Here are t-shirt dress sewing patterns I’ve found for women and girls. I’ve included printed and digital PDF patterns. I’ve also described each pattern to help you quickly choose the right one for you. This includes information about sizing, design features, fabric requirements, and whether they’re beginner-friendly patterns or not.
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- Free patterns for women
- Free patterns for kids
- Paid sewing patterns for women
- Paid sewing patterns for kids
FREE t-shirt dress patterns for women:
T-shirt dress with many neckline, sleeve, & hem options (“laundry day tee”)
Download Now from Love Notions – $5 or FREE if you join their Facebook group
- Sizes: XS – 5XL. Bust 33 – 57.5” / 84 – 146 cm.
- Design: Simple t-shirt dress. 3 neckline options: scoop, cowl, and V neck. 5 sleeve length options: tank, short, elbow, 3/4, and long. 3 hem options, including high-low hem.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight jersey knit fabrics. A drapey jersey would work well. For example, modal, bamboo, Tencel, ITY, or viscose/rayon jersey. Must have at least 40% 4-way stretch.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2 – 3 3/4 yards (1.8 – 3.4 meters) x 60″ wide fabric (152cm).
- Format: PDF digital download for US letter, A4, and A0 copy shop sizes. Plus a projector file.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included within the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The skill level is described as beginner, and I think this would be a great one for someone wanting to further their skills with knit fabrics. Start with a simple scoop neckline and short sleeves if you’re feeling nervous.
Loose-fitting t-shirt dress with pockets (“Jade”)
Download Now from SEW Magazine – FREE
- Sizes: UK 8 – 24. Bust: 78 – 118cm / 31″ – 46.5″.
- Design: Basic t-shirt dress. High round neckline finished with a neckband. Loose fit. Below the knee length. Half sleeves. Inseam pockets.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with 5% stretch. For example, cotton jersey or french terry for a more structured dress, or viscose/rayon jersey for a drapey dress.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2.2 yards (2m) x 57” wide fabric (145cm).
- Format: PDF digital download in print-at-home size or A0 size.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included on the website.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, the design and fit are straightforward. However, the instructions have no pictures or illustrations. If you’ve never made a garment before, you may struggle to follow them. A more experienced sewist could whip this up in a few hours.
Long-sleeved slouchy dress with pockets
Download now from Peppermint Mag – FREE
- Sizes: 8 – 16. Bust measurement: 32” – 40” / 81cm – 101 cm.
- Design: Slouchy jersey dress. Sweatshirt-inspired design. Long sleeves. Crew neck. Neck, hem, and sleeve bands. In-seam pockets on both sides.
- Fabric needed: Mid-weight, stable jersey with 20% stretch. For example, french terry, sweatshirt fabric, Ponte roma, double knit. Ribbing can be used for the bands if preferred.
- Amount of fabric needed: 3 ¼ yards (3 meters) x 45” wide fabric (115cm). Or 2.5 yards (2.3 meters) x 60” wide fabric (140cm).
- Format: The pattern is available as a PDF print at home file. A0 copy shop files are included.
- Instructions included? Yes, as a printable PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, because a stable jersey can be used and the design lines are quite straightforward.
Summer t-shirt maxi dress
Download Now from So So Easy – FREE
- Sizes: Finished garment measurements: Bust 36 – 45” / 91.5 – 114 cm. Choose your size based on the finished garment measurements.
- Design: Oversized t-shirt dress. V-neck. Grown-on sleeves. Side splits. Center front and back seam. Maxi length.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight jersey knit fabrics. A drapey jersey would work well. For example, bamboo, Tencel, or viscose jersey. It should have 4-way stretch (meaning it stretches in all directions) or at least 40% stretch.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2-3 yards / 1.8 – 2.8metres
- Format: PDF digital download to print at home.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included within the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. There are only 2 pattern pieces and the seam lines are very straightforward. Use a more stable jersey knit if you want to make the process easier.
The Everyday Elasticated Waist Dress (1 size only)
Download Now from Its Always Autumn – FREE
- Sizes: Large. Bust measurement 38” / 96.5 cm.
- Design: Round neckline. Grown on short sleeves. Elasticated waist. A-line skirt. Inseam pockets. Knee-length.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight jersey knit fabrics. For example, cotton jersey, viscose jersey, light french terry, light sweater knit.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2 – 2.5 yards x 60” wide fabric. 1.8 – 2.3 meters x 150cm wide fabric.
- Format: PDF digital download to print at home.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included within the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a good pattern for beginners wanting to further their skills with knit fabrics. The design of the dress is simple and the instructions in the blog post are clear.
Simple T-shirt dress (1 size only)
Download Now from Mary Martha Mama – FREE
- Sizes: large. Body measurements are not given.
- Design: Straight t-shirt jersey dress. Short sleeves. Round neckline. Above the knee length.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight jersey knit fabrics. For example, cotton jersey, viscose jersey, light french terry, light sweater knit.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1.5 – 2 yards x 60” wide fabric. 1.3 – 1.8 meters x 150cm wide fabric.
- Format: PDF digital download to print at home.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included within the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. Use a stable-weight jersey without stripes if you want to make the process easier.
FREE t-shirt dress patterns for kids:
Girls t-shirt dress with lots of add-ons
Download now from Sweet Red Poppy – FREE
- Sizes: 18 sizes for preemie babies to 12-year-old girls.
- Design: 2 bodice styles. 5 sleeve styles. 3 skirt options. Optional collar.
- Fabric requirements: light to medium weight knit fabric with 4 way stretch and at least 50% stretch. For example, cotton spandex, rayon spandex, french terry, etc.
- File format: print-at-home PDF, A0 copy shop size, and a projector file.
- Instructions included? the pattern includes printable sewing instructions with photos.
- Is this project for beginners? I think the basic dress with a circle skirt will be easiest for beginners. The gathered skirt, collar, and flutter sleeve options are a bit more work.
Girls t-shirt dress with gathered or circle skirt
Download Now from Life Sew Savory. Read the sewing instructions – FREE
- Sizes: Ages 2 – 16 years. Chest 19.5 – 33” / 49.5 – 84 cm.
- Design: Fitted t-shirt style bodice. Round neck finished with a neckband. 2 skirt options: gathered or circle skirt.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight jersey knit fabrics. For example, cotton jersey, viscose jersey, light french terry, light sweater knit.
- Amount of fabric needed: The exact amount of fabric is not given but I’m guessing half a yard/meter could be used to make the smaller sizes.
- Format: PDF digital download to print at home.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in this blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The instructions given in the blog post are clear and children’s patterns are a good way to practice sewing with knits. Tip: the circle skirt may be easier to sew than the gathered skirt. There are fewer steps involved.
Girls loose-fitting t-shirt dress
Download Now from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mum. Read the sewing instructions – FREE
- Sizes: Ages 3 – 12 years.
- Design: Round neck. Loose fit. Slight A-line shape. Short and long sleeve options. Above the knee length.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight jersey knit fabrics. For example, viscose or cotton jersey. A drapey jersey would work well. (Optional) ribbed binding for the neckband.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1 yard (0.8m) – 1 5/8 yards (1.5m) assuming a fabric width of 58″ (147cm).
- Format: PDF digital download to print at home.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included within the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This is a simple style with minimal pattern pieces. The blog post instructions are also clear with lots of tips.
T-shirt dress patterns for women:
These are PDF and printed patterns that sell for $4 – $20.
T-shirt dress with slash neck & back ties (“Romy”)
Buy Now from Tilly and the Buttons – £11.50 (approx. $15)
- Sizes: UK 6 – 20 / US 2 – 16. Bust measurements: 30″ – 44” / 76 – 112 cm.
- Design: Loose-fitting t-shirt dress. Above knee length. High slash envelope neckline. Optional tie-back detail. 3 sleeve length options: cap, 3/4, full length. Make as a t-shirt or t-shirt dress.
- Fabric needed: Medium weight, low stretch fabric. For example, jersey, interlock, double knit, or Ponte. The designer recommends avoiding drapey and lightweight fabrics. This is a slightly structured dress. Bulky fabrics should also be avoided if you’re making the tie-back.
- Amount of fabric needed: 2 1/4 yards (2m) x 60″ wide fabric (150cm). Or 3 3/4 yards (3.3m) x 40″ wide fabric (115cm).
- Format: PDF digital download in US letter, A4, and A0 copy shop sizes.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included within the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? The skill level is described as “improvers”. I think this is a good description as the t-shirt is a simple style with some added details to advance your skills (neckline, ties, and optional binding).
Flared swing dress (“Ebony”)
Buy Now from Closet Core – $16
- Sizes: US 0 – 20. Bust measurement: 31″ – 81” / 79 – 117 cm.
- Design: Swingy knit t-shirt and dress. Scoop or jewel neckline. Long or ¾ sleeves. Flared hem. Above-the-knee length dress.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight knits with at least 30% stretch. For example, rayon, cotton, silk, merino & linen jerseys. It’s ideal for drapey fabrics, but can also be made into a “sculptural” dress using structured fabrics like Ponte and scuba knits.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1.25 – 2.5 yards / 1.2 – 2.3 metres x 58” wide fabric (150cm).
- Format: PDF pattern in US letter, A4, and A0 copy shop sizes. There’s also a printed pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included within the PDF download and the printed pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, the skill level is described as beginner. I think this pattern would be good for a beginner wanting to advance their skills with drapey knit fabrics.
Gathered skirt t-shirt dress (“Esma”)
Buy Now from Sew Over It – £13 (approx. $17)
- Sizes: 6 – 20. Bust measurement 31 – 45” / 79 – 114 cm.
- Design: Knit dress with gathered skirt and wide waistband. High round neckline finished with a neckband. Short sleeves. Side pockets. Three hem lengths.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight drapey knits. For example, viscose or bamboo jersey. French terry and light cotton jersey could also be used.
- Amount of fabric needed: 3 – 3.5 yards / 2.8 – 3.2 metres x 45” wide fabric (115cm). Or 2.6 – 2.7 yards / 2.4 – 2.5 metres x 54” wide fabric (140cm).
- Format: PDF pattern in print-at-home and A0 copy shop sizes.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included within the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, the pattern level is described as “confident beginner”. The style of the dress is quite basic, but the gathered skirt may be a bit fiddly.
Round or V-neck t-shirt dress with many options
Buy Now from Rebecca Page – $14.50
- Sizes: 1 – 10. Bust measurement: 31 – 54” / 79 – 137 cm.
- Design: Basic t-shirt dress with lots of options. Flared or straight fit options. 6 length options from cropped to maxi. Side splits on the longer lengths. Round or v-necklines. 3 sleeve length options.: short, 3/4, long.
- Fabric needed: Stretchy knit fabric. You can use any weight but the designer recommends “light or medium weight fabric such as jersey, silk satin with elastine, silk jersey with elastine, double brushed poly, rayon spandex, bamboo spandex, modal, cotton lycra, ponte, poly rayon spandex etc. Your fabric will need to have at least 20 – 30 % stretch to get the fit as it’s designed. Using fabric with a minimum of 40% stretch will allow the pattern to be used for maternity wear. The stretch recovery of the fabric is just as important as the stretch percentage. This will ensure your tee maintains its shape and fit for as long as possible and not become baggy. A fabric with 4-way stretch will give your tee more drape than a fabric with 2-way stretch.”
- Amount of fabric needed: 1.25 – 4.25 yards / 1.1 – 3.9 metres x 150 cm wide fabric (60”).
- Format: PDF pattern in print-at-home and A0 copy shop sizes.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included within the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, the pattern level is described as beginner-friendly. I agree because the style is simple and a reasonably stable fabric can be used.
T-shirt dress with tiered gathered skirt (“Cheyenne”)
Buy Now from Peekaboo Pattern Shop – $9.95
- Sizes: XXS – 5X. Bust measurement: 30″ – 58” / 76 – 147 cm.
- Design: T-shirt style bodice. Gathered skirt with 2 or 3 tiers. Scoop neckline. Multiple sleeve lengths: sleeveless, short, long, bishop sleeves. Multiple hem lengths. Optional nursing access. Optional pockets.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with 50% stretch and good recovery. Viscose/rayon, bamboo, and modal jerseys would work well.
- Amount of fabric needed: Approx 2 – 4 yards / 1.8 – 3.6 meters x 150 cm wide fabric (60”) depending on the size and style.
- Format: PDF pattern in print-at-home and A0 copy shop sizes. Projector files are also included.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included within the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, the pattern level is described as beginner-friendly. I think the gathered knit element would be a good opportunity to advance your skills, but it may be fiddly for a complete beginner.
T-shirt bodice with multiple skirt options and button placket (“Edenbrooke”)
Buy Now from Peekaboo Pattern Shop – $9.95
- Sizes: XXS – XXXL. 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 needed: 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.
- Amount of fabric needed: Approx 2 – 4 yards / 1.8 – 3.6 meters x 150 cm wide fabric (60”) depending on the size and style.
- Format: PDF pattern in print-at-home and A0 copy shop sizes. A projector file is also included.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included within the PDF download.
- 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.
T-shirt dress with straight, handkerchief, or high-low hem (McCall’s 8062)
Buy Now from Something Delightful – $14.67
- Sizes: XS – XXL. Bust measurement 29.5 – 48” / 75 – 122 cm. The product is split into 2: XS – M and L – XXL.
- Design: Flared pull-over dress that fits closely at the bust. Round neck finished with a neckband. Options for straight, high – low, and handkerchief hems. 3/4, short or sleeveless options.
- Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight knits. For example, cotton jersey, interlock, or Ponte.
- Amount of fabric needed 1 5/8 – 3.5 yards / 1.6 – 3.2 meters x 150 cm wide fabric (60”).
- Format: Printed pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included within the printed pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, the design lines are simple and a stable heavyweight knit can be used. The straight hemline and short sleeve options would be easier for a complete beginner.
T-shirt dresses with twist and tie details (Butterick 6621)
Buy Now from Something Delightful – $13.97
- Sizes: 6 – 22. Bust measurement 30.5″ – 44″ / 78 – 112 cm. The product is split into 2: 6 – 14 and 14 – 22.
- Design: Close-fitting knit dress. Optional tie or twist front details. Round or V necklines finished with bands. Long or short sleeve options. Above the knee length.
- Fabric needed: Moderate stretch knits (35% cross-grain stretch). Medium weight. For example, jersey interlock, cotton knits, rayon knits, or Ponte.
- Amount of fabric needed 1 5/8 – 2 ¼ yards / 1.5 – 2.1 meters x 150 cm wide fabric (60”).
- Format: Printed pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included within the printed pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? The skill level given is ‘easy’, but I think a confident beginner could give this a try. The tie-front dresses would probably be easier than the twist-front version (view A).
Sporty zip front t-shirt dress (Simplicity 9328)
Buy Now from Simplicity – $15.37
- Sizes: 6 – 22. Bust measurement: 30.5 – 44” / 78 – 112 cm. The product is split into 2: 6 – 14 and 14 – 22.
- Design: Sporty style knit dress. Close-fitting. Zip front detail. Stand collar. 3 sleeve options: sleeveless, short, or long sleeves. The sleeveless version is finished with knit binding. Above the knee length dress. Can be made as a t-shirt.
- Fabric needed: Lightweight fabrics with good stretch. For example, activewear knits, interlock, bamboo, ITY.
- Amount of fabric needed 1 ¼ – 2 yards / 1.2 – 1.9 meters x 150 cm wide fabric (60”).
- Format: Printed pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included within the printed pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? The skill level is described as “easy”. However, I think a complete beginner may find inserting a zip into stretch fabric tricky.
V-neck cocoon-shape t-shirt dress (“Lodo”)
Buy Now from True Bias – $16.00
- Sizes: 0 – 18. Bust measurement 32 – 44.5” / 81 – 113 cm.
- Design: T-shirt dress with a slight cocoon shape. Loose fit. V neck finished with a facing. Extended cap sleeves. 2 hem lengths: above knee and mid-calf with center back slit.
- Fabric needed: Medium weight stable knit fabric with 25% stretch such as Ponte, double knit, and scuba.
- Amount of fabric needed 1.2 – 2.7 yards (1.1m – 2.5m) x 54″ wide fabric (137cm).
- Format: Printed or PDF pattern. The PDF version includes print-at-home and A0 copy shop sizes.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included within the printed pattern and PDF file.
- Suitable for beginners? The skill level is rated “advanced beginner”. I think a beginner could make this thanks to its simple design and the use of stable knits.
Classic ringer t-shirt dress (“Lito”)
Buy Now from Seamwork – $16.00
- Sizes: US 0 – 26. Bust measurement 33 – 54” / 84 – 137 cm.
- Design: Classic ringer style t-shirt dress. Relaxed fit. Round neck. Neck and hem bands. Above knee hem.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight fabrics with at least 50% stretch and good recovery. For example, cotton, rayon, merino jersey, rib knits, and French terry.
- Amount of fabric needed 2 1/4 – 2.7/8 yards / 2.1 – 2.6 metres x 115 cm wide fabric (45”). Or 1.5 – 2 5/8 yards / 1.4 – 2.4 metres x 152cm wide fabric (60”)
- Format: PDF pattern with print-at-home and A0 copy shop sizes.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included within the PDF file.
- Suitable for beginners? The skill level is rated “beginner/intermediate”. I think this would be a good pattern for a beginner because the design is very simple.
Slim t-shirt dress with tie waist (New Look 6650)
Buy Now from Simplicity – $3.99
- Sizes: 10 – 22. Bust measurement 32.5 – 44” / 83 – 112 cm.
- Design: Close-fitting knit dress. Optional tie-front detail. Knee-length and midi length options. 2 short sleeve options.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight knits such as rayon/viscose jersey, cotton jersey, interlock, ITY, rib knit, jacquard. This dress would work well with soft and drapey knits, and slightly more structured knits like cotton jersey.
- Amount of fabric needed 1 7/8 – 2 1/8 yards / 1.8 – 2 meters x 152cm wide fabric (60”).
- Format: Printed pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included within the printed pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. You can make the dress plain without the tie detail or add it if you want more of a challenge.
Button-front dress with scoop neck (“Trish”)
Buy Now from Fibre Mood – $9.50
- Sizes: 32 – 58. Bust measurement 29.9 – 55.1” 76 – 127 cm.
- Design: Semi-fitted knit dress. Thin button placket. Scoop neckline that’s lower at the back. Neckline binding. Midi length. 3/4 length sleeves.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight knits that aren’t too clingy such as rib knit.
- Amount of fabric needed 1.8 – 3.4 yards / 1.65 – 3.15 meters x 140 cm wide fabric (54”).
- Format: PDF print-at-home pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, printable instructions are included on the website here.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think it suits intermediate sewists. The button placket and neckline binding would challenge a complete beginner.
T-shirt dress with color blocking (“Givre”)
Buy Now from Deer and Doe – €11 to 14 (approx. $12 to $15)
- Sizes: EU 34 – 46 (printed pattern) or 34 – 52 (PDF pattern). Bust measurement: 31.5 – 46” / 80 – 117 cm.
- Design: Close-fitting jersey dress. Optional yoke detail. 3/4 sleeves or sleeveless. Round or scoop neck options. Optional color blocking detail.
- Fabric needed: light to medium weight jersey knit (cotton, rayon, wool) containing lycra. At least 50% stretch. Allow extra fabric to match stripes or plaids.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1 3/8 – 2 5/8 yards (1.3m – 2.4m).
- Format: Printed or PDF options. The PDF pattern includes US letter/A4 and A0 copy shop sizes.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the paper pattern or PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern would suit an adventurous beginner or intermediate sewist. A beginner may want to avoid the yoke detail and sleeveless option (to skip binding the armholes).
T-shirt dress patterns for girls:
These are PDF and printed patterns that sell for $5 – $15.
Swing t-shirt dress with round neck, cowl, or hood (“Sophie”)
Buy Now from Peekaboo Pattern Shop – $5
- Sizes: 3 months – 12 years. Chest size: 18” / 47.5 cm – 30” / 76.25 cm.
- Design: Girls knit swing-style dress. 3 neckline options: round, cowl or hood. Short, 3/4 or long sleeves. Above knee length dress and tunic length.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight knits with at least 30% stretch. Knits with drape would work well for example, viscose, bamboo, modal or light cotton jersey.
- Amount of fabric needed 1 – 2.5 yards / 0.8 – 2.3 meters x 150 cm wide fabric (58”).
- Format: PDF pattern in US letter, A4, and A0 copy shop sizes. A projector file is also included.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. A beginner may want to keep things simple and sew the round neckline first.
T-shirt dress with tiered skirt & gathers (“Cassidy”)
Buy Now from Peekaboo Pattern Shop – $9.95
- Sizes: Newborn – 12 years. Chest size: 16” / 41 cm – 30” / 76 cm.
- Design: Knit tiered dress with 5 sleeve options. 2 or 3 tier options. Gathered tiers. Round neckline finished with neckbands. Loose fit. Optional pockets.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight knits with at least 50% stretch and good recovery. Knits with drape would work well. For example, viscose, bamboo, modal or light cotton jersey.
- Format: PDF pattern in US letter, A4, and A0 copy shop sizes. A projector file is also included.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, the pattern is described as ‘beginner friendly’. There isn’t anything too tricky involved and a more stable cotton jersey could be used.
Flutter sleeve sweatshirt dress
Buy Now from Brindle & Twig – $7.50
- Sizes: 0 – 6 years. Chest size: 17” / 43 cm – 24” / 61 cm.
- Design: Sweatshirt style dress. Round neck finished with neckband. Long or short sleeves with optional flutter detail. Curved hem.
- Fabric needed: Choose your fabric depending on how warm you want the dress. A cotton jersey, bamboo or modal would work well for warm weather. A French terry or light sweater knit would be warmer.
- Amount of fabric needed 0.5 – 1 yards / 0.5 – 0.9 metres.
- Format: PDF pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, the pattern is described as “easy”. A structured knit fabric would make the process easier. A beginner may want to skip the flutter sleeve though.
Mini ringer t-shirt dress (“Rio”)
Buy Now from True Bias – $12
- Sizes: 2– 10 years. Chest size: 19.75” / 50 cm – 28.5” / 73 cm.
- Design: Retro style unisex t-shirt or t-shirt dress pattern. Crew neck. Ringer cuff detail. Short sleeves. Semi fitted. Above the knee length.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight knits with 40% or more stretch. For example, cotton jersey, interlock or merino wool jersey. For the binding you’ll want light to medium weight knit fabrics with 75% or more stretch such as rib knit.
- Amount of fabric needed 0.6 – 1.25 yards / 0.5 – 1 meters x 145cm wide fabric (54”), plus extra for the cuffs.
- Format: PDF pattern in print-at-home and A0 copy shop sizes.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, the pattern is described as “advanced beginner”. It’s a very simple design but the ringer cuff detail could be left off if preferred.
Knit dress with 3 skirt options & button placket (“Everly”)
Buy Now from Peekaboo Pattern Shop – $9.95
- Sizes: Newborn – 12 years. Chest size: 16” / 40.75 cm – 30” / 76.25 cm.
- Design: Knit dress with various options. Lined bodice. Button down or plain bodice option. Short, 3/4 or long sleeves. Gathered, skater or pleated skirt. Optional pockets.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight knits with at least 50% stretch and good recovery. Knits with drape would work well for the gathered and skater style dresses. For example, viscose or bamboo jersey. Something a little more sturdy would work well for the button down dress, for example cotton jersey or French terry.
- Amount of fabric needed 1 – 2.5 yards / 0.9 – 2.3 meters x 150 cm wide fabric (58”).
- Format: PDF pattern in US letter, A4, and A0 copy shop sizes. A projector file is also included.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? The pattern is described as intermediate. I think the plain bodice with gathered skirt would suit a beginner. The button down and pleated versions would probably suit a more advanced sewist.
Dolman sleeve t-shirt dress
Buy Now from Brindle & Twig – $7.50
- Sizes: 0 – 6 years. Chest size: 17” / 43 cm – 24” / 61 cm.
- Design: Loose-fitting t-shirt dress. Dolman sleeves. Slightly curved cocoon hem. Long or short sleeve options. Optional pockets. Round neck finished with neckband.
- Fabric needed: Medium weight jersey knits such as French terry, light sweater knit, cotton or double knit jersey. Plus a lightweight ribbing fabric.
- Amount of fabric needed 0.5 – 1.75 yards / 0.3 – 1.6 meters.
- Format: PDF pattern in print-at-home and A0 copy shop sizes.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, the pattern is described as beginner friendly. The style lines of the dress are straightforward, and a stable knit fabric can be used. The pockets could be left out to make the pattern easier if preferred.
Sweatshirt dress with gathered waist
Buy Now from Brindle & Twig – $7.50
- Sizes: 0 – 6 years. Chest size: 17” / 43 cm – 24” / 61 cm.
- Design: Knit dress with t-shirt style top. Gathered elasticated waist. Crew neck finished with neckband. Long or short sleeve options. Option to make the skirt in either a knit or woven fabric.
- Fabric needed: For the top part, light to medium weight jersey knits such as cotton jersey or interlock. For the skirt, a woven fabric can be used. Something with drape would work well such as viscose, rayon or cotton lawn.
- Amount of fabric needed For the top (all sizes): 0. 5 yards / 0.45 meters. For the skirt: 0.25 – 0.5 yards / 0.2 – 0.45 meters.
- Format: PDF pattern in print-at-home and A0 copy shop sizes.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, this would be a good one for confident beginners. The gathering using elastic would be a new skill to learn. It would also be a good project for using up scraps of jersey and woven fabrics.
Dress with open back or cut out pattern (“Juliette”)
Buy Now from Peekaboo Pattern Shop – $9.95
- Sizes: 3 months – 12 years. Chest: 18” / 46cm – 30″ / 76.25 cm.
- Design: Knit dress with a t-shirt bodice and gathered or circle skirt. Optional heart or bow cut out detail at the back. Can be made as a covered back with cut out detail on top. Short, long and 3/4 sleeve lengths. Make as a peplum top or knee length dress.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 50% stretch and good recovery. For example, cotton jersey, bamboo, viscose or modal. Could also be made with a French terry or light sweater knit.
- Amount of fabric needed 0.5 yards – 1.75 yards (0.45 – 1.6 metres) x 150 cm (58”).
- Format: PDF pattern in print-at-home and A0 copy shop sizes. A projector file is also included.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern would suit an intermediate sewist due to the difficulty of the cut-out detail.
T-shirt dress with flared high-low hem
Buy Now from Brindle & Twig – $7.50
- Sizes: 0 – 6 years. Chest size: 17” / 43 cm – 24” / 61 cm.
- Design: T-shirt dress with flared hem. Short sleeves. Curved high/low hem.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight jersey knits such as cotton jersey or interlock with a reasonable amount of stretch. It should be stretchy enough to fit over a child’s head.
- Amount of fabric needed 1 – 1.25 yards / 0.9 – 1.1 meters.
- Format: PDF pattern in print-at-home and A0 copy shop sizes.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, this would suit a confident beginner as the design is very simple. A more experienced sewist could whip this up very quickly.
Dress with optional tiers and tulle overlay (McCall’s 8251)
Buy Now from Something Delightful – $13.97
- Sizes: 3 – 14 years Chest size: 3 years – 23.5” / 59 cm – 14 years 32.5” / 81 cm.
- Design: Knit dress with scoop neck. Optional tiers and ruffles. Optional tulle overlay. Long or short puff sleeves.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight knits with atleast 35% stretch. For example, cotton jersey, interlock, or French terry. Plus tulle for the optional overlay.
- Amount of fabric needed: 7/8 – 2 1/4 yards / 0.8 – 2.1 meters x 60” wide fabric (150cm). Additional tulle fabric would be required if making overlay versions.
- Format: Printed pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the paper pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think the standard version of this dress would suit adventurous beginners. It would be a good introduction to gathering knit fabrics. Try the overlay or puff sleeves if you’re feeling more confident.
Panelled circle skirt dress (“Little Miss Sunshine”)
Buy Now from Peekaboo Pattern Shop – $9.95
- Sizes: 3 months – 12 years. Chest: 18” / 46cm – 30″ / 76.25 cm.
- Design: Knit dress with round neck. Dolman sleeves. Panelled circle skirt – great for color blocking.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with atleast 30% stretch. For example, cotton jersey, interlock, bamboo, viscose, or modal jersey. Could also be made with a French terry or light sweater knit for winter. The skirt can be made from a knit or woven fabric.
- Format: PDF pattern in US letter, A4, and A0 copy shop sizes. A projector file is also included.
- Instructions included? Yes, instructions are included in the paper pattern or PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this would be a good one for beginners. The t-shirt bodice is simple with no set-in sleeves and the skirt panels are quite easily put together.
What to read next:
- 20 Sweater & Jumper Dress Sewing Patterns (+ 3 FREE PDF’s!)
- 25 Slip Dress Sewing Patterns (+ 2 FREE PDF’s!)
This article was written by Sally Gauntlett and edited by Sara Maker.
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…