Sure, sewing your own clothes takes a smidge more effort than buying them at the store. But you just can’t beat the feeling of wearing a garm you’ve made yourself (especially when you get to brag about it to your pals!). It also means you’re wearing something totally unique to you. Life is way too short to look like everyone else, right?  

Though we never need an excuse to put our sewing machine pedals to the metal, our chums at the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) have an awesome cause in mind. Every October, they ask folks of all genders and backgrounds to frock up in support of life-saving ovarian cancer research during their Frocktober campaign. Every dollar raised goes to the OCRF for the development of a much-needed early-detection test, which could save the lives of 1.3 million people globally over the next decade (wowzers!). 

Inspired by this year’s Frocktober theme, “Life’s too short for boring”, we’ve pulled together a list of dress patterns to inspire you to sew something absolutely fab! These patterns are simple to sew (at least for semi-confident beginners), but easily embellished with a ruffle, contrasting fabrics or a kick-ass print. 

If you fancy frocking up in your handmade duds, head to frocktober.org.au to learn more. You can donate directly to the OCRF, or register a fundraiser of your own. Ask your mates to join, too, or sign up your workplace. It’ll be a frocking good time (sorry, not sorry). 

IT'S TWIRL TIME
You may not need a lot of skill to sew Friday Pattern Company’s Wilder Gown, but you do need a lot of fabric (at least for the full-length version). How else are you supposed to achieve maximum twirl? This romantic raglan-sleeve dress can be made with as many tiers as you like (go wild). It has a lovely tie-up neckline, and comes with a video sew-along, if you need help. Plus, you’ll be able to use your sewing powers for even more good! Five per cent of the proceeds go to legal services for immigrants and refugees. 

SEW-YOUR-OWN-SUNDRESS
Tilly and the Buttons is a great pattern company for sewing newbies who like detailed instructions. And their empire-waisted Skye Sundress is the perfect way to showcase a colourful print you love. 

ROCK THE RUFFLES
How much ruffle is too much ruffle? (Answer: the limit does not exist.) Kosedo Studio’s Anok Dress is an A-line mini that comes with nine (!!!) variations. You can add ruffle to the cap sleeves or to one or more princess seams depending on your ruffle tolerance. If you really want to go hard, add a ruffle to the hem. It’s Frocktober. Why not?

WRAP IT UP
Wrap dresses are a dream for sewists who like to be flexible with their sizing and don’t want to deal with tricky closures, like zips or buttons. Closet Core Patterns’ Elodie Wrap Dress features an easy-to-sew dolman sleeve and works best with flowy, silky fabrics. 

BE BOLD, BE BACKLESS
It’s hard to slip, slap, slop when you’re going backless; how the heck are you supposed to reach back there on your own? It might be worth the extra effort, though, if you’re wearing Paradise Patterns’ dreamy Hallon Dress. This swingy frock features a loose, low back neckline, a ruffled hem and handy variations for B or D cup bust sizes. 

BOW-TIFUL
Want to make a statement without sacrificing comfiness? Try whipping up the Daydream Dress by Cris Wood Sews. It’s a roomy gathered dress with a square neckline and optional bow-tie sleeves. What’s even cooler is that Cris Wood’s patterns aim to reduce waste by limiting fabric offcuts and eliminating the need for paper patterns. You only need to do some simple maths with your measurements to know how to create the garment! 

THE ZERO-WASTE WONDER
It’s like magic! The ZW Gather Dress, by ultra-clever Swedish designer Birgitta Helmersson, uses an entire length of fabric. That means no scraps, which is awesome for the environment (and your overflowing fabric collection). Instead of cutting around a paper pattern, you draw your cutting lines directly onto fabric. This dress is perfect for fabric that’s so precious, you can’t bear to part with a single centimetre. It also calls for heaps of buttons; to go with this year’s Frocktober theme, pick the loudest, zaniest buttons you can find. Life’s too short for boring!

This spiffy list was created in partnership with the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Encourage your friends and fam to frock up this October to raise funds for the development of an early detection test. Without a test, ovarian cancer will continue to be the most lethal of all female cancers and very difficult to diagnose. But you can help change that! Swing by the Frocktober website to learn more.