open back. The straps are tied through rings at the front, making them adjustable. Diagonal side pockets and patch pockets. Back darts.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight non-stretch woven fabrics like denim, cotton twill, chino, or corduroy.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4, and US letter size. An instruction booklet is included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is suitable for intermediate sewists, as it requires some fitting skills. The side button closure can also be tricky for a beginner.
“Erin” Loose Dungarees with Tie Straps
Buy now from Tilly and the Buttons – £13 – 17.50 (approx. $15 – 20)
- Sizes: UK 6 -34. Hip: 33” – 61” (84 – 155 cm).
- Design: Easy to fit, oversized dungarees. Princess seams. Tapered legs in three length options. Square, lined bib. Adjustable tie closures. Lowline waist with in-seam pockets.
- Fabric: Medium-weight low stretch woven or knit fabric. For example, chambray, linen, needlecord, viscose, ponte, or French terry.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4, and US letter size. A paper pattern is also available at an additional cost here. An illustrated instruction booklet is included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This pattern is suitable for a confident beginner who wants to try making overalls for the first time. There are no buttons or zips to attach, and the style is loose-fitting and easy to sew.
“Burnside Bibs” with Two Fit Options and Gathered Back Detail
Buy now from Sew House 7 – $14.50 – 20
- Sizes: US 00 – 20 and 18 – 36. Hip: 34” – 65” (86 – 165 cm).
- Design: Two views: Version 1 is more fitted with back darts and an invisible zipper. Version 2 is loose without a closure. Scooped neck or square bib options. Cross-back straps. Patch pockets on the front and back. Tie at the waist. Wide legs in cropped or full-length.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics. For example, Tencel, linen, wool gabardine, sandwashed silk, denim, canvas, or cotton twill.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, US copyshop, A4, and US letter size. Paper versions are available for both size ranges: US 00 – 20 and US 18 – 36.
- Illustrations: An illustrated instruction booklet is included with the download. There’s also a photo sew-along here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think Version 2 would suit a confident beginner as this version doesn’t include a tricky fastening and it’s easier to fit. Version 1 would better suit an intermediate sewist due to the invisible zipper fastening and the fitting.
“N6446” Wide-Leg Overalls with Square Neckline
Buy now from Simplicity – $3.99
- Sizes: US 6 – 18. Hip: 32.5” – 42” (83 – 107 cm).
- Design: Overalls-style jumpsuit with wide legs. Cropped or full-length. Slanted side pockets. Square neckline with wide straps. Front and back darts. Invisible zipper fastening.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabric. For example, Tencel, linen, cotton, gingham, chino, lightweight denim, or linen.
- Format: Paper pattern. A printed instruction booklet is included.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think an intermediate sewist would best suit this pattern as there are some difficult aspects involved such as fitting at the waist and inserting an invisible zipper.
Boiler suits / coveralls:
“Thelma” Relaxed Boilersuit with Concealed Button Placket and Collar
Buy now from Merchant and Mills – £10.50 – 16 (approx. $12 – 18.50)
- Sizes: UK 6 – 18 and 20 – 28. Hip: 34” – 57.5” (86 – 145.5 cm).
- Design: Utility-style boiler suit with a relaxed fit. Shirt collar with concealed button placket. Back yoke and back darts. Slant pockets on the front, patch pockets on the back. Button tabs at the waistband.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabrics. For example, twill, denim, cotton poplin, Tencel, linen, or corduroy.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4, and US letter size. A paper version is available at an additional cost in two size groups: 6 – 18 and 20 – 28.
- Instructions: An illustrated instruction booklet is included with the download. There is also an in-person workshop for making the Thelma boilersuit.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is better suited for an intermediate to advanced sewist. I think a beginner would struggle with this pattern since there are so many details involved such as sewing a concealed button placket, attaching a waistband, sleeve cuffs, and a flat collar.
“Farrah” Workwear-Style Jumpsuit with Elasticated Waist
Buy now from Sew Over It – £13.50 (approx. $15.50)
- Sizes: UK 6 – 20. Hip: 34” – 48” (86 – 122 cm).
- Design: Workwear-style jumpsuit. Button up front. Shirt-style collar. Dropped shoulder and long sleeves. Patch pockets with flaps. Elasticated waist. Tapered legs.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabric. For example, twill, denim, heavy linen, or cotton drill.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4, and US letter size. A printed A0 version is available at an additional cost. An illustrated instruction booklet is included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is suitable for intermediate sewists since this is an involved make with some more advanced skills required such as sewing a collar with a stand, a button placket, and buttonholes.
“Valley” Relaxed Jumpsuit with Button-up Bodice
Download now from Peppermint Mag – FREE
- Sizes: EU 32 – 58. Hip: 35” – 59” (89 – 151 cm).
- Design: Relaxed jumpsuit with button-up bodice. Rounded neckline. Dropped shoulders with s/4 length loose sleeves. Elasticated waist. Front patch pockets. Cropped leg. Round neckline.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabrics. For example, cotton, chambray, linen, or needlecord.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4, and US letter size. An illustrated instruction booklet is included as a separate download here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this pattern could suit an advanced beginner. The style of the jumpsuit is simple and the elasticated waist makes it easy to fit. Some sewing experience would be helpful for the button placket.
“Blanca Flight Suit” with Collar and Zipper Closure
Buy now from Closet Core Patterns – $16 – 20
- Sizes: US 0 – 20 and 14 – 32. Hip: 33” – 63” (84 – 160 cm).
- Design: Semi-fitted flight suit. Center front lapped zipper closure. Patch pockets. Tie or buckled belt. Short or long-sleeve views. Ankle tabs for a tapered leg. Shirt-style collar. Pleated back detail with blousing detail.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabric with drape or structure. For example, cotton, chambray, linen, canvas, needlecord, denim, Tencel, or cotton twill.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4, and US letter size. A paper version in sizes 0 – 20 is available at an additional cost.
- Illustrations: An illustrated instruction booklet is included with the download. There’s also a photo sew-along available here.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is suitable for intermediate sewists since there are a lot of details like sewing a lapped zipper, attaching a shirt collar, and sewing the pleated back design that require some sewing experience.
“Heath” Jumpsuit with Flared Legs and Convertible Collar
Download now from Mood – FREE
- Sizes: US 00 – 32. Hip: 34” – 63.5” (86 – 161 cm).
- Design: Fitted boilersuit with short sleeves and flared legs. Concealed button placket. Convertible collar. Patch pockets with flaps. Button tabs on the back of the waist. Back darts.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabrics like cotton twill, chambray, drill, denim, or corduroy.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4, and US letter size. Photo instructions are available on the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This jumpsuit would better suit an intermediate to advanced sewist with previous sewing experience due to the button placket, waistband, and collar; as well as the fitting that’s required.
More formal boiler suit style garments:
V-neck Jumpsuit with Tie Waist and Tapered Legs
Buy now from The Assembly Line – €19 (approx. $19)
- Sizes: XS – 3XL. Hip: 36” – 55” (91 – 139 cm).
- Design: Relaxed-fit jumpsuit with dropped crotch. V-neck. Concealed button front. Tie belt. In-seam pockets. ¾ sleeves. Tapered, cropped legs.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabrics with some drape. For example, Tencel, chambray, drill, denim, or corduroy.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4, and US letter size. A paper pattern is also available at an additional cost. An illustrated instruction booklet is included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an advanced beginner could have a go at this pattern since the fit is relaxed and the style is simple. A complete beginner might struggle with the button front so some sewing knowledge would be an advantage.
“V1719” Fitted Jumpsuit with Collar and Belt
Buy now from Something Delightful – $22.40
- Sizes: US 8 – 24. Hip: 33.5” – 48” (85 – 122 cm).
- Design: Formal, fitted boilersuit-style jumpsuit. Convertible collar. Zipper closure at the center front. Front and back yokes and darts. Fitted waist. Utility-style zippered patch pockets. Flared legs. Long or short sleeves.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven or knit fabrics with some stretch. For example, stretch cotton or twill, denim or Ponte knit.
- Format: Paper pattern. A printed instruction booklet is included.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is very involved with lots of seaming and fitting. I think this garment would better suit an intermediate to advanced sewist due to the technical sewing involved such as sewing a collar, zipper, zippered pockets, yokes, and darts.
“Lennox” Relaxed-Fit Boiler Suit with Collar
Buy now from Homer and Howells – £12 (approx. $14)
- Sizes: UK 6 – 24. Hip: 34” – 52” (87 – 132 cm).
- Design: Relaxed-fit boilersuit with wide legs. Dropped shoulders with elbow-length sleeves. Shirt collar with stand. Bust darts and waist tucks. Optional elasticated back. Ankle or cropped-length. Zip fly and button placket closures.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics. For example, linen, cotton, twill, denim, or crepe.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4, and US letter size. An instruction booklet is included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is suitable for an intermediate sewist, as the closures and the collar could be difficult for a beginner.
“Campbell” Jumpsuit with Camp Collar and Button Closure
Buy now from Seamwork – $16
- Sizes: US 00 – 26. Hip: 35” – 58” (86 – 147 cm).
- Design: Relaxed-fit jumpsuit with camp collar. Tapered legs. Tie belt. Belt loops. Center front button closure. Inseam and patch pockets.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics. For example, linen, cotton, twill, denim, or crepe.
- Format: PDF digital download in A0, A4, and US letter size. Projector files available. An illustrated instruction booklet is included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is suitable for intermediate sewists as the camp collar and the button closure would be tricky for a complete beginner.
“Forrest” Fitted Jumpsuit with Puff Sleeves
Download now from Mood – FREE
- Sizes: US 2 – 30. Hip: 34.5” – 63” (87.5 – 160 cm).
- Design: Fitted, utility-style jumpsuit. Short puff sleeves. Button front. Collar. Diagonal front yoke. Patch pockets with flaps. Topstitching detail. Waist belt and belt loops. Flared legs.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabrics. For example, heavy linen, cotton canvas, or corduroy.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 and US letter size. Photo instructions are available on the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate to advanced sewist. There are a lot of details in this jumpsuit such as sewing a collar, the puff sleeves, button placket, and seaming details that would be difficult for a beginner.
What to read next:
- 49 Stylish Sewing Patterns for Women’s Pants
- How to Sew Linen from Start to Finish
- How to Sew Denim from Start to Finish
This article was written by Sally Gauntlett, and edited by Nisan Aktürk. It was originally published on 12 September 2022 and has since been updated.
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…