Sew a 9-Piece Summer Capsule Wardrobe: Free Sewing Patterns for Every Piece

If you’ve been looking for free sewing patterns to build a capsule wardrobe for summer, this post is for you. I’ve put together a curated nine-piece summer capsule wardrobe using only free sewing patterns that reflect my simple, minimalist style.

💡 Sewing Capsule Wardrobes:
Previously, I wrote a post on building your first capsule wardrobe with 5 free sewing patterns, which is a great starting point if you’re looking for a smaller project.

Sewing offers so much inspiration that it’s easy to end up with beautiful, one-off pieces that don’t always work together. I’ve certainly made garments inspired by something I saw on Instagram or YouTube, only to find later that I have nothing to pair them with. That’s why the idea of a capsule wardrobe really appeals to me.

How this blog post works

This capsule includes nine essential garments that can mix and match into many different outfits. For each piece, I’ve selected a few free sewing pattern options to give you some flexibility.

If my preference for the simple minimalist aesthetic is not your style, you can still get some ideas and swap out the patterns for something you like.

Piece 1:Bottom – Maxi Skirt Patterns

Black and white fashion flat showing two skirts side by side: one is a tiered maxi skirt with three gathered sections, and the other is a bias-cut midi skirt with a smooth flared silhouette.

The idea here is to have a long breezy skirt that is comfortable. For this piece I’m looking at two sewing patterns, namely the Sofia Linen Skirt by the Fabrics Store and the Fuller Tiered Skirt by Sewing Therapy X CBC Life

To get the Sofia skirt, just subscribe to the Fabrics Store and you’ll be granted access to the sewing pattern. Sizes 0/2–28/30, with hip measurements ranging from 35-58″.

Image credit: Fabrics Store. Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

The Fuller Tiered Skirt is part of a pay as you can collection. Add it to your cart and check out. Sizes 0–24, with hip measurements ranging from 33″ (84 cm) to about 54″ (137 cm).

Image credit: @yoursara_k. Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

Piece 2: Top – Basic T-shirt Patterns

Black and white fashion flat of a short-sleeve T-shirt with crew neckline. On the right, a small version shows the T-shirt paired with high-waisted shorts with slanted pockets.

T-shirts are the ultimate basic closet staple. Here are two options depending on the fit you prefer.

The ABB Tee is a classic tee with several neckline and sleeve length options. Add it to your cart and check out for free. Size measurement range: chest 31-63″, waist 24-59″.

Image credit: Sewing With Pride. Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

The Core t-shirt is a boxy tee with an optional breast pocket. Sign up to Closet core to get the pattern. There are two size ranges, 0–20 and 14–32 covering chest measurements, 31″ – 60″ in total.

Image credit: Closet Core. Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

Piece 3: Layer – Shirt/Blouse Patterns

Black and white fashion flat of a long-sleeve button-down shirt with collar, button placket, and cuffs. On the right, a small version shows the shirt paired with wide-leg pants.

A classic shirt is a fantastic piece as it can serve as a light layer and a top on its own. This is probably going to be your most versatile piece.

The Noa shirt by the Fabric Store is the perfect pattern for this layer piece. Sign up for free and you’ll gain access to the pattern. Sizes XS-4X, with chest measurements ranging from 33″ to 56″.

Person wearing a white linen button-up shirt with long sleeves and a classic collar.
Image credit: Fabric Store. Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

Another option is the Carya Shirt by Mood Fabrics. This is a nice short sleeve shirt alternative. Sign up to Mood and they’ll send the pattern to you. Unisex sizes 32-56, with chest measurements ranging from 32″ to 56″.

Technical flat sketch of the Mood Fabrics Carya shirt showing front and back views with short sleeves and button closure.
Image credit: Mood Fabrics. Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

Piece 4: Dress Patterns

Black and white fashion flat of a sleeveless, round-neck, ankle-length dress with a fitted silhouette. On the right, a small version shows the dress paired with a classic button-down shirt layered over it.

While dresses might seem limiting, they’re can actually be versatile. You can layer them with a shirt or even wear a t-shirt or tank underneath for more variation. I’m really into minimalist maxi dresses; here are the sewing patterns I’ve chosen for piece 4.

The Val Backless Maxi Dress by the Fabric Store is my favourite option because of the ties it features. Sign up to the Fabric Store to get this pattern for free. Sizes XS-4X, with hip measurements ranging from 35″ to 58″.

Woman wearing a backless blue maxi dress with tie detail, standing outdoors on grass.
Image credit: Fabrics Store . Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

Grasser Dress #93 by Grasser is an A-line maxi with a keyhole detail in the back. It’s a great option if you want more volume. This pattern accommodates European sizes 38–56.

Woman wearing a sleeveless leopard print maxi dress with black tie detail, wide-brim straw hat, and sandals.
Image credit: Grasser . Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.
Digital Sewing Planner for Capsule Wardrobes

Digital Sewing Planner for Capsule Wardrobes

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A 32-page PDF Digital Sewing Planner to help you clarify…

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Piece 5: Bottoms – Pants Patterns

Black and white fashion flat of full-length wide-leg pants with elastic waistband and front fly detail. On the right, a small version shows the pants paired with a basic short-sleeve crew neck T-shirt.

I’m a sucker for a nice pair of pull on pants. Maybe it’s because they are far more forgiving when it comes to fit than pants with yokes and closures.

The Cass Wide-Leg Culottes by Fabrics Store is a clean cut culotte that is a great option for lightweight fabrics like Linen. Sign up to the Fabrics Store to download the free pattern. Sizes XS-4X, with hip measurements ranging from 35″ to 58″.

Woman wearing light grey wide leg culottes with elastic waistband, standing barefoot in a grassy outdoor setting.
Image credit: Fabrics Store . Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

The Louise Wide-Leg Pants by Mood Fabrics are longer option for pull on pants. Sign up for Mood and they’ll send you the pattern. Sizes 00–32, with hip measurements ranging from 34 to 63.5″.

Technical flat sketch of the Mood Fabrics Louise Wide Leg Pants showing front and back views with elastic waistband and wide legs.
Image credit: Mood Fabrics. Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

Piece 6: Top – Tank Top Patterns

Black and white fashion flat of a sleeveless tank top with wide straps and a round neckline. On the right, a small version shows the tank paired with a tiered A-line maxi skirt.

Tank tops are one of my favorite layering pieces because they tuck in easily and pair well with both skirts and pants. Here are two free tank top sewing patterns I like.

The Sylvan Tank by Mood Fabrics includes both a tank top and dress option. It features a higher neckline than the Lago tank shown below. Sign up for Mood to download the free pattern. Sizes 00–32, with chest measurements ranging from 31 to 59.5″.

Three rib knit tank tops and dresses displayed on dress forms in a sewing studio, including cropped, full-length tank, and tank dress versions.
Image credit: Mood Fabrics. Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

The Lago Tank by Itch to Stitch is a classic tank with scoop neck. Add the sewing pattern to you cart and check out for free. Sizes 00–20, with chest measurements ranging from around 31 to 46″.

Woman wearing a sleeveless floral tank top, standing outdoors with one hand on her hip.
Image credit: Itch to Stitch. Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

Piece 7:Bottom – Bias Skirt Patterns

Black and white fashion flat of a midi-length bias skirt with a slight flare and smooth waistband. On the right, a small version shows the skirt paired with a button-down shirt.

This piece is inspired by many of my saves on Pinterest. Though bias skirts are often in silky fabrics, they look beautiful in fabrics like linen. For this piece, we have two options.

The Bias-Cut Skirt pattern by Sparrow Refashion is the ultimate beginner friendly tutorial for a bias-cut skirt. The guide goes through all the little challenges one might encounter when working with fabrics cut on the bias. Sizes XS-XL, with hip measurements ranging from around 35 to 42″. If this size range does not accommodate you, download the Indigo skirt below but follow Sparrow Refashion’s tutorial.

Woman modeling five variations of bias cut skirts paired with different tops, showing styling options.
Image credit: Sparrow Refashion. Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

The Indigo Skirt by Mood Fabrics is another option for a bias-cut skirt. Sign up for Mood to download the free pattern. Sizes 2–30, with hip measurements ranging from 34.5 to 63″.

Floral bias cut midi skirt displayed on a dress form in front of an ornate gold frame.
Image credit: Mood Fabrics. Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

Piece 8: Top – Camisole Patterns

Black and white fashion flat of a camisole with thin straps and V-neckline. On the right, a small version shows the camisole paired with a long bias-cut skirt with a slightly flared hem.

Camisoles are another wonderful staple for warm weather. These options offer a basic cami style and some variations on the classic.

The Marigold Camisole by Mood Fabrics is a simple classic camisole. Sign up for Mood to download the free pattern. Sizes 2–30, with chest measurements ranging from 32.5 to 58.5″.

Technical flat sketch of the Marigold cami showing front and back views with bust darts and V-neckline.
Image credit: Mood Fabrics. Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

The Cédrat Camisole by Maison Fauve is a fun take on the camisole with a number of views. I love that it has ties as straps, I think I can manage to hide my bra straps with this one. Sizes 34–46, with chest measurements ranging from 80 to 104 cm.

Technical flat sketches of four variations of the Cédrat camisole with V-neckline and tie straps.
Image credit: Maison Fauve. Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

The Ash Pintuck Camisole by Fabrics Store features pintucks on the front bodice. Subscribe to the Fabrics Store to get access to the free pattern. Sizes 0/2–28/30, with chest measurements ranging from 33-56″.

Woman wearing a white linen camisole with pintuck detailing, buttons down the front, and waist tie.
Image credit: Fabrics Store . Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

Piece 9: Bottom – Shorts Patterns

Black and white fashion flat of high-waisted shorts with slanted pockets and a wide waistband. On the right, a small version shows the shorts paired with a V-neck camisole.

Many of the bottoms in this capsule have leaned toward longer, high-coverage silhouettes just cause I love the maxi aesthetic. For a bit of variation, here are some shorts patterns that I like.

The Skye Shorts by Peppermint Magazine feature a half elastic waistband which makes them so special. This pattern is offered on a pay-what-you-can basis meaning you can access it for free or contribute to support Peppermint Magazine. Sizes A–P, with hip measurements ranging from 35 to 60″.

Woman wearing a white button-up blouse and green tropical print shorts, standing against a white wall.
Image credit: Peppermint Magazine . Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

Another shorts pattern from Peppermint Magazine is the Drawstring Linen Shorts. This one has a paperbag waist and drawstrings. Again, you can get it on a pay-what-you-can basis from Peppermint Magazine. Sizes A–P, with hip measurements ranging from 35 to 60″.

Woman wearing a black tank top and olive green drawstring paperbag waist shorts, standing outdoors.
Image credit: Peppermint Magazine . Image used for commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the original owner.

I hope this blog post gave you a boost of sewing inspiration. Feel free to experiment with different patterns that you own as well.

Planning what to sew can feel like a project in itself sometimes. Here are some resources with free printables to help you plan your sewing.

🎁 Free Resources:
Grab my free Sewing Brain Dump Planner to help organize all your sewing ideas.

Break down your sewing projects using my Sewing Project Breakdown Planner.

And you can always grab yourself my Capsule Wardrobe Digital Planner to help you map out your sewing plan from start to finish.

Digital Sewing Planner for Capsule Wardrobes

Digital Sewing Planner for Capsule Wardrobes

$7.99

A 32-page PDF Digital Sewing Planner to help you clarify…

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