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No longer just a trend, pinafore dresses have become a staple of our every-season wardrobes: great for layering up with our handmade T-shirts and blouses and always cool when paired with chunky boots. They’re easy to sew and easy to wear, we just can’t seem to make enough of them!
Luckily, there are plenty of pinafore dress patterns for us to add to our stash! The sewing patterns we’ve included in this round up range from casual, loose-fit dungaree styles to more tailored, vintage-inspired pinafores.
Here are a few of our favourites, and we’ve included a couple of bonus apron dress patterns too for those of you who are interested in making this close cousin of the classic pinafore dress.
New to sewing? Take a look at our how to use a sewing machine guide and beginner’s guide to sewing, and if you want a bit of practice before buying a pattern, we’ve got loads of free sewing projects for you to try!
You’ll find even more gorgeous dress sewing patterns in our shop! From floaty summer frocks to smart shirt dresses and comfy everyday makes, there’s something for every skill level and style. Download your next favourite pattern today!
If you’re looking to give your sewing skills a boost, add Jennifer Lauren’s Pippi Pinafore to your must-make list!
Available in sizes 6-24, featuring a vintage-look style with a fitted bib, pleated skirt, curved patch pockets and a side button placket. There are lots of fun techniques to tick off the list here – perfect for confident beginners who want to take their dressmaking to the next level.
Hundreds of five star reviews from fellow sewists have voted this one of the hottest Apron Dress Patterns on Etsy.
Make your own practical and stylish apron dress inspired by a traditional maker’s apron. Make it in a choice of small, medium, large and extra large sizes and opt for version A (with a wrap style back and cross over straps) or B (a classic pinafore style with a side tie closure). Oh, and it has large patch pockets… just sayin’.
Discover even more dressmaking pattern guides to inspire you to make your own wardrobe:
Tilly’s Cleo has become a cult favourite (just search #sewingcleo on Instagram for thousands of versions!) and it’s easy to see why.
With a flattering straight fit, a mini or knee-length hem, optional centre-front split, patch pockets, topstitching and buckles or buttons, this beginner sewing pattern can be made differently every time. Don’t forget to share yours using #sewingcleo to join in the fun!
Is it an apron? Is it a pinafore dress? No – it’s both! This apron-style design by Swedish pattern brand The Assembly Line is a workwear-inspired pinafore with cross-over back straps, useful oversized patch pockets and a unique pleat skirt opening that’s closed by two buttons, and it comes in sizes XS-L.
We’re big fans of its Scandi simplicity and classic styling; make it in a practical cotton canvas for a utility feel.
Named after one of London’s coolest areas, you’ll definitely feel like you’d fit right in there wearing this fun pinafore dress.
This fitted style is fully lined for a professional finish, has a deep V-neckline and fitted waistband, and, with its statement patch pockets, has a bit of a mod vibe to it – think London in the Swinging Sixties! The pattern includes a skirt version with an A-line silhouette, too.
Oh, how we love a stash-busting pattern! Sew Different’s Scoop Pinafore has clever side panels and a hem band, which give us plenty of options for customising and playing with different fabrics and scraps.
Also, it has pockets hidden in those contrast side panels. It can be made in lots of different fabric types, from cotton to scuba – pick one with structure to make the most of the pattern’s cocoon shape.
Want a pinafore that works for casual daywear and an evening out? Look no further than Named’s Amber pattern.
This chic number has an elegant curved, deep-V neckline, swishy lined skirt and a racerback detail with a statement buckle fastening and eyelets. Pick a fabric with a soft textured nap to give it a more dressed-up feel: Named’s sample is made in a luxurious velveteen.
Just pair it with a simple tee for daytime, and swap for a slinky satin blouse for the evening.
Founders of indie pattern brand Fig + Needle, Ping Mathre and Sandra Helsley, want to get us all feeling amazing in our me-mades – and you’ll definitely feel just that in their Faron Dress.
Designed with beginner and advanced beginner stitchers in mind, their pinafore dress combines modern lines, a unique statement zip fastening and skills-boosting techniques – and it comes in two size options: 0-12, and 14-26.
We all like a bit of variation in our outfits, and sewing different shapes and styles of outfits will not only give you more choice but help you to get to grips with a range of techniques. Even if you only really ever wear a particular style of garment, such as a pinafore dress, trying two patterns from different sources will help you to spot the similarities and become more familiar with different pattern types.
Now that you’ve got your pinafore dress pattern sorted, take a look and find your favourite summer dress sewing patterns with Gathered.
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