Hey everyone, this post is only going to appeal to a small portion of you, but I would have found it super useful when I was expecting so I wanted to put together a list of lovely maternity and nursing friendly dressmaking patterns for any sewing-mamas-to-be.

I'm celebrating my little ones first birthday this week so obviously having a little reflection on the last year.  Unsurprisingly, I haven't had a lot of time to sew over this year, but I did manage to squeeze in some sewing time before she was born and made myself a some of my maternity wardrobe.

I haven't used all these patterns myself- Both Tilly and the Buttons and Sew Over it released their maternity ranges after I had had Mia as their pregnancies were at a similar time to mine, but having used some of their patterns before I expect they are to a similar standard to their usual range.

So the thing with most maternity patterns is they tend to only be avalible as PDF's, but you do tend to get the copy shop versions as well as the print at home versions, so that saves your poor, pregnant knees!

 Megan Nielsen

Megan Nielsen has been around the longest with her maternity patterns, and I have sewn up the Amber dress which was lovely to wear - and nursing friendly too!  With a full range and lots of options, you're sure to find something you'll wear a lot here.

Megan also runs a separate blog called DIYmaternity which is full of inspiration and tutorials for a handmade maternity wardrobe.

Waterfall Blouse by Make It Perfect

I've also made three versions of the Waterfall blouse. It's woven, making it a good choice if you're not used to sewing with jersey or newish to sewing.  The blouse fit me though most of my pregnancy, though it was a little tight in the 9th month, then I wore it for nursing as it was easy to lift up for access. 

 Tilly and the Buttons 

The Bettine dress is fantastic for spring/summer, and can be made in wovens or jerseys! The maternity version also comes with a hack to making it accessible for nursing! 

Tilly has also released a maternity version of her popular jersey top, Agnes.  Everyone needs a t-shirt pattern in their stash and it's no different when you are pregnant!  This little number is a quick make and really comfortable- perfect for pregnancy!

Sew Over It's Maternity Range

Sew Over It has released two PDF maternity patterns and published hacks to adjust two of their other patterns to be pregnancy friendly.  

Peak-a-boo Sewing Patterns

Peak-a-boo sewing patterns have a range of add-ons for some of their regular women's patterns, which are worth a look.  I haven't used any of these patterns, so can't vouch for the quality, but I like the styles.

Stitch Upon A Time

The Versa Cami has a free maternity and nursing add on for another option for layering up with other tops for nursing. 

Made by Rae

The Washi Dress is a beautiful silhouette with an empire line perfect for pregnancy.  You need to add a longer dipped hem to the front to compensate for the growing bump which is easy enough to hack.   You will also find a nursing hack on the blog, adding poppers to the centre front of the bodice for east access!

Made for Mermaids

Made for Mermaids has a number of maternity hacks for their patterns, including the Mama Claire Dolman top, which also looks like it would be ideal for nursing!

Patterns for Pirates

Patterns for Pirates have done a handy blog post summarising which of their patterns are ideal for maternity wear just as they are and which need a simple hack to make them wearable through pregnancy.  

 The FREE Tulip Tee is also perfect for breastfeeding, I wore something similar for a long time after my little one was born.

Do It Better Yourself

DIBY have a couple of maternity and nursing patterns, designed to suit through out pregnancy.  Mostly in jersey, they will help you stay comfortable as your body changes.  My favourite are the maternity jeans hack pack!

So, those are all the independent maternity patterns I know of, do you know of any more I should check out?  I'm very happy to keep expanding on this list!

Freya x