My Favorite Seven Linen Patterns For Summer
Linen and summer go together like peanut butter and jelly, they say. Okay, maybe they don’t say that… but it’s true! Living in a very hot climate is one of the many reasons my closet is mostly comprised of linen. It’s natural, so my skin is sure to not get irritated when it reaches the highest temps of the day, it’s flowy and light on the skin, and it offers a timeless, stylish look. Best of all, linen gets nicer with wear, which is why these 7 patterns are a perfect addition to any wardrobe. These 7 patterns are on constant rotation in my closet and I’ve made all of them a minimum of 2 times, so you know I’m a fan.
1. Saltwater Slip Dress by Friday Pattern Co
I’m starting strong with one of my wardrobe staples – the Saltwater Slip by Friday Pattern Co! I have eight of these in my closet, which tells you that I mean it when I say it’s a constantly used pattern for me. It has a simple straight silhouette with an option for a mini length (seen here), and a midi length. This pattern is highly hackable, which is one of my favorite things about it. Add a facing, change the straps, bring the bodice line out for a more A line shape – the possibilities are endless! I made this one with super skinny straps, which you can see a little tutorial on how to do it yourself here. This pattern comes in a XS-7X sizing, and I made a medium.
2. Allwell Workshop Box Top
This beginner friendly pattern was one of the first garments I made for myself when I started sewing. It’s a perfect summer staple and incredibly versatile. I like to wear mine when we’re out and about on weekend activities outside like zoo trips or the park – it’s flowy fit makes it breezy to wear in hot temps. You can find the pattern here, and comes with a guide on a dozen creative ways to hack it into something amazing! This pattern comes in 6 sizes (bust sizing 32 to 62 inches), and I made the third size.
3. Isabel Dress by Tint of Mint Patterns
I first made this pattern a little over a year ago, and I loved it so much that within a week of buying the pattern, I had already made three! This midi length dress features a gorgeous tie back detail that is sure to catch eyes, but is simple enough to wear regularly. I’ve even hacked it into a tie front top that I’ve been wearing nonstop since I made it last month. Karolina, the designer behind Tint of Mint Patterns, hails from France, and her romantic patterns definitely reflect that! You can find the Isabel Dress pattern here. This pattern has sizing from 0 to 20, and I made a size 6.
4. Style Arc Byron Top
This classic square neck top comes with a cropped and hip length option, and would easily be turned into a dress as well. It features a seamless neckline and armholes using the burrito method, which creates a beautiful finish. This top can be worn with matching Pomona shorts like you see here, a flowy midi skirt, wide leg pants… it’s got endless style opportunity. The instructions are a bit bare, so save yourself the guessing and watch this tutorial of the burrito method in action. This pattern comes in Australian sizing 4-36, and I made a 10.
5. Pomona Pants and Shorts by Anna Allen Clothing
When this pattern hit the scene over 4 years ago, they took the sewing world by storm – and for good reason. With a tapered leg, wide leg, and shorts version, this pattern is nearly the only elastic waist pattern you’ll ever need! You can find thousands of photos of inspiration here, and the pattern here. These pants come in sizing 00-22, and I made an 8.
6. ZW Gather Dress by Birgitta Helmersson
You may have seen this one before from a previous blog I shared on here of this dress, and it continues to be one of my favorite garments to date. This zero waste pattern has a genius construction that is friendly to beginners and experienced sewists alike, and is sure to be a great dress to twirl in. This dress comes in two sizes, and I made size 1.
7. Nico Bias Cut Dress by Fabrics Store
I had to save the best for last. The Nico Bias Cut Dress by Fabrics Store feels like transporting to the south of France. This dress has a simple construction that can be dressed up for brunch, dressed down for a farmer’s market trip, even perfect for a beach stroll. This dress is a constant repeat for me because of its versatility – an absolute must have for a linen wardrobe. This dress comes in sizing 2-24, and I made a size 8.
2 Comments
Jackie Lee
Loved your review and photos…KUDOS!!
Alisha Cooke
Fire Kelsey! So fun. Thanks for sharing