Awaken Your Inner Aurora With These Essential Sleepycore Sewing Patterns
- Words by Peppermint
Here at Peppermint HQ, we’re on the cutting edge of a new and exciting fashion we’re calling sleepycore. You might think, “Pyjamas? You’re talking about pyjamas.” But dream bigger fellow cosy enthusiasts – that’s just the beginning of sleepycore’s potential. We’re talking daytime pyjamas, secret pyjamas, and clothes that are comfy and easy to throw on, yet stylish enough that nobody will suspect you are one spinning wheel away from taking a quick 100-year nap.
Obviously, the epitome of sleepycore is the Peppermint Samford Set, our latest pattern (that you can download now or receive for free with a copy of Issue 57), but until you make seven different sets you can wear every day, you’ll need a few more fits. In celebration of the Samford release, we’ve collected some of our favourite sleepycore sewing patterns!
SET IT UP
A matching co-ord set takes a lot of the stress out of putting together an outfit while still giving the air of someone who has their life together. Whip up any number of these sensational sets for an endless assemblage of cute and comfy tops and bottoms!
SAMFORD SET
Peppermint Patterns
She is the moment. Pairing a boxy button-up with a cute camp collar and a pair of pants packed with pockets and an elasticated, drawstring waistband, this terrific two-piece can take you from the bedroom to the boardwalk and back again blissfully to bed. Go wild with colour blocking or create a sleek and sophisticated monochromatic set.
Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: A – P (Up to a 60-inch hip)
PIPIT LOUNGEWEAR SET
Common Stitch
A timeless loungewear fit from the Common Stitch, the Pipit Set pairs a classy V-neck button-up with some statement fluted sleeves and a neat set of shorts with a perfectly placed butt pocket. Made in that delicious mustard yellow, this set screams Aussie summertime vibes to us. Now that’s dreamy!
Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: AUS 6 – 24 (Up to a 52-inch hip)
LOUNGEWEAR SET
Peppermint Patterns
A Common Stitch x Peppermint collabo, the Peppermint Loungewear set shows off our sleepycore expertise in a laid-back set for lounging around in the lap of luxury. Its relaxed-fit, cropped pants have wide hems and deep pockets, and the short sleeve top has built-in sleeves and a scoop-back hem. Whether paired together or worn separately, this pattern is a versatile everyday essential.
Sewing level: Beginner
Size guide: A – K (Up to a 52-inch hip)
SAGUARO SET
Friday Pattern Co
Slightly more upmarket, but no less comfy because of it, the Saguaro Set from Friday Pattern Co brings a splash of 70s glam with fun flowy pants and a plunging V-neck pullover top (which can be worn reversible and customised with optional tie closures). It’s perfect for desert road trips, sunset beach walks and dancing or dreaming the night away!
Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: XS/0 – 7X/32 (Up to a 63-inch hip)
READ MORE – Sew like a Bro: Where to Find Cool Men’s Sewing Patterns
BUNDLE UP
An essential sleepycore piece is an oversized dress – think walking around with your blankets wrapped around you, but in a stylish dress format! For bonus points, these fabric-hungry designs can be made from upcycled bed sheets or doona covers so your bed is always by your side.
ZW GATHER DRESS
Birgitta Helmersson
Zero-waste patternmaker extraordinaire Birgitta Helmersson’s most popular pattern is perhaps the ZW Waste Gather Dress – there are over 2500 uses of the hashtag on Instagram alone as people lean into its oversized goodness. Easily adjustable, customisable and hackable, it’s an absolute classic tent dress with a dropped shoulder, gathered skirt, side pockets and full-length button placket. Sheer cosy goodness!
Sewing level: Beginner
Size guide: Suitable for a bust measurement of up to 156cm (61 inches)
PAINT DRESS
Make by TFS
A newer pattern we’re already pining for is Make by TFS’s Paint Dress. Inspired by artisans of yore, the voluminous smock features a generous blousy fit, with gathering at the neckline and cuffs of its raglan sleeves. Make a beautiful breezy dress or shorten it to a blouse and pair it with a pair of matching shorts. Whatever you choose, you’ll be floating on air in this playfully puffy make!
Sewing level: Advanced Beginner
Size guide: NZ 4 – 32 (Up to a 63-inch hip)
BOWEN DRESS
Peppermint Patterns
Created in collaboration with Kim Sisson of Hubba Ding, the Bowen Dress is Peppermint’s own extravagantly comfortable tent dress. Making a dramatic splash with its rah-rah ruffle sleeves and voluminous skirt, the Bowen Dress is reversible with a button closure and V-neck to flip from back to front at your leisure. Easy, breezy, beautiful and free, the Bowen Dress is a sleepycore enthusiast’s sweet dream.
Sewing level: Beginner
Size guide: A – N (Up to a 60-inch hip)
READ MORE – Plus-Size Sewing Patterns: Seven Brands to Keep on Your Radar
SLIP IT ON
The slip dress was your grandma’s pyjamas and her underwear too. It made the transition to outwear because its appeal was too strong to be hidden away in the bedroom. Comfortable, easy to wear, flattering and a little bit sexy? That’s sleepycore, babes!
MAYA CAMI DRESS
Papercut Patterns
A bias-cut beauty, the Maya Cami Dress from Papercut Patterns is a staple slip pattern with spaghetti straps, a gathered bust cup, and a range of lengths from shirt to midi skirt. This versatile number can be layered over a t-shirt or worn as a simple sundress. Depending on your fabric choice, it can serve looks from sexy seductress to sweetheart chic.
Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: NZ/UK 6 – 20 (Up to a 49-inch hip)
HALLON DRESS
Paradise Patterns
The sleepycore appeal of the Hallon Dress is that the dramatic low-back feature means that not wearing a bra is not laziness but a central point of the outfit. Simply throw it on and head out the door looking glamorous and intentional while the girls hang free. If you are the kind of person for whom not wearing a bra is more of a threat than a special treat, you’re still in luck! Sewist WhatBellaMade has published a tutorial on how to hack a built-in bra to the pattern.
Sewing level: Confident Beginner
Size guide: 00 – 30 (Up to a 59-inch bust)
KNIT IT OUT
Sewing with knits can be intimidating but they are a natural fit for sleepycore styles with their possibilities of softness and relaxed fitting. These straightforward knit patterns will get you started on your journey to ultimate comfort.
NORA LOUNGE CROP TOP
Tint of Mint Patterns
Tint of Mint has a great collection of loungewear patterns each cosier looking than the last and the Nora Lounge Crop Top is a square-necked cami crop that’s all class. Make it in a creamy neutral to blend in with your cavalcade of cosy clothes or let it stand out as a statement piece in something bright and colourful!
Sewing level: Confident Beginner
Size guide: UK 4 – 24 (Up to a 44-inch bust)
INARA TEE DRESS
Named Clothing
A perennial pyjama favourite, beloved by all ages and genders, is the big t-shirt – comfort dressing at its peak. With Named Clothing’s Inari Tee Dress, you can bring the sheer ebullient joy of the big tee into your daily wardrobe with this easy, crisp and comfortable t-shirt dress. With turned-up t-shirt sleeves, a facing-finished neckline and tasteful side slits, the Inari Dress truly is the cat’s pyjamas!
Sewing level: Beginner
Size guide: EU 32 – 56 (Up to a 56-inch hip)
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Look, I don’t want to make anyone panic but IT’S DECEMBER!!! If you’re planning to give homemade gifts, you’re going to have to act fast. …
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🌻 The Paddington 🌻
This is a much-loved staple, created for Issue 50 in 2021. We love seeing the #PeppermintPaddingtonTop continually popping up in our feeds!
How stunning is our model Elon MelaninGoddessEfon – she told us it was one of the first times she had been asked to come to a shoot with her natural hair. 🌻
We worked with South African patternmaker Sarah Steenkamp of @FrenchNavyNow_ to create this wardrobe essential – the perfect puff-sleeve blouse. Raglan sleeves make it the ultimate beginner sew, plus the gorgeous back buttons let you add your own personal twist.
Pattern via the link in bio! 🪡
Photos: @KelleySheenan
Fabric: @Spoonflower
Model: MelaninGoddessEfon
“In the 1940’s, Norwegians made and wore red pointed hats with a tassel as a form of visual protest against Nazi occupation of their country. Within two years, the Nazis made these protest hats illegal and punishable by law to wear, make, or distribute. As purveyors of traditional craft, we felt it appropriate to revisit this design.”
Crafters have often been at the heart of many protest movements, often serving as a powerful means of political expression. @NeedleAndSkein, a yarn store in Minnesota, are helping to mobilise the craftivists of the world with a ‘Melt The Ice’ knitting pattern created by @Yarn_Cult (with a crochet pattern too), as a way of peaceful protest.
The proceeds from the $5 pattern will go to local immigrant aid organisations – or you can donate without buying the pattern.
Raise those needles, folks – art and craft can change the world. 🧶
Link in bio for the pattern.
Images: @Gather_Fiber @NeedleAndSkein @a2ina2 @KyraGiggles Sandi.204 @WhatTracyMakes AllieKnitsAway Auntabwi2
#MeltTheIce #Craftivism #Knitting #CraftForChange
TWO WEEKS TO GO! 🤩
"The most important shift is moving from volume-led buying to value-led curation – choosing fewer, better products with strong ethics, considered production and meaningful stories. Retailers have real influence here: what you buy signals what you stand for. At Life Instyle, this means using the event to discover and invest in small-scale, planet-considerate brands that align with your values and your customer’s conscience. Consumers don’t need more things; they need better things, and retailers play a key role in selecting, contextualising, and championing why those products matter."
Only two more weeks until @Life_Instyle – Australia`s leading boutique retail trade show. If you own a store, don`t miss this event! Connect with designers, source exquisite – and mindful – products, and see firsthand why this is Australia’s go-to trade show for creatives and retailers alike. And it`s free! ✨️
Life Instyle – Sydney/Eora Country
14-17 February 2026
ICC, Darling Harbour
Photos: @Samsette
#LifeInstyle #SustainableShopping #SustainableShop #RetailTradeEvent
Calling all sewists! 📞
Have you made the Peppermint Waratah Wrap Dress yet? Call *1800 I NEED THIS NOW to get making!
This gorgeous green number was modelled (and made) by the fabulous Lisa of @Tricky.Pockets 🙌🏼
If you need a nudge, @ePrintOnline are offering Peppermint sewists a huge 🌟 30% off ALL A0 printing 🌟 when you purchase the Special Release Waratah Wrap Dress pattern – how generous is that?!
Head to the link in bio now 📞
*Not a real number in case that wasn`t clear 😂
#PeppermintWaratahWrapDress #PeppermintPatterns #SewingPattern #WrapDress #WrapDressPattern
8 Things to Know About January 26 - from @ClothingTheGaps:
Before you celebrate, take the time to learn the truth. January 26 is not a day of unity it’s a Day of Mourning and Survival for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It marks the beginning of invasion, dispossession, and ongoing colonial violence. It’s time for truth-telling, not whitewashed history.
Stand in solidarity. Learn. Reflect. Act.
✊🏽 Blog written by Yorta Yorta woman Taneshia Atkinson.
🔗 Link in bio of @ClothingTheGaps to read the full blog
#ChangeTheDate #InvasionDay #SurvivalDay #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe #ClothingTheGaps
As the world careens towards AI seeping into our feeds, finds and even friend-zones, it`s becoming increasingly hard to ignore.
We just wanted to say that here at Peppermint, we are choosing to not print or publish AI-generated art, photos, words, videos or content.
Merriam-Webster’s human editors chose `slop` as the 2025 Word of the Year – they define it as “digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence.” The problem is, as AI increases in quality, it`s becoming more and more difficult to ascertain what`s real and what`s not.
Let`s be clear here, AI absolutely has its place in science, in climate modelling, in medical breakthroughs, in many places... but not in replacing the work of artists, writers and creatives.
Can we guarantee that everything we publish is AI-free? Honestly, not really. We know we are not using it to create content, but we are also relying on the artists, makers and contributors we work with, as well as our advertisers, to supply imagery, artwork or words created by humans. AI features are also creeping into programs and apps too, making it difficult to navigate. But we will do our best to avoid it and make a stand for the artists and creatives who have had their work stolen and used to train AI machines, and those who are now losing work as they are replaced by this energy-sapping, environment-destroying magic wand.
Could using it help our productivity and bottom line? Sure. And as a small business in a difficult landscape, that`s a hard one to turn down. We know other publishers who use AI to write stories, create recipes, produce photo shoots... but this one is important to us.
`Touch grass` was also a Merriam-Webster Word of the Year. We`ll happily stick with that as a theme, thanks very much. 🌿
