Silky fabrics can seem daunting, but armed with the right pattern you’ll be thrilled with what you can create! To give you some ideas for your next project, we’ve compiled 19 of our favorite sewing patterns for different silk fabrics and sewists with any level of experience!
These projects suit woven fabrics with that signature shiny finish that we love so much – and not only those made from silk fiber – but we’ll stay away from stretch fabrics in this post, as there’s plenty to choose from as it is!
Contents list:
- How to choose a silk project
- Silk vs satin vs sateen
- Sewing project ideas list
- Simple dress patterns
- Evening dress patterns
- Top patterns
- Pajama patterns
- Pants patterns
- Skirt patterns
- Accessory patterns
Heads up: This post includes affiliate links like Amazon ones, so I earn from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you). Thanks for using them 🙂
How to choose a sewing project for silk / satin fabric:
Crepe, chiffon, charmeuse, and satin are drapey and fluid in their movement. They’re suitable for drapey garments with features like cowl necks, ruffles, and gathers. Try a loose, flowing dress or blouse with these fabrics.
Dupioni, shantung, taffeta, and jacquard are stiffer fabrics full of body. Their crisp structure lends nicely to structured garments like formal gowns, statement sleeves, and even dinner jackets.
In general, your silk project will likely not include topstitching, as this can disrupt the flow of the fabric.
And it will likely not be a garment that encounters heavy wear. Many silk fabrics are more delicate. They aren’t as strong as the denim in your favorite pair of jeans! Formal dresses, jackets, and pants made from silk often benefit from interfacing to help strengthen them.
‘Silk’ vs ‘satin’ vs ‘sateen’ fabrics explained
When searching for the right fabric, it helps to have a couple of definitions on hand so you know what you’re looking at.
Silk is a fiber. It can be woven into extremely lightweight and sheer chiffons and gauzes, all the way to heavyweight brocades and crepes.
Silky and drapey are characteristics of fabrics. Silky fabrics have a shiny, smooth and soft finish, and are often labeled “satin”. Drapey fabrics seem almost fluid in their movement, falling gracefully in a garment. They can be made out of fibers like silk, viscose, and polyester, and are woven with different techniques resulting in different-feeling fabrics.
Satin is a weave – that is, a construction technique that results in that familiar silky feeling. A fabric that is woven with this technique is called a satin, regardless of whether its fiber content is silk, polyester, or rayon.
Sateen is a special exception to this rule. Sateens are made using the same satin weave, but with fibers that are a bit fluffier (like cotton) so the fabric has a different finish.
Sewing project ideas for silk / satin fabric:
Light and medium weight drapey fabrics:
- Blouses and floaty tops
- Loose fitting pants
- Garments with gathers or ruffles
- Wide floaty maxi skirts
- Cowl necks and draped details
- Bias cut garments
Heavy weight or structured fabrics:
- Crisp dinner jackets
- Formal gowns
- Fuller skirts
- Dramatic puffed sleeves
- Bomber jackets
- Blazers
- Pleated details
Simple silk dress sewing patterns:
Cowl neck dress (Sicily slip dress)
Download now from Sewing Patterns by Masin ($13 USD)
- Sizes: Sizes “A” to “J” – bust 33” to 54” (84cm to 137cm) and waist 25” to 46” (64cm to 117cm).
- Design: Bias cut slip dress with a cowl neckline, knee length, with two strap options – thick and thin.
- Fabric needed: This dress is bias cut so fabrics with a lot of drape are best. Use a satin, a lightweight crepe, viscose, or charmeuse.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2 – 2.5 yards (1.6 to 2.2 meters) – these measurements assume a 59” wide fabric.
- Format: This is a digital pattern which is available in A4 for home printing as well as A0 for copy shops.
- Instructions included? This pattern includes instructions. There are also several helpful blog posts on the Sewing Patterns By Masin website, including this one on sewing bias-cut garments which uses this pattern as its example.
- Suitable for beginners? This pattern would best suit someone looking to level up to intermediate sewing. Although the dress is a simple design, bias cut fabrics are very shifty, so you’ll want a few projects with similar fabrics under your belt before you sew this one.
Bias cut halterneck dress (Vogue V1697)
Buy now from Vogue ($22.40 USD)
- Sizes: US Sizes 8 to 24, to fit bust measurements from 31 ½” to 46” (80 to 117 cm) and a waist from 24” to 39” (61 to 99cm).
- Design: Bias cut dress with bust dart detail, thin halter neck straps, a low back, and a flared hem. Bound armholes and neckline.
- Fabric needed: any fabric with a lot of drape, from lightweight fabrics like crepe viscose or georgette to heavier crepes, satins, or even some velvets.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2 ⅛ to 3 yards (2 to 2.7 meters) of fabric that is 60” wide.
- Format: This is a paper pattern. There are two purchase options, one with sizes 8 to 16, and another with sizes 16 to 24.
- Instructions included? Instructions are included in the pattern envelope.
- Suitable for beginners? This dress is bias cut and includes several details that may make it difficult for a beginner. It is best suited to an intermediate level sewist.
Loose sleeveless dress (Vogue V1691)
Buy now from Vogue ($35 USD)
- Sizes: S – XXL. Bust measurement 31 ½” to 48” (80 to 122cm).
- Design: Loose, flowy pullover dress with a handkerchief hem. This dress is fitted through the bust but wide in the skirt.
- Fabric needed: Drapey fabrics such as crepe back satin, linen blends, and sateen.
- Amount of fabric needed: 3 ⅝ – 4 ¼ yards / 3.4 – 3.9 meters based on 60”/152cm wide fabric.
- Format: This is a paper pattern. All sizes are included in one envelope.
- Instructions included? Instructions are included in the pattern envelope.
- Suitable for beginners? Vogue includes this pattern in the “very easy” category, so it is suitable for beginners. If you’re a novice, you may wish to choose a more stable fabric such as sateen, or a silk/cotton blend.
Bias-cut dress with shaped neckline (Sadie slip dress)
Download now from Tessuti ($15 – $25 AUD, approx. $10 – $18 USD)
- Sizes: XXS – XL. Bust measurement: 32” – 42” / 81cm – 106cm.
- Design: bias-cut dress. Midi-length. Shaped neckline with facing. Spaghetti straps. Optional back darts.
- Fabric needed: woven fabrics with drape. For example, silk satin.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2.35 – 2.56 yards / 2.15 – 2.35 meters. This is based on 1.3 – 1.7 yards of fabric (1.2 – 1.5 meters).
- Format: it’s available as a print-at-home digital sewing pattern, digital A0 copy shop pattern, and a paper pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, a PDF or paper booklet is included. There’s also a blog post that shows you how to substitute the facings and straps with a neck/armhole binding.
- Suitable for beginners? The designer recommends this for advanced beginners. The dress doesn’t have many design features, so it’s simpler to make. However, working with drapey, silky, and bias-cut fabrics is a challenge.
Silk evening dress sewing patterns:
High neck dress with gathered sleeves (McCall’s 8141)
Buy now from McCall’s ($14.67 USD)
- Sizes: US 6 to 24, to fit a bust measurement from 30 ½” to 46” (78 to 117 cm) and a waist from 23” to 39” (58 to 99 cm).
- Design: Gathered high neckline, gathered sleeve with long and short option, and fitted bodice with knee length gently flared skirt. Long keyhole opening at the back neck, and invisible zipper closure.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight fabrics with lots of drape such as crepe, satin, georgette, or charmeuse. You will also need a lining which should be of a similar weight to the main fabric.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2 ⅞ to 3 ¾ yards (2.7 to 3.5 meters) depending on view and size chosen.
- Format: This pattern is available as a paper pattern as well as a digital download.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in both versions of the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? This pattern would suit an intermediate dressmaker who had some experience with drapey fabrics.
Shift dress with back drop collar (Vogue 1544)
Buy now from Vogue ($32 USD)
- Sizes: US 6 to 22, to fit a bust measurement from 30 ½” to 44” (78 to 117 cm) and a waist from 23” to 37” (58 to 94 cm).
- Design: gently fitted shift dress with a gathered neck detail and draped back collar. Invisible zipper closure with a full lining.
- Fabric needed: This dress suits a heavier weight fabric with lots of drape such as a crepe, satin, or jacquard. The lining should be a medium to light weight fabric such as charmeuse or georgette.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2 ⅜ to 2 ¾ yards (2.2 to 2.6 meters) of 60” wide fabric.
- Format: This pattern is available as a paper pattern only.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the pattern envelope.
- Suitable for beginners? This is a great pattern for beginners, as its relaxed shape will make fitting easier, and its simple design is a perfect introduction to drapier fabrics.
Structured women’s cocktail dress (Vogue 1544)
Buy now from Vogue ($35 USD)
- Sizes: US 6 to 22, to fit a bust measurement from 30 ½” to 44” (78 to 117 cm) and a waist from 23” to 37” (58 to 94 cm).
- Design: a knee-length, lined formal dress, sleeveless, fitted, v-neck with a pleated detail, boning, an invisible zipper and a side slit.
- Fabric needed: This pattern suits heavier fabrics with a bit more body such as taffeta, brocade, or jacquard. The lining fabric should be a lighter, drapier fabric such as charmeuse or crepe.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2 to 2 ⅞ yards (1.9 to 2.7 meters) of 60” wide fabric. You will also need lining fabric for this pattern.
- Format: This is a paper pattern. There are two size options available, one from 6 to 14, and one from 14 to 22.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the pattern envelope.
- Suitable for beginners? This pattern has advanced techniques including boning and a lining, so it would be suited for an intermediate to advanced dressmaker.
Children’s formal dress (McCalls 5795)
Download now from McCall’s ($11.95 USD)
- Sizes: US Childrens’ sizes 3 to 14, to fit a chest measurement from 22” to 32” (56 to 81cm) and waist from 20 ½” to 26 ½” (51 to 67 cm).
- Design: semi-fitted bodice with optional sleeves, lining, and a gathered skirt with a back zipper.
- Fabric needed: Stiffer fabrics with more body such as taffeta, jacquard, a thicker satin or even a broadcloth will work well with this dress.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1 ¼ to 3 ⅛ yards (1.2 to 2.9 meters) depending on view and size chosen.
- Format: This pattern is out of print as a paper pattern, and only available as a digital download.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the download.
- Suitable for beginners? This is a suitable project for a confident beginner, especially if a stiffer fabric is chosen. It would be a great introduction to lining a garment and inserting a zip, but the simple gathered skirt makes it a manageable project for someone with less experience.
Silk top sewing patterns:
Feminine pussy bow blouse (Sew Over It)
Download now from Sew Over It (£11, approx. $15 USD)
- Sizes: Available in UK 6-30. Bust measurements from 31” to 57” (78 to 145 cm) and waist from 24” to 50” (61 to 127 cm).
- Design: This blouse has two neckline options – keyhole and v-neck, along with a loose fitting bodice and cuffed sleeves.
- Fabric needed: Choose a light to medium weight non-stretch but drapey fabric such as crepe, satin, or georgette. It can also be made in a fabric with a little more body like cotton lawn, or a sheer chiffon for a layering option.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2 to 2.5 yards (1.9 to 2.3 meters) of 55” wide fabric.
- Format: This pattern is available as a PDF download, a printed pattern, or you can choose a bundle copy with both options. The paper pattern is broken down into two size ranges. The PDF version includes both a print at home and A0 options.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the pattern. You can also visit the Sew-along on the Sew Over It website for helpful tips.
- Suitable for beginners? This pattern suits a confident beginner – a great first project in a silkier fabric, and a perfect way to elevate your satin skills!
Sleeveless tank top with side panels (Breezy Blouse)
Buy now from Oliver + S ($12.95 USD) as a digital or paper pattern
- Sizes: US 0 – 20, to fit a bust from 32 ½” to 46” (83 to 117cm) with multiple cup options, and a waist of 25” to 38 ½” (64 – 98cm).
- Design: wide-strapped sleeveless top with side panels, darts, a keyhole back opening, and a shaped hem.
- Fabric needed: A lightweight fabric is best for this pattern, and it can either be a crisp fabric like lawn or a plain woven viscose, or a drapey fabric like crepe, satin, or georgette.
- Amount of fabric needed: ¾ to 1 ¾ yards (0.7 to 1.6 meters) of 55” wide fabric.
- Format: it’s available as a digital and paper pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included with the purchase.
- Suitable for beginners? This easy pattern is a perfect introduction to satins, and also to fitting, as it includes several cup options to choose from.
Full pleated square-neck top (Simplicity S9452)
Buy now from Simplicity ($14.67 USD)
- Sizes: US 6-24, for finished garment bust measurements of 35” – 50 ½” (88 – 128cm).
- Design: Pull-on top with two sleeve options, and either flutter or gathered sleeves. Pleated bodice with a square neckline.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight fabrics such as crepe de chine, dotted swiss, silk satin or rayon.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1 ¾ – 2 ¼ yards (1.6 – 2m).
- Format: This is a paper pattern – you can buy it online or ask your local sewing store if they stock Simplicity patterns.
- Instructions included? Instructions are included in the pattern envelope.
- Suitable for beginners? This pattern would suit an adventurous beginner. You’ll learn about pleating and gathering, but this pattern is loose fitting so it’s okay if you’re less experienced with fit alterations.
Semi-fitted blouse with flounced neckline (Bertha Blouse)
Download now from VikiSews (£8.00, approx. $10.75 USD)
- Sizes: UK 6 – 20, to fit a bust measurement from 31” to 45 ½” (80 – 116cm). This pattern company also allows you to select a height measurement with 4 options.
- Design: Loose fitting blouse with a flounced v-neck and ruffled sleeves. Many elegant details including a pleated sleeve with a button closure, bust darts, and shoulder darts at the back.
- Fabric needed: lightweight fabrics like chiffon, georgette, viscose, crepe, or satin. This pattern is best suited to very drapey fabrics.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1 ½ to 2 ⅛ yards (1.35 – 2 meters) of 55” wide fabric.
- Format: This pattern is available as a PDF pattern with both print at home and A0 files.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in this pattern. The pattern has both an English and Russian translation.
- Suitable for beginners? The designer recommends this as an intermediate pattern, and its many design features make it an excellent opportunity to level up. If you’re a beginner to satins and silks, try the Pussy Bow Blouse below.
Silk pajamas and sleepwear:
Mix and match sleepwear set (Vogue 1834)
Buy now from Amazon
- Sizes: US sizes 8 to 24, to fit a bust measurement from 31 ½” to 46” (80 to 117cm) and a waist of 24” to 39” ( 61 to 99cm).
- Design: Pattern includes robe, belt, camisole, slip, shorts, and pants. Loose fitting robe with pockets. Both pants and shorts have an elastic waist. All views (except belt) have a lace inlay option.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight woven fabrics such as satin, charmeuse, crepe de chine, or a crisper fabric such as batiste or lawn.
- Amount of fabric needed: The shorts can be made in as little as ¾ yard (0.7 meters), ranging up to 12 yards (10.9 meters) for the entire set. Fabric requirements are listed for each view so you can mix and match.
- Format: This pattern is only available to purchase as a tissue paper pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the pattern envelope.
- Suitable for beginners? This pattern is rated “Average” and would be best suited for an intermediate sewer. A beginner could start with the pants and work up to the robe as a learning project, especially with a less shifty fabric choice.
Two-piece sleepwear set (Carolyn pajamas)
Download now from Closet Core Patterns ($16 USD)
- Sizes: Sizes 0-32. These sizes fit bust measurements from 31” to 60” (79 – 152.5cm) and waist measurements from 35” to 53” (89 – 134.5cm).
- Design: PJ pants and top with a notched collar, long and short sleeve and leg option, and piping detail.
- Fabric needed: You’ll want to use a light to medium weight woven fabric for this pattern. A challis, crepe, or satin will work well but it can also be made in crisper fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Amount of fabric needed: 3 ½ to 5 yards (3.2 to 4.6 metres) depending on the view chosen.
- Format: Sizes 0-20 are available as a print pattern, and 0-32 are available as a pdf pattern. Copyshop and print-at-home options are included, and it’s available in French as well as English.
- Instructions included? Instructions are included in the pattern, and several tutorials relevant to the pattern are linked from the purchase page, including this tutorial on sewing notched collars.
- Suitable for beginners? This is an intermediate sewing pattern, with many pattern pieces and details. However, the pattern instructions are well illustrated and clear, making for a smooth sewing experience!
Silk pants sewing patterns:
Palazzo pants with godets (McCalls M8223)
Download now from McCall’s ($13.97)
- Sizes: XS – XXL for a hip measurement of 31 ½” to 50” (80 to 127cm).
- Design: Low cut pants with a wide palazzo leg, including inserts to make these pants dramatically flowy. These pants close with an invisible zip.
- Fabric needed: This pattern suits flowy, light to medium weight woven fabrics such as crepe, satins, stable knits, challis, or cotton blends.
- Amount of fabric needed: 4 to 5 ⅜ yards (3.7 to 5 meters).
- Format: You can select a PDF download or print-at-home option.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the download or in the pattern envelope, depending on the option you choose.
- Suitable for beginners? This pattern would suit a confident beginner looking to take on an invisible zip for the first time.
Floaty pants with a coordinating top (Mercury Collection)
Download now from Marilla Walker for $10.49
- Sizes: Sizes 1-8, fitting a waist of 31 to 49” (62 to 106cm) and hips 34 to 51” (86 to 130cm).
- Design: High-waisted trousers with two leg length and width options. The waistband has two options – fully elastic, or back elastic only. This pattern includes a coordinating top.
- Fabric needed: Woven fabric such as crepe, medium-weight silk or silky fabrics including satins, or viscose.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2.5 – 2.35 meters.
- Format: This pattern includes A4 and A0 options so you can print at home or at a copy shop.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in your download.
- Suitable for beginners? The designer rates this as an intermediate pattern, but an advanced beginner could level up using Marilla Walker’s clear and illustrated pattern instructions.
Silk skirt sewing patterns:
Gently ruffled tiered maxi skirt (Mave skirt)
Download now from True Bias ($16 USD)
- Sizes: 0-18, to fit a waist measurement from 26” to 38.5” (66 to 98cm).
- Design: elastic waist tiered skirt with a drawstring, pockets, and the option to include a lining. The ruffles are optional.
- Fabric needed: light to medium weight fabrics with drape such as challis, crepe, satin, georgette, or chiffon.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1 ¾ to 2 ½ yards (1.5 to 2.3 meters). This measurement assumes your fabric is 54” or wider.
- Format: This pattern can be purchased as a paper pattern or a PDF download. If you select PDF, the pattern contains both print-at-home pages and A0 for copy shop printing.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included. There is also a multi-part sew-along on the True Bias blog.
- Suitable for beginners? The designer recommends this skirt for confident beginners. It includes gathering and an elastic waist.
Bias cut mid-calf skirt (Evie bias skirt)
Download now from Tessuti ($15 AUD, approx. $10.72 USD)
- Sizes: Australian sizes 6 to 18. Waist measurement from 27” to 39” (69cm to 99cm) and hip measurement of 36” to 48” (91cm to 121cm).
- Design: Bias cut flared skirt with the option to add a bound waist with a zipper, or an elastic waist. A variety of hem options are included for different fabric types.
- Fabric needed: This is a versatile pattern, supporting nearly any light to heavy weight drapey fabric (such as satin, crepe, or viscose) as well as wool and linen.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1 ¾ to 2 ½ yards (1.6 to 2.2 meters) of 55” wide fabric.
- Format: This pattern is available as a download (which includes both copy-shop and print at home files) as well as a limited run of paper patterns.
- Instructions included? Instructions are included in both versions of this pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? This pattern is suitable for “advanced beginners” according to the designer. The elastic-waist option would be a perfect first project for bias cut patterns, while the zip waist option is a great way to level up your sewing.
Silk accessory sewing patterns:
Unisex medium-width tie (Chelsea tie)
Download now from Style Arc ($7.20 AUD, approx. $5.17 USD)
- Sizes: Single size.
- Design: This pattern is a classic cut, medium width tie suitable for office wear.
- Fabric needed: Medium weight silk such as satin or crepe de chine will work nicely, but you can also use cotton or blends for this project.
- Amount of fabric needed: 24” / 60cm fabric, at least 36” / 90cm wide.
- Format: PDF print-at-home pattern, including A4, US letter, and single-sheet wide format print option. You can select a printed pattern as well.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. Starting your silk sewing journey with an accessory like a tie is a great option, perfect to get a taste of working with slinky fabrics.
What to read next…
This article was written by Kat Waters and edited by Sara Maker.
Kat Waters (author)
Kat has been sewing since her feet could reach the pedals, starting with quilts she made with her mom and eventually graduating to garments. She now makes everything she wears, occasionally teaches classes, and shares her projects on social media. Highlights include her wedding dress, shoemaking, and a love for almost any fabric that comes in hot pink! Read more…