Cathedral Surplice Sewing Pattern |

Choir Cotta Round Yoke Church Vestment Pattern

Sew Clerical Garment with Confidence

The 4070 Cathedral Surplice Sewing Pattern helps you create meaningful vestments for choir members and altar servers suitable for both liturgical services and special celebrations.

Thoughtfully designed for those beginner to professional sewing experience, this printed pattern gently guides you through each step, so you can sew with clarity and peace of mind.

Featuring a traditional rounded yoke and an optional lace-trimmed hem, it includes sizes for all ages from children to adults.

As Colossians 3:16 reminds us to sing "with grace in your hearts to the Lord," this pattern becomes more than a project, it’s a quiet act of devotion, supporting your ministry with every stitch.

Product Features

• The round yoke construction ensures comfortable fit across shoulders
• Easily adjust length for different choir members with clear lengthen/shorten lines
• Follow step-by-step illustrated instructions that make success achievable

Perfect For

• Seamstresses sewing for church choirs, altar servers, or clergy members

• Those looking for a companion pattern to liturgical designs

• Liturgical sewing projects for Episcopal, Anglican, Catholic, and Lutheran traditions

Fabric Recommendation

Best Fabric Options:

• Light to medium weight woven fabrics (60" width works best)
• Poplin, creates a crisp, professional appearance
• Cotton broadcloth offers durability for frequent use
• Linen provides elegant drape and traditional appeal

Note: Not suitable for stretch fabrics or fabrics containing Lycra

Underlining Recommendation:

• Lightweight cotton broadcloth maintains proper drape
• Avoid fusible interfacing as it stiffens the fabric inappropriately

Beautiful Lace Options:

• 4" wide cotton lace the bodice hem
• 3" wide cotton lace to the sleeve hems

See size chart for exact yardage needed for your project

Skill Level

Confident Beginner to Professional
Whether you're just stepping into liturgical sewing or have years of experience, this pattern offers approachable instructions and a construction style that supports a beautiful, professional finish.

What You'll Receive 

• Printed sewing pattern on white paper
• Fabric layout diagrams showing efficient cutting arrangements for different sizes
• Size charts with measurements 
• Special ecclesiastical sewing techniques including proper underlining methods and trim placement
• Markings for orphreys and decorative trims placement
• Lengthen/shorten lines for customizing garment length 

Choose Your Style Option 

• Style 4070: Child S-M-L
• Style 4071: Youth L-XL
• Style 4072: Adult S-M-L
• Style 4073: Adult XL-XXL-XXXL

Important Note About This Product

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.

Finished Garment Chart 

Child & Youth Fabric Yardages

Adult Sizes

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.

Please see our complete collection of Surplice, Cotta, Alb and Rochet Sewing Patterns

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

Explore our beautiful collection of vintage books on sacred craftsmanship at:
www.ecclesiasticalsewing.com/collections/books