5 FREE Vintage Sewing Patterns

If you wear a size 14, size 16 or higher, it can be hard to find vintage sewing patterns to fit you. You can always resize vintage patterns, but that can be a bit of a long-winded process, so we've rounded up five of the best free dressmaking patterns which are inspired by vintage style but sized with modern sewists in mind.

The Brigitte Dress
This easy-to-sew shift dress is a real classic, with its characteristic 1960s silhouette. It can be sewn in woven or stretch fabric for a comfy fit and the pattern includes UK dress sizes 8-16 (to fit bust 33"-41").

Gertie's Floral Day Dress
Perfect for afternoon tea, this sweet and simple dress pattern has a 1940s feel with its economic use of fabric and classic floral print. The pattern indludes UK dress sizes 8-20, to fit bust 32" to 46".

Ava Sundress
This is the easiest of our vintage patterns to sew. The pattern is inspired by movie star Ava Gardner, with is classic 1950s full skirt and halter neck. It's a perfect project for lightweight woven fabrics, such as cotton voile, lawn or lightweight poplin. Sized XS-XL, to fit bust 33" to 45".

Lisa Comfort's Circle Skirt Tutorial
We can't talk about 1950s sewing patterns without the classic circle skirt. This pattern is drafted to fit your exact measurements, so it's very plus-size friendly!

Lottie Pussy Bow Blouse
Add a retro flourish to your wardrobe with this classic pussy-bow blouse pattern! This flattering pattern is easy to sew, with no tricky fastenings and just five pattern pieces. As with all Simple Sew patterns, it's sized following UK high street clothing sizes - this one includes sizes 8-18, which will fit a bust of 33" to 43".

For more must-sew vintage-inspired patterns in modern sizes, check out the selection at Simple Sew patterns.
Shown above:
Lucille dress
Bardot dress
Nancy dress