Pattern Favourites: Cami Tops and Dresses

Looking for a timeless silhouette to add to your summer handmade wardrobe? Cami tops and dresses have really grown in popularity recently with 90s fashion being back on-trend, but we think cami shapes never go out of style! They are effortlessly stylish and very easy to style.

You can wear them on their own, with a jersey top layered underneath, or pop a sweater over the top when it gets cooler. You might find that your cami top or dress stays in your wardrobe all year round if you get creative with layering. So, without further ado, here are some of our favourite patterns so you can make your own!

Pattern: Simplicity 8545

Make a cami dress for a special occasion! Simplicity 8545 is a combination of a simple slip dress or cami to go underneath thing and a gorgeous top or dress layer that is suitable for border prints and novelty sheer fabrics such as embroidered mesh. It’s delightful!

Pattern: New Look N6666

If you like a striking neckline and fitted silhouette, this one is for you! This New Look N6666 features thin shoulder straps and back tie detail so the back is as interesting as the front. It looks great in summery gingham or seersucker fabrics, which will coordinate with your ice cream perfectly!

Pattern: Vogue V9278

Vogue V9278 is a cami-style dress that’s close fitting and lined, so works well for special occasions. You can make it in lux-look fabrics like crepe back stain, challis and georgette. The bonus of this pattern is that it includes separate pieces for A, B, C and D cup sizes, so you don’t have to make the bust adjustment yourself.

Pattern: Burda 6311

If it’s a summery style your after, this airy Burda 6311 summer dress with spaghetti straps will do nicely! The other variation has a round neckline and they both have a swishy bell-shaped skirt, making it impossible to choose between them.

Pattern: McCall’s M8214

If you are new to sewing or fancy a speedy make, the McCall’s M8214 drop-waist gathered dress with cami-style top (short sleeved option is included too!) is a great choice. It will help you keep cool in the heat and would also look lovely with a t-shirt layered underneath.

Pattern: New Look 6518

Here’s a cami top and dress that’s just perfect to bring on your next getaway. New Look 6518 includes a baby doll style dress and top in two lengths with strap variations. You can complete the look with wide crop trousers that can be made into shorts and will pair perfectly with the longer top. All tops and dresses feature an empire waist and are made with buttons on the back. Use contrasting fabrics to create a trendy look when pairing tops and bottoms.

Pattern: McCall’s M8213

Bring on those hot, summer days so you can wear this breezy sundress! The McCall’s is a pull-on style dress with elasticated back and tie shoulder strap option and you can pick a ruffle hem or tiered frills. It’s one for anyone who loves the trend ruffle and tiered look!

Pattern: McCall’s M7950

This pretty sundress is made for picnics in the park! The McCall’s M7950 has a cami-style, fitted bodice is close fitting through the bust and is self faced, so it will look just as good on the inside. It flows into a slightly flared, gathered skirt, and you can pick from plain or tied shoulder straps, plus the option to have the bodice tied in front. It’s actually very hard to pick which details you love the most!

Pattern: McCall’s M8217

Want a cute summer top to pair with your handmade short, trousers and skirts? The McCall’s M8217 is an elasticated blouson top that comes in three lengths and works beautifully in summer-friendly fabrics, like gauze, cotton blends or gingham. The ruffle effect from the elastic channel is just lovely!