Want to make a cosy sweater or jumper dress for colder days? Here are the best sewing patterns I’ve found in this category. I’ve covered multiple styles, from classic sweatshirts to fitted turtleneck designs. And I’ve included paper and digital patterns if you prefer one over the other.
I’ve described the following about each pattern to help you quickly decide if it’s for you or not: Fabric requirements, so you know if you have enough fabric in your stash to make it. Size range, including bust measurements. Fabric recommendations if you’re confused about what to use. And advice on whether it’s a beginner-friendly pattern.
For more dress pattern recommendations, check out our roundups on maxi dresses, wrap dresses, summer dresses, slip dresses, t-shirt dresses, and the best types of fabric to make dresses with.
Contents list:
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Free patterns:
Here are the 3 free printable patterns I found for sweater dresses.
Loose V-neck dress
Download now from Gathered.how – FREE
- Sizes: UK 6-20 (US 4-18/EUR 34-48). Finished bust measurements: 37.5” (95cm) – 50.5” (128cm)
- Design: Simple, straight, tunic style dress. Loose fit. Knee-length. Three-quarter raglan sleeves. Sleeve and hem bands. V-neck opening. Patch pockets.
- Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight knit fabric. Sweatshirt fabric, Ponte roma, or French terry would work well.
- Amount of fabric needed: Main Fabric: 3.5 yards (3.2 metres) x 45” (115cm) wide. Ribbing fabric (optional) 1m x 115cm (11⁄8yd x 45in) for the cuffs, neckband, and hem. If you’re using ribbing, you’ll need slightly less of the main fabric.
- Format: PDF print at home pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, printable PDF instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this would be a great pattern for beginners due to the simple shape of the dress. Stable knits are required for this pattern which are relatively easy to sew. This would be a great pattern for a beginner wanting to try out a knit project for the first time.
Statement sleeve sweatshirt dress
Download now from Mood Fabrics – FREE
- Sizes: US 00 (Bust 31” / 79cm) – 32 (Bust 59.5” / 151cm).
- Design: Sweatshirt style dress with a neck band, hem band, and wrist cuffs. The sleeves are sewn in three different parts to add interest.
- Fabric needed: Fleece knits. Activewear knits. Sweatshirt fabric. Rib knits. At least 25% stretch is needed.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2 yards (1.8 meters) main fabric plus approx. 1 yard (0.75 meters) ribbing (if you’re not using the main fabric).
- Format: PDF print at home pattern. Free with email subscription.
- Instructions included? Yes, PDF instructions are included in this blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? I think this would suit an adventurous beginner wanting to advance their skills by working with knit fabrics. Using a stable knit such as a Ponte or sweatshirt knit will make the process easier.
Long sweater dress with button detail
Download now from Mood Fabrics – FREE
- Sizes: US 2 (Bust 32.5” / 82.5cm) – 30 (Bust 58.5” / 148.5 cm)
- Design: Fitted button-down knit dress. High turtle neck. Three-quarter length sleeves. Can be made into a midi or mini length.
- Fabric needed: Pique knits. Ponte knits. Velour knits.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2.5 yards (2.3 meters) – 3.5 yards (3.3 meters) x 54” wide fabric (137cm), depending on the size you’re making.
- Format: PDF print at home pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, PDF instructions are included in this blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? I think the style of this dress would suit an adventurous beginner. However, the fabrics suggested do have a high amount of stretch which can make them difficult to work with. The simple style of this dress would make it a good one to practice working with knits.
Dresses for structured sweater knit fabrics:
Turtleneck or cowl neck jumper dress (New Look 6683)
Buy now from Simplicity – $3.99
- Sizes: US 4 (Bust 29.5” / 75cm) – 16 (Bust 38” / 96.5cm)
- Design: Fitted knit dress. High turtleneck or cowl neck options. Patch pockets. Sleeve cuffs. Knee length.
- Fabric needed: Sweater knit. Bamboo or Modal jersey. Fleece knit. Ponte.
- Amount of fabric needed: Version A: 2 ¾ – 3 yards (2.5 – 2.75 metres) x 45” (115cm) wide fabric. 1 7/8 – 2 yards (1.6 – 1.8 metres) x 60” (152 cm) wide fabric. Version B: 3 1/8 – 3 ¼ yards (2.9 – 3 metres) x 45” (115cm) wide fabric. 2 1/8 – 2 1/8 yards (1.9 metres) x 60” (152cm) wide fabric.
- Format: Paper pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, included within the paper pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? The sewing rating is given as ‘average’. Due to the simple style of this dress, I think it would suit a beginner or someone wanting to advance their skills by working with knits. The stretchier your fabric, the more challenging your project will be.
Long sleeve maxi dress (“Iceberg”)
Buy now from Alice and Co. – £12.00 (approx. $15)
- Sizes: UK 6 (Bust 30” / 76cm) – 22 (Bust 49” / 124cm).
- Design: Fitted knit dress. Round neck. Long sleeves. Drafted to maxi length but could be shortened as desired.
- Fabric needed: A stretch knit fabric, such as Ponte roma, wool, cotton, or viscose jersey. Medium to heavy weight will work best and hold the shape of the dress.
- Amount of fabric needed: All sizes: 2 3/4 yards (2.5m) x 55” (140cm) wide fabric.
Sizes 6-16: 1 ¾ yards (1.6m) x 59″ (150cm) wide fabric. Sizes 16-22: 2 ¾ yards (2.5m) x 59″ (150cm) wide fabric. - Format: PDF download.
- Instructions included? Yes, included within the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, this would be a great one for beginners. The shape is very simple and it can be sewn from a stable knit jersey fabric.
Hooded or cowl neck sweater dress (“Jasper”)
Buy now from Paprika Patterns via Etsy – approx $17
- Sizes: 1 (Bust 31.5” / 80cm) – 22 (Bust 63” / 160cm).
- Design: View A: Asymmetrical hood. Optional buttons. Panel detail. Cuff and hem bands. View B: Cowl neck.
- Fabric needed: Sweatshirt fleece, jogging fabric, french terry. Cotton jersey for the pocket lining.
- Amount of fabric needed: Version A: 2.6 – 3 yards (2.1 – 2.7 meters). Version B: 2.3 – 3 yards (2.1 – 2.7 meters).
- Format: Print at home PDF download.
- Instructions included? Yes, included within the PDF download. There are additional relevant tutorials included on the website.
- Suitable for beginners? The skill level is marked at 3/5. I would suggest an intermediate skill level since elements such as the hood, panels, and cowl neck could be tricky for a beginner.
High-neck sweater dress (“Southbank”)
Buy now in size 6-20 or 16-28 from Nina Lee Patterns – £14.95 ($19.60)
- Sizes: UK 6 (Bust 32” / 81cm) – 20 (Bust 46” / 116cm) and UK 16 (Bust 42″ / 106cm) – 28 (Bust 54″ / 136cm).
- Design: High neck sweater dress with hem band and sleeve cuffs. Long, drop-shoulder sleeves. Slightly oversized fit. 3 lengths. Optional in-seam pockets.
- Fabric needed: Medium-weight knits with up to 20% stretch, such as Ponte roma, boiled wool, and sweatshirt fabric.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2.5 – 3 yards (2.2 – 2.8 meters) x 45″ (115cm) wide fabric.
- Format: Printed pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, included within the printed pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This pattern is a simple style with minimal stretching needed at the hem and neckband. It can be made from a stable knit fabric too which makes construction easier.
Fitted turtleneck dress with front & back yoke (McCalls 7430)
Buy now from Somethingdelightful.com – $19.95
- Sizes: 6 (Bust 30.5” / 70cm) – 22 (Bust 42” / 107cm).
- Design: High neck fitted sweater dress with yoke and paneling detail. Options for round or turtleneck collar. Sleeveless, 3/4, or full-length sleeves.
- Fabric needed: Medium weight moderate stretch knits: sweater knits, ponte knits, interlock, cotton knit.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1.8 yards (1.6 meters) of each fabric x 60” (152cm) wide fabric.
- Format: PDF digital download.
- Instructions included? Yes, included within the digital download.
- Suitable for beginners? The sewing level is described as easy, however, I think there are some elements to this pattern that could prove tricky to the complete beginner. For example, the yokes and paneling detail.
Unique drawstring detail sweater dress (McCalls 7688)
Buy now from Somethingdelightful.com – $18.95
- Sizes: XS (Bust 29.5” / 75cm) – XXL (Bust 48” / 122cm). This is split into 2 buying options: XS – M and L – XXL.
- Design: Sweater knit dress with options for drawstring front detail and wrist cuffs, or frill sleeves and a hem band. Mid-thigh length.
- Fabric needed: Moderate knits with 35% stretch such as sweatshirt fleece, french terry, cotton knit, velour.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1 ¾ – 2.5 yards (1.6 – 2.3 meters) x 60” (152cm) wide fabric, depending on which version you make.
- Format: PDF digital download.
- Instructions included? Yes, included within the digital download.
- Suitable for beginners? The sewing level is described as easy. I think version D would suit a beginner-level sewist. Version E is slightly more difficult because of the drawstring detail.
Fit-and-flare knit dress (“Clementine”)
Buy now from Forget Me Not Patterns – $13
- Sizes: EU 28 (Bust 28.5” / 73cm) – 48 (Bust 48.5” / 123cm).
- Design: Fit and flare dress. Above the knee length. Princess seams. In-seam pockets. Optional scoop or cowl neckline.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics with at least 10% horizontal stretch. Cotton jersey, viscose jersey, merino jersey, light to medium-weight double knits, and sweater knits. For the cowl variation, fabrics with a soft drape are ideal.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2.5 – 2.6 yards (2.3 – 2.4 meters) x 55” (140cm) wide fabric, depending on the size you make.
- Format: PDF digital download.
- Instructions included? Yes, an instruction booklet is included within the digital download.
- Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern would suit an adventurous beginner. Using a more stable knit fabric would help make the project more beginner-friendly.
Crew neck sweater dress with curved seams (“Lola”)
Buy now from Victory Patterns – $16
- Sizes: UK 0 (Bust 32” / 81.3cm) – 16 (Bust 44.5” / 113cm) and UK 14 (Bust 42″ / 106.7cm) – 30 (Bust 58″ / 147.3cm).
- Design: Crew neck sweatshirt style dress. Raglan seams. Wrap around pockets. Hem and sleeve cuffs. Curved seams give some shaping to the dress.
- Fabric needed: Medium weight knit fabrics with at least 20% stretch. French terry, fleece knit, or sweatshirt fabric are ideal.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1 ¾ – 2 ¼ yards (1.6 – 2 metres) x 60” (152cm) wide fabric. Or 2 ¼ – 2 ½ yards (2 – 2.2 metres) x 45” (114cm) wide fabric. Plus 3/8 – 3/4 yard (0.4 – 0.6 meter) of ribbing.
- Format: PDF digital download.
- Instructions included? Yes, an instruction booklet is included within the digital download.
- Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern would suit an adventurous beginner. There are some curved lines that could prove a little tricky to the complete beginner. Use a stable knit fabric if you’re feeling nervous.
Color-blocked fitted dress (“Heather”)
Buy now from Sew Over It – From £11 (approx. $14)
- Sizes: UK 6 (Bust 31” / 78cm) – 20 (Bust 45” / 114cm).
- Design: Fitted. Panelled bodice (great color-blocking opportunity). Inseam pockets. Round neck. Long, 3/4, or short sleeve options.
- Fabric needed: Medium weight knit fabrics with low stretch percentage. Ponte, double knit, or interlock would work well.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2.2 – 3.2 yards (2 – 2.9 metres) x 45” (115cm) wide fabric. Or 2 – 2.2 yards (1.9 – 2 metres) x 55” (140cm) wide fabric. If you want to color-block, you’ll need more fabric.
- Format: Options for PDF and printed patterns are available.
- Instructions included? Yes, an instruction booklet is included within the printed pattern or digital download.
- Suitable for beginners? The skill level given is “confident beginner” and I think this is a good description. The instructions in Sew Over It patterns are normally very clear and a stable knit fabric is required.
Traditional sweatshirt dress with crew neck or hood (Simplicity S8947)
Buy now from Simplicity – $13.97
- Sizes: XXS (Bust 29.5” / 75cm) – XXL (Bust 48” /122cm).
- Design: Traditional sweatshirt dress with neck, hem, and sleeve bands. Crew neck or a hood. Drop shoulder sleeves. Loose fit. Optional kangaroo pocket.
- Fabric needed: Medium weight knit fabrics. Fleece, double knit, sweat shirting or French Terry.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1 5/8 – 2 3/8 yards (1.5 – 2.2 meters) x 60” (1.5 meters) wide fabric, depending on which version you make. You’ll need extra fabric for the optional hood.
- Format: Printed pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, an instruction booklet is included within the printed pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? The skill level given is “average”. I think both styles would suit a beginner as the construction of this sweater is fairly simple.
Fitted maxi dress with turtleneck (“Nikko”)
Buy now in US sizes 0 – 18 or 14-30 from True Bias – $16 to $20
- Sizes: US 0 (Bust 32” / 81.5cm) – 18 (Bust 44.5” / 113cm) and US 14 (Bust 41.5″ / 105cm) – 30 (Bust 57.5″ / 146cm) with a D-cup.
- Design: Fitted bodycon style knit dress. High turtleneck. Side splits. Sleeveless or long sleeve options.
- Fabric needed: Medium weight knit fabric with approximately 75% stretch. For example, rib knit, sweater knit, bamboo knit, or stretch velvet.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2 – 4 yards (1.9 – 3.7 meters) x 45″ wide (114cm) fabric.
- Format: Printed pattern or PDF download.
- Instructions included? Yes, an instruction booklet is included within the printed pattern and PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? The skill level is labelled “advanced beginner”. I think the “advanced” is more to do with the type of stretchy fabric you would need to work with. The design itself looks simple, so if you’re feeling confident, go for it!
Dresses for drapey sweater knit fabrics:
Cowl neck dress
Buy now from Sew Over It – From £11 (approx. $14.38)
- Sizes: UK 6 (Bust 31” / 78cm) – 20 (Bust 45” / 114cm).
- Design: Shift-style knit dress with an interesting cowl neckline. Short or long sleeve options. Knee-length.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight knit fabric such as Ponte Roma or double knit. It should have some drape because of the drapey cowl neck design.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2 – 3.3 yards (1.9 – 3 metres) x 45” wide (115cm) fabric. Or 2 yards (1.9 metres) x 55” wide (140cm) fabric.
- Format: PDF download.
- Instructions included? Yes, an instruction booklet is included with the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This dress is described as the perfect introduction to sewing with jersey since there are only three pattern pieces, and a stable knit can be used.
Puff sleeve sweater dress (McCalls 7993)
Buy now from Something Delightful – $19.95
- Sizes: XS (Bust 29.5” / 75cm) – XXL (48” / 122cm).
- Design: Fitted knit dress. Short and full length sleeves. Volumous puff sleeves creating using pleats at the shoulder or cuff. Wide cuffs and (optional) hem band. High neck or boat neck. Above the knee length.
- Fabric needed: Sweater knits with 35% stretch such as interlock, velvet knits, and rib knit.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1 5/8 – 2 3/8 yards (1.5 – 2 meters) x 60” wide fabric (1.5 meters).
- Format: PDF download.
- Instructions included? Yes, an instruction booklet is included with the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this dress would be suitable for a beginner. There are not many pattern pieces, and the design is very straightforward.
Deep v-neck knit dress (“Iliana”)
Buy now from Viki Sews via Etsy – approx. $10.50
- Sizes: EU 34 (bust 31.5” / 80cm) – 52 (bust 45.5” / 116cm). This is broken up into 3 products: sizes 34 – 38, 40 – 44, 46 – 52.
- Design: Midi length. Close-fitting. Raglan sleeves. Deep and wide V-neckline.
- Fabric needed: Sweater knits, ponte di roma, knits, double knits, rib knits.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1 7/8 – 2 1/4 yards (1.7 – 2.1 metres) x 55” wide fabric (140cm).
- Format: PDF download.
- Instructions included? Yes, an instruction booklet is included with the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this dress would be suitable for a confident beginner. There aren’t too many pattern pieces involved. The V-neckline might be tricky to finish though. Choose a stable knit like a ponte roma or double knit to make the sewing process easier.
Drapey hooded dress with drawstring waist (Simplicity S8790)
Buy now from Simplicity – S13.97
- Sizes: XS (Bust 30.5” / 78cm) – XL (Bust 44” / 112cm).
- Design: Knit tunic style dress. Optional drawstring waist. 2 pocket designs. Hood. Long sleeves.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight knit fabrics such as french terry, jersey, stretch velvet, lightweight sweater knits.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1 3/4 – 2 5/8 yards (1.6 – 2.4 meters) x 60” wide fabric (152cm).
- Format: Printed pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, an instruction booklet is included with the printed pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? The skill level given is “average”. An adventurous beginner should be fine. You may want to skip the drawstring waist to make things simpler.
Fitted midi dress with wrap skirt (Simplicity S9175)
Buy now from Minerva
- Sizes: US 6 (Bust 31” / 79cm) – 22 (Bust 44.5” / 113cm). This is split into 2 products: sizes 6 – 14 and 14 – 22.
- Design: Fitted. Midi length. Pareo wrap skirt with ties (optional). Back darts. Long or split sleeves. Round neck or high neck variations.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight knit fabrics such as cotton or bamboo jersey, interlock, modal, sweater knits.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1 1/2 – 3 1/8 yards (1.4 – 2.9 meters) x 60” wide fabric (1.5 meters).
- Format: Printed pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, an instruction booklet is included with the printed pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? The skill level given is “average”. I think this would be a great dress for a confident beginner to try. The design is quite simple.
What to read next:
- Maxi dress patterns
- Wrap dress patterns
- Summer dress patterns
- T-shirt dress patterns
- Slip dress patterns
- Best types of fabric for dresses
This article was written by Sally Gauntlett and edited by Sara Maker. It was published on 7 April 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…