10 Simple Summer Dress Patterns
Summer 2021 is here and more than ever, this summer is a time to celebrate! If you love to sew, what better way to celebrate than to treat yourself to a new summer dress you made by hand? We’ve rounded up 10 simple summer dress patterns that you’ll love, along with our favorite fabric suggestions you can find in our shop! Whether you wear your dress to your graduation, a summer wedding, that 4th of July BBQ, or just to celebrate that you made it through the last year, you’re going to look amazing!
10 Beginner Friendly Dress Patterns for Summer
1. Island Flouncer
The Island Flouncer is a thoroughly modern midi dress that features a very on-trend tier at the bottom. The loose, unstructured fit means that it is a very simple dress pattern to make, so it’s a great choice for beginners.
WHERE YOU’LL WEAR IT: Pair it with a floppy straw hat and make any beach boardwalk your runway! This DIY summer dress is the clear choice for your next sunny vacation spot.
SUGGESTED MATERIALS: Make a bold statement with the peacock pattern Proud - Tropical from FreeSpirit Fabrics. For a more subtle choice, Speckled Metallic - Natural from Moda would add some interesting texture to this flowy dress.
2. Summer Swing Dress
The Summer Swing Dress is a great staple piece to have in your wardrobe. Sweet and simple, this DIY summer dress can easily be dressed up or down depending on how you accessorize it!
WHERE YOU’LL WEAR IT: Hit the mall for a day of shopping or wear it as a coverup at a pool party--this dress can go just about anywhere.
SUGGESTED MATERIALS: If you like the extra bright fabric pictured, try something like Sunshine, Pear, or Papaya from Century Solids.
3. Flutter Skirt Dress
The halter top Flutter Skirt Dress is a cute and surprisingly simple summer dress pattern. With no fitting required, you’ll be able to make this in a snap.
WHERE YOU’LL WEAR IT: Are you a summer baby? Wear this to your big birthday bash and you’ll be sure to be the center of attention.
SUGGESTED MATERIALS: We think that Petal - Sunshine Fabric and this dress were meant to be together.
4. Ruffle Top Linen Sundress
The Ruffle Top Linen Sundress can actually be worn two ways: on or off the shoulder! This simple summer dress pattern is easy to make in a flash and is a great project for beginning sewists.
WHERE YOU’LL WEAR IT: The ruffle top elevates this simple dress to make it slightly more formal. That makes it a great pick to wear to a backyard wedding or a summer graduation ceremony.
SUGGESTED MATERIALS: Century Solids - Slipper is a close match to the pictured dress, but of course this dress pattern will look fabulous in any solid color.
5. Midi Wrap Dress
Wrap dresses are so comfortable and universally flattering, and this Midi Wrap Dress from Merrick’s Art is no exception. We love the tie around the waist and the adorable bow!
WHERE YOU’LL WEAR IT: This flowy, feminine dress is giving us visions of summer apple picking or a picnic in the park.
SUGGESTED MATERIALS: Perennial - Daffodil from Cloud 9 Fabrics is a sweet floral fabric that would look great in this dress pattern (as would any other floral!).
6. Romantic Strapless Ruffled Maxi Dress
The Romantic Strapless Ruffled Maxi Dress is simple and elegant. This DIY summer dress is easy to make, but with stunning results!
WHERE YOU’LL WEAR IT: We think this would make a gorgeous wedding dress for a more casual wedding venue. If you’re having a beach or backyard wedding, consider making your own gown with this simple dress pattern!
SUGGESTED MATERIALS: The Little Fabric Shop carries several shades of solid white, off-white, or cream. If you want to make this dress look less bridal, simply choose...any other color!
7. Peppermint Summer Sundress
Did somebody say “pockets”? That’s right, this simple dress pattern from Peppermint Magazine is not only adorable but functional too, with pockets to keep your keys, wallet, small candies--whatever you need to keep handy when you’re on the go.
WHERE YOU’LL WEAR IT: This comfortable and versatile dress is perfect for a day of running errands, taking a trip to the farmer’s market, or getting brunch with friends.
SUGGESTED MATERIALS: Garden Notes from Clothworks is a unique coral plaid that would work well with this dress, while a floral like Tapestry Lace Periwinkle would give this dress a sweet twist.
8. Tee Maxi Dress
We promised you simple summer dress patterns, but this Tee Maxi Dress tutorial actually shows you how to make a maxi dress without using a pattern at all! It’s as easy as sewing gets, so try this one if you have never made a dress before.
WHERE YOU’LL WEAR IT: If you’re a busy mom or working from home (or both!), then this is the dress for you. Just as comfortable as sweatpants--but still looks nice if you need to make a Zoom meeting appearance.
SUGGESTED MATERIALS: Because of its simple shape, this dress will look good in any pattern you like! Keep it simple with something like Mishmesh - Orange Soda or try something more adventurous with a large pattern like Universal Love.
9. Sabrina Dress
The Sabrina Dress is a flirty and fun DIY summer dress that is all about those buttons! The long row of buttons all down the front of the dress (also known as the “reverse Mary Mack”) make this dress stand out anywhere.
WHERE YOU’LL WEAR IT: Wear it on a first date or for getting drinks with friends. Either way, this dress is made for a big night out.
SUGGESTED MATERIALS: We think x&+ Night from Alison Glass’s Art Theory collection would create a cool, graphic look when paired with this pattern. Dashwood Ditsies from Dashwood Studio is a small print that would look great with this dress as well.
10. Tiered Dress with Trim
We love the unique detail on this summer dress pattern! The Tiered Dress with Trim creates visual interest by adding trim around the tiers for a very cool look.
WHERE YOU’LL WEAR IT: Ideally, you’ll wear this Americana-inspired dress to see a folk rock band at a summer concert in the park.
SUGGESTED MATERIALS: For an alternative to chambray or denim, try Denim or Chambray colored cotton fabric for a lightweight summer dress.
With these 10 simple summer dress patterns, you are now ready for any summer event that comes your way! Keep visiting The Little Fabric Shop blog for more ideas for e
