10 Free Pinafore Dress Patterns That Are So Cute!

In this post, I’ll share 10 pinafore sewing patterns for women that are completely free that you can download and print at home right away! Whether you are looking for a short or long, simple or fancy, classic or modern pinafore dress, you will find a sewing pattern that suits your style!

Pinafores are one of the most versatile dress you can make

Do you love pinafore dresses? Pinafores are a popular and easy to sew garment that can be worn in different seasons and occasions. 

A pinafore dress is a casual, sleeveless dress that is generally around knee length, with some pinafore sewing patterns at a longer length, such as above ankles. It is usually meant to be worn over a T-shirt, blouse, or sweater, and it can have a loose or fitted skirt. 

I have to admit I’m a huge fan of pinafores. I have sewed 5 pinafore dresses this year with one more in my sewing queue for next year. That may sound like a lot, but they are one of the most versatile pieces in my closet that I wear all the time no matter the season.

Excited to see what are some cute and free pinafore sewing patterns out there? Let’s dive in!

1. Button-Up Dress by Peppermint Magazine

The Button-Up Dress by Peppermint Magazine is an A-line knee length pinafore dress pattern that features a scoop neckline, a button front and slightly flared skirt. It uses princess seam to curve the pinafore dress around your body elegantly! 

Although the original sewing pattern didn’t include pockets, you can simply add patch pockets on the front or in-seam pockets along the side seams. The pattern is in collaboration with The Fabric Store.

2. Violet Pinafore Dress by Tiana’s Closet

The Violet Pinafore Dress by Tiana’s Closet is a modern and minimalist pattern that features a deep V neckline, a back zipper, and a midi-thigh straight skirt. This modern silhouette is very versatile and makes a great layering piece.

It also includes flapped pockets which is great for anyone who is looking to expand on their pocket sewing skills!

3. The Gambit Pinafore Dress By Mood Fabrics

The Gambit Pinafore Dress by Mood Sewciety is a vintage-inspired free digital pattern that features a deep V neckline with a wrapped bodice, fitted waist and a full skirt. It can be made as a tunic or a dress by simply adjusting the skirt length. 

You can make it in a vintage inspired fabric to add more personality or use modern-looking fabric to make it look more current!

4. Milton Pinafore by Peppermint Magazine

The Milton Pinafore is a simple and stylish pattern by Peppermint Magazine in partnership with Just Patterns. This free pinafore sewing pattern features cross-over straps, fitted waistband and flared skirt – a great fit and flare dress!

It uses buttons to secure the straps to the back and features additional 3 buttons as the closure – a great opportunity to have some fun playing with the buttons details!

5. Giorgi Pinafore by Fabrics Store

Giorgi Pinafore by Fabrics Store is a comfortable and versatile pinafore pattern  with adjustable straps and two hand patch pockets inspired by the old school days. 

It is a great sewing pattern if you want to feel nostalgia, or want to sew a pinafore that is casual and comfy! 

6. The Pinafore Dress by Happiest Camper

The Pinafore Dress by Happiest Camper is a cute and playful pattern that has a retro-modern feel! It features two long straps that are crossed on the back and buttoned on the front. 

It also has a fitted waist with zipper and pleated short skirt which is quite cute – reminiscent of a school girl outfit but a little sexy! This free pinafore pattern is good with a heavier weight fabric to provide more structure.

7. The Maeve Pinafore Dress by Sew Magazine

Maeve Pinafore Dress by Sew Magazine is a cute and flattering free pinafore pattern that features a scooped neck, straight dress, and round-shaped patch pockets!

It is pretty simple to sew together and is very easy to throw on and match with what’s in your closet. You can also skip the patch pocket, or change it to in-seam pocket for some variations.

8. Vera Pinafore Dress by Tiana’s Closet

The Vera Pinafore Dress is a simple and classic pattern that features a deep V-neck, button down front,  and two patch pockets towards the front skirt. 

You can lengthen or shorten the skirt easily to make it work for your liking. A lot of free sewing patterns are limited in size, but not the case for Vera Pinafore. This free pinafore pattern was created in 10 sizes making it so easy to find a size that works for you!

This pinafore pattern is currently in my sewing queue that I’m planning to sew it soon.

9. The Nova Midi Dress by StyleArc

The Nova Midi Dress by StyleArc is an easy slip on dress pattern that can be made as a pinafore. This free sewing pattern features a round neckline, and tiered skirt with a boho inspired look. It can be made into two lengths:  Use 2 tiered skirt for an above-knee length and 3 tiered skirt for a mid calf length.

This dress already works as a pinafore dress but if you want to make it more  like a traditional pinafore, you can deepen the neck for a few more inches for a bigger neck opening. In addition, you can also increase the armhole size by lowering the bottom armhole in this free pdf pattern.

10. The Molly Pinafore by Sew Magazine

The Molly Pinafore is a retro and comfortable pinafore pattern that resembles an apron! It features two wide shoulder straps, one piece straight dress with a slightly boxy fit – great for anyone who is looking for a comfy pinafore dress to wear indoors and outdoors.

It also features two large patch pockets on the sides for practicality. If you don’t like patch pockets, you can easily omit them to move them to a pair of hidden pockets by the side seams.

Free Pinafore Sewing Pattern Summary

I hope you enjoyed this post and found some free pinafore dress patterns for your next sewing project. 

Pinafore dresses are a wonderful way to express your style and creativity, and they are also oh-so comfortable and practical, plus they are so easy to be adjusted at the length of the skirt portion to tailor fit your height.

Which pinafore dress pattern is your favorite? Have you tried any of them? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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