Whether you’ve only recent picked up sewing or knitting as a hobby, been doing it all your life, or are only CONSIDERING getting into the hobby — we thought we’d take a look at some of the best sewing patterns for workwear outfits (with a few knitting patterns as well!).
I can tell you from experience (i.e., the research for this post) that you need to be pretty specific when you’re searching online for sewing patterns for workwear outfits. Otherwise, you’ll end up with search results that include dress patterns from the 1940s and patterns for doll clothing… For example, start your hunt with something like “sewing pattern women’s skirt -vintage.” (And scroll down to the bottom of this post to find some helpful online resources.) (If you DO like vintage-inspired looks, Etsy seller The Good Witch Patterns has a ton of promising patterns.)
If you’re a sewist or a knitter, how did you get started with the hobby? Have you tried making your own workwear? What are your favorite sources for knitting or sewing patterns for workwear outfits?
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{related: how to find fulfilling hobbies}
Here are some of the best sewing patterns for workwear outfits and knitting patterns for professional clothes — we’d love for you to share some of your favorites!
Kat recently came across this pattern is from Austrian designer Jutta von Hinterm Stein. It looks so comfortable! The pattern is available on Ravelry for €6.90 (about $8.00 as of Oct. 2021). It’s designed for worsted yarn (the site gives some specific suggestions), and the sizes are XS–XXL. Ravelry users can upload their own photos, so you can see the designs on people with different shapes and sizes.
You can buy the pattern for this blazer for a mere $16 — or pay $59 for the pattern plus a course on ClosetCore for “speed tailoring” — which could be really helpful if you want to adapt some older clothes or thrifted clothes either to fit better, be more personal, or be more on trend. (ClosetCore’s Pauline dress also looks versatile enough that it could become a very bust-friendly sheath dress.)
{related: tips on thrifting for workwear — and where to recycle your work clothes}
This pattern for this classic A-line dress comes from The Avid Seamstress, based in London. It’s available for £16.50 (about $22 as of Oct. 2021) and is compatible with UK sizes 6–22 (equivalent to U.S. 2–18). The design has optional inner pockets and also includes short/long skirt variations. The site sorts their patterns by skill level and has tops, pants, dresses, and more.
DG Patterns (aka Daniela Gutierrez-Diaz) is based in Canada and sells her sewing patterns on Etsy (as well as a big selection of fabric, from rayon to French terry to organic cotton). You’ll find lots of skirts, dresses, pants, jackets, and more, all downloadable as PDF patterns for $6. This one is the Dajana Dress, which is available sleeveless as pictured or with short sleeves, for sizes 4–22.
It looks like Etsy seller DressyTalk has a lot of great options for workwear, including complicated things (like the 4 in 1 jacket skirt coat bolero pictured above) — as well as simple things, like basic blouses for work. Patterns range from $5-$22.
{related: how to shake things up when you’re bored with life}
This pattern ($19) is from Megan Nielsen Patterns in Australia — they offer designs for “contemporary wardrobe essentials” in sizes 0–30. The pictured skirt is for Curve sizes 14–30; there’s also a version for sizes 0–20. Not a big fan of midi length? The pattern variations include a skirt pleated above the knee, a skirt gathered below the knee, and a bias-cut skirt above the knee. And … they all have pockets!
The pattern for these Slim-Fit Pants from the Russian Etsy shop EK Sewing Patterns (aka Elena Kleber) is currently on sale for only $3! The pants have waist darts and a zipper fly (but no pockets), and EK Sewing recommends that you be at least an intermediate sewist to give these a try. The shop also offers patterns for skirts, dresses, tops, and more.
Resources
Sewists, and knitters: Do tell! What have been your favorite knitting and sewing patterns for workwear outfits or business casual clothes? Do you use new patterns, vintage, or both?
Pssst: looking for smaller projects?
Stock photo (woman with sewing supplies and fuchsia tulle) via Stencil.
