Depending on where you live, the summer heat can become unbearable. When lounging around the house, a t shirt and shorts are always acceptable. But when you need to go to work or the store, you want to look your best. Instead of wearing your normal casual wear, throw on a lightweight dress. You can make the perfect dress using a smocked dress pattern.
What is a Smock Dress?
A smock dress is a lightweight dress with an unstructured style. It has an oversized, voluminous shape that makes the dress comfortable and cool to wear. Since the dress is not tight or made from binding materials, you can wear it all day without being uncomfortable.
Facts About the Smock Dress
People have been wearing smocked clothing for a long time. Once you slip on a smock dress, you will understand why.
- The smock was a garment originally worn by shepherds, rural workers, and labourers.
- The smock style is believed to have originated in England and Wales.
- The traditional smock dress is made from linen or wool fabric.
- The smock dress can be any length.
- Smocking is an embroidery technique. The technique gathers fabric, creating pleats that have stretch.
Why Do We Love Smocked Dresses?
If you have never worn a smocked dress, you do not know what you are missing. Smocked dresses are extremely comfortable. But that is not the only reason we love smocked dresses. Below are just a handful of reasons why you should have at least one smocked dress in your wardrobe.
- Smock dresses are designed for all-day comfort.
- They are lightweight.
- You can stay cool when wearing a smocked dress.
- Smocked dresses can be dressed up or down.
- Not only is it a dress, but you can also pair it with jeans or leggings.
14 Smocked Dress Patterns
Below are 14 smocked dress patterns that I am sure you will love. I have included patterns and sizes for everyone wanting to make their own dress.
1. Gathered Smock Dress Sewing Pattern by AuraPatterns
Here is a classic smocked dress pattern. It has a gathered skirt and short sleeves. The sewing pattern is perfect for beginners and experienced sewists alike.
The smocked dress pattern includes sizes from XS to XXXL. The designer recommends using lightweight cotton, linen, or viscose. This dress can be made in as little as 2 to 3 hours.
Find the Pattern by AuraPatterns Here
2. Smock Dress Sewing Pattern by TammyHandmadeStudio
The Priya smocked dress features a floaty design and slip-on style. There are various skirt lengths and sleeve options.
This is a beginner-friendly smocked dress pattern. Included are sizes from 6-32. Along with the printable pattern is a video tutorial that walks you through the complete process.
Find the Pattern by TammyHandmadeStudio Here
3. Oversized Tiered Long Sleeve Smock Dress Pattern by tropicalresearch
Perfect for hot summer days and cuddling on the couch, this oversized tiered smock dress was designed for comfort. The pattern can even be customised to create different styles and lengths. The dress is large and drapes freely over the body. The smocked dress pattern comes in 7 sizes from XS-XXXL.
Find the Pattern by tropicalresearch Here
4. Smock Dress Sewing Pattern by Tisimiwi
This one shoulder smock dress is flowy, flirty, and perfect for summer. It has a tiered design and a single tie shoulder. Dress it up with high heels and diamonds. Or dress it down with flip flops and a beach hat.
Along with the pattern pieces are detailed instructions. Light to medium weight fabrics with no stretch are recommended. This dress can be completed by a beginner.
Get the Pattern by Tisimiwi Here
5. Gathered Easy Smock Dress Pattern by AuraPatterns
The mini smock dress features a crew neckline and cute ruffled sleeves. The pattern is a great choice for beginners and a fun project for experienced sewists. The smocked dress pattern comes in sizes XS, S, M, L, and XL. It is recommended for use with light or medium weight comfortable woven fabrics.
Find the Pattern by AuraPatterns Here
6. Camille Smocked Dress Pattern by StudioROSADO
Turn heads in this romantic maxi dress. The dress is lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for summer. It has an elastic shirred bodice and optional leg slit.
The shirred dress pattern recommends light to medium weight fabric with a print. There are full instructions and a video tutorial. Sizes are for US 0-20 (EU 32-52).
Find the Pattern by StudioROSADO Here
7. Short Sleeve Gathered Skirt Smocked Dress Pattern by HubbaDing
Here is a cute little smock dress that features short sleeves and a gathered skirt. The pattern can be used to make a summer dress out of light weight cotton or viscose. And a winter dress out of a heavier fabric like Jersey knit.
The pattern comes with step-by-step sewing instructions with pictures. It was designed to be easy enough for novice sewists.
Find the Pattern by HubbaDing Here
8. Aria Maxi Smocked Dress Pattern by tropicalresearch
The Aria Dress has a comfortable, romantic feel. It is loose, flowy, and elegant. The dress uses gathering to create lots of volume. It would make a wonderful dress for formal parties and hiding baby bumps. You can even use this bodice pattern by itself to make a crop top.
The Aria buffet smocked dress pattern comes in 7 sizes, from XS-XXXL. It works best in light fabrics, washed linens, and soft cottons.
Find the Pattern by tropicalresearch Here
9. Shirred Tie Strap Smocked Dress Pattern by SewingPandaPatterns
Here is a romantic shirred dress pattern perfect for date nights. The dress has an elastic bodice, long tie straps, and a long circular skirt with a slit. The pattern comes in 8 sizes, from US 2-16 (UK 6-20). There are no written instructions, only a video tutorial.
Find the Pattern by SewingPandaPatterns Here
10. Long Sleeve Smock Dress Sewing Pattern Square Neckline by AuraPatterns
This cute baby doll style dress features a square neckline, long sleeves with elastic cuffs, and a gathered skirt. It is suitable for everyday wear and travel.
The smocked dress pattern is easy to construct and perfect for beginners. Included are sizes XS, S, M, L, and XL. The designer recommends using lightweight cotton for a relaxed, comfortable fit.
Find the Pattern by AuraPatterns Here
11. Willow Tiered Smock Dress with Collar by SewThisPattern
With this smocked dress pattern, you can make two different loose fitting tiered smock dresses. There is a short and flirty version and a version that sits just below the knee. The short dress has puff sleeves, and the longer dress has slightly longer sleeves.
Both dresses have frilled collars, keyhole button back closures, in seam pockets, and bust darts. Available in sizes 6-24 (Australian standards), the sewing pattern is suitable for intermediate level sewists.
Find the Pattern by SewThisPattern Here
12. Linen Free Smock Dress Pattern by The Thread
Simple, comfortable, and perfect for wearing around the house, this smock dress is simple to make. Pair it with a chunky cardigan to keep extra warm in the winter. The free linen smock dress pattern uses medium-weight linen, matching thread, contrasting thread, fusible interfacing, and 3 buttons.
Find the Pattern by The Thread Here
13. Cosy Long Sleeve Smock Dress Pattern by AuraPatterns
This cute knit dress features a jewel neckline, long sleeves, and tiered skirt. The dress would make a wonderful addition to your spring and summer wardrobe. You could even pair it with a pair of leggings for winter.
The smocked dress pattern is easy to construct. It is a great pattern for beginners and experienced sewists. It comes in sizes from XS to XXXL. The designer recommends using comfortable, light or medium weight knit fabrics.
Find the Pattern by AuraPatterns Here
14. Cora Half Sleeve Linen Dress Pattern by Fabrics-Store
Just because a dress is comfortable and loose does not mean it cannot be elegant and charming. The Cora dress is proof of this. This half sleeve dress is great for lounging at home or heading to the market on a warm day.
The free smocked dress pattern includes sizes 0/2 to 28/30. It can be completed by an advanced beginner.
Find the Pattern by Fabrics-Store Here
Are you looking for a comfortable dress you can dress up or down, check out these smocked dress patterns
You know how we love seeing your works! So head over to our Facebook Page and feel free to post the patterns you worked on. Need more sewing projects, check out our Buffet Dress Patterns, Dungaree Sewing Patterns, Trench Coat Patterns, Backpack Sewing Patterns, Scrub Cap Patterns and a lot more here.
The smock dress is comfortable and super easy to dress up or down. Simply slip it on, put on a pair of shoes, and you are ready to go. Not only is the dress super comfortable, but you will also greatly appreciate the breathability when the weather heats up. So, what are you waiting for? Get started working on a smocked dress pattern today.
