Euro-summer is almost upon us, and so what better way to kickstart the series than by running through the best sewing patterns you can use to sew your dream summer wardrobe. Our first stop are the beautiful Greek islands.
So let’s start with the inspo…
The vibes are loose linens and easy beach throw-ons, with the option to dress each piece up or down to keep our makes super versatile (and our suitcases within the weight limit).
Luckily for us, there are a whole heap of amazing sewing patterns from a range of designers to help us make the perfect wardrobe. It’s been a challenge to narrow this down, but here are 5 options to start with:
1. The dress-up-and-down dress
Sewing with Solana has some beautiful summer patterns and the Airlie Dress is no exception. It’s light enough to throw on for exploring in the day, but with the backless detailing, add some jewellery and it can easily be dressed up for an evening out.
It comes as a digital download for you to print off at home, and you can follow the YouTube video for full instructions. You can get the pattern straight from the Sewing with Solana website. She is also on TikTok and Instagram – definitely one to follow!
2. The relaxed shirts and short co-ord
I cannot resist a good co-ord, and the short/shirt combination is my summer favourite. It’s a great outfit to sew, not just for the effortlessly sophisticated coordinated look, but also to wear each item separately (with other items of clothing, I assume) – it’s a win-win-win.
Sewing a shirt isn’t as complex as it may sound. If you already have a basic level of sewing experience, the Vikisews Cynthia Blouse is a great pattern to start with. The instructions are easy to follow and depending on your skillset and time available, you can whip it up in a weekend. The pattern comes in sizes 2-20 and you can also select the right size based on your height – genius!
In terms of shorts, the Puff and Pencil Breezy Shorts are wonderfully simple. You can alter the length depending on your height and style preference and best of all… it has POCKETS. The dream.
3. The Tiered Skirt
The tiered skirt is having its moment this summer, and given that it looks like it’s been plucked straight out of the Mamma Mia cast wardrobe, it couldn’t be a more perfect piece to explore the Greek islands in.
It’s most popular in a white cotton but you could mix it with different fabrics, colours or patterns for each tier. The Midi Flare and Tier Skirt by Swimstyle Patterns offers 2 style options, my personal favourite being View 2 with the elasticated waistband and 3 tiers. It comes in sizes XS to 3XL, and is pitched for the intermediate sewist.
4. The Linen Trouser
Next on the list is the Protea Pant by Paradise Patterns in a breezy linen fabric, especially perfect for cooler evenings, and days on the move.
A white or off-white linen is a classic, but I am forever meaning to add a statement coloured trouser to my wardrobe. The pattern has 2 options – one with pleats at the front, and one without. Again, this is suitable for the intermediate sewist and especially with trousers, I’d recommend making a toile to check the fit before diving in with the final fabric choice – but for something like the Protea Pant, the extra time is worth it!
5. THE essential vest top
Saving the most essential ‘till last, it’s the Sommar Camisole by Paradise Patterns. I just couldn’t pass up on this one, it is THE capsule vest top you need to sew for summer. It’s so simple, you can wear it either way around (square or scoop neck) and it even has a built-in bralette, so really, what more could you want in a vest?
I would sew this in a light knit fabric – bamboo, cotton and modal are all great options. Contrasting strap and body colours are also really popular this year so this pattern is a really simple way to add this to your wardrobe.
That concludes the (incomplete) list of summer patterns for the Greek islands. It was a challenge to condense this into one post with how many beautiful patterns are out there, so look out for part 2 (and 3, and 4…).
Next up in the Euro-summer series, we’re off to the Amalfi Coast – stay tuned!
