Hi there makers!
How are those spring sewing projects going, so far? Here at the AGF HQ, we’ve started revving up our sewing machines for Quilt Market! Yay! As we look through the window of our sewing room, the grass is greener, the palm trees are swaying in the breeze, and the weather hit 80 degrees. That’s right, 80 DEGREES! Welcome to spring in South Florida (we’re sure we’ll get some rain along the way).
For many, spring is the season where the flowers begin to bloom, the weather gets warmer, and we can all sew cute outfits for picnics and walks in the park. One thing I love about the spring is that you can wear pretty dresses everywhere. There’s just something about wearing dresses that makes me feel fancy! If you are thinking of updating your wardrobe or simply want to do some selfish sewing, here’s a list of ten dress patterns that I’m sure you’ll love for spring!
- Misses' Wrap Dresses, Belt and Sash by Butterwick
This lovely dress pattern was featured in our Heart Melodies lookbook. The Misses' Wrap Dresses, Belt and Sash pattern comes with six styles you can sew combined with three kinds of sashes to coordinate with the dress. In the version we made for the lookbook, we choose a style with short sleeves and extended the length to give it a feminine boho feel. Plus, doesn’t this pretty Petal Strings Romance print from the Heart Melodies collection, look lovely? I can imagine wearing this dress to Sunday brunch with friends.
- Josie Sundress by Christine Haynes
The Josie Sundress by Christine Haynes has a great mix of modern and elegant details, yet it’s casual enough to wear anywhere. This pattern consists of a squared neckline, an empire waist bodice, and center box pleats throughout the skirt. My favorite part about this dress is that it comes with POCKETS! I’m a practical kind of girl, and I highly dislike carrying large purses so any garment that has pockets instantly becomes my favorite. Now let’s talk about the fabric! This pattern was featured in our Coastline Fabrics by Sharon Holland look book. We chose to make it with the Netting Twine print to give the dress a classic beachy feel.
- Alder Shirt Dress by Grainline Studio
Let’s talk about the Alder Shirt Dress by Grainline Studio! We featured this pattern in the Sketchbook Fabrics by Sharon Holland look book, and we’ve loved this dress ever since. This dress combines a classic A-line silhouette with a preppy feel. We used the Delineament Indigo print to give the dress a whimsy look.
- The Staple Dress by April Rhodes
All the AGF girls and I can agree that the Staple Dress pattern by one of our designers, April Rhodes is our go-to dress. It can be styled casually or dressed up. Oh, and did I mention it sews beautifully with our light weight voile! For the Fleet and Flourish by Maureen Cracknell look book, we decided to use the Swifting Flora Swell print, styled it with boots, and added a thin chained belt for a boho look. Doesn’t the model look like a stylish traveler?
- The Tank Dress by Sew Caroline
The Tank Dress by one of our fabric designers, Sew Caroline is great for a breezy spring day! This pattern also has a simple silhouette that’s versatile for any occasion. And yes, it’s great for beginners! Sew Caroline herself, is modeling this cute dress in the Dripping Paint Cooling print from her latest collection, Chalk and Paint. Check out another version of this dress in the Chalk and Paint lookbook.
- Inari Tee Dress by Named Clothing
The Inari Tee Dress by Named Clothing is one of those dresses you wear during a laid-back day. Its simple straight silhouette is ideal for beginner sewists and only uses 1 ½ yards of fabric. I can imagine wearing this dress to do weekend errands or to walk on the beach. This versatile dress can also be dressed up! For example, in our Skopelos Fabrics by Katarina Roccella look book we used the Greeka Skouro print for the dress, glammed it up with a gold statement necklace, and finished off the look with gold gladiator sandals.
- Misses’ Dress in Three Lengths by Simplicity
As you can see, we gave the Misses’ Dress in Three Lengths a spring twist with our Painterly Wash print from the Denim Studio. What’s great about this pattern is that it can be made for a casual or formal occasion. We chose the version with a slight hi-low hem, for a more relaxed feel.
- The Davie Dress By Sewaholic Patterns
I’m sure the Davie dress by Sewaholic Patterns will instantly become your go-to dress! It’s simple, comfortable, and can be made with knit fabrics. What’s great about this dress is that you can layer it with a blazer or cardigan for a business casual look or you can wear it with a cute pair of sandals for a casual look. We gave this dress a girlie touch, with the Library Gardens print featured in the Paperie Fabrics by Amy Sinibaldi lookbook. Isn’t it adorable?
- Petit dress and belt by Butterwick
If you’re looking for something a bit dressier for a spring luncheon or dinner, the Petit dress and belt by Butterwick is a great classic dress. All the AGF girls loved this dress in the Collar Ends Bronze print from the Artisan Collection by Pat Bravo. Can you believe it’s made with canvas?
- Cambie Dress by Sewaholic Patterns
Last but not least, in this list of awesome patterns is the Cambie Dress by Sewaholic Patterns. This pattern comes in two styles and has a slight vintage feel. Once completed, your dress will have a pretty sweetheart neckline, cap sleeves, and either an A-line skirt or a full gathered skirt. For the Pastel Thrift look book, we chose the version with the full gathered skirt. Oh, how about the fabric? For this dress we chose the Type-Plaid Absurdity print. I love how the touch of yellow in this print gives the dress a fresh look!
I hope everyone enjoyed this list of beautiful dress patterns. Let us know if you have a favorite and if you’ve sewn any of these patterns before. Don’t forget to share your amazing spring creations with us on social media with the hashtag #ArtGalleryFabrics. Now back to Quilt Market preparations!
Happy Sewing!
Stephanie