You have landed on a pretty sweet deal, my free dress sewing pattern for spring and summer!
With this tutorial, you will be able to make a simple, yet beautiful dress sewing pattern. Just download the PDF free pattern and follow the instructions below.
UPDATED: March 16, 2022
Believe it or not, this sewing blogger does not have that much time for selfish sewing.
I spend most of my time making pretty things for you all.
Not that I don’t love it.
Especially when you guys send me nice thank-you messages or comment on my posts.
Like… You might want to do that right now…
If you want.
Maybe?
Well, the point is that every once in a while, I can make my own crazy, no-pressure experiments to make selfish clothes.
This time, I went on and modified one of our prettiest Dresses Sewing Patterns, the Dahlia Dress PDF Sewing Pattern.
Do you enjoy our freebies?? Support us so we can keep making freebies for you by buying us a cup of coffee here. We will be forever grateful!
Princess Seam Bodice Pattern PDF
This dress features a princess-seam bodice and a semi-circle skirt. You can download and print the free PDF file we will send you to your inbox.
The original version of this pattern has many variations that you can use from spring to winter.
Except for this one that I just made here.
I played a little with the neckline and armholes and made myself the perfect, easier summer dress sewing pattern.
Dresses with princess seam bodices are the most feminine cut one can wear. It enhances the natural curves of a woman’s body, making you look super feminine.
And since this dress is meant for knit fabrics, it will also make you feel very comfortable.
The princess seams of the bodice go from the armhole to the waist.
This type of cut is pretty flattering on a body. The darts merged within the cut form a single seam line for you to sew.
The truth is that these types of cuts are my favorites, both in tops and dresses. Although I am seeing them with less frequency in tops these days.
But for dresses, a princess-cut bodice is a classic style, usually worn by women who prefer a more classic look.
So, of course, I had to make an easy-to-sew version that I could sew once and again in a short period of time.
This dress gives me the perfect opportunity to wear all my cool knit fabrics. And it takes me less than an afternoon to sew.
And of course, I am sharing it with you!
You are simply going to love this dress. It can be made in one afternoon, and it doesn’t need any notions.
So it’s a pretty quick sew.
The skirt reaches the knee. And you will find that it is pretty comfortable to wear.
Especially on those days, you don’t want to spend a lot of time getting dressed.
Just pop this dress on, and you will be ready!!
The best thing is that you won’t believe how easy it is to DIY this dress.
By the way, this dress is my size.
So, it should fit a range between XL (40″) in the chest, L (30″) waist, and XXL (47″) or more in the hips.
It will fit larger sizes first because it is meant for use with Knit fabrics.
And second, because the skirt is a circle skirt, it has a lot of room.
Best Free Sewing Dress Pattern for Beginners.
Unlike other simple and easy dress patterns, this one has a special twist.
It is not your plain, simple front-and-back bodice.
It has a beautiful princess-seam cut that makes it extra special, so you can use it for special occasions.
How do I make a simple dress pattern?
To make this easy, simple, and pretty dress pattern, here is what you need to do. First, take a look at the materials and sewing instructions to get a sense of what this pattern is about.
Then, at the bottom of the post, click the button to download the free PDF princess-seam dress sewing pattern.
Print and assemble the PDF sewing pattern. Then, cut the fabric.
Follow the instructions below to sew it.
And remember that if you don’t have a Serger, you can find a lot of tutorials for sewing knits with your sewing machine here.
Make it into a skirt!
Heeeey, cool thing, my friend.
Do you want to get a 2 x1 deal?
You can actually use this pattern to make it only a skirt.
Just use the skirt pieces and cut a waistband for it. It’s pretty easy. Instead of cutting the bodice and the skirt pieces, you will only cut the skirt.
Make a nice waistband with any width you feel comfortable with, by the length of the skirt waistband.
The knit fabric waistbands should have a length of the waistline of the skirt -1″.
Just for you to know.
Do you enjoy our freebies?? Support us so we can keep making freebies for you by buying us a cup of coffee here. We will be forever grateful!
Princess Seam Dress Pattern Sewing Instructions
To download the free princess seam dress pattern, scroll down to the bottom of the post and follow the download instructions.
Once you have downloaded and assembled the free dress sewing pattern, cut the pieces as instructed.
Then follow these steps to sew your easy dress.
Ps. You can also print these sewing instructions at home! Scroll to the bottom to get the printable version.
Materials:
- 1 1/2 Yards of 50% crosswise knit fabric
- Free Dress PDF Pattern
- Sewing Scissors
- Matching Thread
- Serger Machine
Back seam.
Face both of the center back bodice pieces with the right sides of the fabric facing together.
And sew along the center.
Princess top seams.
Front
Join the front pieces by pinning the notches. First, the bodice front side with the bodice front center. Both right sides of the fabric should face each other.
Pin notches first, ends next, and pin the rest of the princess seam.
Sew along both lines of the princess seam.
Back
Join the back bodice pieces by pinning notches first. Pin the bodice backside with the bodice back center. The right sides of the fabric should face each other.
Sew along both princess seams.
Join bodices.
Place both the front and back bodices with the right sides of the fabric facing each other.
Sew the sides of the bodice.
Next, sew the shoulders together.
Skirt sides.
Place both layers of the skirt with their right sides facing each other.
Serge both sides.
Join the bodice and skirt.
Turn the bodice inside out so the right side of the fabric is on the outside.
After that, turn the bodice with the shoulders facing down.
Insert the bodice this way into the skirt.
Make sure that both the right sides of the fabric’s bodice and skirt are facing together.
Pin the sides of the bodice with the sides of the skirt first.
Then, pin along the circumference of the waistline.
Turn the dress inside out.
Make the skirt hem.
To make the dress hem, fold the hem by pressing ½” of the edges twice and sew with a straight stitch.
If you have issues with puckering fabric check out this post about how to avoid puckering fabric when sewing knits with a simple trick.
Make the neckline and armhole hems.
To hem the neckline and the armholes, fold and press the edges ¼” twice.
Sew with a straight line.
And that’s it!! You now have a very pretty dress to show off all spring and summer.
Let me know if you liked this free sewing pattern in the comments below.
Don’t forget to check out our other free women’s patterns like the Free Jackie Slip Dress Sewing Pattern.
Princess Seam Dress Pattern Free Download
To download this beautiful princess dress sewing pattern and get the PDF printable version, click the button below to subscribe so we can send you the file directly to your inbox.
Print and assemble your sewing pattern and come back to this post to follow the sewing instructions.
Remember that you can also print the sewing instructions by scrolling down to the end of this post to the instructions card.
Don’t forget to follow us on Social Media!!
How to sew a Dress Pattern for Knits
Follow these instructions to make a Beautiful Princess Seams Dress Pattern with our free printable pdf pattern.
Materials
- 50% one way knit fabric
- Free Dress Sewing Pattern
Tools
- Serger Machine
- Iron
Instructions
1. Join the Back Seam.
Face both of the back bodice centerpieces with the right sides of the fabric facing together. And sew along the center.
2. Sew the Princess Seam
Sew along both lines of the princess seam. Both right sides of the fabric should be facing together. Repeat on the front and back bodice.
3, Join bodice
Place both the front bodice and the back bodice with the right sides of the fabric facing together. Sew the sides and the shoulders.
4. Sew skirt sides
Place both layers of the skirt with both right sides of the fabric facing together. Serge both sides.
5. Join the bodice with the skirt.
Make sure that both the right sides of the fabric’s bodice and skirt are facing together. Pin the sides of the bodice with the sides of the skirt first. Sew at the waistline.
6. Make the skirt hem.
Fold the hem by pressing ½” of the edges twice and sew with a straight stitch.
7. Make the neckline and armholes hems.
Make the neckline and armholes hems. Sew with a straight line.
Notes
You can also use this pattern as a skirt only. Just cut and sew a waistband that measures the length of the waist -1" by any width you like best.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hello Dafhtne,
Apparently, I could not download the pattern anymore. Tried with two emails and none of them receive an email for the pattern link.
Thank you for this fabulous pattern.
If you have downlaoded it before the system won’t send it to you again, but please DM on Facebook and I will help you to get it again.
Dear Dafhtne,
Such a cute pattern! I am a relative beginner and with all of your helpful tips and photos, this looked like something I could do. I also appreciate that the pattern is free, so I thought I would explore tutorials and instructions on how to re-size this pattern to fit me. However, most recommend not attempting to alter a pattern more than 2 sizes, as the overall shape, style, or drape may suffer. So I have not tried to make this one yet, as I am not sure how accurately a major re-size will be. Perhaps when I am more confident or have more experience with garment sewing I will return to this one! Promise to update you when that happens. Thanks for sharing your sewing experience!
Hi Virginia!
Oh thank you so much for writing, I am so glad that this can be a pattern for you very soon. Remember that if you need any help during the sewing process you can always post your questions at “My Golden Thimble Sewing Club” on Facebook 😉 😉 I will be happy to help.
Sending the biggest huggs!
Dafhtne, happy Saturday. I have tried numerous times to get this patten and have never received it? Is there something I’m doing wrong? looks like the cutest dress and my daughter would love it. thanks for your willingness to share and for your great newsletter. I enjoy your newsletter and posts for some time now.
Hi Tricia!
I have just manually added you to get this pattern. Could you help me confirm if it was delivered to this email adress today?
I have just wasted 2 hours of my life looking for the “FREE” Summer Dress Pattern on your website….I firmly believe it doesn’t exist and that you my friend are a con artist!
Oh my,
Con artist seems a bit hurtful for what migth be a confusion with terms. Could you please tell me which dress is the one you are looking for?? The Free summer dress is this one right here, The Joy Dress sewing pattern. And you can download it and print it from home.
I will be more than happy to help you do so. Just tell me which dress are you looking for.
Love,
same here. No download for free princess seam dress pattern
https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6027158e4149ba4985b6fad0 Here is the link to the pattern download page. It was really lost in all the ads.
Thank you for your help 🙂
I also did not get the pattern, although I did subscribe to the site.
I have checked spam, what did I do wrong?
Thanks
Hi Louise,
That’s odd, I checked and indeed the email didn’t got to you. But don’t worry. I just sent it again and it should be in your inbox by now.
Let me know!
thanks for the pattern I haven’t had time to post.bjt it came right on time. I had two funeral to do within 2 was and the most important one my daughter needed a dress. she is very picky so it was helpful thanks again
Hi Pattie,
I am very glad this free dress pattern was useful for your daughter. I hope you get to make them more for more joyish occasions.
BTW, I had no trouble downloading the pattern or instructions. No doubt my body with be the only frustration! LOL Susie
Haha! Oh, Susie, I am sure your body is beautiful and perfect.
I have had a double mastectomy and anxious to try sewing my first dress after surgery. My waist measurement is a few inches more than your pattern so I’m going to cut it out on an old sheet and see what (if possible after the cutting) I can do to salvage the waist. I’ll let you know how it turns out. Send courage! Love the design and I have the perfect fabric pattern that will make the dress look gorgeous. Just keeping my fingers crossed I can fit the breast area with the mastectomy bra too. We will see? Susie
My dearest Sussie, you are amazing and I am so proud of you. I think that if you make this pattern with a 100% knit fabric (4 ways stretch) You won’t need to modify the pattern at all. On the part of the breast you can reduce the curves to make it fit better.
Please write me on My Golden Thimble Sewing Club (Facebook group) and I will personally help you with that!
Thank you so much for this dress, can I add a zip to the pattern please, if so where would you put it, please.
You can totally add a zipper if you want. I would add it to the center back, or to the side.
This is a very nice article.
Thank you
Hi Dafhtne,
I have requested this pattern 3 times with no email received as yet. Would please help.
With love and gratitude for a beautiful free pattern.
Hi Michelle, I just checked our workflows, and it seems that we did send you the pattern email. But just to be sure, I resent it to you just now. Let me know if you got it!
Please could you check mine as I too have requested twice without any pattern.
Thanking you in advance
Hello Louise, I have resent you the pattern. Remember to add our address to your main folder so you don’t loose the next free patterns you signed up for 😉
hello Dafhtne, & greetings from Australia.
Many thanks for the pattern, I am grateful fòr your generosity 💖
Here we only have A4 size paper and the only size I see with A4 has iso before it. I have no idea what iso means and whether it is what I need.
Can you help please?
Hi Mich, yes, that’s the a4 printable version of this dress.
Hi. Have made a couple dresses with this pattern! Both from knit and a cotton (with some adjustments)
My daughter loves them decided to make a Halloween one but can’t find my pattern! Wondering if you could send a link so I could repurchase it
Thank you
Hi Dianne!!
I just resent the email with the download to your email :D. Let me know if you got it.
Is the pattern still available as of 7/28/22? I have tried a couple times to get it, filled out the form, and no emails or info. I have checked spam folder as well.
Hi Fran, it is available. I just resent you the pattern
hello Dafhtne, & greetings from Australia.
Many thanks for the pattern, I am grateful fòr your generosity 💖
Here we only have A4 size paper and the only size I see with A4 has iso before it. I have no idea what iso means and whether it is what I need.
Can you help please?
Hi Mich, That’s the A4 paper-size version. You can print safely in that format.
Thank you for the pattern! I’m enjoying learning how to sew. Your website is a big help.
Thank you for your kind comment.
Thank you for this pattern! I need it in a size small. How do I size it down?
I would make it as it is and take it in wearing it.
Is the pattern still available? I have tried a couple times to get it, filled out the form, and no emails or info. I have checked spam folder as well.
Hi Sue, I just checked on the pattern’s workflow and it seems you didn’t subscribe… I just added you to the list to get the pattern. You should be getting it soon in your inbox. If not please send me a dm on facebook.
I am having a problem with printing the pattern too, keeps leading to download Adobe Reader which I already have. Is there an easier way, like just PDF files? I working from an iPad not a computer. Thank you.
Hi Jane, that’s probably happening because we have zip files which usually you have to decompress on your computer.
I am just checking if you subscribed to get this pattern via email, and I can’t find you on our list. I am sending the files to you. Please let me know if you got’em.
I also can’t download the pattern. Can you please send it to my email. Looks like a very easy and comfortable dress! Thank you….
Hi Moira, I have added you to the sign up workflow to get this email with the pattern, it should be in your inbox.
Sorry but please send it to too
Hi Louise, you have to sign in to the form so we can send it to your email 😀
Hi! I have tried multiple times to download the dress pattern, but each time I click on “PRINT PATTERN” I’m sent back to the original page where you need to sign in & give email address! It’s very frustrating! Could you kindly tell me what I’m doing wrong?
I am very sorry for the inconvenience, I just sent you the patterns to your email address. Please let me know if you got everything all right. 🙂
I have the same problem. The email sent just points back to this page, not the actual pattern. There is no way to download and save the pattern.
Actually, I see the problem. The link is embedded in an image that you must display first. The actual email text does not include a link to the pattern.
Thank you so much for making me notice. I will make it easier in the future!
Thank you for the lovely dress pattern I’m hoping to have a go at it soon just after sewing for my Granddaughter
This seems like a lovely pattern! What kind(s) of knit do you suggest? I am still learning about knits.
I don’t have a serger but I do have alternate stitches I can use instead of just zigzag.
Thanks for the free pattern!
Definitely, a 4 way 100% stretch knit, I would use something double brushed for extra comfort. If you are learning about knits there is a great post that can help you with that: Types of Knit Fabrics and Their Best Uses on Garments.
This is great! I’m teaching my daughter to sew and to use a serger. This is the perfect project; best of all – she has your exact same measurements so nothing has to be altered. Thank you so much for sharing this pattern.
Lisa and Sarah! I am so happy that you can use this pattern. I would love to see your dress. Please tag me on any social media!! I will be forever grateful
Can you give template for a puff sleeve square neck skater dress that can be tied in the front
Hi Mallika, we will consider your request 😉
Dear Dafhtne,
Thanks for the free pattern. I know it’s a lot of work to put together just to share.
What do you think about using a double needle with a straight stitch for finishing the hem, neck and armholes? That’s what I’ve used in the past since I don’t have a server. Would it be stable enough or would it allow too much stretch? ( We’re assuming a stable knit fabric with no tendency for “growth”.)
Hi Merry, I would totally try that finish too. Is the preferred one for knits edges. I am too lazy to go through it though (oops). If you are afraid of fabric stretching try our hack to have worriless knit seams.
I print from a flash drive and not sure why I would need to clutter my living room computer and print this out in the sewing room on a computer with adobe. Pdf would be just fine for me. Any consideration you can give to this matter would be great. Appreciate you wishing to share.
I am sorry Rebecca, I don’t understand the issue you had.
You shouldn’t have to apologise to this person. That’s just rudeness. I’d delete it. How ungrateful can you get!