Inspiration for Sewing with Big Prints

Sewing with large scale prints can feel a little daunting sometimes. It can be hard to choose a pattern that will showcase the print in the right way.

We have gathered together some inspiration from Ready to Wear brands and some of our favourite patterns that will work for large scale prints and paired them with the latest collection of Viscose Linen Noil from Mind the MAKER. 

The Shift Dress

Sew Over It Ultimate Shift Dress and Mind the MAKER Oda Brush Viscose Linen Noil in Plum and Rosewood. 

A simple shift dress can often be overlooked when choosing a pattern but when working with a large scale print the large, uninterrupted pattern pieces are ideal. The Sew Over It Ultimate Shift Dress or Megan Nielsen River Dress are both perfect options.

Megan Nielsen River Dress and Mind the MAKER Oda Brush Viscose Linen Noil in Black and Old Rose

The Shirt Dress

Paper Theory Olya Shirt Dress and Mind the MAKER Oda Brush Viscose Linen Noil in Forest Green and Pumpkin.

If a shift dress is not your style a shirt dress with no waist seam is ideal. This will provide the same uninterrupted surface while adding some extra interest and detail. 

The Paper Theory Olya shirt dress will allow you to play with the direction of the print with the interesting sleeve construction. If you want something without this detail the Marsha Style x Sew LaLa Alea shirt is a great option.

Marsha Style x Sew LaLa Alea Shirt Dress and Mind the Maker Ivy Brush Viscose Linen Noil in Indigo Night.

For a more relaxed take on the shirt dress you could lengthen the Sew Liberated Matcha Top into an easy to wear summer dress. 

Sew Liberated Matcha Top and Mind the Maker Ivy Brush Viscose Linen Noil in Bottle Green.

Print Mixing

Sasha McCall’s pattern and Mind the Maker Circle Circus Viscose Linen Noil.

Don’t be afraid to mix these prints up. Choosing 2 different colours from the same print or mixing 2 prints which contain the same colours is easy when you know they will match perfectly. A wrap dress is an easy way to mix prints, choosing a different colour or style for each half. Another option is the Trend Patterns Bias T-shirt dress which was made for colour blocking.

Trend Patterns Bias T-Shirt Dress and Mind the MAKER Ivy Brush Viscose Linen Noil 

Jumpsuits

 Sew Over It Poppy Playsuit and Mind the Maker Circle Circus Viscose Linen Noil in Sienna.

If you don’t want to break up the print too much the Poppy Playsuit by Sew Over It is perfect, as it has minimal seams and a grown on sleeve. For something with more detail the Sew Love Patterns Springe Jumpsuit is a great option, especially if you have a special event coming up this summer. With a more abstract, large scale print like the Ivy Brush print you do not need to worry about breaking up the print, it will still have the same impact. 

Sew Love Patterns Springe Jumpsuit and Mind the MAKER Ivy Brush Viscose Linen Noil in Indigo Night. 

Separates

Helen’s Closet Gilbert Top and Donovan Skirt and Mind the MAKER Circle Circus Viscose Linen Noil in Green Khaki 

Another great option is to create separate pieces that can be worn together or individually. As you can see in the set above from Anthropology, a large scale circle print can work well for a skirt and shirt combo. The Helen’s Closet Gilbert Top and Donovan Skirt are both great options. 

Again, if you would like something with more detail the Papercut Patterns Estella pattern has multiple options including a dress, top and skirt which can be worn in different ways. 

Papercut Patterns Estella and Mind the MAKER Oda Brush Viscose Linen Noil in Green Khaki and Dry Mustard

To see all these fabrics in action head over to our YouTube channel to watch Liana’s Fabric Focus. Or for more Ready to Wear inspiration check out our Pinterest board.