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In this episode of Seamwork Radio, hosts Sarai and Haley share their favorite types of projects to sew with linen. They discuss why linen is such an amazing fabric for warm weather, what to look for when choosing patterns for linen, and provide 10 project ideas you can start making right now.
Why Linen Makes the Perfect Summer Fabric
Linen is a favorite fabric among sewists for several compelling reasons. As Sarai explains, "I love that linen is so breathable. That's one of my number one things about it. It's just very breathable, especially when it's hot out. It just feels great to wear. It's almost like not wearing clothing, which would be my preferred state in the summer."
Beyond its comfort, linen offers a distinctive aesthetic that both hosts appreciate. Haley notes, "I think that it's very chic because it just has that effortless, 'I woke up like this' kind of air to it." She adds that linen can transform even structured garments: "If something is inherently a little bit more structured or fussy, making it out of linen instantly makes it more effortless and everyday."
While linen is known for wrinkling easily, both hosts embrace this quality as part of its charm. The fabric is also satisfying to sew with - it presses beautifully and handles easily, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced sewists.
10 Perfect Linen Projects for Summer
1. Button-Up Shirt
A classic button-up shirt in linen offers breathability while maintaining a put-together look. "Instead of a button-up being made in an Oxford or shirting, which can have a certain crispness and almost preppiness to it, making it in linen instantly makes it feel more cool, both temperature and vibes," Haley explains.
Linen shirts are versatile wardrobe pieces that can be layered over sleeveless tops or dresses, worn as light outerwear in summer evenings, or used as sun protection. Sarai adds that they're perfect for travel: "I can use the linen button-up as an outer layer over a simple dress and you get a lot more bang for your buck."
2. Classic Summer Trousers
Linen trousers are a summertime staple that combine style with comfort. Sarai recommends "something with simple lines that isn't too tight" to maximize linen's breathability. The Aran trousers from Seamwork offer a classic shape with a streamlined look (no waistband) that works beautifully in linen.
"I have a pair in my wardrobe that are thrifted from years ago in a natural color linen. Very simple, classic cut. And I wear them every single summer all the time. It's one of those things you'll just have in your wardrobe forever," says Sarai.
3. Summer Pajamas
For staying cool at night, linen pajamas are ideal. The crisp creases and breathability make linen perfect for classic pajama sets with tailored details like collars and chest pockets.
Haley recommends the Leaf pajama set, but notes, "If you're not a pajama set person, you can also go for the bonus sleep shirt, which is my personal favorite. I can't be bothered with pants and waistbands when I'm sleeping in the summertime."
4. Vest Top
A vest top paired with trousers creates a chic, cool summer outfit. Sarai suggests that this versatile piece can transition through seasons: "You can also layer a vest over a long sleeve shirt once it starts to get cooler."
The hosts recommend trying the AutoVest pattern, particularly in darker colors like black or brown for year-round wearability (though white or cream look especially summery). Pairing it with matching linen trousers creates a modern pantsuit look that's perfect for summer events.
5. Duster Coat
For those who love layering even in warm weather, a linen duster coat provides a light layer for spring, summer evenings, or early fall. "A loose linen duster looks really pretty over a dress or a skirt," Haley suggests.
The Indigo coat pattern works well as an unlined option, and Haley notes, "You can even add a belt and some belt loops to give it a little bit more shape if that's your preferred silhouette."
6. Smock Dress
A loose-fitting smock dress showcases linen's floaty, breathable qualities. "You can wear it as a dress, as a cover-up, or even use it as a nightgown," Sarai explains.
She shares a personal favorite: "I made the Baker dress in a sheer white linen and added some pretty lace details. I think it's one of the prettiest dresses I own, and it is super comfortable in the summer." The combination of linen and lace creates a beautiful Scandinavian midsummer aesthetic.
7. Romantic Top
Linen lends itself beautifully to detailed tops with pretty trims and ruffles. However, Haley cautions that fabric weight matters: "Heavyweight linens are going to stick out and away from your body, which can be a little extreme especially with lots of gathers or ruffles. Handkerchief linen or a sheer linen work really well for romantic tops."
For those who prefer a less frilly look, the Sage blouse offers a "body-skimming cut with princess seams, a v-neck, and beautiful long full-length sleeves." Sarai has made it twice and praises its versatility and wearability.
8. Bias Cut Skirt
"Linen looks so beautiful when it's cut on the bias because it has such a wonderful flow to it," Sarai explains. "It's not quite as slinky as silk, so it feels a little bit easier to wear for daytime, and it's also cooler."
The Desi skirt with its comfortable elastic waist is perfect for linen, as is the Everly, a two-layer mini skirt cut on the bias that Sarai describes as "mini, but not too mini."
9. Lightweight Jumpsuit
A linen jumpsuit provides a complete summer outfit with the mobility of pants. Haley recommends the Dell jumpsuit for its loose fit, or the Michelle jumpsuit for those who prefer more shape: "It has that beautiful elastic waistband, and I really like the surplice detail in the back neckline. It just feels a little more elevated to me."
Both patterns are sleeveless, making them easy to layer over other garments for more coverage or warmth in other seasons.
10. Linen Shorts
Linen shorts are a summertime essential that can be either crisp and tailored or casual with an elastic waist. Sarai suggests the Effie shorts for a more structured look: "They're a pair of high-waisted shorts with a tailored look and a curved hem on the bottom, which I think is just so pretty."
For a more casual option, the Kirby shorts with an elastic waist provide ease and comfort. As Sarai notes about summer dressing, "The rest of the year, I'm willing to put a lot of thought into my outfits... In the summer, I'm just like, 'I'm going to throw this on and put on a t-shirt and get out the door.'"
Embracing Linen's Unique Character
If you've been hesitant about working with linen because of its tendency to wrinkle, Haley offers this advice: "Try to embrace the rumpled look of the fabric rather than fighting against it. When we select garments with that in mind, we can really use linen to its full potential."
Sarai suggests using your fabric preferences as a starting point for project planning: "Sometimes it can be really fun to just think about what your favorite fabrics to sew with or to wear are and kind of work from there to figure out what you want to make."
With these ten project ideas and the hosts' enthusiasm for linen, you'll be well-equipped to incorporate this versatile, breathable fabric into your summer wardrobe. The natural, effortless elegance of linen makes it perfect for creating garments that are both beautiful and practical for warm weather.
