Nursing Friendly PDF Sewing Patterns & Alteration Tutorials
Nursing friendly sewing patterns! This issue gets brought up all the time in the online sewing groups I frequent, and since I’m rapidly approaching having a nursling in my life again I thought I should round up all the options in one place. With my first, I usually wore regular t-shirts over tank tops and just pulled up, but I think it’s nice to have options.
I separated the list into five different groups – PDF patterns that include nursing alterations in the pattern or have a specific tutorial, PDF patterns that are simply designed in a way that make nursing easy, Paper patterns with nursing access, DIY Garment and/or alteration tutorials that could be applied to any pattern, and then Nursing Accessories & Tutorials (think boppy cover, nursing cover, etc.).
I’d like to keep this a living document – so please email me or leave a comment if you have used a pattern that you think is great for nursing or if you’re a designer who has released a new nursing friendly pattern! I also keep a Pinterest board of nursing friendly clothes or inspiration – everything in this post is on there, plus some ideas or tutorials that I didn’t think were explained well enough to include on the list.
If you’re the crunchy sewing type (which I say with affection!), you might also want to check out my round-up of DIY babywearing coat sewing patterns/tutorials!
{This post contains affiliate links, indicated by an asterisk*. Please refer to ‘legal stuff’ in the top menu for more info.}
I don’t endorse any of these patterns or tutorials personally, unless I’ve linked to my own post about them! I listed the price at the time I created this post – which is subject to fluctuate of course. Please double check sizing on the actual link before buying!
Quick tip – if you buy any patterns from sellers on Etsy, shop through Ebates* to get 1% cash back on your purchases, woohoo! (See more tips on saving money while sewing in this post!)
PDF Patterns -Nursing Alterations Included
This section includes patterns that have a specific tutorial for making a pattern nursing-friendly, either included in the pattern or linked to on a blog
Pattern: The Martha Hoodie from Milchmonster* (in German; this Facebook group has an English translation in the files for group members)
Sizes: Roughly US 2-24 (converted from European Sizes, 32-48) (Bust size not provided)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $8.02
Pattern: Women’s Henley* from Patterns for Pirates (nursing hack here)*
Sizes: XXS-XXXL (Bust 30-54)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $8.00
Pattern: Hey Babie Top from Halla
Sizes: 00-26 (Bust 30-51)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9.95
Pattern: Horizon Tee from Rad Patterns*
Sizes: XS-XXXL (Bust Size 30-65″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $10
Pattern: The Berkley Maxi Dress from Bebelambs*
Sizes: 2-26 (Bust Size Not Provided)
Fabric Type: Knit or Woven
Price: $10
Pattern: Nursing Bra from Muffin Head Pattern Shop*
Sizes: 30-36 band, AA & A Cup
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $8.50
Pattern: Surplice Dress from Rad Patterns*
Sizes: XS-XXXL (Bust Size 30-65″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $10
Picture courtesy of Vanessa!
Pattern: Olympia Dress from Love Notions Pattern Shop*
Sizes: XS-XXXL(Bust 31″-47″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $10
Pattern: Green Style Laurel* (nursing tutorial here)
Sizes: XXS-XXXL (Bust Size 31-47″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9.00
Pattern: First Crush Swimsuit from Rad Patterns*
Sizes: XS-XXXL (Bust Size 30-65″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $10
Pattern: The Cinnabar Sky Top & Dress by Golden Rippy* (see my review here)
Sizes: XXS-XXXL (Bust Size 30-52″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $7.20
Pattern: Flora Top from Stitch Upon A Time* (Nursing adaptation tutorial in their Facebook group )
Sizes: XS-XXXL (Bust Size 29-52″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9
Pattern: Embrace Tee from Rad Patterns*
Sizes: XS-XXXL (Bust Size 30-65″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $10
Pattern: Spoxxy Tank Top from Stitch Upon A Time*
Sizes: XS-XXXL (Bust Size 29-52″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9
Pattern: Isabelle Top by LouLou James Creative Studio*
Sizes: A-E (Bust Size 31-40″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $5
Pattern: Margerita Nursing Top/Dress* from Wyld Chic Boutique
Sizes: 6-16
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $12
Pattern: Laney Nursing Top/Dress* from Wyld Chic Boutique
Sizes: 6-16
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $12
Pattern: Lyric Hoodie from Elliedactyl*
Sizes: XS-XXXL (Bust Size 30-50″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9
Pattern: Celia Top by LouLou James Creative Studio*
Sizes: A-E (Bust Size 31-40″)
Fabric type: Knit
Price: $5
[not pictured]Pattern: Amber Nursing & Maternity Top from Megan Nielsen Patterns
Sizes: XS-XL (Bust Size not given)
Fabric type: Knit
Price: $13.58
[not pictured]Pattern: Alissa Nursing & Maternity Top from Megan Nielsen Patterns
Sizes: XS-XL (Bust Size 34-42″)
Fabric type: Knit
Price: $13.58
Pattern: Greenstyle Norah Nightgown* (crossover bodice option)
Sizes: XXS-XXXL (Bust Size 31-47″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9.00
Pattern: Jenna Top/Dress by LouLou James Creative Studio*
Sizes: A-F (Bust Size 31-42″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $5
Pattern: Love Notions Willow Top & Dress*
Sizes: XS-XXL (Bust Size 30″-48″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $14.95 (bundle – top & dress can be purchased separately for less)
Pattern: A Sparkly Baby Renni Dress/Tunic*
Sizes: Bust Size 28″-46″
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $10
Pattern: Knot Your Average Shirt and Dress* from 5 out of 4 Patterns
Sizes: XXL-XXXL (Bust Size 31″-50″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9.95
Pattern: California Dress & Peplum Top – Everything Your Mama Made & More*
Sizes: XS-5X (Bust Size 32-59.95″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9.95
Pattern: Women’s Ascent Fleece Pullover from 5 out of 4 Patterns*
Sizes: XXS-3X (Bust Size 31-50″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9.95
Pattern: Jocole Peplum (nursing adaptation from Becca Duval here)
Sizes: XS-XXXL (Bust 30″-49″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9.00
Pattern: Sisboom- Jamie* (nursing adaptation from Jodi Brown here)
Sizes: XS 0-2 -XXL 24-26 (Bust size not provided)
Fabric Type: Woven
Price: $9.95
Pattern: Tilly and the Buttons – CoCo (nursing adaptation tutorial from So, Zo here)
Sizes: 1-8 (Bust 30-44″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $13.15
Pattern: Kate’s Lacy Nursing Camisole Sewing Pattern and Tutorial*
Sizes: XS-XXL (Bust not specified)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $10
Pattern: Made By Rae – Washi Top/Dress + Expansion Pack (nursing adaptation tutorial here) *[photo used with permission]
Sizes: XS-XXL (Bust 32-44″)
Fabric Type: Woven
Price: $16 for the Washi + $14 for the Expansion Pack
Pattern: Versatility Tank & Bra* from 5 out of 4 Patterns
Sizes: XXS-3XL (Bust 31-50″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9.95
Pattern: Versa Cami* & Maternity/Nursing Add-On* from Stitch Upon A Time
Sizes: XXS-3XL (Bust 25-52″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $8.50 + Add-on $2.00
Pattern: Agility Tank/Dress from 5 out of 4 Patterns*
Sizes: Bust 31-50″
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9.95
Pattern: Lisse Cowl and Hoodie from New Horizons Designs* (nursing mod tutorial from Heather of Feather’s Flights)
Sizes: XXS-3XL (Bust 31-51.5″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9.95
Pattern: Everyday Essentials – Sleep Bra from EYMM*
Sizes: Sizes XS-5X Bust 32-59.95″
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9.95
Pattern: All Wrapped Up Top from KB Stitch Designs
Sizes: XXS-XXXL – Bust 30-48″
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $8
Pattern: Uptown Undies & Camisole from Peekaboo Patterns*– (nursing add-on separate)*
Sizes: XXS-XXXL – Bust 30-50″
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9.95 + $3 for the add-on
Pattern: Boundless Dress from Patterns for Pirates – nursing mod here
Sizes: XXS-XXXL – Bust 30-54″
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $8
Pattern: TAMI Revolution Hoodie from New Horizons Designs* (nursing mod tutorial here)
Sizes: XXS-3XL (Bust 31-51.5″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9.95
Pattern: Jalie 3132 (also available in paper form)
Sizes: 0-22- Bust 31-50″
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $11.99
Pattern: Jalie 3131 (also available in paper form)
Sizes: 0-22- Bust 31-50″
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $11.99
Pattern: Jalie 2787 (also available in paper form)
Sizes: 0-22- Bust 31-50″
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $12.99
Pattern: Venice Dress from New Horizons Designs* (nursing tutorial here)
Sizes: 00-26 (Bust 31″-51.5″)
Fabric Type: Woven
Price: $10.95
Pattern:Ballard from Straight Stitch Designs* (nursing adaptation from Audrey at Skirt Fixation)
Sizes: 0-18 (Bust 32″-44.5″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $12
PDF Patterns -Nursing Friendly
This section includes patterns that aren’t specifically designed for nursing access but the design lends itself to nursing.
Pattern: Greenstyle Jillian*
Sizes: XXS-XXXL (Bust Size 31-47″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9.00
Pattern: Harbor Hoodie from New Horizons Designs*
Sizes: XXS-XXXL (Bust Size 31-51.5″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9.95
Pattern: Brazi from Stitch Upon A Time with cross-over add-on
Sizes: XXS-XXXL (Bust Size 35-53″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9.00 (original dress) + (cross-over top)
Pattern: Marlo Top from Sisboom
Sizes: XS-3X (Bust Size not given)
Fabric Type: Woven
Price: $10
Pattern:Laurelhurst from Straight Stitch Designs* (read my post, here)
Sizes: 0-24 (Bust 32″-50.5″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $10
Pattern: Southport Dress from True Bias
Sizes: 0-18 (Bust 32″-44.5″)
Fabric Type: Woven
Price: $12
Pattern: Wild Flower Top from Blank Slate Patterns
Sizes: XXS-XL (Bust 30″-42″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $11.95
Pattern: Irena Top from Itch To Stitch*
Sizes: 0-20(Bust 31″-46)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $10
Pattern: Jocole Mix & Match Series – Cowl Neck
Sizes: XS-XXXL (Bust 30″-49″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $5 for bodice (purchase each mix/match piece separately)
[not pictured]Pattern: Elliedactyl’s Lyric Hoodie*
Sizes: XS-XXXL (Bust 30″-50″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $9
Pattern: The Magnolia Street Wrap Dress from Seamingly Smitten*
Sizes: 0-26 (no Bust measurements given)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $8
Pattern: Crossover Top and Dress from Jocole
Sizes: XS-XXXL (Bust 30″-49″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $10
Pattern: Wrapped Up Ballet Top from Rabbit Rabbit Creations*
Sizes: 8-18 (Bust 30-40″)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: $7.00
Pattern: Free Wrap Dress from So Sew Easy*
Sizes: S-XL (Bust Measurements not Given)
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: Free!
Pattern: Free Wrap Top from So Sew Easy*
Sizes: Bust 32-44″
Fabric Type: Knit
Price: Free!
DIY Garment & Pattern Alteration Tutorials
This section includes free patterns, tutorials to draft your own patterns, or tutorials based off a specific pattern that could easily be used for other patterns as well.
Jocole Quick Dress Nursing Tutorial from Free Notion
DIY Undercover Mama Tank from Baby Belly Kelli
Love Notions Laundry Day Tee nursing hack tutorial from Sneha Nirody Monga
Exposed Zipper Bodice from Shaffer Sisters
Deep Vee Nursing Top Tutorial from DIY Maternity
Princess Seam Nursing Access Dress from Say Grr Sewing
Raglan Zipper Seam Tutorial from Sewing In No Man’s Land
Nursing Sleep Bra Tutorial/Size M Pattern from Made by Me, Shared With You
Upcycled two-tank top tutorial from The Wired Tree
The Big T Nursing Top from Things for Boys
Made By Rae Washi Top & Dress Nursing Conversion
Sisboom Jamie Dress Nursing Modification from Jodi Brown
Tilly and the Buttons Coco Nursing Modification from So, Zo
Paper Patterns
This section includes printed patterns that are nursing friendly.
Jalie 3132 (also available in PDF)
Pattern: Jalie 3131 (also available in PDF)
Pattern: Jalie 2787 (also available in PDF)
Nursing Accessories
This section includes tutorials for nursing accessories.
Full Coverage Nursing Shawl from Family Ever After
Simple Nursing Scarf from Coterie
Nursing Cover from Pretty Prudent
Fabric Covered Nursing Necklace from Eat Drink & Save Money
Nursing Accessible Hospital Gown Tutorial & Pattern from the Crafty Cupboard
Nursing Pads from Max California
Hands Free Pumping Bra DIY From Atta Mama
Boppy Nursing Pillow Slipcover Tutorial from Vanilla Joy (I use the pattern piece and simply insert an invisible zipper along the outside seam).
This is so valuable! I remember when my third child was just a month old I did a book event at a local boutique and I wore this awesome dress (that I bought). Everything was great until she needed to nurse! I seriously had to nearly get naked to feed her. Wardrobe fail. And I should have known! She’s my third kid! Also, I’m working on a post (or podcast – haven’t decided which) about going on maternity leave when you run a creative business and this fits right in!
Thanks for commenting Abby! I had the exact same experience at a wedding. Trying to get out of a dress and undergarments with a crying kid was a hot, sweaty, hormonal mess. Looking forward to reading your post about maternity leave! I think it’s an interesting topic and I don’t feel like I have a good grasp of what most people do. I know I had hours to kill with my first nursing, so I feel like reading blogs and responding to emails will be easy! But then people seem to shame you for ‘working’ when you just had a baby. Can’t win.
What a comprehensive round up!
this is so helpful! Thanks so much for rounding these patterns up!! =)
Yay for another nursing, sewing (soon to be) mama! Glad you found it useful, thanks for saying as much 🙂
The Brazi from stitch apon a time has a cross over option that looks like it will work foods or nursing. http://stitchuponatime.com/product/cross-front-add-on-for-brazi-ladies-bra-and-dress-copy/
Thanks so much Mallory, I don’t think I’d seen that cross-over add-on, I added that to the list!
This pattern is one I’ve design for nursing the Margerita at http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/clothing/margerita-nursing-topdress/72089
I’ve also got the Laney Maternity and Nursing top at http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/clothing/laney-nursingmaternity-pattern/102656
I hope you like them!
Hey Joyce! I’d be happy to add these – is it ok if I use the listing photos?
Sure! I’ve also got pics of the Laney Nursing top as an evening dress in the completed projects section of craftsy.
Really Amazing Patterns … Which are comfortable for every women. Your every post I really like and helpful also.
I really like your post.
[…] Whenever we think of altering clothing, we think of how many friends we’ve had who mastered the art of simple, effective customization when they had a baby and began nursing. These women are basically pros! Just in case you’d like to join their ranks and make your favourite hoodies much easier when it comes to nursing accessibility that is still stylish, check out this tutorial on Swoodson Says. […]
Thanks for compiling this very comprehensive list! I’m about to have my third baby.
I’m surprised not to see any Megan Nielsen patterns….I’m pretty sure at least one of her maternity patterns is nursing friendly.
Hi Julie! Congratulations 🙂 So, I am aware of Megan Nielsen, maybe they weren’t available as PDFs when I made this back in 2015? I’m not sure! Anyways, thanks for saying something, I added the two PDFs that are available!
[…] Whenever we think of altering clothing, we think of how many friends we’ve had who mastered the art of simple, effective customization when they had a baby and began nursing. These women are basically pros! Just in case you’d like to join their ranks and make your favourite hoodies much easier when it comes to nursing accessibility that is still stylish, check out this tutorial on Swoodson Says. […]
Stephanie,
I really appreciate this list. 2 thing of note…the Wildflower top requires a tiny hack to be nursing friendly…I’ll probably do a tutorial in a few months.
I’ve got a tutorial for making the Ballard Top by Straight Stitch Designs nursing friendly here: http://skirtfixation.com/2015/09/diy-nursing-friendly-ballard/
Hey Audrey! Thanks so much – I know the Wildflower doesn’t have a specific nursing tutorial yet, but once you have one just holler out and I’ll link it! Added the ballard and linked you 🙂
[…] Nursing friendly PDF patterns […]
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You may have known this (or I missed it on this list) but there is a nursing hack for Love Notions Laundry Day Tee https://www.lovenotions.com/nursing-hack-for-the-laundry-day-tee.
Thanks Emory, I added it 🙂