Summer sewing inspiration: dresses I’d love to make this year (if I had the time!) | Sewing Tips, Tutorials, Projects and Events

There’s something undeniably joyful about sewing summer dresses. They're quick to sew, easy to wear and endlessly versatile – which is exactly why they top my sewing wishlist year after year! I’m Lucy from Sew Essential, and if I had unlimited time this summer, these are the dress patterns and fabrics I’d be reaching for. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and prepare to be inspired. Hopefully, some of these make it onto your own sewing table – even if I don’t get chance to sew them all myself!

Lois Dress by Tessuti Patterns – in silky satin viscose

Let’s start with an all-time favourite. I’m wearing the Lois Dress by Tessuti as I type, and I’m still in love with it. It’s elegant, flattering and comfortable – with clever construction details like the empire waist and zip-in-dart technique. I’ve done a full review of this one over on our channel, and it also features in my roundup of favourite summer dress patterns.

If I had time to make another, I’d reach for our luxurious Fabric Godmother satin viscose. It’s soft, slinky and made from breathable viscose (rather than polyester), with a vibrant print that’s practically begging to be sewn into a swishy summer dress. It’s the kind of fabric that feels just as lovely to wear as it does to sew.

Vogue 2025 – and a stunning cotton lawn pairing

When Vogue 2025 launched last year, I was smitten. This pattern has it all – a sweetheart neckline, strappy or flutter sleeve options, a delicate centre-front tie, subtle cut-out detail and a full princess-seamed skirt. It’s elegant but wearable, dramatic but still practical.

Fit is key with this one, especially around the bust, but the neck tie really helps fine-tune that. I'd pair it with our Pima cotton lawn – soft, high quality, and so similar to the one used on the pattern packet. It’s a match made in heaven.

Simplicity 9746 – the one my husband actually noticed!

The Simplicity 9746 has been on my to-sew list ever since my husband (who usually doesn’t comment on patterns!) said, “That’s really nice – you should make it.” It’s an easy, breezy sew with tiered skirt options (midi, maxi or mini), tie-strap bodices (including asymmetric and crossover styles), and an elasticated waist for comfort and fit.

If I get the chance, I’d love to make the one-shoulder maxi version in our bold cotton viscose. With its vibrant print and soft drape, it would make the perfect holiday-ready dress.

Simplicity 9918 – shirring heaven

Simplicity 9918 is one of those patterns that gets better the more you look at it. A beautifully fitted sweetheart bodice, flared skirt and shirred back panel – which I somehow missed at first! If you’ve never tried shirring, I’ve got a full tutorial on the channel (and another one coming soon for how to do it with a coverstitch machine!).

It’s comfy, easy to fit, and right on trend with options for puff sleeves or cold-shoulder flutters. I’d love to sew it up in our soft cotton print that feels almost like a double gauze – breathable, squidgy-soft and full of vibrant colour.

New Look 6751 – wardrobe staple in stretch jersey

This is one of our most popular summer dress patterns, and I can see why. Designed for stretch fabrics, the New Look 6751 pattern features a flattering crossover bodice, grown-on sleeves (no fiddly setting in!) and a gathered skirt with waistband. There’s also a sleeveless crew neck version that’s equally wearable.

I’d make mine in our new abstract print jersey – it’s got a fun mix of colours on a black base and would be perfect for the sleeveless version. Just imagine how many times you’d wear a dress like this – perfect for everyday summer living.

McCall’s 8507 – the halterneck I need in my life

I’ve made the McCall's 8507 before in the puff sleeve version, but now I’ve got my heart set on the halterneck. The construction is simple: an elasticated neckline and waist, a gathered full skirt, and optional sleeves or skirt lengths.

It’s quite low-cut, but I solved that easily by hand stitching the centre front closed to the point I felt comfortable with. This time I’d love to sew the halterneck maxi in our yellow cotton gingham – fresh, pretty and perfect for sunshine days.

Simplicity 8874 – simple lines, big impact

The Simplicity 8874 took me by surprise – I overlooked it at first, but now I think it’s brilliant. The sleeveless version with thick straps and a square neckline is clean, classic and super chic. There are cap sleeve options too if you prefer a bit of arm coverage.

I’d go for our cotton jersey in fuchsia – it’s almost identical to the version on the pattern envelope and looks effortlessly elegant. Sometimes the simplest patterns turn out to be the most worn.

New Look 6731 – bold back detail and a clever workaround

I’ve admired the New Look 6731 pattern for ages, but the open back design held me back – I like to wear a bra! But then I remembered a trick I’ve used before: sew bra cups directly into the dress. We stock them on our site, and they’re a game changer for backless styles in hot weather.

With a high crew neck, cut-out sides and crossover straps, this one is simple but impactful. I’d love to make it in our jade green linen-cotton blend – breathable, vibrant and full of personality.

Wrapping up

So there you have it – my summer dress wishlist for 2025. If you’ve got more time on your hands than I do, I hope you feel inspired to sew up a few of these beautiful patterns (and if you do, please tag us – I’d love to see your makes!).

You can shop all the sewing patterns and fabrics mentioned in this post on our website – and supporting us through your orders helps keep the tutorials, reviews and inspiration coming.

Here’s to a creative, colourful summer – and maybe, just maybe, finding the time to sew one (or two!) of these dresses myself.

Happy sewing,
Lucy x