Sewing Patterns Archives - Page 2 of 8

Cosy outers

This isn’t really the right time of year for this, but I’ve decided to destash some wool coatings on my @chch_destash account. If you’re slow-sewing you could start now and be ready in time for the winter chill instead of only getting half a season out of your rushed warm outer layer (ask me how I know)!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Cashmerette

The Canton Moto Jacket (left) and the Auburn Blazer from Cashmerette are great projects for pairing with cosy fabrics like wool coating. 2

Hot tip: did you know you can contact zip manufacturer YKK in Auckland and buy zips in as many styles, lengths and colours as you can imagine?! I’ve even heard that they’ll colourmatch for you if you post them a swatch!

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Mallee Jacket

Designed with boiled wool in mind, the Mallee Jacket is perfect for pairing with any non-fraying wool.

Cortland Trench

The Cortland Trench from Grainline Studios can be purchased in Sizes 0-18 and Sizes 14-30

I don’t know how cosy this pattern is, but there’s something about storm flaps that I love! If you feel the same, see more patterns with storm flaps here.

Shoalhaven Shacket

The Shoalhaven Shacket is surprisingly fabric thrifty requiring just 2.7m or 3m, depending on the size.

Want more cosy outers?

Grasser Patterns

I’m not 100% sure but it’s possible that plus-size No662 Coat (left) and straight-size No142 Coat (right) are equivalent patterns.

Grant Coat

The Grant Coat from Daughter Judy is available up to a 169cm (66.5″) hip and comes in a long length (pictured) and a shorter length.

Stadtmantel

The Stadtmantel from Stokx Patterns can be purchased in size-bands up to 148cm (58″) hip

Want to get printing?

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

Popular recent pattern printing

It’s always interesting to me when I print a lot of the same pattern for folks who are all over NZ! Here are some of the patterns I’ve printed numerous times over the past few months. Not all of these are new patterns, so it’s interesting to see when patterns from a few years back surge in popularity once more.

Zadie Jumpsuit

The Zadie Jumpsuit which took the Instagram sewing world by storm when it was released.. maybe 5 years ago.. has been hitting my printer once more! If a jumpsuit isn’t for you, perhaps the recently released Zadie Dress is?

Clo Bias Skirt

A popular print that works great across the seasons, the Clo Bias Skirt from Aussie Soften Studio is a regular on the printer!

Medlow Robe

My theory is that folks are preparing to cosy up for winter and that’s why I’ve been printing so many M&B Medlow Robe. We purposefully gave this pattern hefty seam allowances so you could pair it with plush fabrics like waffle, or even towelling or fleece.

Toaster Sweater

The Toaster Sweater(s) from Sew House 7 return every year around this time as we try to get cosy but still look fancy

Speaking of cosy but fancy, what’s fancier than boiled wool? I’ve got some lovely pink boiled wool on @chch_destash and you could use it for sweaters or for the patterns included in this Boiled Wool Patterns roundup!

Rossi + Fredy Wrap

The Rossi + Fredy Wrap Dress bundle from ChCh-based The Bold One comes with so many options for different sleeves and necklines that you could really fill your wardrobe with these (and many NZ-makers are)!

Lea Bias Dress

Another popular print from Aus-based Soften Studio is the Lea Bias Dress. I’m pleased to note as I’ve been printing patterns from here, the size chart is slowly increasing! One day I might even get to test one out myself.

Tamarama Set

The matching Tamarama Set was perfectly timed to capture the European-summer-holiday-wearing-relaxed-PJs-as-daywear vibe!

Want to get printing?

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

Free Tees

Who doesn’t love something for free? Here’s 10 free knit tee sewing patterns all rounded up for you!

Hemlock Tee

The Hemlock Tee from Grainline goes up to 154.9cm (61″) hip

Plantain T-Shirt

The Plantain T-Shirt from Deer and Doe is a personal favourite of mine!

Available up to 152.4cm (60″) hip

Core T-Shirt

The Core T-shirt from Closet Core is free to email newsletter subscribers.

Available up to 160cm (63″) hip

Jesse Tee

The Jesse Tee from True Bias is a free pattern that you can access when you sign up for their email newsletter.

Available up to 156cm (61.5″) hip

Anything But Basic Tee

The ABBTee from Cooper Creek Patterns is available up to 170cm (67″) hip

Basic Instinct Tee

The Basic Instinct Tee from Secondo Piano is a free pattern that you can access when you sign up to her email newsletter.

Available up to a 42.5″ (108cm) bust and 45.5″ (115cm) hip

Vera Knit Top

The Vera Knit Top from NZ-based Forget Me Not Patterns is an elevated top for t-shirt fabrics.

This pay-what-you-can pattern is available up to 153cm (60.5″) hip

Daisy Top

Another elevated knit top, the Daisy Top from Mood Fabrics is available up to 160cm (63″) hip

Wanderlust Tee

The Wanderlust Tee from Fancy Tiger Crafts is available for free when you sign up to a free week-long trial for Craftsy.

Also grab the Shirt No 2 from Sonya Phillips from Craftsy if you sign up for a trial!

Monroe Turtleneck

The Monroe Turtleneck pattern is a free knit tshirt pattern from Tessuti available from XXS-XXL

Want to get printing?

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

Loungeables

There’s something about this time of the year that makes me want new PJs- I’m not sure if it’s about presentable sleepwear for Christmas day, or if it’s so I can enter the new year fresh and crisp?

Whatever the reason, I’ve got a need for presentable loungeable sleepwear, and I’m clearly going to be sewing it!

The Fifey PJs

Named for the M&B greyhound mascot (and his favourite activity), the Fifey PJs are knit PJs.

To celebrate their launch there’s 15% off all M&B loungewear with code LOUNGETOWN

Gibson Loungewear

The Gibson Loungewear Set from In The Folds is a 2-piece set that can be made with an alternate dress view.

The Medlow Robe

Perfect for layering over your PJs or for layering over exactly nothing…. the Medlow Robe is perfect loungewear and perfect concert wear..?!

Save 15% on the Medlow Robe (and all M&B loungewear) with code LOUNGETOWN

Want more?

Sewing Sleepwear blog post
Giftable Projects roundup includes a list of robe patterns
Roundup of free patterns (including 1 PJs pattern)

Luna Lounge Set

The Luna Lounge Set from Jennifer Lauren Handmade is a two-piece matching set that can be made in varying lengths.

Cal Pajama Set

The Cal Pajama Set from Seamwork has a racerback and fitted shorts with a faux fly

The Fran Pajamas

The Fran Pajamas are a recent release from Closet Core Patterns which are designed to be nightware that fits the ‘Pajamas as daywear’ vibe!

Nocture Pajamas

The Nocturne Pajamas from Sew Liberated is a two-piece set for woven fabrics that has long and short-sleeve options.

Free Pattern

The free Harlow Pajamas from Gertie’s Charm Patterns has been previously included in a roundup of free patterns but not in a PJs roundup.. So, here you go!

Kids Classic Pajamas

The aptly named Kids Classic Pajamas from Made by me patterns are pretty classic pajamas for kids

Free PJs

The Devin Pajamas are a free pattern from Fabrics Shop

The Mulberry Pajamas

The Mulberry Pajamas from Sewing and the City comes with shorts and pants options

Lara Loungewear

The Lara Loungewear Set from Swim Style Patterns- they don’t only do things to swim in!

Want to get printing?

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

Dupe this #6

My style-prediction for southern hemisphere summer is ‘European Summer Holiday Vibes’. Breezy, woven, natural-fibre clothes which have a slightly fancier edge. Think things you could throw on over togs when heading to the beach, but which are nice enough to wear to sunny afternoon drinks.

The kind of clothes you’d pack for a summer vacay on the European coast. Think Daniel Craig’s seersucker two-piece swimsuit from Glass Onion, Aubrey Plaza’s wardrobe in White Lotus (particularly this vintage dress and this striped shirt). Neutral coloured linens and crisp shirtings, pleated pants but relaxed shirts, there’s matching sets and plenty of elastic-waisted wide-leg pants.

So here’s a summer-style inspired Dupe This.

The striped shirt is the obvious starting point, and I saw it coming when I set up this Summer Stripe Pinterest Board. Crisp shirting in vertical stripes (lots of white and cream as the neutral shade).

Check out my roundup of oversized shirts for the perfect smart, but casual, sun protection excellence.

NZ striped shirting fabrics

Tangerine seersucker stripe $24p/m
Mint seersucker stripe $31p/m
Summery stripes from The Fine Cloth Company
Small blue & white stripe $24p/m
Chunkier blue & white stripe $24p/m
Delicious caramel stripe $24p/m

I love the crumpled cotton look on this dress, and I think The Fine Cloth Company’s Washer Cotton in lilac would be a great dupe.

No exact dupe patterns but Quincy from Jennifer Lauren, Naomi from StyleArc, Wildwood Wrap Dress or Melba from Muna and Broad all have aspects of the inspo.

I think we’ll be seeing a lot of relaxed-fit shirts in fun summery prints (probably with matching pants or shorts).

Check out my roundups of not specifically oversized shirts part 1, part 2, and part 3 or specifically the Waikerie Shirt or Gilbert Top and this fabric.

Printed summery fabrics

I love to find an exact fabric match- it’s much easier with prints than it is with solid fabrics. Use this cotton shirting for an exact fabric match with Romey from Sew House 7, or Huon from Muna and Broad

Whether it’s excellent straight line holes or broderie anglaise holes, what says summer more than fabric with holes in it?

Make a shirt or a shirt dress (lots of links above) or a boxy top like Augustina (free), Torrens (extended sizes), or Square Neck Top,

Find broderie fabric

White block broderie $28p/m
Cream and black stripe broderie $28p/m
Bright blue broderie $12p/m
Black and beige stitch broderie $25p/m
Jacquard weave waffle (hole free) $26p/m
Floral white broderie $22p/m

Want to get printing?

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

Oversized shirt patterns

If you’re thinking about sewing big shirts, this is the roundup for you! This season I’m feeling inspired by relaxed fit, natural fibre shirts- they’re 1 part fancy and 1 part sun protection!

Let’s kick off with the Oversized Shirt from The Assembly Line- it’s all in the name! You can also purchase a pack of different shaped collars separately.

Available up to 139cm (54″.5″) hip

For Big Shirt Energy, the Lobethal Shirt from Muna and Broad. This lets you skip making a collar and has excellently sized pockets.

Available up to 182cm (71.5″) hip (but will grade up if sizing is too small to include you for no extra cost)

The Cornell Shirt from Elbe Textiles is a casual, oversized shirt with drop shoulder and a grandpa collar which is designed for unisex wearing.

Available up to 143cm (56.5″) hip

Want more shirts?

The Olya Shirt and Shirtdress from Paper Theory Patterns has a great oversized look and fancy breast pockets that are cleverly constructed into the front. I feel like everyone who makes this raves about the clever drafting which makes this an especially fun sew to sink your teeth into.

Available up to 146cm (57.5″) hip

The Bloom Shirt & Dress from Make by TFS has 3 collar options, which includes some very unique collars!

Available up to 159cm (62.5″) hip but will grade up or down if you’re outside of their size range.

The Ellworth from Merchant & Mills is an An oversized, boxy shirt with a dropped back hem and half placket.

Available up to 145cm (57.5″) hip

The Waikerie Shirt (and the Waikerie Dress Expansion) from Muna and Broad has multiple views and distinct short and long-sleeve options.

Available up to 182cm (71.5″) hip (but will grade up if sizing is too small to include you for no extra cost)

Want to get printing?

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

Sew yourself Barbie

Christchurch-makers are headed to see the Barbie Movie this Saturday, so what better time to round up some patterns & fabric to replicate some looks!

The Upton Dress from Cashmerette gives you a wide range of sizes and cup-size options on a princess seam dress and Sew Over It has a few vintage-vibe dress patterns. Charm Patterns has a Patreon-only pattern which is an exact dupe for this dress!

Dupe Barbie’s pink look with Jude Flare Jeans from Closet Core or Isle Jeans from Chalk & Notch. Use the Birch Vest from Pattern Emporium, Joy Vest from Style Arc for the vest.

Be just Ken! Embrace fringing on a cowboy-style shirt with the Patsy Blouse from Charm Patterns. It comes in 2 size ranges, sleeved and sleeveless options, and many other options too.

Elbe Textiles’ Serpentine Hat is great for making your own summery hat!

Lean into the pointy collar vibes of this look with the Fibremood Tilda Dress or the Patina Blouse from Friday Pattern Company.

Whip yourself up a pink jumpsuit using the free Rational Dress Society patterns, Closet Core’s Blanca Flight Suit, Fibremood’s Leah Jumpsuit.

Embrace nautical T-shirt vibes with Tarlee T-Shirt (up to 64″ (162cm) from Muna and Broad, Concord T-Shirt (up to 62” (157cm) bust) from Cashmerette, or the Gable Top (up to 62″ (157cm) bust) from Jennifer Lauren Handmade, or a free t-shirt from Closet Core (up to 60″ (152cm) bust).

Duplicate this puff sleeve dress with the Cloud Dress from Sewing by Masin, the Gracie Wrap Dress from Chch-based (I think) The Bold One, or ZW Soft Blouse from Birgitta Helmersson.

Complete the look with a Birkenstock sandal.

Pink fabrics in NZ

Double-sided gingham double gauze from For Fabrics Sake
Hot pink tencel twill from The Fabric Shop in Otara
Hot pink wide-rib knit from The Fabric Box
Hot pink cotton voile from The Fabric Store
Magenta chunky corduroy from Harmer & Huff
Pink silk crepe de chine from The Fine Cloth Company
Bubblegum washer cotton from The Fine Cloth Company
Textured ribbed-ish swim fabric from Drapers Fabrics

Want to get printing?

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

Sewing to replace single-use plastics

As of July, quite a few single-use plastic items have been banned by the NZ government (read more here: https://environment.govt.nz/publications/plastic-products-banned-from-july-2023/). Single-use plastic tableware and cutlery, single-use plastic drinking straws, and single-use plastic produce bags will no longer be available.

Maybe you had already come up with your own solutions to avoid reaching for the single-use plastics, but if not here’s some DIY solutions, like sewing your own reusable produce bags!

Reusable veggie bags

You can absolutely sew your own reusable produce bags- if you’ve got an overlocker, they’re super quick!

Pair tulle, netting or lace with cord or ribbon from your stash. Here’s a great tutorial (and this one too), but any tutorial for a drawstring bag will work out!

While you’re sewing, whip up a smaller bag to jam all your produce bags into like this!

You can also sew a set of opaque produce bags (maybe an organic cotton, if you’re so inclined)- if they’re heavier than those sheer fabrics, write the ‘tare weight’ (the weight of the bag to deduct from the product at the store) onto the bag with a permanent marker and let your cashier know.

Reusable straws

Grab a reusable stainless steel straw from Chch-based Earthlove and then sew yourself up a pouch to carry your reusable straw in your bag (here’s a tutorial but a google search will show you that there are many different ways to house your reusable straws).

Reusable cutlery holder

Whip yourself up a cute reusable cutlery holder using this great free tutorial.

You can see that this one has room for a reusable straw, so you can avoid double-handling and whip up this 1 set to carry everything!

If, like me, you were using those single-use produce bags for multiple uses- storing your produce in the fridge in them… then it’s time to look for an alternative!

Consumer NZ has some great tips for storing veggies, but it’s a bit plastic heavy
Keeping leafy greens fresh without plastic
Not all produce should be stored in the fridge
Plastic-free produce storage
Storing herbs for their longest life

I also spotted these french terry produce bags which are designed for you to wet and then store things in! Could be an interesting use for leftover sweatshirt bits!

Want to get printing?

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

New from NZ

Are you up-to-date on the latest patterns from NZ-based sewing pattern companies? Here’s some very fresh home-grown goodness.

See the full list of NZ Sewing Pattern Designers here or check out all my posts which round up different patterns from local designers here.

Alistra Dress

The Alistra Dress is the latest pattern from Muna and Broad and the colourblock view is available to M&B Patreon Insiders & Makers.

‘The Alistra Dress is a body skimming, long sleeved column dress designed for larger bodies.’

Grove Coat

The Grove Coat from Twig and Tale can be purchased in Size ranges 0-22 or 14-38 (up to a 72″ or 183cm hip).

‘The Grove features a unique darted saddle sleeve, and a beautifully-faced pleated lining. A generous hood to keep raindrops and wind off, deep pockets for stashing treasures, and a relaxed comfortable fit that is ready for adventure.’

Helmi Blouse

The Helmi Blouse from Forget Me Not Patterns comes with a Peter Pan collar and ruffled stand collar, and has a bishop sleeve in several lengths. There are bust and back darts to give tailoring and small, medium and full bust fits to help dial in the fit.

Johari Shirt

The Johari Shirt from Liam by Ruby is an oversized drop-shoulder shirt with an exaggerated collar and sleeve cuffs that button into tucks.

We heard this was a juicy sew for confident makers because there’s no notches to help with the collar application!

Emmie Tee

The Emmie Tee from Dunedin-based Jennifer Lauren Handmade is a relaxed tee with a grown-on sleeve.

‘Emmie comes complete with two bodice versions – plain or slashed, as well as two different bodice lengths and a long sleeved pattern piece for those of us heading into the cooler months.’

Lilo Dress

The Lilo Dress from My Keeper

‘The sweetest dress you’ll ever own.’

Paint Dress + Top

The Paint Dress + Top from Make by The Fabric Store

[A] ‘playful voluminous silhouette and raglan sleeve, gathered at the neckline and cuff… a cuffed full length sleeve, or an elasticated short sleeve… The pattern can be cut as a dress, finishing at mid-calf, or as a top, finishing at low hip’

Want to get printing?

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

Sweatshirt storm

It’s been chilly down here in the South Island- the perfect time to sew a sweatshirt! I whipped up a matching set over the easter long weekend (peep them here), and realised that I’d never given you a roundup of all the sweaters living in my head!

Blueprints for Sewing

The Stadium (left in green) and the Geodesic (right in orange), both are available up to a 60″ (152.4cm) bust and 61″ (154.9cm) hip.

I recently made a Stadium and used the included lettering templates to add some merino felt lettering to the front of my sweater. The felt came from The Felt Factory (here in NZ) and you can watch some of my process here.

Talvikki Sweater

The Named Clothing Talvikki Sweater is an elevated funnel with a high-low hem which is available up to a 50″ (128cm) bust and 53.5″ (142cm) hip.

Delicious ponte in NZ?

Ponte or ponti de roma fabric is a soft and sturdy double-knit material which can make for an excellently elevated sweater. Usually with great structure and quite resistant to pilling, it’s most often found in polyester form. You can occasionally find ponte which is mostly rayon/viscose, or sometimes even the holy grail of ponte: wool ponte!

Black merino ponte from The Fabric Store (TFS)
Patterned rayon ponte from The Fabric Shop in Otara
Patterned ponte from Backstreet Bargains
Other ponte from TFS
Ponte from Fabric Box
Check patterned ponte from Drapers

Jocko Pullover

The Ready To Sew Jocko Pullover has a similar high-low hem to the Talvikki but with a few different neckline options.

It’s available up to a 48″ (143cm) bust and 50″ hip (129cm)

Maggi

The Melilot patterns Maggi Unisex Sweater is a raglan sleeve sweater which is available up to a 62″ (158cm) bust (same in hip since this is a straight-up-and-down Unisex design)1

Sweatshirting in NZ?

I’m never not hunting for natural fibre sweatshirting in NZ, and I’m a bit of a purist- I really don’t want any polyester in my sweatshirting. If that sounds like you, then here’s some links for you!

Cotton sweatshirting from TFS
Sweatshirtings and matching ribs from Valley Threads
Khaki French Terry from The Fabric Box
Colourful loopback sweatshirting from Drapers Fabrics
French Terry from Miss Maude
Sweatshirting (various prices and compositions) from Backstreet Bargains
French Terry from For Fabrics Sake

Most of my sweater knits from from the Fabric Stash from factory NZ Facebook page. I can’t link you to specific fabrics because limited pre-cut fabrics get launched Monday-Wednesday each week. There’s not always sweater knits, but when it comes it comes all at once.

Enid Sweater

The Jennifer Lauren Handmade Enid Sweater is designed to look like a cute vintage knitted sweater, but which will be much faster to make!

The Enid is available up to a 49″ (124.5cm) bust and 53″ (134.5cm) hip

More Sweaters

LB Pullover from Paper Theory (up to 57.5″ (146cm) hip)
Cloud Sweater from Make by TFS (up to 62.8″ (159.5cm) hip)
Marlo Sweater from True Bias (up to 59.5″ (151cm) hip)
Toaster Sweater from Sew House 7 (up to 64″ (163cm) hip)
Meg Sweatshirt from Viki Sews (up to 43″ (110cm) hip)

Want to get printing?

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