The holiday season is the best excuse to sew something special. Whether you are planning a Christmas dinner outfit, a cosy look for family visits or something for New Year’s Eve, these free holiday sewing patterns will get you there, in sizes XXS–4XL.
Every pattern below is free to download in A4 and US Letter, with a size chart, fabric chart and pattern piece list. For each one we suggest a festive fabric and what to wear it with.
1. Corduroy Pinafore Dress #CS1010
Level: Easy. A button-front pinafore with princess seams and a deep V neckline, made to be layered. In burgundy or forest-green needlecord or a tartan wool it is the perfect holiday dress: wear it over a cream turtleneck or a satin blouse.
Get the free Corduroy Pinafore Dress pattern →
2. Bishop Sleeve Blouse #CS1004
Level: Easy. Full sleeves gathered into slim cuffs, a stand collar and a button front. Sew it in an ivory crepe de chine or a satin-backed crepe and it turns instantly festive. Tuck it into the barrel trousers or wear it under the pinafore.
Get the free Bishop Sleeve Blouse pattern →
3. Fitted Turtleneck Top #CS1005
Level: Easy. Only four pieces and a couple of hours of sewing: the quickest project here. In a fine rib knit or a soft sweater knit it is the base layer for every holiday outfit, from the pinafore to the peplum jacket.
Get the free Fitted Turtleneck Top pattern →
4. High-Waisted Barrel Trousers #CS1009
Level: Easy. Curved barrel-leg trousers with front pleats and a buttoned waistband. Sew them in wool suiting or velveteen for a New Year’s Eve look that is as comfortable as it is elegant.
Get the free High-Waisted Barrel Trousers pattern →
5. Vintage Peplum Jacket #CS1003
Level: Intermediate. A rounded mandarin collar, a button front and a flounce at the waist give this jacket a 1950s feel. Make it in boucle, wool crepe or a jewel-toned velveteen and wear it over the turtleneck.
Get the free Vintage Peplum Jacket pattern →
6. Deep V Tailored Vest #CS1002
Level: Intermediate. A sharp tailored vest with a deep V and a pointed hem. In plaid wool or velvet it makes a festive two-piece with the barrel trousers, worn over the bishop sleeve blouse.
Get the free Deep V Tailored Vest pattern →
7. Mandarin Collar Coat #CS1001
Level: Intermediate. The finishing touch for holiday outings: a princess-seamed coat with a clean mandarin collar and welt pockets. Sew it in wool melton or wool coating in camel, cream or deep red.
Get the free Mandarin Collar Coat pattern →
8. Victorian Nightgown #CS1008
Level: Easy. For Christmas morning: a long nightgown with a square neckline, bishop sleeves and hidden pockets. In brushed cotton flannel or a small red-and-white check it is cosy, festive and a lovely handmade gift.
Get the free Victorian Nightgown pattern →
Holiday outfit ideas
| Occasion | Outfit | Fabrics |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas dinner | Pinafore Dress + Turtleneck | Burgundy needlecord + cream rib knit |
| Office party | Barrel Trousers + Bishop Sleeve Blouse | Black wool suiting + ivory crepe |
| New Year’s Eve | Deep V Vest + Barrel Trousers | Matching velvet or plaid wool |
| Family visits | Peplum Jacket + Turtleneck + Barrel Trousers | Boucle + sweater knit + twill |
| Christmas morning | Victorian Nightgown | Red check brushed flannel |
Tips for sewing festive fabrics
- Velvet is tricky; velveteen and needlecord are not. For a first “velvet” project, choose cotton velveteen or fine corduroy: they have the same rich look but do not slide. Our corduroy sewing guide covers cutting with the nap and pressing.
- Satin and crepe: use fine pins in the seam allowance, a new 70/10 needle and a press cloth.
- Plaids: buy extra fabric and match the lines at the side seams and centre front.
- Metallic threads and lurex: press on low heat and test on a scrap first.
More free patterns
Browse all our free sewing patterns in sizes XXS–4XL, or start with the Easy ones if you are short on time.
Frequently asked questions
Are these holiday sewing patterns really free?
Yes. All eight patterns are free to download in A4 and US Letter, in sizes XXS to 4XL. An optional illustrated step-by-step guide and A0 file are available for a small coffee.
What is the quickest holiday pattern to sew?
The Fitted Turtleneck Top: it has only four pieces and takes about two to three hours.
What fabric should I use for a Christmas dress?
Needlecord, velveteen, tartan wool or wool flannel all look festive and are easier to sew than true velvet or satin.
Can I sew a holiday outfit as a beginner?
Yes. Choose an Easy pattern such as the Pinafore Dress, the Turtleneck or the Barrel Trousers, and a stable fabric like needlecord or wool suiting.
Happy sewing!
