Sew Maternity Clothes That Fit and Flatter
Pregnancy changes your body rapidly, and finding maternity clothes that fit well and make you feel good is challenging. Store-bought maternity wear is expensive, often poorly made, limited in styles, and doesn't accommodate different body types or pregnancy shapes. When you sew your own maternity clothes, you create comfortable pieces that fit your changing body, choose soft fabrics that feel good, customize length and proportions, and make exactly what you want to wear. From everyday basics to work wear to special occasion pieces, sew a maternity wardrobe that carries you through pregnancy and beyond.
Shop Maternity Patterns by Garment Type
Maternity tops: Comfortable tops with room for growing belly - t-shirts, tunics, blouses, and nursing-friendly styles with easy access.
Maternity dresses: Flattering dresses for pregnancy - empire waist, wrap styles, and comfortable knit dresses that accommodate changing shape.
Maternity pants and leggings: Comfortable bottoms with belly panels or stretchy waistbands - pants, leggings, and joggers that grow with you.
Nursing-friendly patterns: Tops and dresses with discreet nursing access - button fronts, wrap styles, or pull-aside features for postpartum wear.
Understanding Maternity Fit
Maternity clothing needs to accommodate a growing belly while fitting the rest of your body properly. Belly accommodation: Maternity patterns include extra room in the belly area through various methods - empire waists (seam under bust with flowing fabric below), stretchy knit fabrics that expand, belly panels (stretchy fabric inserts), A-line shapes with room to grow, or wrap styles that adjust throughout pregnancy. Sizing considerations: Many maternity patterns suggest using your pre-pregnancy size - the pattern already includes belly room. Some recommend sizing up for more generous fit. Check each pattern's recommendations. Timeline: Most maternity clothes work from second trimester through delivery. First trimester often uses regular clothes; late pregnancy needs maximum room. Postpartum wear: Many maternity clothes work postpartum, especially nursing-friendly styles. Empire waist dresses and loose tops provide comfort during recovery.
Maternity Tops and Tunics
Comfortable tops are maternity wardrobe essentials. Basic tees and tanks: Simple knit tops in soft, stretchy fabrics - make several in neutral colors for daily rotation. Side ruching adds style while accommodating belly growth. Tunics: Longer tops that provide coverage and pair perfectly with leggings - the most versatile maternity pieces. Make in various sleeve lengths for different seasons. Empire waist tops: Fitted bodice with flowing fabric from under-bust - flattering and comfortable throughout pregnancy. Nursing-friendly features: Add button plackets down front, create wrap-style openings, or design with pull-aside access for nursing. Cross-over styles work beautifully for both pregnancy and postpartum. Fabric choices: Soft cotton jersey, rayon jersey, or modal knits feel comfortable against sensitive skin. Choose fabrics with good drape that flow over belly. Avoid stiff or scratchy fabrics. Make tops slightly longer than normal - belly pulls up front hem as pregnancy progresses.
Maternity Dresses
Dresses simplify maternity dressing - one piece, no coordinating needed. Empire waist dresses: The most popular maternity style - fitted bodice with seam under bust and flowing skirt below. Works from early pregnancy through delivery and often postpartum. Flattering on most body types. Wrap dresses: Adjustable throughout pregnancy - tie tighter early on, looser as belly grows. Often nursing-friendly. Very versatile. Knit dresses: Stretchy t-shirt or sweater dresses that expand with you. Comfortable and easy to wear. Choose fabrics with good recovery so they don't bag. Maxi dresses: Long, flowing dresses perfect for warm weather pregnancy - comfortable and stylish. Special occasion: Make dresses for baby showers, maternity photos, or events. Choose fabrics and styles that make you feel beautiful. Length considerations: Make dresses slightly longer - belly pulls up front hem significantly in late pregnancy. Knee-length patterns become above-knee when pregnant.
Maternity Pants and Leggings
Comfortable pants and leggings are pregnancy essentials. Leggings: The most popular maternity bottom - stretchy, comfortable, versatile. Make with fold-over waistbands that can be worn over or under belly, or high panels that cover belly completely. Cotton-spandex blends provide comfort and support. Joggers and casual pants: Soft knit pants with stretchy waistbands - perfect for home and casual wear. Much more comfortable than structured pants. Belly panels: Stretchy panels (often in rib knit or power mesh) that cover growing belly while regular waistband sits below. Provides gentle support without constriction. Under-belly vs over-belly: Under-belly waistbands sit below bump - some women find this more comfortable early pregnancy. Over-belly waistbands (full panels) cover entire belly - often more comfortable in late pregnancy and provide support. Fabric choices: Soft, stretchy knits work best - ponte knit for more structured pants, French terry or jersey for casual pants, athletic fabrics with compression for leggings. Fit tip: Make pants slightly longer - you'll wear them lower on your hips as belly grows.
Nursing-Friendly Features
Design garments that work both during pregnancy and while nursing. Button-front tops and dresses: Simply unbutton from top for easy nursing access. Works with full button fronts or partial plackets. Wrap styles: Pull aside wrap opening for nursing - works for wrap dresses, tops, and cardigans. Pull-aside access: Create overlapping layers at bust that can be pulled aside. Cross-over styles naturally provide this access. Lift-up access: Empire waist dresses and tops can be lifted from bottom for nursing, though this is less discreet. Nursing panels: Hidden openings with snaps or buttons provide discreet access. Why nursing-friendly matters: Pregnancy lasts 9 months, but nursing can last 1-2+ years. Garments that work for both pregnancy and postpartum provide much better value and longer wear. Many women appreciate having nursing-friendly clothes ready before baby arrives - those first weeks are exhausting and you won't want to sew.
Best Fabrics for Maternity Wear
Choose soft, comfortable, stretchy fabrics. Cotton jersey: Soft, breathable, comfortable - perfect for everyday maternity wear. Cotton-spandex blends add stretch and recovery. Rayon or modal jersey: Extremely soft with beautiful drape - feels luxurious and comfortable. Breathable and temperature-regulating. Ponte knit: More structured knit fabric - works for work-appropriate pants, dresses, and tops. Holds shape while still providing stretch. French terry: Comfortable for casual pants, hoodies, and loungewear. Soft and cozy. Athletic knits: Moisture-wicking fabrics for active maternity wear and leggings. Compression fabrics can provide belly support. Power mesh or rib knit: For belly panels on pants - stretchy, supportive, comfortable. Woven fabrics: Lightweight wovens like rayon challis or cotton lawn work for empire waist dresses and flowing tops. Fabric considerations: Pregnancy makes skin more sensitive - choose soft fabrics without scratchy texture. Breathable natural fibers help with pregnancy-related temperature fluctuations. Fabrics with good recovery (return to shape) prevent bagging. Always prewash fabrics - you'll wash maternity clothes frequently.
Maternity Work Wear
Professional maternity wear is expensive and limited. Sewing solves this. Work dresses: Empire waist or A-line dresses in ponte knit or structured fabrics - professional and comfortable. Make in solid colors or subtle patterns. Work pants: Ponte knit pants with belly panels - more polished than leggings but still comfortable. Pair with longer tops or tunics. Professional tops: Empire waist tops or tunics that pair with pants or skirts. Button-front styles work for professional settings and provide nursing access. Layering pieces: Long cardigans or open-front jackets provide polish and coverage. Styling tips: Invest in a few quality maternity work pieces in neutral colors that mix and match. Accessories (scarves, jewelry) add variety without additional sewing. Many workplaces have relaxed standards for pregnant women - comfortable ponte pants and nice tops often suffice. Handmade professional maternity wear costs $20-40 per piece compared to $60-150+ store-bought.
Why Sew Maternity Clothes Instead of Buying
Store-bought maternity wear creates multiple frustrations. It's very expensive ($40-80 per piece for quality items) for clothes you'll wear relatively briefly. Styles are limited and often frumpy or overly trendy. Nothing fits quite right - too short, too long, wrong proportions. Quality is poor - cheap fabrics and construction that don't survive frequent washing. Plus-size maternity options are extremely limited and expensive. Tall and petite maternity sizing barely exists. When you sew maternity clothes, you get perfect length and proportions for your body, exactly the styles you want to wear, soft, quality fabrics that feel good, nursing-friendly features for extended wear, and custom fit throughout pregnancy. The cost savings are substantial - handmade maternity pieces cost $10-30 in materials compared to $40-80+ store-bought. You can make an entire maternity wardrobe for less than buying 5-6 store-bought pieces. Plus handmade maternity clothes often have better construction and nicer fabrics than mass-produced options. Many pieces work postpartum for months or even years with nursing-friendly designs.
Tips for Sewing Maternity Clothes
Choose soft, comfortable fabrics - pregnancy makes skin more sensitive. Use ballpoint needles for knits and appropriate stitches that stretch. Make clothes longer than you think - belly pulls up hems significantly. Start sewing maternity clothes in second trimester when you clearly need them but still have energy. Add nursing-friendly features even if not planning to nurse - they provide versatility. Make multiple versions of favorites - once you find a comfortable style, make it in several fabrics. Consider adjustable features like drawstrings or ties that adapt as body changes. Focus on versatile pieces that work across trimesters - empire waist dresses, stretchy leggings, comfortable tunics. Don't overbuy fabric - you'll wear maternity clothes for limited time. Use what you make and assess what else you need. Prioritize comfort over fashion - you'll wear comfortable pieces constantly. Press as you sew for professional results even in casual pieces. Take progress photos in your handmade maternity clothes - wonderful keepsakes. Make comfortable pajamas too - sleep is precious during pregnancy. For detailed tutorials, visit our sewing blog for maternity sewing guidance.
Common Questions
When should I start sewing maternity clothes?
Most women need maternity clothes starting in second trimester (around 4-5 months). Start sewing when regular clothes become uncomfortable but you still have energy for projects.
What size should I make?
Most maternity patterns recommend using your pre-pregnancy size - the pattern already includes belly room. Some suggest sizing up for more generous fit. Check each pattern's specific recommendations and make a test version if unsure.
How many maternity pieces do I need?
A minimal wardrobe might include 3-4 everyday tops, 2-3 pairs of leggings or pants, 2-3 dresses, and a cardigan or jacket. Many women add more as they find styles they love. Working women need additional professional pieces.
Will I wear maternity clothes after pregnancy?
Nursing-friendly styles work postpartum for months or years. Empire waist dresses and loose tops provide comfort during recovery. Stretchy leggings work great postpartum. You'll likely wear maternity clothes for several months after delivery.
Are maternity patterns hard to sew?
Most maternity patterns are straightforward, especially those using knit fabrics. If you can sew basic tops and dresses, you can sew maternity wear. Empire waist styles are particularly easy.
How do I add nursing access to a pattern?
The easiest methods are adding button fronts, creating wrap-style openings, or designing cross-over tops that pull aside. Many regular patterns can be modified by adding these features.
Is it worth sewing maternity clothes for just 9 months?
Yes! The cost savings are significant, clothes fit better, and nursing-friendly pieces work for 1-2+ years postpartum. Many women sew maternity clothes for multiple pregnancies, making the patterns even more valuable.
