Sewing Patterns Archives - Page 4 of 8

Dupe This 3

Welcome to Dupe This episode 3, you can catch episode 2 and episode 1 on the blog.

The dupe in this means duplicate rather than to be tricked by. Although, I suppose if the pattern and fabric match I recommend is a good enough match then you might trick people into thinking you purchased this exact look, thereby duping them?

Maybe it works both ways!

Wrap or Faux Wrap Dress

This dress pairs a great printed woven fabric with a wrap (or faux wrap bodice that’s finished with a self-fabric bias binding. There’s a casing around the waist for ties (which seem to tie in the back or the side) and the sleeves are elbow length with a slight blouson that’s gentle gathered into cuffs.

Duplicate this look with:

Millicent Wrap Dress from StyleArc
Roseclair Dress from Cashmerette
Hannah Dress from By Hand London
Poppy Dress from Hubba Ding
June Dress from Hubba Ding
Noor Dress from Fabrics Store (free)

A crisp cotton will best replicate the look of this dress. Consider poplin, shirtings and even cotton sateen if you’d like a bit more structure.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Chore Jacket

Are you one of those inspirational people who both loves the look of and the act of sewing topstitching? I’m not but I have rounded up a selection of Chore Jackets on the blog.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

If what you love about the jackets above is the bold colours, check out the range of Canvas & Drills at The Fabric Box in Auckland. They have fabric in that bright Yves Klein blue!

V-neck Dress with ruffles

This dress has a v-neck, dropped shoulders with gathered sleeves. There’s 2 tiers of fabric gathered into the bodice. The fabric used brings a decent amount of structure which lets the sleeves sit out from the body rather having them drape down the arm.

Duplicate this look with:

Duplantier Dress from Elbe Textiles
Julia Dress from Hubba Ding
Faye Dress from Hubba Ding
Pixie Dress from StyleArc

A crisp cotton like a liberty lawn or cotton voile will replicate the look of this fabric.

Shirt with frill collar

The Honey Top from FibreMood is the closest match that I could find!
Also check out: TFS Bloom Shirt & Dress and The Daisy Shirt.

A cotton shirting will be the best fabric to replicate the look of the shirt on the left (poplin, lawn, etc). A chambray or shirt-weight denim will replicate the shirt on the right.

Dupe the fabric

If you’ve been on the ChCh sews email newsletter you’ll know that I LOVE finding garments made from fabrics I’ve seen online. I spotted these dresses that are made with silk check from TFS! I love how this simple silhouette lets the fabric shine.

Quilted Jackets & Coats

I fell into the rabbit hole and ended up with a whole roundup of quilted jackets & coats!

I’d say that with the round neckline and welt pockets the closest pattern match would be the Tamarack Jacket from Grainline Studios. However, this jacket has a dropped shoulder and a much more relaxed fit than the Tamarack, and if that’s what you like then perhaps the M&B Grainger Coat is for you.

Shackets- shirt style jacket

If you’re loving the shacket look, checkout my roundup full of shacket patterns!

If you love the check/plaid look then The Fabrics Shop in Otara has a great range online (at a great price).

Want to get printing?

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

Quilted Jacket Sewing Patterns

Hello Friends! I know we recently pronounced that cool weather sewing was done with and that collectively we’d emotionally moved on to sewing for warmer weather. Well, I’ve fallen into a rabbit hole of quilts, quilting and quilted garments and the warm weather can be damned!

Here’s 10 great quilted jacket PDF sewing patterns which were designed specifically with quilted fabrics in mind!

Grainger Coat

The Grainger from Muna and Broad is available up to a 162cm (64″) bust and 182cm (71.5″) hip.

The pattern comes with 2 lengths and different size pockets to keep the look proportional.

Chore Jacket Patterns

Workwear Jackets, Chore Jackets, Artist Jackets! Hard-wearing jackets for working hard in (and not working hard in)! It’s handy to have big pockets to fill full of things (who doesn’t need a dedicated mask pocket), which will make up for the lack of pockets in so many of the clothes you don’t sew for yourself.

Without further rambling, a selection of Chore Jacket Sewing Patterns!

Cobden Chore Jacket

The Cobden from Muna and Broad is available up to a 162cm (64″) bust and 182cm (71.5″) hip

Swim into spring

Over on the ChCh Sews instagram this weekend I asked if you were sewing for winter or if you’ve emotionally moved forward to planning your makes for warmer weather- summer and spring it was! Of course, my mind jumps to swimsuits, so here we are!

Nobody asked but I’ve also included my favourite local-to-Christchurch pools! Scroll down to check them out.

Faye Swimsuit

The Faye Swimsuit from Closet Core Patterns has multiple views and is available up to a 63″ hip

Make a rash vest!

Leila used the Muna and Broad Tarlee T-Shirt with the funnelneck to make a sun-smart rash vest!

Most t-shirt patterns will be suitable for converting to a rash vest, but I especially like long sleeves and a high neck for the sun protection! Check out this round up of knit tees for more ideas if the Tarlee isn’t for you!

Claudia Bikinis

This bikini from Jalie is available up to a 66.5″ hip

Want more?

Check out the swimsuit roundup from last year if you want more inspiration!

Bethenny One-Piece

This ruched halter neck swimsuit from Gigi Patterns is available up to a 61″ hip

Sandpiper Swimsuit

The Sandpiper from Helen’s Closet is available up to a 62″ hip

Speedwell Swimsuit

This free pattern from Mood Sewciety is available up to a 63.5″

Swim Style Patterns

The Rashi Grace Suit (left) and High Waist Bikini (right) is available up to a 46″ hip

Hot pools in the South Island?

I love a little dip, but I also love to float about in warm water. Here’s some of my favourite dips to take my me-made togs in order of distance from Chch

He Puna Taimoana (New Brighton, Christchurch)
Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa (new to Methven)
Hanmer Springs (they have private areas you can book)
Maruia Hot Springs (outside with lovely scenery)

Special mention to Te Pou Toetoe: Linwood Pool in Chch which has Women’s only swimming on Wednesdays!

Oasis Swimsuit

This swimsuit pattern from Ellie & Mac comes with multiple views and is available up to 63″ hip

Coralie Swimsuit

This ruffled swimsuit from Tilly & The Buttons is available up to a 61″ hip

Opian Patterns

The Pilatus Swimsuit (right) and Säntis Swimsuit (left) from Opian Patterns are available up to a 48″ hip

Where to shop swimwear fabric in NZ?

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started.

Free pattern roundup

Everyone loves a bargain and sometimes there’s some real winners! Here’s a roundup of free PDF sewing patterns, just for you.

Harlow Pajamas

The Harlow Pajamas from Charm Patterns x Gertie is a free PJs sewing pattern that comes in sizes 2-20 with A-H cup sizes

Want more PJs? Check out my sleepwear roundup!

The Lago Tank

The Lago Tank from Itch to Stitch is a free pattern which is available from sizes 00-20

Mariana Jacket

The Mariana Jacket is a free pattern from The Fabrics Store (different to NZ-based The Fabric Store).

Want more blazers? Check out my blazer roundup!

Frances Shirt

The Frances Shirt from Fibremood is a free pattern which is available from sizes XS-XXXL

Peppermint Jumpsuit

Do you remember when the free Peppermint Jumpsuit from In The Folds took over sewing instagram? I sure do!

Buyer beware

It’s always a good idea to research patterns before cutting into your good fabric, but especially free patterns! Sometimes you get exactly what you pay for! Check out the hashtags on instagram and do a quick google search (or check out a website like pattern review .com). Most of what I’ve included here are from established pattern designers, so it’s likely that you’ll be getting something that’s consistent with their paid releases.

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

Wren Shirt

The free Wren Shirt Pattern from Mood Sewciety is just 1 of SO MANY free patterns on their website.

Want more shirts? You might want these blogs: ‘Shirts, shirts, shirts‘, ‘More shirts‘ and ‘shirts revisited‘

Monroe Turtleneck

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

If the sizing of the Monroe doesn’t include you, you might like this roundup up knit tops for winter layering!

Elemental Skirt

The Elemental Skirt from Sew House 7 is a free sewing pattern for a simple knit skirt.

Want more free patterns?

Mary Quant Dress

This free pattern from the V&A museum is available up to a 53″ hip

Want to get printing?

Email your files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started!

Dupe this #2

Hello lovely readers- here’s a quick roundup of some ready-to-wear clothes and patterns that you could use to ‘steal that look’ and sew yourself a version!

Dupe this linen top with The Rātā Top from Chch-based Below the Kōwhai

This linen was in stock at Draper Fabrics a few years ago and you might spot it in your local bricks and mortar store. I feel like it came as both a linen print and a rayon- you can see other patterned rayons at Drapers Fabrics.

For patterned linens, check out Backstreet Bargains and Drapers Fabrics.. or many of the online shops listed here once the weather warms up!

Dupe this bow blouse top with the Tie Bow Blouse from Assembly Line Patterns

A crisp cotton will show the structure of the top, like this black self-gingham, small Japanese check, or micro gingham shirting.

Dupe this woven tee with the Lou Box Top from Sew DIY

Devoré velvet would be a great choice as it has sheer sections, but viscose/silk velvet would also be lush. If sheer is the point, this oak burn out fabric would be a good choice, and if good drape and flowers is the point then maybe a rayon print (or these ones) is what you’re after.

Dupe this with the Roscoe Blouse from True bias but with chunkier neck ties!

This cotton lawn is a similar colour mood, but this daisy and brown rayon gives an autumnal floral mood.

Dupe this gathered-neck top from Kowtow with the Daisy Top from NZ-based sewing pattern designer Hubba Ding

Washer finish cotton from The Fine Cloth Company, or organic cotton poplin from Miss Maude would be great choices for crisp gathers!

Want to get printing?

Email your files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started!

Blazer-ish workwear

Workwear and blazers have been on my mind- not for me, but for you! If you’re thinking ‘hell yeah, I want to make a blazer’ then this is the roundup for you!

Auburn Blazer

The Auburn Blazer from Cashmerette comes in two lengths, has cup-size options and princess seams.

This blazer gives a close-fit, particularly for busty folks who’ll have trouble buying a blazer off the rack.

Barberry Jacket

The Barberry Jacket from Charlotte Emma Patterns is a slim-fitting jacket with a cinched waist and exaggerated hemline.

With an eight-panel bodice, notched collar, two-piece sleeves, and a full lining, the Barberry is designed to wear over a shirt rather than layered over a sweater.

This one has vintage vogue vibes for me, and seems like it would be a good fit for folks who veer vintage.

Knit blazers

Elevated Blazer from Ellie and Mac
Evans Blazer from Hey June Handmade
Estelle Ponte Jacket from StyleArc

Heather Blazer

The Heather Blazer from Friday Pattern Company is an unstructured blazer with an oversized fit.

This gives me 80s tv vibes with its relaxed fit and deep lapel.

La Paz Jacket

The La Paz Jacket from Itch to Stitch Patterns is designed to be made from structured knit fabrics, like ponte.

With cup-size options, La Pax has princess seams at the front and back for a close fit.

Full Moon

The Full Moon Blazer and Dress from I Am Patterns.. I mean, it’s the only blazer/dress combo I’ve spotted.

It has long and narrow lapels and is double-breasted and lined.

Unstructured blazers

Metra Blazer from Love Notions
Morris Blazer from Grainline Studios
Loren Jacket from StyleArc
Pona Jacket from Helen’s Closet
Suraya Jacket from Sew Over It

StyleArc

Of course, StyleArc has several options. I’m not really sure what the difference is between the McKenzie Woven Blazer (left) and Janie Blazer (right) other than an extra button set of buttons which aren’t functional…. but here you go!

Want to get printing?

Email your files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started!

Lovely NZ Sewing Patterns

Love shopping & supporting local? Here’s another installment of patterns from NZ Sewing Pattern Designers!

Want more?

The Bowen Dress

The Bowen Dress is a free pattern which is available through Peppermint Magazine, but which was designed by the NZ-based designer of Hubba Ding Patterns.

The Viola Knit Top

The Viola Knit Top from North-Island-based Forget Me Not Patterns is available up to a 143cm or 56.5″ hip.

The pattern comes with two neckline options: collarless (which is a simpler sew), or an asymmetric collar and the sleeves come in three length options: three-quarter length, full length, and past the wrist.

The Kinfolk Dress

The new Kinfolk Dress from Jennifer Lauren Handmade (based in Dunedin) comes in A to F cups, sizes 6 to 34 (up to hip 159.5cm or 62 3/4″).

The Dulcie Boxer Briefs

The Dulcie Boxer Briefs are the latest pattern from Leila and me through Muna and Broad.

Designed as underwear and chub rub shorts, this pattern is available from 41.5-71.5″ (105-182cm) Hip but if the sizes are too small to include you, we’ll grade them up at no extra cost.

Perfect for wearing under dresses or even over tights!

Gathered Top- Dress

The Gathered Top-Dress from Auckland-based Ford Wardrobe is a new-print sewing tutorial that steps you through drafting this dress or top for your own measurements.

Jess! Serious, what is this roundup? It’s winter and none of these are appropriate! All of these could be layered! Check out the Knit tops for winter layers blog.

Need more inspo?

The Dua Dress

The Dua Dress from Christchurch-based Makyla Creates has a stand collar which buttons closed at the left shoulder.

The pattern is available up to a 131cm or 51.5″ hip

An aerial view of waves crashing against a shore.

An aerial view of a field. A road runs through the upper right corner.

The Rossi Wrap + Fredy Wrap Pattern

From NZ-based The Bold One, The Rossi Wrap + Fredy Wrap Pattern is a 2-in-1 pattern comes with HEAPS of options including necklines, sleeves and different height patterns depending on your particular measurements.

The Harley Dress Pattern

The Harley Dress Pattern from My Keeper Clothing comes in 2 size ranges, 6-14 – bust 80-100cm and 16-20 – 100-120cm.

Want to get printing?

Email your files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started!

Rain wear

As it cools down and chilly rainy days increase it gets handier and handier to have something waterproof or hooded. Raincoat or Rain jacket sewing patterns can keep you dry this chilly season.

I’ve rounded up a few options, and some places to shop appropriate fabrics in NZ, but let me know if I’ve missed some!

Sirkka Hooded Jacket

The Sirkka from Named Clothing is a light, unlined jacket with a detachable hood, long sleeves, and a zipper closure. The jacket features a high collar and large patch pockets with a side pocket and another pocket underneath the flap. The top half of the zipper is covered with a zipper shield with snap button closure. The overlapping pocket flaps with snaps create a fun little detail. The hood, hemline and cuffs are gathered with elastic cords. All seams of the jacket are sewn using flat-felled seams for a neat and durable finish.

Storm flaps

This week I’m smitten with storm flaps, basically on anything. While they’re functional on jackets or on trench coats (they’re supposed to direct the rain water off you), they’re purely aesthetic on shirts and dresses… I suppose they’re also purely aesthetic on jackets that haven’t used water proof or water resistant fabric..

Either way, I’m obsessed with them, on trench coats but also on dresses and shirts! I like them aesthetic and functional!

The Helmi trench blouse & tunic dress from Named Patterns

The straight-cut blouse has elements from the classic trench coat, such as the cape and sleeve straps. The rounded collar and slightly curved hem with slits add a touch of soft femininity. The more streamlined tunic variation is also straight-cut and has a simple stand-up collar, half sleeves, and a curved hem. Both variations have a discreet and elegant hidden button placket.