Awaken Your Inner Aurora With These Essential Sleepycore Sewing Patterns
Here at Peppermint HQ, we’re on the cutting edge of a new and exciting fashion we’re calling sleepycore. You might think, “Pyjamas? You’re talking about pyjamas.” But dream bigger fellow cosy enthusiasts – that’s just the beginning of sleepycore’s potential. We’re talking daytime pyjamas, secret pyjamas, and clothes that are comfy and easy to throw on, yet stylish enough that nobody will suspect you are one spinning wheel away from taking a quick 100-year nap.
Obviously, the epitome of sleepycore is the Peppermint Samford Set, our latest pattern (that you can download now or receive for free with a copy of Issue 57), but until you make seven different sets you can wear every day, you’ll need a few more fits. In celebration of the Samford release, we’ve collected some of our favourite sleepycore sewing patterns!
SET IT UP
A matching co-ord set takes a lot of the stress out of putting together an outfit while still giving the air of someone who has their life together. Whip up any number of these sensational sets for an endless assemblage of cute and comfy tops and bottoms!
SAMFORD SET
Peppermint Patterns
She is the moment. Pairing a boxy button-up with a cute camp collar and a pair of pants packed with pockets and an elasticated, drawstring waistband, this terrific two-piece can take you from the bedroom to the boardwalk and back again blissfully to bed. Go wild with colour blocking or create a sleek and sophisticated monochromatic set.
Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: A – P (Up to a 60-inch hip)
PIPIT LOUNGEWEAR SET
Common Stitch
A timeless loungewear fit from the Common Stitch, the Pipit Set pairs a classy V-neck button-up with some statement fluted sleeves and a neat set of shorts with a perfectly placed butt pocket. Made in that delicious mustard yellow, this set screams Aussie summertime vibes to us. Now that’s dreamy!
Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: AUS 6 – 24 (Up to a 52-inch hip)
LOUNGEWEAR SET
Peppermint Patterns
A Common Stitch x Peppermint collabo, the Peppermint Loungewear set shows off our sleepycore expertise in a laid-back set for lounging around in the lap of luxury. Its relaxed-fit, cropped pants have wide hems and deep pockets, and the short sleeve top has built-in sleeves and a scoop-back hem. Whether paired together or worn separately, this pattern is a versatile everyday essential.
Sewing level: Beginner
Size guide: A – K (Up to a 52-inch hip)
SAGUARO SET
Friday Pattern Co
Slightly more upmarket, but no less comfy because of it, the Saguaro Set from Friday Pattern Co brings a splash of 70s glam with fun flowy pants and a plunging V-neck pullover top (which can be worn reversible and customised with optional tie closures). It’s perfect for desert road trips, sunset beach walks and dancing or dreaming the night away!
Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: XS/0 – 7X/32 (Up to a 63-inch hip)
READ MORE – Sew like a Bro: Where to Find Cool Men’s Sewing Patterns
BUNDLE UP
An essential sleepycore piece is an oversized dress – think walking around with your blankets wrapped around you, but in a stylish dress format! For bonus points, these fabric-hungry designs can be made from upcycled bed sheets or doona covers so your bed is always by your side.
ZW GATHER DRESS
Birgitta Helmersson
Zero-waste patternmaker extraordinaire Birgitta Helmersson’s most popular pattern is perhaps the ZW Waste Gather Dress – there are over 2500 uses of the hashtag on Instagram alone as people lean into its oversized goodness. Easily adjustable, customisable and hackable, it’s an absolute classic tent dress with a dropped shoulder, gathered skirt, side pockets and full-length button placket. Sheer cosy goodness!
Sewing level: Beginner
Size guide: Suitable for a bust measurement of up to 156cm (61 inches)
PAINT DRESS
Make by TFS
A newer pattern we’re already pining for is Make by TFS’s Paint Dress. Inspired by artisans of yore, the voluminous smock features a generous blousy fit, with gathering at the neckline and cuffs of its raglan sleeves. Make a beautiful breezy dress or shorten it to a blouse and pair it with a pair of matching shorts. Whatever you choose, you’ll be floating on air in this playfully puffy make!
Sewing level: Advanced Beginner
Size guide: NZ 4 – 32 (Up to a 63-inch hip)
BOWEN DRESS
Peppermint Patterns
Created in collaboration with Kim Sisson of Hubba Ding, the Bowen Dress is Peppermint’s own extravagantly comfortable tent dress. Making a dramatic splash with its rah-rah ruffle sleeves and voluminous skirt, the Bowen Dress is reversible with a button closure and V-neck to flip from back to front at your leisure. Easy, breezy, beautiful and free, the Bowen Dress is a sleepycore enthusiast’s sweet dream.
Sewing level: Beginner
Size guide: A – N (Up to a 60-inch hip)
READ MORE – Plus-Size Sewing Patterns: Seven Brands to Keep on Your Radar
SLIP IT ON
The slip dress was your grandma’s pyjamas and her underwear too. It made the transition to outwear because its appeal was too strong to be hidden away in the bedroom. Comfortable, easy to wear, flattering and a little bit sexy? That’s sleepycore, babes!
MAYA CAMI DRESS
Papercut Patterns
A bias-cut beauty, the Maya Cami Dress from Papercut Patterns is a staple slip pattern with spaghetti straps, a gathered bust cup, and a range of lengths from shirt to midi skirt. This versatile number can be layered over a t-shirt or worn as a simple sundress. Depending on your fabric choice, it can serve looks from sexy seductress to sweetheart chic.
Sewing level: Intermediate
Size guide: NZ/UK 6 – 20 (Up to a 49-inch hip)
HALLON DRESS
Paradise Patterns
The sleepycore appeal of the Hallon Dress is that the dramatic low-back feature means that not wearing a bra is not laziness but a central point of the outfit. Simply throw it on and head out the door looking glamorous and intentional while the girls hang free. If you are the kind of person for whom not wearing a bra is more of a threat than a special treat, you’re still in luck! Sewist WhatBellaMade has published a tutorial on how to hack a built-in bra to the pattern.
Sewing level: Confident Beginner
Size guide: 00 – 30 (Up to a 59-inch bust)
KNIT IT OUT
Sewing with knits can be intimidating but they are a natural fit for sleepycore styles with their possibilities of softness and relaxed fitting. These straightforward knit patterns will get you started on your journey to ultimate comfort.
NORA LOUNGE CROP TOP
Tint of Mint Patterns
Tint of Mint has a great collection of loungewear patterns each cosier looking than the last and the Nora Lounge Crop Top is a square-necked cami crop that’s all class. Make it in a creamy neutral to blend in with your cavalcade of cosy clothes or let it stand out as a statement piece in something bright and colourful!
Sewing level: Confident Beginner
Size guide: UK 4 – 24 (Up to a 44-inch bust)
INARA TEE DRESS
Named Clothing
A perennial pyjama favourite, beloved by all ages and genders, is the big t-shirt – comfort dressing at its peak. With Named Clothing’s Inari Tee Dress, you can bring the sheer ebullient joy of the big tee into your daily wardrobe with this easy, crisp and comfortable t-shirt dress. With turned-up t-shirt sleeves, a facing-finished neckline and tasteful side slits, the Inari Dress truly is the cat’s pyjamas!
Sewing level: Beginner
Size guide: EU 32 – 56 (Up to a 56-inch hip)
