A few weeks ago I shared 10 summer sewing patterns over on Instagram — and honestly, the response absolutely floored me! It had thousands of views and thousands of saves, and I also had quite a few questions about fabric choices and sewing levels for each one. So I figured it was time to do a proper full video and blog post version!
In today’s post (and YouTube video!), I’m talking you through all 10 patterns — sharing the sewing level, the types of fabrics that work well for each one and why, and who I think each pattern is best suited to. I really do think there’s something here for everyone, whether you’ve been sewing for six weeks or six years!
*All sewing patterns are linked in the video description over on YouTube*
The Top 10 Summer Sewing Patterns
1. The Safiya Playsuit – Tilly and the Buttons (Make It Simple Book)
My first pick is the Safiya Playsuit by Tilly and the Buttons, from the Make It Simple book. This is an easy-to-sew, easy-to-wear elasticated waist playsuit with a flat front, a faux wrap bodice with grown-on sleeves, and the option to sew it with either short or long legs. I whipped up a couple of these really last-minute before a hot holiday last year and honestly got so much wear out of them. There is something brilliant about a playsuit — you just throw it on and you’re good to go!
Sewing level: Beginner. The Make It Simple book is designed with beginners in mind, and if you’re more experienced you can easily sew this in a couple of hours.
Fabric: You can use a variety of fabrics here. My preference is something with a little drape — a floaty, swishy viscose or rayon gives a lovely result. If you want more structure and want to emphasise the A-line shape, try a cotton or linen. Cotton and linen are also much easier to sew if you’re a beginner, and they’re wonderfully breathable in hot weather too!
2. The Almy Blouse – Stylearc
I had to include the Almy Blouse by Stylearc because it’s just so floaty and cool to wear in hot weather. It’s a fully button-up blouse with a turn-under button band, bias-bound armholes, and a gorgeous flounce detail at the front that really elevates it. I absolutely love sewing this one — it’s such a pretty summer blouse.
Sewing level: Intermediate. Stylearc patterns can be slightly vague in their instructions, but because the design is actually quite simple I think if you’ve sewn blouses before you’ll be fine. I do have a video of me sewing this blouse which I’ll link below if that helps!
Fabric: This works beautifully in something with drape — I’ve sewn mine in a cotton lawn. You could also try a viscose, rayon, or crepe. A cotton or linen works too since the blouse’s flounce is cut on the bias, giving you that drapey effect with a slightly more structured feel.
3. The Blanca Flight Suit – Closet Core Patterns
The Blanca Flight Suit by Closet Core Patterns is probably one of my absolute favourite patterns to sew — it’s one you can really get your teeth into! It’s a fitted jumpsuit with a long zip at the front, contrast details at the back, and various sleeve and leg options. Like the playsuit, a flight suit is brilliant if you don’t like thinking too much about getting dressed — just throw it on!
Sewing level: Intermediate to advanced. There are some trickier details that might not suit complete beginners.
Fabric: You need a little structure here — something that can hold its own, fit a zip neatly, and give you crisp pockets and a sharp collar. Canvas, denim, and heavy linen all work beautifully. For my two versions I’ve used a gabardine and a cotton twill, and both felt soft and easy to wear with a little stretch. I have a full shorts version sew-along on Patreon if you fancy trying that variation too!
4. Gathered Elasticated Waist Skirt – My Own Tutorial!
This one is a little different because it’s actually my own tutorial from YouTube! I included it in that original Instagram post and was so delighted by the response. An easy elasticated waist gathered skirt with pockets is just such a perfect summer outfit option. Throw it on with a vest or a t-shirt and you’re done — comfortable, cool, and cute.
Sewing level: Beginner-friendly. You don’t even need a pattern — just a few body measurements and your fabric! You could also leave out the lining and pockets for an even quicker make.
Fabric: Anything goes! A floaty viscose, rayon, or crepe will give you a swishy skirt that hangs close to the body. A cotton, linen, or twill will give you a more structured, poofy skirt that stands away. Cotton is the easiest to sew so it’s a great choice if you’re a beginner working up to something more drapey.
5. The Tyra Trousers – Ploen Patterns
I’ll be honest — I almost feel embarrassed mentioning this pattern yet again because I talk about it so much! But I genuinely could not have a Top 10 summer sewing patterns post without including the Tyra Trousers by Ploen Patterns. I’ve sewn them more than 10 times and I’m even wearing a version in the video that runs alongside . They’re a super simple, easy-to-wear elasticated waist trouser with front pockets, available as a wide-leg palazzo or a shorter culotte style.
Sewing level: Beginner. The elasticated waist makes them easy to fit, and if you’re more experienced you can sew them in a couple of hours.
Fabric: I’ve sewn these from viscoses, linens, jersey, and even a light wool. For summer my preference is a floaty viscose or a viscose-linen blend — they feel slightly more structured and a little smarter but still have that airy, floaty feel. These trousers are the definition of secret pyjamas. When I put them on in the morning I literally feel like I’m swapping one pair of pyjamas for a smarter pair I can actually wear all day!
6. The Ashton Top – Helen’s Closet
The Ashton Top by Helen’s Closet is my favourite go-to pattern for a sleeveless, cropped, boxy top — perfect for summer. It’s fitted through the bust with bust darts and gently shapes out around the waist in an A-line. My favourite version is the fully faced finish, which really emphasises the beautiful boxy shape. There’s also a sleeve add-on pack if you want to mix things up!
Sewing level: Advanced confident beginner. Some of the finishes — particularly the fully faced version — are more involved, but there are simpler bias binding options included in the pattern that make it more accessible.
Fabric: This pattern is wonderfully versatile. A fabric with structure like linen will hold the shape beautifully. A viscose gives a softer, more fluid result. I have versions in both and they look and feel completely different — both gorgeous in their own way! If you’re a beginner, start with something structured and easy to handle.
7. The Safiya Trousers – Tilly and the Buttons (Make It Simple Book)
From the same pattern set as the Safiya Playsuit (pattern number one!), the Safiya Trousers by Tilly and the Buttons are a brilliant beginner-friendly option for a sleek, easy-to-wear summer trouser. The leg is slightly narrower than the Tyra Trousers, and there are no pockets to distort the silhouette. What makes them especially beginner-friendly is that the waistband is simply turned under as part of the trouser — so there are only two pattern pieces in total!
Sewing level: Beginner (even more so than the Tyra Trousers!).
Fabric: Again, anything you love! My favourite is a viscose-linen blend which I wear as a co-ord set with my Ashton Top. The linen adds a little structure while the viscose keeps things drapey and swishy. Lovely!
8. The Evelyn Skirt – Chalk and Notch
The Evelyn Skirt by Chalk and Notch is a really lovely, versatile summer skirt pattern. My favourite version is the midi length with a flat-front elasticated waist and a split in the leg — such a comfy, easy-breezy summer skirt, and a great alternative if you’re not keen on the more poofy gathered style. Because it’s straighter at the hem, I love to wear it with something oversized on top to balance out the look.
Sewing level: Beginner-friendly. No tricky fastenings, easy fit, and it sews up quickly.
Fabric: I’ve sewn mine in a floaty viscose and I’d say you do want some drape here — something too structured like a cotton poplin might feel stiff and difficult to move in. A viscose-linen blend would also be lovely. Think about how you want it to look and move before you choose!
9. The Ogden Cami – True Bias
A cult classic in the sewing community for good reason — the Ogden Cami by True Bias deserves its place on this list! It’s such a versatile piece for a handmade summer wardrobe, especially if you’re someone who likes to layer. Wear it on its own, under a shacket, or with any of the skirts and trousers mentioned above — it really goes with everything.
Sewing level: Confident beginner. There are a few fiddly bits like the spaghetti straps and getting the lining in, but it’s very achievable once you have a few makes under your belt. If you’re a beginner I’d recommend practising in cotton first before moving on to slippery fabrics.
Fabric: My preference is always a floaty viscose — it feels gorgeous against the skin and layers beautifully. Cotton works really nicely too, especially in the earlier stages of your Ogden-sewing journey! A cotton version will have a more structured A-line shape, while viscose gives that fluid, floaty finish.
10. The Logan Shacket – Stylearc
Last but definitely not least — the Logan Shacket by Stylearc. I love this pattern as much in winter as I do in summer, and in the warmer months it’s the perfect lightweight throw-over-everything shirt. It’s oversized and boxy with a back yoke, turned-under button bands, a collar on a stand, and straight sleeves — all of which make it much more approachable than a traditional tailored shirt.
Sewing level: Advanced confident beginner. Stylearc instructions are minimal but the pattern is really well drafted, and I actually sewed this when I was quite new to sewing and found it manageable.
Fabric: This works beautifully in so many fabrics — lightweight cottons, viscoses, denim, quilted fabrics, even a cotton voile. For summer I’d lean towards something lightweight. I sewed a cotton voile version last year that’s perfect for warm weather. It also makes a brilliant co-ord — I sewed a matching co-ord from this shirt and the Sophia Trousers sewn as shorts last year!
Watch the Full Video
Want to see more detail on each of these patterns (with all of the pattern links) and hear my thoughts in full? Head over to YouTube to watch the video — I go into even more depth on fabrics and styling ideas for each one!
I really hope this has given you some inspiration for your summer sewing! Let me know in the comments which of these patterns would make your top 10 — or if there’s a summer sewing pattern you love that I haven’t included, I’d love to hear about it!
Happy sewing!
Sally xx
