Lane Pant by SydGraham Patterns made with FS Potting Soil Heavyweight linen
Linen is my favorite fabric to sew with—no surprise here, since you’ve probably read my other articles, 90% of which focus on linen patterns. There are a handful of patterns I always reach for when sewing with linen, so here’s a quick roundup of those that have recently moved to the top of my list.
FS Riva Shorts made with FS Black Signature Finish Midweight linen
FS Riva Pants made with FS Bleached Signature Finish Midweight linen
1. Riva Pants (+Shorts)
I made my first Riva Shorts two years ago, then immediately made another pair—and then the pants! This high-rise pattern features a beautifully tailored waistband, two front pleats, and optional back welt pockets (if that still scares you!). For hot days when I want a more elevated and classic look, this is the pair I reach for. While it’s technically one pattern, having multiple garments speaks to how much I love it. I used the same medium-weight linen for all my versions.
Size Range: US 2-24, Hip: 36 1/4” – 55” (93 – 140cm)
Lane Pant by SydGraham Patterns made with FS Bleached Signature Finish Midweight linen
2. Lane Pant
The Lane Pant from SydGraham Patterns is a fantastic block for a pull-on pant that can easily be modified. From beachwear to designer dupes or cargos, this style has quickly become my top pull-on pants pattern. I love the slant side seam pockets and the optional drawstring. So far, I’ve enjoyed keeping the hem long and adding the drawstring for interest! I prefer mid- to heavy-weight linen for structure while allowing movement.
Size Range: US 0-44, Hip: 34” – 65” (61 – 165cm)
Noa shirt made with FS Raspberry Signature Finish Midweight linen
3. Noa Shirt
The Noa Shirt is a free pattern from FabricsStore and and has been a wardrobe staple for years. I prefer oversized styles and easily modified the already loose-fitting design for a more relaxed look. The classic collar was my first collar stand, and the blog instructions were incredibly detailed. I love using handkerchief-weight linen for summer shirts and a lighter weight for other seasons.
Size Range: US 0/2-28/30, Hip: 35” – 58”
Salt Water Slip Dress made with FS Lovebird Signature Finish Midweight linen
4. Salt Water Slip Dress
I can’t believe I slept on this pattern for so long! The Salt Water Slip Dress from Friday Pattern Company is a dreamy summer piece. I had just enough leftover IL019 All-Purpose in Love Bird to make this and modify the straps to tie instead of using an adjustable slider. The pattern ease is soft and not constricting, and it’s cut on the straight grain for no fuss!
Size Range: US XS-7X, Hip: 34” – 63” (86 – 160cm)
Jill Wrap Skirt by JessiLousPatterns and Evan Evan Heid made with FS Provence Signature Finish Midweight linen
5. Jill Wrap Skirt
The Jill Wrap Skirt by JessiLousPatterns and Evan Evan Heid is another fantastic choice. Although I’m not usually a skirt person, this pattern is simple, fast, and easy to customize, making it a fun project for sewists of all levels. I love the mini version and think mid- to heavy-weight linen is perfect, especially IL019 All Purpose linen in Provence!
Size Range: US 0-34, Hip: 34” – 65” (86 – 165cm)
6. Elastic Tapioca Trousers (Shorts Version)
For a relaxed vibe, try the Elastic Tapioca Trousers in their shorts version! Also by JessiLousPatterns, the elastic waist makes these shorts casual, while the wide leg opening feels dressy. I love the flow and drape of this pattern, and I think light- to medium-weight linen works best. This version is made from IL019 All-Purpose linen, perfect for a bottom-weight..
Size Range: US 0-34, Hip: 34” – 65” (86 – 165cm)
Stitch Bitch Bralette made with FS Terra Signature Finish Midweight linen
7. Stitch Bitch Bralette
The Stitch Bitch Bralette (a tutorial by __stitchbitch__ on Instagram) is a fun way to use scraps for a top or layering piece. Created by Noelle, this tutorial uses math to determine sizing and cuts. My favorite aspect of this pattern is how little fabric you need for a finished garment! I’ve used lightweight linen but recommend adding an extra layer for modesty.
Size Range: Limitless! This DIY pattern is just math, so you can make it for any body!
These patterns are on constant rotation for me and are some of the first I recommend to anyone looking to sew with linen.
2 Comments
Love this summary! Thanks so much for sharing!
For the Noa shirt, could you share how you modified it to be more loose fitting? I love how it hangs in the picture vs. the one in the Fabric Store shop. Do you have any best practices for making it a looser fitting shirt?
Caitlin wrote a review for this very shirt. Here you go Denise: https://blog.staging.fabrics-store.com/2023/09/08/dopamine-sewing/