A Traditional Monastic Alb Sewing Pattern for the Skilled Hands of Expert Seamstresses 

You know your way around a sewing pattern. You’ve mastered fit and finish.

Now, imagine your next project offering more than just a beautiful garment, it offers meaning.

This Monastic Alb printed sewing pattern invites you to create with intention. Inspired by centuries of tradition, every detail, from the flowing skirt and pleated shoulders to the pointed cowl collar and hidden pockets, has been thoughtfully designed.

This is more than sewing a garment; it’s about passing down values through every stitch.

You don’t need liturgical experience. If you’re skilled and curious, you’ll appreciate the clear instructions that respect your expertise.

Adjustment lines on the skirt and sleeves make it easy to tailor the fit for any height, ensuring a graceful silhouette.

When you press the final hem, you’ll have more than a finished alb. You’ll hold a piece of history, crafted by your own hands and ready to become part of something meaningful.

When you’re ready to sew with purpose, this DIY Monastic Alb paper pattern is here to help you begin.

Why Choose This DIY Printed Sewing Pattern

•  Printed on white paper ready for tracing or pinning
•  Full-skirted design with front/back pleats and cowl collar for a flowing, elegant silhouette
• Lengthen/shorten lines for full customization on skirt and sleeve
• Available in sizes XS to 3XL, offering full-coverage clergy attire.
• Includes One full-size pattern 
• Ideal for advanced to professional level seamstresses (not for beginners)
• Designed for liturgical and personal devotional use only (not for commercial sale)
  
  

Fabric Recommendations

• Choose light to medium weight woven fabrics.
• Suggested Fabrics: Poplin, cotton broadcloth, or linen
• Do not use stretch fabrics or fabrics containing Lycra.
• For sizes XS-L, use 60” wide fabric.
• For sizes XL-3XL, use 108” wide fabric.
• Use medium weight, fusible interfacing (36” wide).
• Required trim: 1 yard of bias trim.

Fabric Yardage Chart

Finished Garment Measurement Chart 

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 copy righted 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.