We sifted through shift dress sewing patterns and rounded up 18 of the best, including 5 freebies! A shift dress is a simple, loose-fitting dress with a straight silhouette. It normally has a round or boat neckline and bust darts. You can find sleeveless and sleeved versions. Shift dresses are sometimes confused with ‘sheath dresses’ which are fitted (source).
Most of these patterns use woven fabric. If you want this look in a knit fabric, try a basic t-shirt dress instead. You can check out our list of 34 great t-shirt dress patterns.
Contents list:
- Easy shift dresses
- More advanced shift dresses
- Modern shift dress
- Sheath dress
- Vintage shift dresses (60’s and beyond)
- Free shift dress patterns
Easy shift dresses:
“Georgia” relaxed tunic top and dress with sleeve cuffs and curved hem
Buy now from Elizabeth Suzann – $18
- Sizes: 2XS – 4XL. Bust: 29” – 58” (74 – 147 cm).
- Design: Pull-on tunic top and dress with a relaxed, boxy fit. Round neckline. Sleeve cuffs. Curved, hemline dipped at the back. Bias bound neckline. 3 length variations: slightly cropped tee, above the knees, or mid-calf.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics. Choose a lighter fabric with more drape (like cotton voile, viscose, rayon, or crepe) for a more fluid garment, or a heavier material with more structure (like linen, cotton or wool blends) for a more boxy result.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Illustrated instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think a confident beginner would enjoy sewing this pattern. Some previous sewing experience might be helpful for sewing in the sleeve cuffs and bias bound neckline but for a beginner with a little sewing under their belt this would be a great first garment sewing project.
“Copen” basic shift dress with round neckline and sleeve length variations (+Video)
Buy now from Made To Sew – £3 (approx. $3.65)
- Sizes: Two size ranges:
- 0-8 – B Cup – Bust: 30 – 46” (76.5 – 116.5 cm).
- 7-15 – C Cup – Bust: 43 – 59” (109 – 149.5 cm).
- Design: Simple shift dress. Classic round neckline. Bust darts. Long, short and ¾ sleeve length options. Can be made as a top or a dress.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight non- or low-stretch fabrics like cotton, cotton blends, linen, crepe, wool blends, stable knit fabrics, viscose or rayon.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size.
- Instructions: There’s a free, detailed sew-along video for making this dress here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this would be a good pattern for an adventurous beginner to try as the style of the dress is very simple. This would be a great pattern to learn some new dressmaking skills such as sewing darts and setting in sleeves. Made to Sew offers high quality sewing tutorials on Youtube, so the sew along for this pattern would be perfect for beginners.
“Ultimate” shift Dress with keyhole opening and sleeve variations
Buy now from Sew Over It – £13.50+ (approx. $16.50+)
- Sizes: UK 6 – 30. Bust: 31” – 57” (79 – 145 cm).
- Design: Classic shift dress. Round neckline. Knee or top length. Fitted shoulders. Make sleeveless, short sleeved or with ¾ length sleeves. Optional shoulder frill. Keyhole opening. Neckline binding or all in one facing.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like cotton, cotton lawn, rayon, or crepe.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Copyshop printing at an additional cost.
- Instructions: Illustrated instructions are included. There’s also a free sew-along available here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, this pattern is designed with beginners in mind and it takes you through the basics of dressmaking. I think this would be a great pattern for a beginner sewist wanting to improve their dressmaking skills. There are no tricky fastenings to sew as the dress is finished with a hook and eye closure. Choose a stable fabric such as cotton or cotton lawn to make the sewing process easier.
“Willow” tank top style sleeveless shift dress
Buy now in standard and plus sizes from Grainline Studio – $18
- Sizes: US 0 – 32.
- US 0 – 18. Bust: 32” – 44” (81 – 112 cm).
- US 14 – 32. Bust: 40” – 58” (102 – 147 cm).
- Design: Simple, sleeveless, tank top style shift dress. Fitted at the shoulders. Relaxed fit from the waist. Bias bound finish. Pull-on style with no closures.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like cotton, cotton lawn, chambray, linen, silk, rayon, or crepe.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 / US copyshop sizes.
- Instructions: Illustrated instructions are included. A sew-along blog post is available to read here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this would be a great pattern for an adventurous beginner. The dress style is very simple, and the additional sew-along clearly describes each step. Applying the bias facings to the neck and armholes could be tricky, so take it slow and practice on a scrap piece of fabric first.
“Stevie” boxy tunic dress with dolman sleeves and tie back
Buy now from Tilly & the Buttons – £13-17.50 (approx. $16-21)
- Sizes: UK 6 – 34. Bust: 30” – 60” (76 – 152.5 cm).
- Design: Modern, boxy fit tunic dress and top. Round neckline with two back closure styles: ties or button & loop. Grown on sleeves. Turn up cuffs. Patch pocket. Two length options: a hip-length top or a knee-length dress. An expansion pack featuring ¾ sleeves and a gathered skirt can be purchased here.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like cotton, cotton lawn, chambray, linen, silk, double gauze, rayon, or crepe.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper pattern is available at an additional cost. Instructions are included. Additional pattern support can be found here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, this would be a great pattern for a beginner to sew since the style is simple, the closure methods are easy to sew, and there are no sleeves to set-in. The dress can be made from a stable fabric such as a cotton or lawn to make the sewing process easier. A more experienced sewist would find this a quick and easy sew.
“M8053” tent swing dress in two lengths
Buy now from Simplicity – $20.95
- Sizes: US 8 – 26. Bust: 31.5” – 48” (80 – 122 cm).
- Design: Pull on tent-style shift dress. Knee or midi length. Make sleeveless or short sleeved. A-line silhouette. French darts. Bias binding.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabrics with some drape, such as cotton, cotton lawn, chambray, linen, silk, gingham, rayon, or crepe.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version is also available here. Instructions are included with both versions.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this pattern would suit an adventurous beginner. There are some elements of the pattern which could prove tricky for a complete beginner such as setting in the sleeves, sewing the French darts, and inserting the bias binding, so pay attention to those steps if you’re a beginner.
More advanced shift dresses:
“The Shell” simple shift dress with grown-on sleeves and underarm diamond gusset
Buy now from The Makers Atelier – £14 (approx. $17)
- Sizes: UK 8 – 18. Bust: 32” – 42” (81 – 106 cm).
- Design: Simple shift dress with grown on sleeves. Diamond gusset under arm for shape and movement. Round neckline. Pull on style with no fastenings. Can be sewn as a top.
- Fabric: Medium weight fabrics with some structure, such as boiled wool, neoprene, cotton, denim, linen, wool blends or stable knits.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No, this pattern is better suited for intermediate sewists. Although this dress is a fairly simple style, the diamond gusset under the arm could be tricky for someone with little or no sewing experience to insert correctly.
Classic, fitted shift dress with back kick pleat
Buy now from The Avis Seamstress – €21.65 (approx. $23)
- Sizes: UK 6-22. Bust: 30.5” – 48” (78 – 122 cm).
- Design: Classic shift dress. Fitted bodice with low back. Waist seam. Fitted sleeves. Pencil skirt with panel. Kick pleat. Back waist pleats. Invisible zipper closure. Optional in-seam pockets.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such as cotton, cotton lawn, chambray, linen, silk, gingham, rayon or crepe, wool blends, or stable knits.
- Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate sewist with some previous garment sewing experience. There are some techniques involved which could be difficult to a complete beginner such as inserting an invisible zip, sewing the kick pleat and adding the in-seam pockets. Some fitting knowledge is also required, since this is a fitted style.
“N6500” classic shift dress with neckline, sleeve and pocket variations
Buy now from Simplicity- $3.99
- Sizes: US 10 – 22. Bust: 32.5” – 44” (82 – 112 cm).
- Design: Classic shift dress. Sleeveless or with ¾ sleeves with optional ruffle detail. Bust darts. Optional patch pockets. Round neck or boat neck variations. Knee length. Option to add fringe or other trimmings. Zipper closure.
- Fabric: Medium weight woven fabrics, such as tweed, denim, wool blends, or cotton types.
- Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would better suit a sewist with some previous garment sewing experience. Sewing the zipper and setting in the sleeves could be tricky for a complete beginner to insert with no prior experience. If you’re a beginner, choose a stable fabric and make a simpler version without the packets, ruffles, or the additional trims.
Modern shift dress:
“B6447” modern shift dress with curved yoke and open back
Buy now from Simplicity – $19.95
- Sizes: US 6 – 22. Bust: 30” – 44” (78 – 112 cm). Available in two size groups.
- Design: Modern shift dress. Curved yoke detail. Cut-out back. Invisible zipper and button closure at the back. Mini or midi lengths. Optional flounce. Option to colour block with the yoke and flounce.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like challis, crepe, wool types, linen, or cotton blends.
- Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate to advanced sewist due to some of the more tricky techniques involved in the pattern, such as finishing the open back, inserting the invisible zipper and sewing the curved yoke.
Sheath dress:
“S8258” fitted classic sheath dress with princess seams and pockets
Buy now from Simplicity – $13.97
- Sizes: US 10 – 28W. Bust: 32.5” – 50” (83 – 127 cm).
- Design: Fitted sheath dress with additional techniques included for getting the perfect fit. Different bust cup sizes included. Different cutting lines for petite sizing. Center front and vertical shaping seams. Flared shape. Three sleeve options: short, long, or ¾ length. In-seam pockets. Invisible zipper closure.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some structure, such as tweed, denim, cotton, linen, wool, chambray, sateen, or jacquard.
- Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would better suit a sewist with some previous sewing experience. The fitting elements involved in the construction of this dress would be quite difficult for a beginner, as would inserting the invisible zipper and setting in the sleeves. This is a great pattern for an intermediate level sewist looking to improve their fitting and sewing skills.
Vintage shift dresses (60’s and beyond):
“Gambit” 60s style shift dress with checkerboard design
Buy now from The Foldline – £18.50 (approx. $22.50)
- Sizes: UK 8 – 26. Bust: 36” – 49.5” (92 – 126 cm).
- Design: 1960s and Queen’s Gambit inspired shift dress. Striking checkerboard design on the front, perfect for color blocking. Pull-on style with no closure. Make sleeveless or short sleeved. Bust darts. Above-the-knee length.
- Fabric: Medium weight woven or knit fabrics, such as double knit, ponte de roma, stretch cotton, cotton, linen, scuba, fine wool, drill, twill, or denim.
- Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet.
- Suitable for beginners? No. Although the shape of the dress is simple with no tricky closures, the checkerboard design on the front requires really accurate sewing to get the corners aligned and good looking. An advanced beginner to intermediate sewist with a good understanding of accurate seaming would better suit this pattern.
“Moscow” 60s style shift dress with two-toned hourglass design
Buy now from The Foldline – £18.50 (approx. $22.50)
- Sizes: UK 8 – 26. Bust: 35” – 56” (89 – 131 cm).
- Design: 1960s and Queen’s Gambit inspired shift dress. Hourglass shaped panel on the front, perfect for color blocking. Boat neckline. Bust and back darts. Pull-on style with no closures. Make sleeveless or with short sleeves. Above-the-knee length.
- Fabric: Medium weight woven or knit fabrics, such as double knit, ponte de roma, cotton, linen, scuba, fine wool, drill, twill, and denim.
- Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet.
- Suitable for beginners? No. Although the shape of the dress is very simple with no fastenings, the curved two-toned design could be difficult for a beginner to sew. This would be a fun project for someone with some garment sewing experience already under their belt.
Free shift dress patterns:
DIY simple shift dress with oversized fit
Download now from Fair and Simple – FREE
- Sizes: US 0 – 16. Hip: 35” – 43” (89 – 109 cm).
- Design: Simple, relaxed shift dress. Grown-on sleeves. Sleeve cuff facings. Bias bound neckline. Knee length. Optional tie belt.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such as linen, washed cotton, chambray, rayon, crepe, or challis.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes.
- Instructions: Instructions are included within the blog post here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this would be a great pattern for a beginner to sew. The dress has a very simple shape with minimal pattern pieces. Use a stable fabric to make the sewing process easier.
Sewing Bee shift dress with wide neckline and fitted silhouette
Download now from Sew Mag – FREE
- Sizes: UK 8-18. Bust: 31.5” – 40” (80 – 101.5 cm).
- Design: Classic, fitted shift dress. Sleeveless. Bust and waist darts. Wide, round neckline. Princess seams. Neck and armhole facings. Zip closure. Knee length.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabrics with some structure, such as cotton, chambray, linen, twill, light wools, jacquards, or tweed.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes.
- Instructions: Instructions are included within the digital download, but there are minimal illustrations.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate to advanced sewist. There are a lot of techniques involved in this pattern which would be difficult for a beginner, both in fitting and sewing. The instructions come with minimal photos, and prior sewing knowledge is assumed.
“Mona” trapeze floaty shift dress with round neckline
Download now from Fabrics-Store – FREE
- Sizes: US 4-22. Finished bust: 33.5” – 43.5” (85 – 110.5 cm).
- Design: Simple shift dress with relaxed fit. Trapeze shape. Mini length. Button loop opening. Faux patch pockets. Round neckline. Bias bound neckline and armholes.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabrics with some drape, such as linen, cotton lawn, chambray, rayon, crepe, or challis.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes.
- Instructions: Instructions are included in a separate blog post here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this pattern would suit an advanced or adventurous beginner. The dress is very simple with no tricky fastenings involved. The bias binding finish is probably the most difficult step, but the instructions in the blog post are clear with lots of photos included.
“Nadia” classic shift dress with V-notch neckline and side splits
Download now from Sew Mag – FREE
- Sizes: UK 8-20. Bust: 30.5” – 42.5” (78 – 108 cm).
- Design: Simple shift dress. Long sleeves. Scoop neckline with V-shaped notch. Straight cut with side splits. Neckline facing.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabrics with some structure, such as cotton, cotton lawn, chambray, linen, tweed, and wool types.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes.
- Instructions: Written instructions are included within the blog post but there are no illustrations.
- Suitable for beginners? No. Although the style and shape of the dress is fairly simple, given the vague nature of the instructions I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate sewist. The instructions assume some prior garment sewing knowledge and experience.
“Twiggy” classic short sleeved shift dress
Download now from Sew Mag – FREE
- Sizes: UK 8-20. Bust: 30.5” – 42.5” (78 – 108 cm).
- Design: Classic shift dress. Short sleeves. Round neckline. Patch pockets. Bust darts. Zip closure.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabrics like cotton, cotton lawn, chambray, linen, gingham, or viscose.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes.
- Instructions: Written instructions are included within the blog post but there are no illustrations.
- Suitable for beginners? Although the blog post suggests the pattern is beginner friendly, I think this pattern would better suit a sewist with some previous garment sewing experience due to the fact that the instructions are quite vague with no illustrations included.
What to read next?
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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…