Old English Bell Sleeve Surplice Sewing Pattern | DIY Church Vestment Pattern

Our DIY Sewing pattern brings centuries of liturgical tradition within reach of your sewing table, allowing you to create vestments that honor church ceremonies with both historical accuracy and functionality.

With classic Old English surplice design featuring distinctive bell sleeves. 

This clergy surplice features a round yoke style with a full skirt that hits mid-calf.

Our design has been meticulously gathered from vintage ecclesiastical resources that ensures professional techniques and quality.

With printed pattern full-size—no need to enlarge anything.

We also include a fabric guide and helpful tips so you can start sewing with confidence, even if it’s your first time making a vestment.

A pattern for beginners and experienced seamstresses

If you’re just getting started, the instructions are simple and easy to follow. 

When you sew with this pattern, you’re not just making something beautiful.

 You’re continuing a tradition.

One stich with love and worship.

What’s special about this DIY Sewing Pattern

• Classic bell sleeves with a soft, full shape
• Designed for woven fabrics—like poplin, cotton broadcloth, or linen
• Comes in adult sizes S-M-L or XL-2XL-3XL
• Clear sewing instructions with illustrations

Recommended Fabrics

Suggested fabrics

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

Underlining: 2/3 yard of lightweight cotton broadcloth

Note: Use of narrower fabric would require piecing at the pleats. 

Underlining should be lightweight cotton broadcloth or similar fabric. 

Fusible interfacing is not recommended as it may stiffen the fabric.

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.

Yardage Requirements

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