Sleigh Your Party Dress Game with These Festive Frock Patterns

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…. Which means we are officially entering party season. Work parties, friend-dos, family get-togethers and then we’re straight into New Year festivities. If you’re lucky enough, you might be staring down the barrel of a non-stop party palooza – and with nothing to wear! 

You might already be looking for The Dress – the one that’s exactly the right cut and colour, that fits you like a glove and is going to make you the absolute belle of the bauble. But you don’t have to pray for the shopping gods to smile upon you if you skip the middleman and sew it yourself. 

To help you kickstart your Cinderella moment, we’ve collected 26 of our favourite festive frock patterns for you to peruse to find your perfect Christmas party dress. Have a Merry Stitchmas with some Snappy New Gear!

Kaiko Top and Dress – Notches Patterns

If there’s one thing we love in a sewing pattern it’s multiple views: and the wonderful Kaiko Top and Dress offers a whopping 46 variations! Talk about value! Another pattern that offers plenty of ease through the body of the garment and different tier styles, the Kaiko will have you feeling like a star!

Sewing level: Confident Beginner
Size guide: 6-34

Millie Dress – Allis Patterns

Get set to provoke tiers of joy when you waltz into your festive soiree, daintily dressed in the magnificent Millie Dress! Will you make a monochrome masterpiece or choose to mix and match fabrics and trims for a celebration of colour and print?

Sewing level: Moderate to experienced
Size guide: XXS-7XL

Aliocha Dress – Coralie Bijasson

If you’re looking for a dress which screams elegance and grace then set your peepers on the lovely Aliocha Dress. With a beautiful fitted bodice and wonderful design features like straps secured by buttons, this classic cut is the perfect choice for any event, from garden party to black tie. Did we mention that this pattern includes a jumpsuit view? *swoon*

Sewing level: Advanced
Size guide: 6-20

Sophie Dress – Oh Me Oh My

If you’re seeking a pattern that will fit the bill for both casual and dressier affairs then the Sophie Dress just might be your gal. With a square neckline, elasticated shoulders and full skirt, the Sophie Dress lends itself to many different fabrics. We particularly love this version with the sheer overlay – gorgeous! Shout out to the bodice which finishes under bust, paired with an easy breezy skirt for a loose-fitting and flowing dress – perfect for the hot weather down our way.

Sewing level: Adventurous Beginner
Size guide: 00-26

Bronte Woven Dress – Style Arc 

We *heart* the Bronte Woven Dress for many reasons but in particular for the beautiful silhouette created through those wonderful waist pleats – talk about easy fitting! The Bronte is a great option for single-colour fabrics too, as they really show up that design feature. With simple adjustment to meet your preferred length the Bronte could just as easily be a short cocktail dress as a midi or maxi casual dress.

Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: 6-18

Drama Queen Top and Dress – Karmme Apparel 

For three times the fun, the triple-frilled sleeve on the Drama Queen Top and Dress pattern brings fun and freedom. Choose a special fabric – an Indian blockprint for a boho vibe or maybe something with a bit of lustre or embellishment for a more glamorous look!

Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: XS-XXL

Atlas Wrap Dress – Sewing Patterns by Masin 

Wrap this season’s outfit plans up with the chic Atlas Wrap Dress. Perfect for any occasion but an excellent option for those post-work events that prevent you from getting home for a costume change before the festivities begin. If the weather isn’t right for long sleeves, shorten them: or, thanks to the shoulder seam, you could leave them off entirely!

Sewing level: Confident
Size guide: A-J

Lois Dress – Tessuti 

There’s nothing quite like the fit and drape of a bias-cut dress and the Lois Dress guarantees the most wonderful silhouette that moves with your beautiful body. An elegant design with peppy cuffed sleeves and plunging neckline, this beauty will have you swanning through every celebration in style and comfort!

Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: 6-16

Camille Shift Dress – Made By Laur 

If time is not on your side and you need a swift sew that still makes you feel fresh and stylish, Camille is here to save the day! This darling little shift dress with lovely details like a high front and scooped back plus sweet little ties allowing you to cinch the waist as you wish is sure to grant your festive wish of a speedy yet satisfying sew!

Sewing level: Beginner
Size guide: 6-20

Alistra Dress – Muna and Broad

The Alistra Dress is a body skimming, long sleeved column dress designed for larger bodies by Muna and Broad – the go-to for plus-size sewists. With two views – either a slight scoop neck or a funnel neck finish, this simple and stylish dress can be sewn entirely on a serger/overlocker or a regular domestic sewing machine.

Sewing level: Beginner
Size guide: A-M

Barrel Dress – The Assembly Line

For an interesting silhouette, the Barrel Dress comes with a midi skirt with a barrel-like shape and sculpted sleeves that complement the skirt’s form – or it can even be sleeveless! The Barrel features a keyhole opening at the back and pockets (of course), with a hack to make a skirt version also.

Sewing level: Advanced beginner
Size guide: XS-3XL

Acton Dress – In The Folds

A versatile dress with two bodice options and two skirt options (that are interchangeable), the Acton Dress is perfect for summer soirées. A lined bodice with princess panels for a lovely fit, one view sees a low back with thin shoulder straps and an A-line skirt, while the second view features a fitted bodice with thin racer-back shoulder straps and a wrap skirt that can be tied in a number of ways.

Sewing level: Confident
Size guide: 6-24

ABOVE L-R: STEPHANIE FROM PETITE DRESSMAKER, MEL FROM @MELT.STITCHES, PREYA AND THE PATTERNS

Bloomfield Dress – The Petite Dressmaker

If impact is the name of the festive game, then whip up the beautiful Bloomfield by Stephanie at Petite Dressmaker. With perfect puffed sleeves and a scoop-back neckline, and with an option to create a cute cut-out feature at the front, this wonderful make sings of happy times with family and friends.

Sewing level: Intermediate / advanced
Size guide: A – L  

Hallon Dress – Paradise Patterns

The Hallon Dress was the pattern of the year, especially among the Instagram sewing set – and for a good reason! The sleek simplicity of the construction contrasted with that statement open back makes an instantly iconic outfit. You can make it a breezy summer style in a light linen or a peppy gingham, or match View B’s pared back sophistication with a clinging velvet for a darkly glamorous look.  

Sewing level: Confident beginner
Size guide: 0-16   

Rosella Pattern – Schultz Apparel 

Live out your Fleabag dinner-party dreams with the Rosella Pattern from Schultz Apparel. The deep V-neck fitted bodice comes in three variations – a dress, a romper and jumpsuit, the latter of which, made up in a neat black, will have you ready to break a man’s nose, bloody your face and fall in love with a Hot Priest this Christmas. For those of you feeling less daring, it also looks very sweet with a nice jumper or blouse layered underneath. 

Skill level: 4 out of 5
Size guide: 34-52

Wilder Gown – Friday Pattern Co. 

If you’re feeling frilly, flowy or flouncy, the Wilder Gown might be the look for you. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve all mastered crafting ‘pajamas-as-office-wear’ looks… now it’s time to level up to ‘pajamas-as-party-wear’. With its raglan sleeves and clever gathered tie neck, the Wilder Gown is as comfortable as being tucked up in granny’s nightie, but whip it up in a floaty, embellished, semi-sheer chiffon and you’ll look like an easy, breezy, beautiful sophisticate with no one the wiser.  

Sewing level: Beginner
Size guide: 0-32

WANT MORE SEWING AND DIY CONTENT? RIGHT THIS WAY!

Flor Dress – Bella Loves Patterns

Ruffle some feathers with the statement shoulder ruffles in Bella Loves Patterns’ fabulous Flor Dress. The dress is a surprisingly simple make with no zippers, linings or complex closures though, of course, it’s got pockets to help you keep your phone handy all party long. You can pick up some sweet pastel poplin and make a romantic wrap dress, or opt for a bright, pattern clashing, spunky summer look.  

Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: 6-20  

Bakerloo Dress – Nina Lee Patterns

The statement collar is so hot right now and for sheer size you can’t go past the extravagant ruffled collar of the Bakerloo Dress. The pattern from Nina Lee Patterns also features some striking balloon sleeves with elasticated ruffled cuffs to up the frill factor. The design is decidedly versatile in its styling too. Grunge it up with a short skirt and boots or drop your hems to the floor and revel in the voluptuous girliness. 

Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: 6-28  

Baby Doll Dress – Tropical Research

If it’s comfort and style you’re seeking this festive season, look no further than the dreamy Baby Doll Dress by Tropical Research. Pick a soft drape fabric like lightweight linen or cotton, seersucker, silk or rayon for maximum floatiness and perfect hot-weather wearing.

Sewing level: Confident beginner
Size guide: XS – XXXL

Aura Dress – Papercut Patterns

A wrap dress is a perfect choice for a party as the adjustable fit means you can partake in festive sweets and treats with no fear of discomfort or pinching at the waist. The Aura Dress from Papercut Patterns will have you feeling comfy while looking elegant as heck. The sleek yet simple lines of the design – with balloon sleeves and a cheeky V-neck at the back – allow your fabric choices to shine whether you opt for a striking colour-block look, or a more slinky, silky effect.

Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: 1-8 (NZ)

Magnolia Dress – Deer and Doe

Deer and Doe’s Magnolia Dress, with its swishing skirts – including Angelina Jolie-esque leg slit – and plunging neckline, brings serious drama for any sophisticated sexpots looking to do some dignified vamping. The pattern also offers the options of a more modest neckline, shorter skirts and some fluttery butterfly sleeves that you can mix and match at will to achieve your dream franken-dress.

Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: 34–62

Trapeze Dress – Merchant and Mills

Channel the swinging ’60s with Merchant and Mills’ signature A-line shift, the Trapeze Dress. Comfortable and minimalist with just enough volume in the skirt to add some serious pizzazz, the Trapeze Dress can be stitched up right quick for any last-minute invites. Make it in some sumptuously touchable velvet or go for a classic baby blue and add some white go-go boots to match. Groovy baby! 

Sewing level: Beginner
Size guide: 8-18

Sicily Slip Dress – Sewing Patterns by Masin

A bias cut slip instantly evokes a little bit of Old Hollywood glamour, where the style originated in the 1930s, and the Sicily Slip Dress with its romantic cowl neck detailing, made up in some gleaming golden satin, will bestow instant alluring femme fatale feels, drawing all eyes in a crowded speakeasy. For more of a casual vibe, the pattern can be transformed with some poppy patterned rayon into a flirty daytime fit.    

Sewing level: Beginner to intermediate
Size guide: A-J

Peppermint Patterns

Of course, you can always count on Peppermint’s sewing pattern archive to have something for every occasion. We have collaborated with many super-talented patternmakers to create fabulous new patterns and also have several of our very own for everyone to enjoy. Head to the Sewing School page to see our full collection, including such perfect party dress patterns as the floaty, tiered Pasadena Rara Skirt (pair with the Valentine Ruffle Top for full effect!), the showstopping Somerset Swing Dress or the sophisticated Rozelle Slip Dress!