Vintage Surplice Sewing Pattern | Printed Pattern DIY Church Vestment for Advanced Seamstresses

If you've ever wanted to sew a traditional church garment but felt unsure where to start, this is the sewing pattern suited for you.

Our Vintage Surplice Sewing Pattern combines ecclesiastical design with clear, step-by-step instructions that make creating beautiful liturgical garments accessible.

Crafted with the advanced seamstress in mind, this DIY Pattern helps you create an elegant, traditional piece that drapes beautifully.

Whether make it for an altar server, a family member, or for yourself. This sewing pattern gives you an easy place to start that letting you add something special to church services through your own handiwork.

DIY Sewing Pattern Features 

• Classic look: Vintage surplice with round yoke and soft gathers
• Project to sew:  Bests for expert - instructions included
• Comfortable fit: Loose, flowing sleeves and bodice
• Adjustable length: Easy to customize for various heights
• Ready to use: Printed paper sewing pattern (no downloads or printing needed)

Recommended Fabrics

 Suggested Fabrics:

• Broadcloth, Poplin, linen, or other plain weave fabrics.
• Choose a fabric with soft drape and moderate structure for best results
  

 Fabric Width Recommendations:

• 108” wide fabric is recommended
• 60" wide fabric: Works for sizes S and M
  Note : If using 60", add 1 extra yard for full coverage

Underlining 

• Use lightweight cotton broadcloth or similar as underlining
• Avoid fusible interfacing—it can make the fabric too stiff
• Underlining helps support the shape without losing the flow

For more related patterns, please see our collection of Surplice, Cotta, Alb and Rochet Sewing Pattern Catalog and find other ecclesiastical resources.

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.

DIY Sewing Pattern for Finished Surplice Size Chart (S-XXL)

Pattern FAQ's 

What is the sewing level for this project? 

This is a project for advanced intermediate to professional-level seamstresses. This project is NOT for beginners. 

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