Fabrics and colors to sew for summer
The sun brings with it a desire for lighter materials, wispy fabrics and summery colors.
Let’s take a look at some of the things we want to sew in preparation for the summer!
Light linen for summer
Synthetic fabrics are not very pleasant to wear when temperatures rise. They’re not very breathable and retain perspiration odors, sometimes even after a trip through the washing machine! The horror!
We prefer natural fibers like linen, which has the advantage of being very light to wear, and a thermoregulating fabric that adapts to your body temperature. In summer, it’s particularly breathable.
Its only drawback is that it tends to crease: if this bothers you, you can opt for a blend of cotton and linen.
Loose-fitting garments are particularly suitable for sewing this elastane-free fabric. For example, you can make this loose-fitting shirt from Burda, which can be worn closed or open over a tank top, or the Cindy model from Lin or l’Autre.
Children will also particularly appreciate this comfortable fabric on a loose-fitting dress like Linotte de Marmaï.
Pastel shades
This season, we’ll be seeing a lot of pastels on dresses, jackets, skirts, t-shirts… We’ll easily wear very pale blue, bubblegum pink or powder pink, butter yellow.
For the coming summer, we’re going for softness. To sew these colors, choose cotton poplin or breathable cotton double gauze to make a lightweight top like the Patronnes’ Judd model, which is very easy to assemble.
As for babies and children, you can combine pastel shades with our Belval blouse, very comfortable with its oversized shape.
Light, sheer fabrics for summer
This summer, fashion is playing with transparencies, an effect you can reproduce at home with your sewing machine, provided you choose the right materials.
Many fabrics can be used to achieve varying degrees of transparency. Cotton voile, muslin (cotton, silk or viscose), tulle, organza… The last two are very transparent and are best used in conjunction with another fabric. Or only on certain parts of the garment.
If you want to play with the effects of transparency, but don’t want people to see right through your garment, choose a cotton voile or muslin to sew a blouse like this one by Klafoutis.
Fine denim
Summer is the perfect season to wear thin, lightweight denim. They’re available in polyester or cotton. But we advise you to opt for cotton, which is more natural and breathable. What’s more, it will help you stand the heat better.
If you’re in the mood for a touch of originality, you can choose denim printed with small flowers, polka dots or embroidered with broderie anglaise. You can use this fabric to make skirt dungarees like Honolulu from Vestiaire éponyme. Or a jumpsuit like the one inspired by Ready to Sew’s workwear wardrobe.
Bright red
It’s not all about soft shades this summer: we’re also wearing cherry red! This color brings a touch of vitamin to any outfit. It’s a strong shade that can be worn in prints(red cotton with little white flowers) or as a monochrome on viscose or gabardine for a jacket or jersey.
For example, you can follow the Limurine pattern from Comme une fleur or, for children, the mini-Sandy from Atelier Adriette.
English embroidery
To add a romantic, bohemian touch to any look, you can sew yourself a pretty blouse for summer, using cotton embellished with broderie anglaise.
It’s a fabric decorated with repeated motifs, often small flowers, sometimes with cut-outs to create transparent effects. This cotton is not difficult to sew. There’s no need for seams or special precautions when cutting.
To show off the embroidery to best advantage, you can make a simple blouse like this one from Burda.
What do you feel like sewing for summer? Do you have any colors or fabrics you like to wear this summer?
