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Summer Dressmaking

Our top picks for your summer wardrobe

Spring and summer is my favourite time to update my me made wardrobe. There is something about the sunshine that just makes me want to sew and I love the fact that with a simple pull on dress or skirt you can whip up a completely new outfit in an afternoon. There's also the added benefit when you make your own clothes that you know your outfit will be unique.

Show Me The Fabric

Fabulous floral cotton

Part of what I love most about dress making is being able to combine glorious florals with whatever dressmaking pattern I desire, as a little inspiration we have paired these with the Tilly and Buttons Marnie pattern! This collection of 100% cottons combines some of my absolute favourite fabulous florals all in one place!

  1. Tex Ex 2731 Stamped leaf Teal

     

    Tex Ex 2731 Stamped leaf Teal

    OUT OF STOCK
    £10.00 / Metre

    100% printed fabric, suitable for dressmaking and craft projects. We have a huge range of cotton dress fabrics at Textile Express and free samples are available on all of our designs. 

  2. Tex Ex 2762 Cottage Garden Multi

     

    Tex Ex 2762 Cottage Garden Multi

    £10.00 / Metre

    100% printed fabric, suitable for dressmaking and craft projects. We have a huge range of cotton dress fabrics at Textile Express and free samples are available on all of our designs. 

  3. Freya Floral Cotton Lawn Black Tex Ex 2652

     

    Freya Floral Cotton Lawn Black Tex Ex 2652

    £9.50 / Metre

    This fab new 100% cotton lawn has a light, soft and floaty feel! Cotton Lawn is lightweight and lovely to wear as well as being relatively easy to sew for a fabric with drape, ideal for dress, skirts or shirts!

  4.  

    OUT OF STOCK
    £0.00

Shirred Summer Dress

This is the perfect throw on summer dress which is super versatile, it can be worn to the beach or dressed up for a wedding. We've made a few versions of this dress and suggest using a fabric with a lovely soft drape such as viscose or if you like a bit more body at cotton poplin or similar.

  1. Tex Ex 2575 Daisy Field Viscose Crepe

     

    Tex Ex 2575 Daisy Field Viscose Crepe

    £8.50 / Metre

    This lovely new collection of 100% viscose fabrics are ideal for any summer dressmaking projects. Its composition gives its a light, soft and floaty feel but for a viscose this fabric isn't overly fluid, but has a lovely soft drape that will make it easy to sew and beautiful to wear.

    Free samples available.

  2. F320 Sketch Flower Nude

     

    F320 Sketch Flower Nude

    £8.50 / Metre

    This lovely lightweight, soft drape fabric is suitable for a variety of dressmaking and craft projects. The fabric handles like a viscose and has a beautiful drape so is perfect for clothes which require a floaty cloth such as dresses, skirts, blouses, kimonos and summer scarves.

    Free samples available on request.

  3. F328 Field Of Flowers Sorbet

     

    F328 Field Of Flowers Sorbet

    £8.50 / Metre

    This lovely lightweight, soft drape fabric is suitable for a variety of dressmaking and craft projects. The fabric handles like a viscose and has a beautiful drape so is perfect for clothes which require a floaty cloth such as dresses, skirts, blouses, kimonos and summer scarves.

    Free samples available on request.

  4. F321 Madeline Floral Vintage

     

    F321 Madeline Floral Vintage

    £8.50 / Metre

    This lovely lightweight, soft drape fabric is suitable for a variety of dressmaking and craft projects. The fabric handles like a viscose and has a beautiful drape so is perfect for clothes which require a floaty cloth such as dresses, skirts, blouses, kimonos and summer scarves.

    Free samples available on request.

  1. F332 Flower Sky Royal

     

    F332 Flower Sky Royal

    £8.50 / Metre

    This lovely lightweight, soft drape fabric is suitable for a variety of dressmaking and craft projects. The fabric handles like a viscose and has a beautiful drape so is perfect for clothes which require a floaty cloth such as dresses, skirts, blouses, kimonos and summer scarves.

    Free samples available on request.

  2. F331 Blotch Noir

     

    F331 Blotch Noir

    £8.50 / Metre

    This lovely lightweight, soft drape fabric is suitable for a variety of dressmaking and craft projects. The fabric handles like a viscose and has a beautiful drape so is perfect for clothes which require a floaty cloth such as dresses, skirts, blouses, kimonos and summer scarves.

    Free samples available on request.

  3. F330 Moon Spot Midnight

     

    F330 Moon Spot Midnight

    £8.50 / Metre

    This lovely lightweight, soft drape fabric is suitable for a variety of dressmaking and craft projects. The fabric handles like a viscose and has a beautiful drape so is perfect for clothes which require a floaty cloth such as dresses, skirts, blouses, kimonos and summer scarves.

    Free samples available on request.

  4. F329 Vintage Spot Green

     

    F329 Vintage Spot Green

    £8.50 / Metre

    This lovely lightweight, soft drape fabric is suitable for a variety of dressmaking and craft projects. The fabric handles like a viscose and has a beautiful drape so is perfect for clothes which require a floaty cloth such as dresses, skirts, blouses, kimonos and summer scarves.

    Free samples available on request.

  5. F328 Field Of Flowers Sorbet

     

    F328 Field Of Flowers Sorbet

    £8.50 / Metre

    This lovely lightweight, soft drape fabric is suitable for a variety of dressmaking and craft projects. The fabric handles like a viscose and has a beautiful drape so is perfect for clothes which require a floaty cloth such as dresses, skirts, blouses, kimonos and summer scarves.

    Free samples available on request.

  6. F327 Floral Leopard Aqua

     

    F327 Floral Leopard Aqua

    £8.50 / Metre

    This lovely lightweight, soft drape fabric is suitable for a variety of dressmaking and craft projects. The fabric handles like a viscose and has a beautiful drape so is perfect for clothes which require a floaty cloth such as dresses, skirts, blouses, kimonos and summer scarves.

    Free samples available on request.

  7. F326 Woodland Flowers Blue

     

    F326 Woodland Flowers Blue

    £8.50 / Metre

    This lovely lightweight, soft drape fabric is suitable for a variety of dressmaking and craft projects. The fabric handles like a viscose and has a beautiful drape so is perfect for clothes which require a floaty cloth such as dresses, skirts, blouses, kimonos and summer scarves.

    Free samples available on request.

  8. F325 Edith Floral Antique

     

    F325 Edith Floral Antique

    £8.50 / Metre

    This lovely lightweight, soft drape fabric is suitable for a variety of dressmaking and craft projects. The fabric handles like a viscose and has a beautiful drape so is perfect for clothes which require a floaty cloth such as dresses, skirts, blouses, kimonos and summer scarves.

    Free samples available on request.

Natural Plains

If bright and ditsy florals aren't your thing for summer check out this collection of more natural and plain fabrics. From double muslins to textured ramies we've got some really lovely options.

  1. Washed Ramie Linen Look Mustard B134

     

    Washed Ramie Linen Look Mustard B134

    £14.00 / Metre

    Ramie is a fantastic eco-friendly cloth which behaves very similarily to linen. It is made from nettles and therefore is a sustainble option as they are easy to grow without the use of chemicals. As ramie shares so many qualities with linen, including a lovely handle and soft drape it can be an ideal choice for curtains and other soft furnishings projects. 

    Ramie is an extremely strong fibe and is also breathable and highly absorbant making it the perfect cloth for dressmaking. With a weight of 255gsm it is the perfect mid weisght cloth for trousers, dresses, shirts and more!

    Free samples available.

  2. Eco Washed Linen Lavender C260

     

    Eco Washed Linen Lavender C260

    £14.00 / Metre

    Washed 100% linen plain soft drape fabric. Suitable for dressmaking, craft and curtains. Free samples available.

    Oeko-Tex Standard 100 - 230gsm 

  3. B318 Double Muslin Broderie Anglaise Grey

     

    B318 Double Muslin Broderie Anglaise Grey

    £10.50 / Metre

    This beautiful double muslin with the embroidered details will definitely be added to my summer sewing plans. It is 100% cotton and would make the most lovely tiered dress! Available in seasonal colours this fabric also meets oeko tex standard 100 - Free sample available 130gsm 

  4. Washed Ramie Linen Look Petrol B177

     

    Washed Ramie Linen Look Petrol B177

    £14.00 / Metre

    Ramie is a fantastic eco-friendly cloth which behaves very similarily to linen. It is made from nettles and therefore is a sustainble option as they are easy to grow without the use of chemicals. As ramie shares so many qualities with linen, including a lovely handle and soft drape it can be an ideal choice for curtains and other soft furnishings projects. 

    Ramie is an extremely strong fibe and is also breathable and highly absorbant making it the perfect cloth for dressmaking. With a weight of 255gsm it is the perfect mid weisght cloth for trousers, dresses, shirts and more!

    Free samples available.

Simple Top Video Tutorial

For more info and fabric suggestions click here

Vintage Fabrics

These fabric are the real deal when it comes to vintage and make up the most wonderful collection

  1.  

    OUT OF STOCK
    £0.00
  2. Greta Floral - Vintage collection 41

     

    Greta Floral - Vintage collection 41

    £7.00 / Metre

    This amazing fabric is part of our latest range of vintage fabrics! These fabric are the real deal when it comes to vintage and make up the most wonderful collection. 

    Bringing together the best of retro colours and designs these cottons are perfect for dresses, skirts and shirts. They'd also work great for crafting projects and would make fab accessories or home furnishings.

    As with all fabrics we'd recommend pre washing this vintage lovelies, free samples available.

  3. Penny Bloom - Vintage collection 80

     

    Penny Bloom - Vintage collection 80

    £7.00 / Metre

    This amazing fabric is part of our latest range of vintage fabrics! These fabric are the real deal when it comes to vintage and make up the most wonderful collection. 

    Bringing together the best of retro colours and designs these cottons are perfect for dresses, skirts and shirts. They'd also work great for crafting projects and would make fab accessories or home furnishings.

    As with all fabrics we'd recommend pre washing this vintage lovelies, free samples available.

  4. Lola Floral- Vintage collection 65

     

    Lola Floral- Vintage collection 65

    £7.00 / Metre

    This amazing fabric is part of our latest range of vintage fabrics! These fabric are the real deal when it comes to vintage and make up the most wonderful collection. 

    Bringing together the best of retro colours and designs these cottons are perfect for dresses, skirts and shirts. They'd also work great for crafting projects and would make fab accessories or home furnishings.

    As with all fabrics we'd recommend pre washing this vintage lovelies, free samples available.

  1. H324 Sixties Floral Viscose Magenta

     

    H324 Sixties Floral Viscose Magenta

    NEW
    £10.50 / Metre

    This lovely printed 100% viscose meets the Okeo-Tex standard 100. Its composition gives its a light, soft and floaty feel making it beautiful to wear. 

    This design is just one of a huge range of soft drape fabric we stock. Free samples available.

  2. H323 Sixties Floral Viscose Turquoise

     

    H323 Sixties Floral Viscose Turquoise

    NEW
    £10.50 / Metre

    This lovely printed 100% viscose meets the Okeo-Tex standard 100. Its composition gives its a light, soft and floaty feel making it beautiful to wear. 

    This design is just one of a huge range of soft drape fabric we stock. Free samples available.

  3. H321 Savanna Viscose Mustard

     

    H321 Savanna Viscose Mustard

    NEW
    £10.50 / Metre

    This lovely printed 100% viscose meets the Okeo-Tex standard 100. Its composition gives its a light, soft and floaty feel making it beautiful to wear. 

    This design is just one of a huge range of soft drape fabric we stock. Free samples available.

  4. H317 Fuchsia Camomile Clusters Viscose

     

    H317 Fuchsia Camomile Clusters Viscose

    £10.50 / Metre

    This lovely printed100% viscose meets the Okeo-Tex standard 100. Its composition gives its a light, soft and floaty feel but for a viscose this fabric isn't overly fluid, its finish is quite similar to a cotton lawn which will make it easy to sew and beautiful to wear. 

    This design is just one of a huge range of soft drape fabric we stock. Free samples available.

  5. H262 Red Hanakotoba Japanese Viscose

     

    H262 Red Hanakotoba Japanese Viscose

    £10.50 / Metre

    This lovely printed100% viscose meets the Okeo-Tex standard 100. Its composition gives its a light, soft and floaty feel but for a viscose this fabric isn't overly fluid, its finish is quite similar to a cotton lawn which will make it easy to sew and beautiful to wear. 

    This design is just one of a huge range of soft drape fabric we stock. Free samples available.

  6. H314 Confetti Dance Viscose Blue

     

    H314 Confetti Dance Viscose Blue

    £10.50 / Metre

    This lovely printed100% viscose meets the Okeo-Tex standard 100. Its composition gives its a light, soft and floaty feel but for a viscose this fabric isn't overly fluid, its finish is quite similar to a cotton lawn which will make it easy to sew and beautiful to wear. 

    This design is just one of a huge range of soft drape fabric we stock. Free samples available.

     

  7. Happy Flowers Viscose Blue Multi F291

     

    Happy Flowers Viscose Blue Multi F291

    £8.50 / Metre

    100% viscose fabric, suitable for dressmaking and craft projects. Free samples available.

  8. F255 Tumbling Posies Viscose Green

     

    F255 Tumbling Posies Viscose Green

    £8.50 / Metre

    This beautifully soft viscose fabric is perfect for dresses, skirts and blouses. Viscose is a lightweight fabric which drapes beautifully and feels lovely to wear. 

    Love the fabric but need inspiration? Check out our range of sewing patterns

    Free samples available. Approximate weight: 145gsm.

Skirt Video Tutorial

For more info and fabric suggestions click here

Sewing Patterns

  1. Friday Pattern Company The Donny Shirt Sewing Pattern

     

    Friday Pattern Company The Donny Shirt Sewing Pattern

    NEW
    £19.00

    Make it yourself shirt sewing pattern.

  2. Friday Pattern Company The Cambria Sewing Pattern

     

    Friday Pattern Company The Cambria Sewing Pattern

    NEW
    £19.00

    Make it yourself duster sewing pattern.

  3. Friday Pattern Company The Heather Blazer Sewing Pattern

     

    Friday Pattern Company The Heather Blazer Sewing Pattern

    NEW
    £19.00

    Make it yourself blazer sewing pattern.

  4. Closet Core Blanca Flight Suit Sewing Pattern

     

    Closet Core Blanca Flight Suit Sewing Pattern

    NEW
    £19.00

    Make it yourself flight suit sewing pattern.

  5. Closet Core Mitchell Trousers Sewing Pattern

     

    Closet Core Mitchell Trousers Sewing Pattern

    NEW
    £19.00

    Make it yourself trousers sewing pattern.

  6. Closet Core Elodie Wrap Dress Sewing Pattern

     

    Closet Core Elodie Wrap Dress Sewing Pattern

    NEW
    £19.00

    Make it yourself wrap dress sewing pattern.

  7. Tilly and the Buttons Esti Co-ord Sewing Pattern

     

    Tilly and the Buttons Esti Co-ord Sewing Pattern

    £15.00

    Make it yourself Tilly and the Buttons sewing pattern.

  8. Erin Dungarees Khaki Complete Kit

     

    Erin Dungarees Khaki Complete Kit

    NEW
    £55.00

    Make your own dungarees!