When I found out I was pregnant a few months ago I was living in London while my old maternity clothes were living in America in storage. I had the unfortunate combination of a baby bump that seemed to appear almost immediately and yet no access to my tried and true maternity gear. When I headed to the store I quickly realized that the maternity clothes were far too generous for my new bump, but that there were tons of stylish non-maternity options that were great for my body in this transitional stage of early pregnancy, and so many of them were just like a few of my favorite women’s sewing patterns. So I had to get creative, sewing up some – what I will call ‘maternity friendly’ sewing patterns.
Here is a selection of my favorite women’s patterns that are perfect for early pregnancy, with no modifications required.
12 (Non Maternity) Patterns Great for Early Maternity Wear.
Maternity friendly sewing patterns
1. Basic Tank – Cali Faye Collection
I tested this pattern when I wasn’t pregnant, made another when I was freshly pregnant, and wore it through my 16th week. It has just enough of a swing shape to the front to dust over the midsection and avoid the “Is she or isn’t she?” gazes.
Get the pattern here.
2. Elise Tee (FREE pattern) – Burda Style
Loose fit, wide neckline, unfinished hem, and the pattern is free. Did I have you at unfinished hem or free pattern? 🙂
Get the pattern here.
3. DIY Poncho (FREE tutorial) – Salty Mom
I love the look of this poncho, particularly heading into cooler temperatures (hopefully?) soon. It’s another extremely easy sew (we love those) and a fun patterned fabric or tribal print will draw the eye away from that pretty new baby bump until you are good and ready to show it off to the world.
Get the tutorial here.
4. Mandy Boat Tee (FREE pattern) – Tessuti
This over sized top will keep you feeling cool and comfortable and the boat neckline keeps the wide silhouette from slipping around on your body. And again, free pattern. I’m just sayin.
Get the pattern here.
5. Sutton Blouse – True Bias
The top has very best combination of boxiness and drape. Depending on your choice of fabric it can be an elegant date night top or a cute daytime look. I assure you that each one will be perfect.
Get the pattern here.
6. Zippy Top – See Kate Sew
Since this top is sewn with woven fabric it holds it’s boxy shape in a flattering way that won’t stick to any area you don’t want it to. Plus it is such a fast sew that even if you are battling first trimester fatigue you will still find time to whip one up.
Get the pattern here.
7. Perri Pullover – Cali Faye Collection
Everything is working in your favor with this top: Extra length to conceal an unbuttoned-jeans situation, a loose swingy drape that won’t cling to your figure, and it has that effortlessly cool vibe. A must-sew.
Get the pattern here.
8. DIY Kimono (FREE tutorial) – Elle Apparel
I have made two of these kimonos and I can tell you that they are perfect for when you need something beautiful to throw on over a basic outfit to take things up a notch or two. Grab some pretty fabric and settle in for an easy-as-pie tutorial.
Get the tutorial here.
9. Trapeze Tank Dress (FREE pattern) – Me Sew Crazy
A swingy tank dress that is cute, comfy, and miles away from your midsection. Perfect for summer or pair it with a cardigan into the fall. Or don’t pair it with a cardigan in the fall, because it’s awfully hot being a pregnant woman. 🙂
Get the pattern here.
10. Out and About Dress – Sew Caroline
This dress’ fitted top and gathered bottom will accent and hide just the right areas for those first few months. It can be sleeveless, with mid-length sleeves, or with long-sleeves, and short or long skirt options means different looks for different seasons with the same pattern. Love.
Get the pattern here.
11. Syrah Skirt – Selvedge Design
In addition to clothes that will dust over that expanding belly, you’ll need something that will stretch to accommodate that belly and this skirt is just the thing. I happen to know that Lauren (the pattern designer, pictured above) wore it well into her 39th week, so that is saying something for a non-maternity pattern. Lots of options including a short and long version, so go ahead and make one of each and call it a day.
Get the pattern here.
12. Sloan Leggings – Hey June Handmade
Ahh leggings! We all know how comfortable they can be, and comfortable clothing, particularly around the waistband area, becomes increasingly important as the rest of your body becomes less comfortable under the strains of pregnancy. You can make these leggings to wear under some of the drapey tops listed above, cropped, for work out, color-blocked…you get the idea. Plus the low waist band won’t dig into your belly. Perfect.
Get the pattern here.
These patterns are giving a baggy t-shirt and sweatpants a run for their money, right? They all look so comfy and cute! Have any of you braved sewing your favorite women’s pattern when you were expecting? Do tell!!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time…
Happy sewing!!
Congratulations! Great round up! A lot of these are great for post partum too!