A tunic is a simple slip-on garment. The length is usually between the hip and knees. It can have sleeves or be sleeveless. Today I’m sharing 35 of the best tunic patterns I found, including 8 free options!
We also have pattern recommendations for free tops in general, easy tops, camisoles, and tank top vests.
Contents list:
- Free tunic tops & dresses
- Easy tunic patterns
- V-neck tunics
- Button-up tunics
- Sleeveless tunics
- Boho styles
- Kaftan tunics
- Unique styles
- Indian-inspired kurti tunics
- Men’s tunics
- Quick Q&A’s
Free tunic tops & dresses:
“Athina” boxy tunic top with extended drop shoulders and length options
Download now from Tessuti Patterns – FREE
- Sizes: XS – XL. Bust: 34” – 42” (86 – 106 cm).
- Design: Boxy tunic top. Extended drop shoulders / grown on sleeves. Sleeve cuffs. Two length options. High boat neckline.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics, like linen, lightweight wool, cottons and cotton blends.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper pattern can be purchased for an additional cost. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think confident beginners could sew this pattern. The tunic is simple in style and would be great for an adventurous beginner wanting to improve their garment sewing skills. Some previous sewing experience would be helpful for sewing the neckline and attaching the sleeve cuffs. Using a stable cotton would make the sewing and pressing process easier.
“Harley” long sleeve tunic dress with open placket and Mandarin collar
Download now from Fabrics-Store – FREE
- Sizes: US 0 – 30. Bust: 33” – 56” (84 – 142 cm).
- Design: Knee length tunic. Curved, high low hem. Placket opening. Mandarin collar. Back yoke. Dropped shoulders and long sleeves.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some structure, such as linen, cotton, or lightweight wools.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes.
- Instructions: Photo illustrated instructions are included on the Threads blog here.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think a complete beginner would struggle with some of the techniques included in this tunic such as sewing the placket, the Mandarin collar, the back yoke, and setting in the sleeves. Some sewing experience would be helpful for sewing these parts of the tunic. I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate sewist with previous garment sewing experience.
Straight-cut tunic dress with V-shaped neckline detail and ¾ length sleeves
Download now from Sew Mag – FREE
- Sizes: UK 8-20. Bust: 30.5” – 42.5” (78 – 108 cm).
- Design: Simple, straight-fit tunic dress. Fitted shoulders and ¾ length set-in sleeves. Rounded neckline with V-shaped cutout. Side splits. Neckline facing.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabrics like cotton, cotton lawn, chambray, linen, rayon, crepe, or challis.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes.
- Instructions: Minimal written instructions are included within the blog post, but there are no illustrations or photos.
- 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. Some steps like sewing the neckline facing, creating the hem splits, and setting in the sleeves would be challenging for a beginner with such sparse instructions.
“Oona” A-line long sleeve tunic dress with oversized patch pocket
Download now from Fabrics-Store – FREE
- Sizes: US 0 – 30. Bust: 33” – 56” (84 – 142 cm).
- Design: Knee length tunic. A-line silhouette. Fitted shoulders and long set-in sleeves. High, round neckline with bias facing finish. Large patch pocket on the chest. In-seam pockets.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics such as linen, light wool, cotton blends, viscose, rayon, or crepe.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes.
- Instructions: Photo illustrated instructions are included on the Threads blog here.
- Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern would suit a very confident beginner or an intermediate sewist. Although the style is very simple, sewing the bias facing on the neckline, sewing the in-seam pockets, and setting in the sleeves might be tricky for a complete beginner. The instructions are quite clear and detailed, so a confident beginner could give it a go by taking it slow and choosing an easy fabric.
“Lillian” oversized tunic dress with rounded, high-low hem
Download now from Sew Mag – FREE
- Sizes: UK 8 – 24. Bust: 30.7” – 46.5” (78 – 118 cm).
- Design: Oversized t-shirt style tunic dress. Dropped shoulders and loose elbow length sleeves. Round, faced neckline. In-seam pockets. Curved, high low hem. Bust darts. Button placket at the back of the neck.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics such as linen, chambray, cotton blends, or gingham.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes.
- Instructions: Written instructions are available on a separate blog post here, but there are no illustrations or photos.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate sewist with some garment sewing experience. The instructions are vague with no illustrations, and they appear to assume some previous experience and knowledge. Therefore, I think a beginner would struggle with some of the techniques involved such as sewing in the packet opening, finishing the neckline, sewing the in-seam pockets, and the curved hem.
“Sorbetto” tunic top with box pleat detail and sleeve & length variations
Download now from Seamwork – FREE
- Sizes: US 0 – 26. Bust: 33” – 54” (84 – 137 cm).
- Design: Pull on tunic top with center front box pleat detail. Bust darts. Modest scoop neckline. Bias bound neckline and armholes. Two sleeve options: sleeveless or short set-in sleeves. Side vents. High low hem with faced finish.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with drape, such as cotton voile, cotton lawn, silk, rayon challis, or viscose.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an advanced beginner could try making this pattern. The style of the top is simple but it includes some techniques, such as sewing a box pleat, the bias bound finishes, and setting in the sleeves which a complete beginner would struggle with. Some sewing experience would be helpful here.
“Molina” V-neck tunic top with optional cross tie neckline feature
Download now from Mood Fabrics – FREE
- Sizes: US 2 – 30. Bust: 32.5” – 58.5” (82.5 – 148.5 cm).
- Design: Pull-on sleeveless tunic. A line silhouette. Wide shoulder straps. Faced V-neck with optional crossed tie detail at the neck. Centre back seam.
- Fabric: Polyester peachskin is used for the sample. Other light to medium weight woven fabrics such as cotton voile, cotton lawn, silk, rayon challis, or viscose can also be used.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes.
- Instructions: Photo illustrated Instructions are included in the blog post, but they are quite sparse.
- Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern would suit an advanced beginner with some previous sewing experience. A complete beginner would possibly struggle with sewing the V-neckline and the facing which requires some precision sewing. The instructions are quite sparse and not all steps are clearly photographed, so some previous sewing experience would come in handy.
Easy tunic patterns:
“Harper” oversized tunic top with short or long sleeves
Buy now from Elizabeth Suzann – $18
- Sizes: 2XS – 4XL. Bust: 29” – 58” (74 – 147 cm).
- Design: Pull-on tunic with relaxed fit. Round neckline. Short dolman sleeves, or longer sleeves inserted into drop shoulders. Mid-thigh length. One large, slanted patch pocket. Bias bound neckline. Rounded, high low hem.
- 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. The style of the top is very simple but does include some techniques that a complete beginner might find difficult, such as sewing in the bias binding. For a beginner with a bit of sewing experience this would be a great first garment pattern, and using a stable cotton or linen blend fabric would make the sewing process easier.
“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 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.
Long sleeve tunic top with hidden zip closure
Buy now from The Assembly Line – €19-21 (approx. $20-22.5)
- Sizes: XS – 3XL. Bust: 31.5” – 54” (80 – 138 cm).
- Design: Straight-fit tunic top. Fitted shoulders and long set-in sleeves. Bust darts. High, rounded neckline. Extra volume in the back. Hidden back zip closure. Split sleeve cuffs. Side seam vents. High low hem.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics such as crisp cottons, linen, gauze, crepe, or viscose.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an advanced beginner with some previous garment sewing experience would enjoy sewing this pattern. A complete beginner may struggle with some of the techniques involved, such as setting in the sleeves and inserting a zipper. For a confident beginner wanting to improve their sewing skills this would be a good pattern to try since it uses a stable, easy to sew cotton.
“Tosca” oversized tunic top and dress with hem splits
Buy now from Tessuti – AUD $15-28 (approx. $10-18)
- Sizes: 5 grouped sizes corresponding to AU 6 – 22. Bust: 32” – 48” (81 – 121 cm).
- Design: Pull on tunic with a flared silhouette. Loose, comfortable fit. Wide, high, bound neckline. Fitted shoulders with deep armscyes and loose, long sleeves. Side slits. Narrow hem.
- Fabric: Lightweight woven fabrics, such as cotton lawn, lightweight linen, crinkle linen, viscose, silk, or georgette.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A printed pattern is available at an additional cost. Illustrated instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this would be a great pattern for a beginner with a little sewing experience, wanting to advance their garment sewing skills. The tunic is very simple in style and fairly easy to sew. Using a stable fabric such as a cotton or linen blend will make the sewing process easier, I’d recommend avoiding crinkle linen for your first try.
“Stevie” boxy tunic dress with dolman sleeves and optional tie detail
Buy now from Tilly & the Buttons – £13-17.50 (approx. $16-22)
- Sizes: UK 6 – 24. Bust: 30” – 48” (76 – 122 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..
- 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.
“The Flared Tunic” raglan sleeve top and tunic dress
Buy now from The Makers Atelier – £14 (approx. $17)
- Sizes: UK 4 – 20. Bust: 28” – 46” (71 – 117 cm).
- Design: Pull on tunic with a flared silhouette. Long raglan sleeves. Optional center front seam. Two neckline options: wide mock neck or wide rounded neck. Top or tunic length options.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics like boiled wool, cotton terry, loop back jersey, or viscose jersey. Using a firmer fabric will give a more structured, less drapey finish.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think a confident beginner could sew this pattern. Raglan sleeves are fairly easy to sew, and the neckline options are on the easier side as well. Using a stable knit fabric such as a boiled wool or French terry will make the sewing process easier, as these fabrics are less stretchy and slippery.
V-neck tunics:
Video course for a banded collar tunic dress with custom sizing
Download now from Creative Bug – FREE with course membership
- Sizes: Custom sizing based on your own measurements.
- Design: Pull on knee-length tunic. Option for banded collar or button down front. Round neckline. Elbow length sleeves. Inseam pockets.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like cotton blends, linen, chambray, rayon, or crepe.
- Format: The video course takes you through the drafting process for a tunic pattern based on your own measurements. There’s a downloadable pattern for the pocket piece and illustrated instructions to accompany the video tutorial.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an adventurous beginner with some sewing experience could sew this pattern. The style of the dress (especially without the button band) is simple and a stable fabric can be used. The detailed video course would be very helpful for beginners who are looking to learn some basic garment-making techniques.
“B6633” V-neck tunic with placket and optional collar
Buy now from Simplicity – $11.87
- Sizes: EU 36-46. Bust: 32.5” – 42” (83 – 107 cm).
- Design: Pull on tunic. Semi-fitted with an A-line silhouette. Bust darts. V-neckline with a placket. Optional polo collar. Side splits. Curved hem. Two length options: high hip-length top or mid-thigh length tunic.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some drape, such as silk, charmeuse, georgette, voile, Tencel, cupro, viscose, rayon, or crepe.
- Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate sewist with some previous garment sewing experience. A complete beginner would struggle with some of the techniques involved such as setting in sleeves and sewing the placket and / or the collar. The fabrics that are suggested can be slippery and difficult to work with, so some additional experience would be helpful here.
Shirt Style Tunic and Dress Pattern
Buy now from Oliver & S – $18.95
- Sizes: US 0 – 20. Bust: 32 ½” – 46” (83 – 117 cm).
- Design: Relaxed fit shirt dress and tunic. One piece collar with open front placket. Back yoke with box pleat. Front pleat. Turn up sleeves with button cuffs. Curved hem. In-seam pockets. Two length options: hip-length tunic or knee-length dress.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with drape, such as silk, charmeuse, georgette, voile, Tencel, cupro, viscose, linen, chambray, or crepe.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0/ US copyshop sizes. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I don’t think this one would be suited to a complete beginner as there are some technical elements like sewing the front placket, the collar, or the in-seam pockets.
“Melody” Tunic with V-neck and balloon sleeves
Buy now from Style Arc – AUD $15 (approx. $10)
- Sizes: AU 4 – 36. Bust: 30 ¼” – 67 ¾” (77 – 172 cm).
- Design: Hip length tunic. V neck with open placket. Shirt style collar. Back yoke with gathers. Three quarter length balloon sleeves. Curved hem. Slight swing silhouette.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some drape such as silk, voile, Tencel, cupro, viscose, linen, chambray, 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.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate sewist with some previous garment sewing experience. There are some techniques involved that a beginner would likely struggle with, such as sewing the back yoke and the V-neck placket and collar. The recommended fabrics are challenging to work with as well.
Loose tunic dress with square neckline and V-shaped cutout
Buy now from Ann Normandy – $15.25
- Sizes: XS – 2XL. Bust: 33.5” – 45.5” (85 – 116.5 cm).
- Design: Loose fitting, knee-length tunic dress. Elbow length sleeves. Side pockets. Square neckline with V-shaped cutout detail.
- Fabric: Medium weight woven fabrics with structure, such as a medium-heavy weight linen, cotton, or wool types.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate sewist with some previous garment sewing experience. Although the dress is simple in style, there are some techniques involved which a beginner might find tricky. For example, setting in the sleeves and sewing a crisp, square neckline with a cutout.
Button-up tunics:
“S9113” button up tunic top with length and sleeve options
Buy now from Simplicity – $14.67
- Sizes: US 6 – 24. Bust: 29.5” – 48 ” (75 – 122 cm).
- Design: Loose fitting tunic top. Button closure. Dropped shoulders. Hip or knee-length options. Long or short sleeves. Back yoke with box pleat. Side splits. Faced neckline.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such as cotton blends, chambray, batik, voile, gauze, or shirting.
- Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet.
- Suitable for beginners? Although the pattern is rated as being easy, I think a beginner would struggle to sew some parts of this pattern like the back yoke, the button placket and buttonholes. I think an advanced beginner to intermediate level sewist with some previous sewing experience would better suit this pattern.
“Helmi Trench” tunic dress with half button placket
Buy now from Named Clothing – €15-24 (approx. $16-26)
- Sizes: US 0 – 24. Bust: 30” – 52” (76 – 134 cm).
- Design: Straight cut, streamlined tunic. Fitted shoulders. Stand up / Mandarin collar. Elbow length or long sleeves. Curved shirttail hem. Side slits. Hidden half button placket. Optional trench coat inspired details, like storm flaps and sleeve straps.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like cotton blends, chambray, voile, gauze, rayon, crepe, or shirting.
- 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.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate to advanced level sewist. A beginner would struggle with parts of this pattern such as sewing in the hidden button placket and the stand up collar. Some previous garment sewing experience would be helpful here.
“Kalle” shirt dress with collar and length variations
Buy now from Closet Core Patterns – $16
- Sizes:
- US 0 – 20. Bust: 31” – 46” (79 – 117 cm).
- US 14 – 32. Bust: 38” – 56” (107 – 152.5 cm).
- Design: Loose, body skimming silhouette. Half or full length button placket down the center front. Options for shirt collar or mandarin collar. Curved back yoke. Dolman sleeves. Arm cuffs. Curved, high low hem. An additional sleeve add on pack is available to purchase here.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like cottons and cotton blends, chambray, voile, gauze, shirting, rayon, crepe, viscose, Tencel, cupro, or silk.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper pattern is available at an additional cost for sizes 0-20.
- Instructions: Illustrated instructions are included with the pattern. There’s also a free, detailed sew-along available on their blog here.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think there is some technical sewing involved in this pattern that a beginner would struggle with, such as sewing the button band, the collar variations, and the back yoke. This pattern would better suit an intermediate sewist with some previous garment sewing experience. Using a stable cotton blend fabric will make the sewing process easier.
“Cheyenne” tunic with button placket and neckline variations
Buy now from Hey June Handmade – $10
- Sizes: XS – 2XL. Bust: 32” – 44” (81 – 112 cm).
- Design: Hip length tunic. Two neckline options: dropped V-neck or shirt collar. Half button placket. Long or ¾ length sleeves. Optional sleeve tabs. Patch pockets. Curved hem. Back yoke.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like cotton blends, chambray, flannel, rayon, crepe, silk, or wool blends.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think a complete beginner would struggle with some of the techniques involved in this tunic, like sewing the button placket and the neckline options. An intermediate level sewist with previous garment sewing experience would be better equipped to sew this tunic.
Sleeveless tunics:
“N6461” sleeveless tunic with dramatic splits and high low hem
Buy now from Simplicity – $3.99
- Sizes: US 6 – 18. Bust: 30.5” – 40” (78 – 102 cm).
- Design: Sleeveless tunic top. Round neckline. Wide shoulder straps. Bust darts. High side slits. Straight, dramatic high low hem. Facing finishes.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics or stable knits with low to no stretch. For example, charmeuse, cotton types, crepe de chine, linen blends, silk blends, double knit, interlock, Ponte, or French terry.
- Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an advanced, adventurous beginner with a bit of sewing experience could enjoy sewing this pattern. The style of the top is simple and doesn’t include any difficult to sew fastenings. This tunic includes some techniques that a beginner would enjoy learning, such as sewing in darts and facings. Use a stable woven fabric to make the sewing process easier.
“Uniform” tunic with front inseam pockets and neckline & sleeve options
Buy now in sizes US 0-18 or in sizes US 14-30 from Grainline Studio – $18-20
- Sizes:
- US 0 – 18. Bust: 32” – 44” (81 – 112 cm).
- US 14 – 30. Bust: 40” – 56” (101.5 – 142 cm).
- Design: Sleeveless tunic top. Round and soft wide V neckline options. Bust darts. Optional side slits. Bias faced finishes. Front in-seam pockets. Optional long sleeves.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like cotton, linen, voile, chambray, Tencel, viscose, or crepe.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper pattern is available at an additional cost for sizes 0-18.
- Instructions: Illustrated instructions are included with the pattern. There’s also a free sew-along available here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think beginners with a bit of sewing experience could enjoy sewing this pattern. The style of the top is simple to sew and a stable fabric can be used to make the sewing process easier. Some sewing experience might be helpful for sewing the bias facings, the bust darts, side slits and the inseam pockets. Choose the simplest view for an easier project.
Boho styles:
“M7325” gathered tunic top with sleeve variations
Buy now from Simplicity – $13.97
- Sizes: US 4 – 26. Bust: 29.5” – 48” (75 – 122 cm).
- Design: Pullover tunic top. Fitted bust. Self lined back and front. Gathered front and back sleeve head. Floaty smock style bottom. Options for split or gathered sleeves. Rounded neckline with a split and a tie closure on the front.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like gauze, dobby, cotton voile, or crepe de Chine.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version can be found here. Instructions are included with both versions.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate sewist with some sewing experience. The pattern uses a lot of fabric, and the amount of gathering could be challenging for a beginner as it can be a fiddly process.
“Loretta” tunic top with flutter sleeves
Buy now from Seamwork – $16
- Sizes: US 0 – 26. Bust: 33” – 54” (84 – 137 cm).
- Design: Pullover tunic top. Off the shoulder or scoop neckline, finished with bias binding. Raglan flutter sleeves. Optional belt. Two length options.
- Fabric: Lightweight woven fabrics like cotton lawn, cotton voile, linen, cotton blends, rayon, silk, and double gauze.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an adventurous beginner would enjoy sewing this pattern. The style of the top is simple and raglan sleeves are easy to insert. Some previous sewing experience would be helpful for sewing the bias bound neckline as this step can be fiddly. Take your time and sew slowly to get a neat, accurate finish here.
“S9548” tunic top with extra wide, button back closure
Buy now from Simplicity – $14.67
- Sizes: US 18W – 32W. Bust: 40” – 56” (102 – 142 cm).
- Design: Tunic top. Buttons down the center back. Gathering detail on the neckline and the sleeve caps. Fitted shoulders. Bust darts. Wide flutter sleeves or balloon sleeve options. Bias bound neckline.
- Fabric: Lightweight woven fabrics like challis, crepe, voile, cotton blends and double georgette.
- Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think a complete beginner would struggle with some parts of this pattern. The button placket, the bias bound neckline, and the gathering can be challenging for a beginner sewist with no experience. This pattern would better suit an advanced beginner to intermediate sewist.
Kaftan tunics:
“N6575” kaftan with V-neck and waist tie
Buy now from Simplicity – $3.99
- Sizes: XS – XL. Bust: 30.5” – 46” ” (78 – 117 cm).
- Design: Kaftan style flowy tunic top. Mid-thigh length. V-neckline with a wide neck band. Wide, grown on, elbow length sleeves. Sleeveless view. Waist ties.
- Fabric: Lightweight woven fabrics such as challis, chambray, cotton lawn, double georgette, soft linen, silky types.
- Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think an advanced beginner to intermediate sewist would best suit this pattern since there are some techniques involved that a complete beginner might struggle with, such as sewing the V shaped neckband and the drawstring channel. Some experience would be helpful here.
“Piqué” unisex, oversized lounge tunic with V-neckline
Buy now from Christine Haynes – $18
- Sizes: XS – 4XL. Bust: 32” – 57” (81 – 145 cm).
- Design: Kaftan style long lounge tunic. Gender inclusive design. Oversized fit with dropped shoulders. Elbow length sleeves. Side seam vents. Deep V neckline. External decorative facing.
- Fabric: Lightweight woven fabrics such as silk, rayon, linen, cotton lawn, cotton voile, or Tencel.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think a confident beginner with some sewing experience would enjoy sewing this pattern. The kaftan is very simple in style but some sewing experience would be helpful for creating the faced V neckline as this could require some precise and accurate sewing.
Unique styles:
“M7985” tunic top with floaty high low hemmed skirt
Buy now from Simplicity – $15.37
- Sizes: US 8 – 24. Bust: 31.5” – 46” (80 – 117 cm).
- Design: Loose fitting tunic top. Forward, fitted shoulders. Inside drawstring casing. Stand up or mandarin style collar. Front button closure. Short sleeves or bias bound armholes. Centre back seam. Dramatic, floaty, curved high-low hem skirt.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some structure, such as linen, cotton blends, crepe, or poplin.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version can be found here. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No. Although the pattern level is rated as easy, I would expect this pattern to be better suited for an intermediate level sewist with some previous garment sewing experience. There are some tricky techniques involved in this pattern such as sewing the yoke, the button front and the drawstring casing.
“V1694” tunic dress with dramatic asymmetrical neckline and hem
Buy now from Simplicity – $24.50
- Sizes: US 8 – 24. Bust: 31.5” – 46” (80 – 117 cm).
- Design: Loose fitting, pullover tunic top. Round or asymmetric geometric neckline. Options for no sleeves or elbow length sleeves. Front and side pockets. Paneled asymmetrical hem. Neck and armhole facings.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics or stable knits with low stretch. For example, cotton or cotton-blend shirting, linen, lightweight denim, chambray, double knit, or Ponte.
- Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit a sewist with some previous garment sewing experience. There are some tricky parts involved in sewing this tunic such as putting together the paneled skirt, sewing the geometric angled neckline, and inserting the pockets. I think this dress would best suit an intermediate level sewist.
“Bessie” tunic with tie front overlay
Buy now from Style Arc – AUD $18 (approx. $12)
- Sizes: AU 4 – 36. Bust: 30 ¼” – 67 3⁄4” (77 – 172 cm).
- Design: Loose fitting tunic top. Asymmetrical front tie overlay. Bust darts. Keyhole back opening with center back seam. ⅞ length sleeves. Sleeve turn ups. Wide hems.
- Fabric: Lightweight woven fabrics like crepe, washed linen, silk, rayon, voile, gauze, or silk blends.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Paper pattern available at an additional cost. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an advanced beginner to intermediate level sewist with some garment sewing experience. A complete beginner might struggle with the construction of the asymmetrical tie front and setting in the sleeves, so some previous experience would be helpful here.
Indian-inspired kurti tunics:
“S1461” Indian inspired kaftan tunic with neckline options
Buy now from Simplicity – $12.57
- Sizes: US 10 – 28W. Bust: 32.5” – 50” (83 – 127 cm).
- Design: Semi-fitted, straight cut tunic top. Princess seams. Bust cup and fit variations. Options for elbow length or short sleeves. Options for round or V neckline. Faced neckline finish. Neckline and sleeve trim variations.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like cotton blends, batik, challis, crepe, gauze, georgette, linen, or silk types.
- Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet.
- Suitable for beginners? I think a complete beginner might struggle with parts of the construction such as sewing the princess seams and finishing the faced necklines, which can require some precision sewing.
“S9218” Indian inspired kaftan tunic with half button placket and curved hem
Buy now from Simplicity – $14.67
- Sizes:
- Adults: S – XL. Bust: 30.5” – 46” ” (78 – 117 cm).
- Children: S – XL. Chest: 22” – 27” (56 – 69 cm).
- Design: Loose fitting pullover tunic top. Fitted shoulders. Half button up placket with a grandpa collar. Back yoke and pleat. Long sleeves. Patch pocket. Knee length curved hem.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics or stable knits with low stretch. For example, cotton blends, cotton flannel, broadcloth, or French terry, cotton jersey, Ponte, or interlock.
- Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think a complete beginner might struggle with sewing this tunic. There are some tricky techniques involved, such as sewing in the button placket and setting in the sleeves. Some previous garment sewing experience would be helpful, and sing a stable fabric such as a cotton blend would make the sewing process easier.
Men’s tunics:
Men’s tunic with half button placket (+Video)
Buy now from Wardrobe by Me – €12 (approx. $13)
- Sizes: 2XS – 4XL. Chest: 28.5” – 46.5” (72 – 118 cm).
- Design: Loose fitting pullover tunic top. Half button placket with Mandarin / grandpa / banded collar. Back yoke and pleat. Fitted shoulders. Sleeve turn-ups and tabs, cuffs. Optional patch pocket. Curved hem.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such as cotton blends, cotton flannel, shirting, linen, or silk.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size.
- Instructions: Instructions are included with the pattern. There’s also a video tutorial available here for free.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate sewist with some previous garment sewing experience. There are some techniques involved that can be tricky to sew such as the collar, button placket and sleeve cuffs. These require precise and accurate sewing, with which a beginner might struggle.
Quick Q&A’s:
What is the best material to make a tunic out of?
Fabrics with structure (such as cotton shirtings, linens, or wools), will produce a more boxy and structured tunic; whereas fabrics with more drape (such as silk, Tencel, viscose, rayon, voile, or crepe) will produce a fluid garment that flows and hangs over the body. When in doubt, look at the style elements of your tunic: if the pattern has squared-off edges, fitted shoulders and sleeves, a structured collar etc. you might want to pick a more structured fabric. If the pattern features lots of gathers, voluminous sleeves, or a loose silhouette, then you might want to go with a more drapey fabric.
How much fabric do I need for a tunic top?
Tunic tops can usually be sewn from 1.5-2 yards of fabric depending on the style and size. They do not require a lot of fabric, particularly if the garment is sleeveless and more fitted. A more voluminous, longer tunic with sleeves can use up to 3 yards of fabric.
What is considered tunic length?
Tunic length is traditionally thought to be mid-calf length, but can also be as long as ankle-length or as short as hip length (for a tunic top).
How do you draft a tunic pattern?
Tunic patterns are drafted using a basic bodice block using your own body measurements. Slight changes are made to the block to add shape, such as adding in bust darts and angling the side seams for shape. Necklines can be adapted to include a V neckline or button placket and sleeves or faced finishes can be added. The length is also extended to reach the lower hip, mid-thigh, mid-calves, or even ankles.
What to read next?
- 20 Sweater & Jumper Dress Sewing Patterns (3 FREE!)
- 35 Gorgeous Free Sewing Patterns for Tops (Women)
- 11 Easy Top Sewing Patterns for Beginners (6 FREE PDF’s)
- 19 Kimono & Dressing Gown / Robe Sewing Patterns (8 FREE!)
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…