It is the perfect time to start sewing those party dresses ready for the festive season so I've picked out 8 of my favourite party dress patterns and the fancy fabrics you can sew them up in.
Read on for a detailed round up of each pattern below.
8 Party Dress Sewing Patterns & Fabrics
- True Bias Rio Ringer dress pattern: sizes 0-18
- McCalls 8339 twist dress pattern: sizes 4-20 (also available as McCalls 8340: sizes 20-38)
- KnowMe 2023 dress pattern: sizes 8-26
- Viki Sews Emily wrap dress pattern: sizes 6-24
- Vogue 1674 asymmetric dress pattern: sizes 6-22
- MimiG Simplicity 9776 asymmetric dress pattern: sizes 4-20 (also available as Simplicity 9777: sizes 20-38)
- Style Arc Astoria waist tie dress pattern: sizes 4-30
- McCalls 7970 dress pattern: sizes 6-22
8 Party Dress Patterns and Fabrics
True Bias Rio Ringer dress and top pattern
You could be forgiven for looking at this pattern and wondering how a simple Tshirt dress would make a suitable festive party dress, but don't be fooled by that simple design!
Paired with our gorgeously glitzy geometric glitter jersey fabric it is a match made in heaven - a glitzy party dress that is actually super comfy too. Trust me, I know, I've made it (check out our YouTube channel for the full review).
The Rio Ringer dress and top pattern runs up to a size 18, which is a 44.5" bust, 38.5" waist and 46.5" hip.
It is designed for knit fabrics and can be sewn up as a dress or Tshirt with a retro looking contrast neckband and sleeve bands.
You can find the gorgeous, glitzy geo print fabric I used here.
I also lined it with our Libra stretch lining (although if you're wearing black tights underneath you might not want to bother, the glitzy fabric is semi opaque) and I used our Ritual jersey fabric for the neck and sleeve bands.
The great thing about the Rio Ringer is that you can make dresses and Tshirts for all year round so this pattern isn't just for Christmas.
McCalls 8339 dress pattern (McCalls 8340 for extended size range)
Silver is a key trend for Autumn Winter 2023 so we just had to make sure we had a pretty silver fabric in our latest range.
This floral print ex designer deadstock jersey fabric ticks the box beautifully.
It isn't overly silver with a muted charcoal based silver background and a scattering of a lighter silver floral design over the top. Just the right amount of sparkle.
It would look perfect sewn up as McCalls 8339 or 8340 and would create another party dress that not only glistens under those fairy lights, but is also super comfy too, thanks to the soft, wrong side of the fabric.
We love the twist detail at the centre front and the options for three hem lengths and two sleeve lengths.
McCalls 8339 runs up to a size 20 - a 42" bust, 34" waist and 44" hip. McCalls 8340 runs up to a very size inclusive 38 - a 60" bust, 56.5" waist and 62" hip.
Know Me 2032 dress pattern
Another key trend this season is red and what better way to embrace this fiery hue than a sexy party dress?
Know Me 2032 is a gorgeous strappy number with options for a maxi dress with thigh slit or mini dress. It has a sweetheart neckline and standard spaghetti straps coupled with halter neck spaghetti straps and a gorgeous low V neck at the back.
It runs up to a size 26 - 48" bust, 41" waist and 50" hip.
I think it would look smoulderingly sexy sewn up in our ex designer deadstock red satin finish animal print fabric.
Viki Sews Emily wrap dress pattern
If you prefer something a little more covered up and a nod to red rather than head to toe pillar box, the Viki Sews Emily wrap dress would look perfect sewn up in our ex designer deadstock viscose satin fabric with peach back drop and large red floral print.
I love the asymmetric hemline, extra long sleeve length and bust and waist darts for a great fit.
The Emily dress runs up to a size 24 - 45 5/8" bust, 37 3/4" waist and 48" hip.
Vogue 1674 asymmetric sleeve dress pattern
Continuing on the asymmetric theme asymmetric sleeves are everywhere this year. If you're a Strictly Come Dancing fan you will have noticed the presenters rocking the look multiple times this series.
Vogue 1674 not only gives you the option for a bodycon, long sleeved dress with asymmetric off the shoulder detail, but it also gives you the option for a Bardot style neckline with cross over detail at the front.
It runs up to a size 22 - 44" bust, 37" waist and 46" hip and would be perfect sewn up in our black stretch Farne fabric for that classic little black dress look.
Simplicity 9776 asymmetric sleeve dress pattern (Simplicity 9777 for extended size range)
If you're not a big bodycon fan and prefer something with a little more ease Mimi G's Simplicity 9776 is floaty and fabulous and has an elasticated waist for extra comfort points.
Designed for woven fabrics it has one dramatic, voluminous, loose fitting sleeve and is available in mini or maxi length.
Not only is it stylish and comfortable, it is also a nice easy sew meaning you can be party ready in no time and whip it up in less time than it takes to find the perfect shoes.
Simplicity 9776 runs up to a size 20 - 42" bust, 34" waist, 44" hip and Simplicity 9777 runs up to a size inclusive 38 - bust 60", waist 54 1/4" and hip 62".
It would look perfect sewn up in our Prestige crepe fabric in either red or wine.
Style Arc Astoria dress
Velvet is always a great way to bring a sumptuous, luxurious feel to your outfit, not to mention comfort and warmth. You can read our post for top tips for sewing with velvet here.
We've added a beautiful stretch velvet print to our range this season with a silvery background and deep blue floral print it has that I'm going 'out out' vibe and the Style Arc Astoria dress is the perfect pairing.
The Astoria is another secret pyjamas dress designed for knits and jersey fabrics and is a beautifully simple T-shirt dress design with a modest tie at the waist.
You can also choose between a short or long sleeve depending on how cosy you want to be on your big night out.
Like all the Style Arc patterns (there are over 96 designs on our site) it runs up to a very size inclusive 30 - bust 58 1/4", waist 50 1/2" and hip 61".
McCalls 7970 dress pattern
If you want to benefit from the warm, cosy velvet vibes, but want a slightly looser fit McCalls 7970 view B would make a great alternative for our silver and blue velvet.
The pattern states it is suitable for woven fabrics and stable knits, but I would recommend measuring the pattern pieces on the fabric and trying it against your body to check if you need to size down or making a toile in a similar fabric.
I hope you're feeling inspired to sew yourself some sparkle ready for the festive season.
Have fun sewing!
Lucy
For more tips and tricks on how to make sewing easy you can follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter for fun videos brimming with ideas and inspiration, sewing tutorials, half price sales, sewing machine sales, new products and more.