How to style animal print fabric

Animal print fabrics appear on the catwalk and high street every year. Whether they’re classic interpretations or neon abstract designs. Today on the blog we have put together some ideas of how you can use this on trend fabric to create new garments for your handmade wardrobe.

Whether you are looking to experiment and include just a nod to this current fashion trend or if you want to embrace it completely in head to toe animal print fabrics, we have lots of sewing pattern suggestions for you. One of the good things about animal print fabrics is that they are so variable in their design that you don’t need to worry so much about pattern matching.

Take a look at our sewing pattern suggestions below on how you can incorporate new prints into your handmade wardrobe this season from tops to skirts and dresses, it’s time to take a walk on the wild side of sewing!

Burda Style Pattern B6373 Women’s Wrap Blouse

Pair an animal print with wardrobe staple such classic denim jeans for a more understated look. This Burda Style B6373 wrap blouse can be worn for both workwear and evening wear. The boxy sleeves give this top a little more drama and highlight the print to it’s best.

Vogue® Pattern Coat V1592

Zebra style fabric prints are also really on trend this season and this coat from designer Sandra Betzina is bang on trend. Add contrasting black highlights to the cuffs and shoulders to emphasis this print to it’s maximum.

Burda Style B7235 Jumpsuit Sewing Pattern

With the festive season nearly upon us, it’s never to early to think about your party outfit. Make a statement and go head to toe in animal print with this cut-in-one piece jumpsuit or as a two-piece set.

Burda Style Pattern 6618 Dress

If you are looking for comfort and style then this jersey v-neck dress with pleats is very flattering. It also has clever gathers from the décolleté to waist, which gives plenty of swish to the skirt!

Burda Style Pattern B6352 Women’s Shirt Dress

For a casual take on animal print fabrics this dress is ideal because it has a t-shirt style top with angular dipped skirt. It has the benefit of being suitable for both jersey and woven fabrics too so you will have lots of choice with this one.

Simplicity 1064 Easy-to-sew Women’s Tunics

This is a really versatile tunic with multiple length variations and also an optional tie belt for fitting at the waist. For a casual lunch or meeting coffee with friends, this tunic is perfect to pair with leggings for effortless style.

Kwik Sew Top and pants K4143

This top is perfect for everyday wear at home. The style means that you can easily colour block this top with an animal print fabric and add a plain to provide contrast. Black or brown works really well for the sleeves, hem and neckband giving a more subtle nod to this trend.

Butterick skirt B6578

Another casual wardrobe option is this Butterick B6578 skirt. It comes with two lengths options and also has a waistband. Like the model has done here, pair with a plain black sweater for an understated on trend look.

McCalls Coat M7664

Animal print outer wear is great for Winter as you can mix and match your outfits and always be on trend! This is one of our easy-to-sew patterns suitable for beginners, so if you are new to outerwear this is a great pattern choice.

McCalls shrug M7257

How cute is this shrug? A simple make designed for medium to heavy weight knits, it is loose-fitting and lined with a hook and eye closure. Add a fun piece to your handmade wardrobe with this cover up.

McCalls coat M7847

For a super cosy coat, why not try the McCalls M7847 in a faux animal print fur? This coat comes with three length options and has the snuggest collar for keeping warm this Winter.

Vogue® Patterns Vintage dress V9126

If you love your vintage patterns then this dress is ideal. Suitable for a more intermediate maker, it is a pull over dress fitted at the bust with shoulder pads. It is pleated and gathered from the bust through to the hip with an exaggerated collar.

---

See all the new sewing patterns from Simplicity New Look and The McCalls Pattern Company collections here. We can’t wait to see what you make, don’t forget to share your makes on social media with us using the hashtag #simplicitybyme #mccallsbyme, each month there are prizes!