32 Creatively Cool Dresses to Sew for Summer

Need some cool new fashions for the hot summer weather? Summer is almost here and we love making things to wear to the beach, pool, park and on picnics. Whether you are a beginner at sewing or have been making things for years, you are sure to find some awesome sewing projects here, complete with free patterns and step by step tutorials. Enjoy!

1. Kimono Sundress

frecklesinapril

This DIY walk‑through shows how to transform lightweight kimono fabric (or any drapey cotton) into a breezy wrap sundress by cutting simple front and back pieces, adding a waist tie, and stitching basic sleeve seams. The result is a flattering, wrap-style sundress that’s surprisingly easy to sew—perfect for beginners and great for warm-weather wear with customizable fabric patterns.

2. Handpainted Front Zip Lemon Dress

merricksart

The sewing project tutorial guides you through hand-painting a playful lemon print onto ponte knit fabric, then sewing it into a flattering fit‑and‑flare dress featuring a sporty front zipper that makes it nursing-friendly. It includes a full-size pattern, clear cutting and assembly steps, plus tips for stamping, adding dimension to the fruit motif, and sealing the paint before stitching. The result is a bright, personalized DIY summer dress that’s both stylish and practical

3. Easy Caftan Dress Tutorial

rivaladiva

This easy DIY dress making tutorial walks you through turning a single piece of draped fabric into a loose, breezy caftan dress—with no complex pattern required and minimal sewing. You simply fold the fabric in half, cut a neckline, stitch two side seams partway down, hem the edges, and you’re done in about 30 minutes. The result is a stylish, flowy summer dress that’s beginner‑friendly and effortlessly chic look.

4. Boat Club Dress + Swimsuit Coverup

sewcaroline

This DIY dress pattern is free and the sewing tutorial offers a simple woven sundress pattern that features minimal pieces, no tricky closures, and straightforward construction—ideal for beginners. It includes helpful assembly tips such as a gathered or elastic waist and optional sleeve variations, letting you customize the look with drapey cotton or linen fabrics. Did we mention the free dress pattern is included?

5. Halter Maxi Dress Tutorial

smashedpeasandcarrots

This dress sewing tutorial guides you through drafting a halter-style maxi dress using a well-fitting jersey knit sundress as your template—requiring just 2–2.5 yards of stretch fabric. You’ll cut simple front and back pieces, hem neckline and armholes, insert a soft fabric tie through a neckline tube, sew side seams, and finish the hem. The result is a comfortable, elegant DIY halter dress perfect for summer wear, from the office to weekend outings.

6. How to Sew An Easy Summer Dress

itsalwaysautumn

So simple, so beautiful. This no fuss sewing pattern shows you how to sew a summer dress with simple lines. This dress sewing idea is perfect for beginners.

7. Strapless Blue Dress

kojo-designs

8. Coral Off The Sleeve Summer Dress

elleapparelblog

9. Pebble Washed Modified Ruby Dress

tessuti

10. Chevron Sun Dress

peekaboopages

11. Easy Knit Sundress

sewbon

12. Lettuce Edge Hem Summer Dress

googiemomma

13. Seaside Stripes Summer Dress

kojo-designs

14. Shirred Summer Dress

thediymommy

 

15. Summer Bias Dress

mellysews

16. Summer Blossom Dress

tearosehome

17. Easy Summer Babydoll Dress

prettyprudent

18. Summer Swing Dress

merricksart

19. Sunshine Poured Out Maxi

madeitonmonday

20. Beach Towel Dress

madeeveryday