Blog - Page 7 of 9

Recent patterns printed

I’m always very interested in the patterns which come through for printing, and I thought you might be too! Here’s a roundup of some goodies that have popped out of the printer in the last wee while, and I’ve also included some recommendations for NZ-based places to shop for fabrics which would be a good fit!

The Steele Pinafore from Elbe Textiles

Perfect for medium weight woven fabrics with good drape.

Check out tencel from TFS, linen from The Fine Cloth Company, or rayon from Fab Fabrics, and from Aussie there’s silk noil from A+R Fabrics.

The Medlow Robe from Muna and Broad

Designed to be sewn with a wide variety of woven fabrics, this would be perfect in licorice silk satin from Fab Fabrics, cupro from The Fine Cloth Company, or silk crepe de chine from Hawes and Freer. Make it cosy with sherpa fabric from Minkylicious, or shetland flannel from Jet Greytown.

The Kimball Bomber Jacket from Cashmerette

In NZ, shop ribbing for bombers at Miss Maude, Fable Fabrics, Backstreet Bargains, Fabric Box, or Jones & Taylor.

The Phen Shirt from Pattern Fantastique

Shirt-weight fabrics like washer cotton from The Fine Cloth Company, shirtings from Miss Maude, and linen from Fabric Box would all be great.

The Winslow Culottes from Helen’s Closet

These versatile pants would be great in linen from The Fine Cloth Company, tencel from Fabric Box, or viscose from Miss Maude.

The Gracie Wrap Pattern from The Bold One

Designed for woven fabrics like linen from Miss Maude, seersucker from Fab Fabrics, patterned linens from Drapers Fabric, and washer cotton from The Fine Cloth Company.

The Hexham Dress from Muna and Broad

Great in cotton lycra from Backstreet Bargains, merino from The Merino Collective, jersey from Fable Fabrics, and ribbed cotton from Nellie Joans.

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet and postage within NZ is available

Sewing Swimwear

It’s heating up in Christchurch, so today we’re rounding up sewing patterns for swimwear!

A swimsuit can be a super satisfying make, which can make you feel extra-smug at the beach (or at He Puna Taimoana)!

Do you have some Tried-and-True PDF swimwear patterns that aren’t listed here? Or maybe you’ve hacked your T’n’T undies patterns for swimwear? Let us know in the comments!

The Seabright Swimmer from Friday Pattern Company is available from a 32-54″ (81-137cm) bust and 34-57 (86-145cm) hip

The Banksia Swim Expansion from Muna and Broad is available from 38-64″ (97-162cm) bust and 41.5-71.5″ (105-182cm) hip

The Ipswich Swimsuit from Cashmerette comes with cup size options and is available up to a 62″ hip

The Riri from Mimi G is available up to a 47″ bust and 49″ hip

Want more?

Check out my list of activewear sewing patterns on the blog.

The Beckham Swim Trunks from Sew Sew Def would look great sewn up in these non-stretch swimwear fabrics from The Fabric Store

The Laminaria Swimsuit from Tuesday Stitches is available from a 32-52″ high bust (81.5-132cm) and 35-55″ hip (89-139.5cm)

This Bikini Sewing Pattern from ShaktiSwim is available from a 33-41″ (84-104cm) bust

These Boardshorts for Boys and Men from Jalie bundle both size ranges into 1 PDF pattern!

Sewing Patterns for kids?

In addition to the Jalie patterns above, which bundle the kid and adult sizes together- swimwear for kids can also be found at:

The Sewing Revival, a NZ-based pattern company, has swimwear for kids
Peekaboo Patterns has a wide selection of sewing patterns for kids.
Blank Slate Patterns has a couple of options for kids swimwear
Rebecca Page has options for women and girls

Where to shop swimwear fabric in NZ?

Any Nylon Spandex will be suitable for swimwear, and you can source chlorine resistant fabric if you’ll be doing most of your swimming in chlorine, but you can also use standard elastic (which is a bit easier to sew with and cheaper to buy too). Online stores which sell activewear fabric will probably also sell swim fabric. Check out some more recommended stores in Aus and NZ here.