Vintage Surplice Sewing Pattern | Church Vestment for Advanced Seamstresses

If you've ever wanted to sew a traditional church garment but weren’t sure where to begin, this Vintage Surplice Sewing Pattern is a thoughtful place to start.

Designed with the experienced seamstress in mind, it blends time-honored ecclesiastical style with clear, step-by-step instructions making it easier to create a graceful, well-draped garment for worship.

Whether you're sewing for a loved one, altar server or yourself, this pattern offers a meaningful way to contribute to the beauty of church services through your own handiwork.

With every stitch, you’re not just making a garment you’re also helping the server to be in proper form and reverence, dressed in a way that honors the sacredness of the liturgy.

Product 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 

Skill Levels

• This is a project for advanced intermediate to professional-level seamstresses.

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:

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

Underlining

• 108” wide fabric is recommended
• 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

 Surplice Measurement Chart (S-XXL)

What You'll Receive

• Five Full-Size Pattern Pieces: Front, Back, Sleeve, Front Yoke, Back Yoke.

• Lengthen/Shorten Lines marked on skirt and sleeves for easy adjustment

• Guided Sewing Instructions, suitable for beginners to professionals

• Fabric Yardage Chart for sizes S to 3XL

• Cutting Layouts and Seam Markings for accurate assembly

• Clear Construction Techniques including pressing, staystitching, and slipstitching

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 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

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