Old English Bell Sleeve Surplice Sewing Pattern

DIY Church Vestment

This Old English Style Surplice Sewing Pattern brings church tradition right to your sewing table.

Whether you’re sewing for a parish, a family member, or for a special occasion, this pattern helps you create a garment made to serve with purpose

It features a round yoke, a full gathered skirt that falls to mid-calf, and the classic bell sleeves found in traditional clergy surplices.

You’ll get full-size printed pieces no resizing needed. We've included a fabric guide and sewing tips so you can begin with clarity and confidence, even if it’s your first time making vestments.

The design is drawn from vintage ecclesiastical sources, using details and techniques that give it a professional finish.

With clear instructions, full-size pattern pieces, and flexible sizing, gather your materials and let the pattern take shape.

Product Features

• Classic bell sleeves with a soft, full shape
• Comes in adult sizes S-M-L or XL-2XL-3XL
• Written sewing instructions with illustrations

Skill Levels

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

Fabric and Yardages Recommended

Suggested fabrics

• Broadcloth,
• Poplin
• linen, or other plain weave fabrics.

Underlining:

• 2/3 yard of lightweight cotton broadcloth
• Use of fusible interfacing is NOT recommended, as the interfacing may stiffen the fabric. 

Fabric Yardages Requirement

Surplice Measurement

What You’ll Receive

• Full-size printed pattern has five separate pieces, one for each part of the surplice: front, back, sleeve 1 of 2, sleeve 2 of 2, yoke front, and back yoke

• Adjustment lines for skirt and sleeve length

• Guidance for cutting, construction, and finishing
  

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