30+ Maxi Dress Patterns + Maxi Skirts to Sew
Get your summer wardrobe ready with these free long dress and skirt patterns that are perfect for warmer weather.
It's no secret that maxi dresses have been one of this summer's most popular trends. What's not to love? They're slimming and comfortable, they flatter every body type, and they're easy to dress up or keep casual.
You'll find some of the best designs in this collection of 30+ Maxi Dress Patterns + Maxi Skirts to Sew.
Women's maxi dresses are all the rage, and even when summer comes to a close, these pieces can easily carry over into fall with the addition of a cute jacket and boots.
Oh, and one more thing to love about these long dresses for summer—you can actually make them yourself!
Sure, you can find these maxi dresses all over the stores, but at a much higher price. As sewists, we're always looking for the DIY option. When it comes to dressing for the season, there's nothing more comfortable and cute than long dresses for summer. And a few lightweight skirts, too!
Let this collection of simple plain dresses and skirts for summer inspire you to create special pieces that can live in your wardrobe for years to come!
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PLUS! Click to play the video right below to learn how to make a body form in an inexpensive and easy way! Master sewist Mary Beth Temple has all the best tips and tricks for making your own body replica for sewing clothing.
Table of Contents
Patterns for Maxi Dresses
If you're new to creating one of these long dresses, learn how to make a maxi dress or how to make a maxi skirt with any of these maxi dress tutorials. If you're planning a vacation, make resort maxi dresses with the patterns below. Or, for a vintage feel, you'll find plenty here.
Maxi dresses are so perfect for warmer weather! Their loose and flowing silhouettes keep you cool while still looking elegant. These DIY maxi dresses are ideal for most sewists and are a fantastic way to get the designer look for less.
Fast and made for less than $10, this quick and easy tutorial shows you how to create a flowy and comfortable dress.
A DIY strapless maxi dress fit for the stars. Style this idea with some lovely jewelry and strappy sandals to create a summery outfit.
Resort maxi dresses like this one are perfect for summer parties. Dress it up with fun accessories or dress it down for a casual look.
An easy DIY maxi dress with funky flair, this free pattern delivers an outfit perfect for summertime parties and outings.
Learn how to make a maxi dress that looks straight out of the '60s or '70s by using your favorite vintage fabric.
This is the perfect maxi dress pattern for outdoor summer parties, a walk in the park, or a day spent out and about.
Make a dress that's as easy as it is gorgeous with this lovely maxi dress pattern. Perfect for summer, this breezy dress transitions well from day to night.
If you’re seeking long dresses for summer parties, learn how to make a maxi dress like this one. Maxi dresses this cute are reserved for goddesses like you.
Designer Inspired Caftan Pattern
Inspired by classic 1970s dress shapes, this caftan sewing pattern is romantic and flowy and looks amazing on all figures.
Channel your inner bohemian goddess for a simple and stunning dress that makes a charming choice for spring and summer.
Forget going to the fabric store. Raid your closet or thrift store for lightweight scarves to make this bohemian dress! This creative design is a must-make for retro fashion lovers.
Why should grown-ups have all the glam? Make your girls some long dresses for summer that they can play in and wear to social events or wherever their adventures take them.
This dress is comfy yet very pretty with a side slit and colorful printed fabric. It'll flow with every step, so you'll feel like a goddess!
With a little wildly-patterned fabric, your little girl will be free to run around during the summer while being stylish in this adorable dress.
Made with just two yards of fabric, this easy maxi dress tutorial looks glamorous but is simple to make, and it's sure to be your go-to dress for your next wedding or graduation.
This maxi dress pattern shows you how to use old scarves (or squares of fabric) to create a flowing and beautiful dress that will look great on just about anybody.
Long Dress Patterns for Summer
If you like dresses with a little more structure or that hit below the knee, then you'll love these long dress patterns and tutorials. Unlike maxi dresses, which are flowy and designed for comfort, these easy sundresses have a more feminine shape, with fitted waists that will show off your curves.
These free dress patterns are ideal for dressier occasions and are guaranteed to show off your beautiful legs. Plus, their fitted structure adds an air of ladylike elegance to your ensemble, which is perfect for vintage clothing lovers.
There's no reason not to learn how to make a maxi dress when it’s this simple. Whip this DIY maxi dress up in no time and wear it out at night for some summer lovin'.
This free long dress pattern creates one outfit that looks like two! It's super-stylish and flattering for all body types. Not to mention one important factor: it has POCKETS!
Learn to sew a super-comfy dress like this one. You're going to feel incredibly pretty when you wear this free dress pattern.
The Cabo Dress T-Shirt Refashion
This dress looks great all on its own, but if you are in need of a DIY bathing suit cover-up, this idea is the perfect solution.
Convert this piece to fit your needs—it works as both a simple skirt and a free long dress pattern!
Retro long dresses for summer are so "in" right now. Make a DIY dress from yesteryear that you can dress up or down.
Keep it casual this season by making a long dress for summer that isn't too formal. This one will have you feeling cool, comfy, and cute. Choose two fave colors and sew!
The t-shirt dress is the perfect item to make when you only have a couple of hours to spare and are in need of something practical to hang around in the warm summer days.
BONUS! What's more summery than this? Celebrate the warm, sunny breeze of summer by making a maxi dress pattern that is flattering, fancy, and tropical.
Maxi Skirt Sewing Patterns
Long skirt patterns are just as fun in the summer as dresses, especially because you can pair it with your favorite tee or tank. So, if you love separates and being able to mix and match your wardrobe, then these maxi skirt patterns below are just what you need.
If you're interested in sewing other summer skirts, there are a few fabulous long skirts. We've also provided helpful projects like The Jersey Skirt or The Under Skirt, both found below. These free skirt patterns can easily go from casual to dressy, depending on what you pair them with.
Made using two yards of gingham fabric, this DIY skirt tutorial has a classic 1950s silhouette and can easily be dressed up or down.
Sew a long skirt that doubles as a reversible apron! How cool is that? When one half gets messy, flip it around and tie it again for a fresh look.
Whether you're looking for a lazy day skirt or you just need to make your own clothes before summer arrives, this DIY maxi skirt pattern will do the trick.
The easiest, the most comfortable, and the most versatile skirt ever. You sew long skirts so you can look cute all year, right? So try this all-season project!
A free skirt pattern that's totally practical for your wardrobe. It's designed to be worn under another skirt for more coverage, but works perfectly well on its own, too.
Anthropologie Ruffled Skirt Tutorial
This long skirt pattern is designer-inspired without the high price tag! Dress this one up for work or date night. Sewing long skirts has never been this fun.
Take a look at this DIY skirt and try not to fall in love with this summer sewing pattern. It's a must-make for any gal.
If it’s a casual sewn skirt you’re after, this is your ticket. Sewing long skirts for summer doesn’t have to be on account of formal occasions.
If you enjoy sewing with fat-quarters and want to know the ins and outs of sewing long skirts, this is your project! Give yourself a fun, bright look.
Take an hour out of your weekend to make a long skirt like this one. It only takes six steps to make a skirt for summer that looks fashionable and fun!
Maxi to Peasant Skirt Refashion
BONUS! Everyone has that one dress hanging in the back of their closet that never gets worn. Transform an unflattering maxi dress into a stylish and lightweight peasant skirt with this refashioning project.
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What do you love about maxi dresses? Will you be wearing any of these trends this spring, summer, or fall?