5 FREE Buffet Dress Patterns

What is a Buffet Dress?

The aptly named Buffet Dress reached peak popularity in lockdown, being the go-to floaty, voluminous, loose fit dress to wear about the house during our extended lazy time indoors! Anything that has a relaxed shape which covers your body can be considered a Buffet Dress, puffed sleeves and tiered panels of the dress have been popular features. Over the last year we've seen a boom of sewists across the world challenging themselves to create their very own version of this lazy look!

Discover FREE dream dresses on CraftWorld

High-street Buffet Dresses

Here's a selection of floaty dresses that are on-trend this season from the likes of Marks & Spencer, Oliver Bonas and Monsoon to inspire your next make!

Basic Dress Tutorials

If you're new to sewing, starting with a T-shirt as a base is a great way to create your own version of billowing Buffet Dress. This tutorial is ideal as it doesn't require pattern - and due to the cut of the T-shirt the pressure if off when it comes to getting a perfect fit! This DIY Tent Dress from Sew Aldo is made from jersey fabric, which is also a great stash-busting project on a budget!

This super easy tutorial shows you how to make a super comfortable t-shirt dress from a knit fabric from Kara Metta! This fantastic YouTube channel is a fantastic resource jam-packed with sewing projects and a fun refashion series, where Kara changes and updates clothing that she has inherited from her Grandmother!

How can dressmaking transform your relationship with your body for the better?

5 FREE Buffet Dress Patterns

We share a round-up of five fantastic free patterns from around the web which suit all body shapes, vary in ability and are perfect for the approaching summer months! There's something for everyone in this collection, click the links below to find the pattern you love!

SUMMER LOUNGE DRESS

This fun pattern from the Riva La Diva blog is an idyllic Buffet-style shape, featuring a loose gathered waist and an off-the-shoulder set sleeve. Designer Riva muses 'I wanted something that would get caught up in a cool summer breeze and whimsically played with the imagination of the eye…'  and following a hunt for the perfect fabric, the Summer Lounge Dress was born!

A 3-SEAM CAFTAN TUTORIAL

The Kaftan is such a staple for so many wardrobes as it's so easy to wear year round. The best part about sewing a kaftan is that it's two large rectangles with only 3 seams to sew if you are using a knit fabric. This beginner friendly pattern can also be made to any length and if you're using a knit fabric you can leave the arm holes, the neck unhemmed!

THE EASY TEE DRESS

This super-easy Tee Dress pattern, designed by Autumn of It's Always Autumn is just that bit more tailored than other examples out there, it flows but still has some shape to flatter the waist. This design is knee-length for a summer vibe and also give you the opportunity to alter the the neckline.

THE LOBELIA DRESS

This statement Lobelia Dress is the wildcard of this pattern round-up - boasting oversized batwing sleeves and a tie to cinch the waist, resulting in a stylish mini dress for your spring wardrobe! Simply sign up to the Mood website to access the pattern for this dress and follow the comprehensive step-by-step photo guide to create your garment!

PLEATED SUMMER DRESS

This dress design is cute as a button! The Pleated Summer Dress is a relaxed and
boxy style knee-length dress, with a pleated skirt. It features a button placket with hidden buttons, bias bound armholes and neckline, bust darts, in-seam pockets and a back yoke. Download this pattern with one click to make your own version of this dreamy dress from a woven fabric of your choice!

The Sewing Bee 2021

Are you excited for the Sewing Bee? If you're looking for a floaty dress to whip up on the run-up to the Sewing Bee class of 2021, then look no further than this fantastic Simple Sew Kaftan Dress and follow the hype of this year's competition on our sister site!

If you're looking for more sewing content on CraftWorld, check out the following links!

An Introduction to Dressmaking

Five Sewing Projects for Beginners

Five FREE Sewing Patterns for Kids

Happy Sewing,

Betty

This post is sponsored by The Fabric Guys