American Round Yoke Surplice Sewing Pattern

DIY Church Garments

This American Round Yoke Surplice Sewing Pattern is a practical and reliable choice for making traditional church garments. 

It features a gathered skirt and tapered sleeves sewn into a rounded yoke, creating a clean and classic shape that’s commonly used for clergy, choir, and altar servers.

Sized for adults Small through 3XL, this pattern includes written instructions and flexible sizing options with lengthen/shorten lines. 

It’s suitable for beginners as well as experienced sewists looking for a solid, easy-to-follow project.

The surplice has been used in Christian worship since the 11th century and remains a standard part of liturgical attire.

 This pattern helps you create a garment that fits well, looks right, and supports the needs of your church service.

Product Features

• Traditional American-style surplice with round yoke
  

• Tapered sleeves and full gathered skirt for ease and comfort
  

• Adjustable length with built-in lengthen/shorten lines
  

• Includes separate pattern pieces for each garment section
  

• Designed for woven fabrics (non-stretch)

Skill Levels

• The instructions and construction style make these surplices a nice project for beginners to professional seamstresses.

Fabric Recommendations:

Suggested Fabrics:

• Poplin, cotton broadcloth, or linen.
• Not suitable or designed for stretch fabrics or fabrics containing Lycra.
• 60” wide fabric is recommended.

Underlining:

• Lightweight cotton broadcloth or other similar fabric.
• Use of fusible interfacing is place of underlining is NOT recommended, as the interfacing may stiffen the fabric. 

Size Measurement

Fabric Yardages Requirement

What You’ll Receive

• Full-size printed sewing pattern: five separate pieces, one for each part of the surplice:  front, back, sleeve, yoke front, and back yoke.
  

• Step-by-step written instructions and guidance for cutting, assembly, and finishing

Important Note 

Sewing patterns are not returnable per the Return policy. Please read all product details carefully to understand that this is a sewing pattern and not a completed garment.

Pattern FAQ's 

What is the pattern printed on?

The pattern is printed on white paper.  For those who wish to use something a bit less stiff, you may prefer to trace the pattern onto a lighter-weight Pellon pattern interfacing paper.

Why is the pattern printed on white paper?

There are limited paper options available for small pattern companies to keep production minimums low and costs affordable for clients. The patterns are printed locally in small quantities as needed. The available paper that is large enough for use with our full-size patterns for use while still allowing for small print runs is white blueprint paper.

Can the wrinkles be pressed out of the pattern by ironing?

It is NOT recommended to use anything hot to press the pattern paper. The patterns are printed with toner ink and they will smudge and leave black marks on other surfaces if the pattern is ironed. Simple smooth the pattern out by hand prior to cutting. If you prefer, the pattern may also be traced off on Pellon Pattern interfacing to preserve the original.

Is the pattern available as a digital download file?

The patterns are NOT available as a digital download file. They are a physical product that requires shipping.

Are the patterns sold to clients the same patterns used by Ecclesiastical Sewing?

Yes. We use the very same patterns that are available online in our workrooms for creating beautiful vestments.

May I make a copy of the pattern in my plotter or save a digital copy of this pattern?

The pattern is copyrighted and is offered as a courtesy for use in the church to the Glory of God. The pattern may NOT be copied or saved in any digital format, resold, modified, and sold as an original work, etc.

For private use only. Not intended for commercial use

Vestment and Stole Care Guide

Explore our vintage ecclesiastical book collection.

Looking for more sewing patterns? Use the quick links to explore our full Church Vestment Sewing Pattern Catalog

For additional information, sewing tips, and inspiration, visit blog.ecclesiasticalsewing.com