It’s almost that time of the year! That time of the year where I think I should be a bit more selfless and sew more handmade gifts! Here’s a roundup of free sewing patterns which would make great gifts!
Category: Sewing Patterns
Spring sewing with NZ designers
The weather is kind of warming up here (with a few diversions along the way), so what better time to have a roundup of spring-appropriate patterns from NZ designers?
Want more?
- Summer sewing from Aotearoa
- Lovely NZ Sewing Patterns
- New-ish from NZ
- Autumn sewing from Aotearoa designers
- Full list of NZ-based sewing pattern designers
from Muna and Broad (Christchurch)
The ultimate scrap buster, this cami and cami dress is bra-friendly, features bust darts and a facing for a high quality finish.
This cami was drafted for a D cup (4″ difference between over bust and full bust measurement).
from Forget-Me-Not Patterns (Wellington)
Ella is a gathered skirt pattern designed for woven fabrics. It’s a step above basic, with a subtle high-low hem finished with a gathered tier.
from Jennifer Lauren Handmade (Dunedin)
The Farris Jumpsuit & Playsuit is part of JLH’s Quincy+Mayberry mix’n’match sewing pattern set.
Switch out tops and bottoms between the three patterns in the range to create an almost endless mix of perfect dresses, jumpsuits and playsuits (rompers) to match your own taste and wardrobe needs.
from Scroop Patterns (Wellington)
The Robin Dress is a princess seamed dress with a swishy skirt.
There are pattern pieces for Small (A-B), Medium (C-D) & Large (DD/E+) busts.
From Make by TFS (Auckland)
A playful every-day knit dress pattern, designed to suit a variety of knit fabrics for all seasons, the skirt has subtle paneling to allow for maximised fabric yield.
from Trish Newberry Design (Dunedin)
The Farris Jumpsuit & Playsuit is part of JLH’s Quincy+Mayberry mix’n’match sewing pattern set.
Switch out tops and bottoms between the three patterns in the range to create an almost endless mix of perfect dresses, jumpsuits and playsuits (rompers) to match your own taste and wardrobe needs.
from Makyla Creates (Christchurch)
The Camille is a cropped, loose fitting top with a curved neck line. The front has two ties, and the shirred sleeves sit just above the elbow.
from Paper Theory Patterns (previously of Dunedin)
A modern, oversized t-shirt, designed to look relaxed and feel easy to wear in a woven fabric.
The body is much wider than a regular t-shirt and the sleeves are longer than normal, sitting just above the elbow, with the angular square armholes being its hallmark feature. The neckline has a hidden binding to complement its minimalist design and the hem turn ups are extra deep to emphasise its boxy silhouette.
from Below the Kōwhai (Christchurch)
These dungarees have a relaxed fit with simple style lines, with shorts or trouser variations and a cuffed hem.
Get the matching kid-sized Tipa too!
More warm weather sewing inspo?
- Shirts, shirts, shirts
- Free sewing patterns
- Sewing with fold-over elastic
- Sewing swimwear
- Sewing for men
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 Sleepwear
Everyone has different needs with their sleepwear! Some folks like knits, some folks love a classic piped PJ, some folks want a nightgown (if this is you, I feel like you’re in the minority because no patterns turned up, sorry).
Sleepwear is a constant need throughout the year, but I inevitably think more about it as we get closer to Christmas (maybe because I always feel like you should have new and extra-presentable sleepwear for Christmas Day?)!
The Spinifex PJs and Medlow Robe from Muna and Broad
Available in the standard M&B range of 102-162cm bust and 105-182cm hip, these patterns bring ‘classic sleepwear’ and add comfort and functionality for plus-size bodies.
The aptly named Free Pyjamas Pattern from The Assembly Line is available from 80-138cm bust and 91-139cm hip
The Lucy Robe from Make by TFS is available from 79.5-149.5cm bust and 89.5-159.5cm hip and TFS will grade to your size if you fall outside of their size range.
The free Loungewear Set from Peppermint Sewing Magazine is available from 78-123cm bust and 87-132cm hip and can be downloaded in return for your email address on their website.
The Agnes PJs from Paper Theory
Available from 80-142 cm bust and 86-146cm hip, the Agnes come with short and pants-length options.
The Pine Cove Pajamas from Itch to Stitch are available from 79-152.5cm bust and 84-157.5cm hip
These unique PJs have a wrap-front!
Are you more vintage inspired and want more glamour in your home wear? Check out these PDF downloads of vintage loungewear patterns.
The Carolyn Pajama from Closet Core Patterns is available from 79-117cm bust and 84-122cm hip
These traditional-look PJs bring the notched collar, breast pocket and piped details that are synonymous with classic PJs!
The Compose Robe from Love Notions is available from 84-146cm bust and 90-151cm hip
With 2 length options, and an option for a hood, the pattern comes with a bonus hair wrap pattern
Not strictly sleepwear, the Dyadic Eyemask from Sophie Hines upgrades the usual eyemask patterns and gives you something with adjustable elastic!
Also check out the collection of sleepwear from StyleArc!
On the hunt for men?
– PJ bottoms from Thread Theory
– Knit PJs 2-piece from Sew A Little Seam (free)
– Onesie from 5 out of 4 patterns
– Unisex PJs bottoms from Wardrobe for Me
– Unisex PJs bottoms from PfP (free)
– Traditional PJs from Rebecca Page
– Matching set of onesies for the family
Shirts revisited
Of course, I’ve got shirts on the mind since I’ve been making a lot of Tarawi Shirts recently! But, I also wanted to round out the 3rd part in my ‘blogs with shirt patterns’ series.
If you’ve got a favourite shirt that I haven’t included, let me know in the comments!
The Tarawi Shirt from Muna and Broad
Available from 91-168cm bust and 105-182cm hip, this pattern comes with 4 cup-sizes, 2 views, narrow and regular bicep options, and narrow and regular neck options!
The Bombazine Shirt is available from 84-152.5cm chest and 93-167.5cm hip
This short-sleeved shirt has a one-piece camp collar and is menswear inspired
The Melody Dolman from Love Notions was recommended by @nickibeesews!
Available from 84-146cm bust and 90-151cm hip, has a camp-style collar, and a shirt-tail hem.
The Novelista Shirt from Blank Slate
Available from 79-135cm bust and 86-149cm hip, the shirt comes with two back view options, princess seams and short or long-sleeves.
The Granville Shirt from Sewaholic is available from a 76-114cm bust and 91-130cm hip
This pattern has front darts and princess seams at the back for shaping.
The Willis Shirt from Seamwork
Available from 84-137cm bust and 89-147cm hip, this sleeveless shirt has a stand collar and bias-finished armholes.
The Kalle Shirt from Closet Core Patterns is available from 79-117cm bust and 84-122cm hip in their 0-20 size range and 107-152.5cm bust and 114-160cm in their 14-32 size range (patterns must be purchased separately)
There are 3 views which have different lengths and collars and you can also purchase a pattern expansion to add long sleeves to the pattern.
Looking for more shirts?
More shirt patterns, including shirt patterns for men can be found on the blog here
More shirt patterns, including free shirt patterns can be found on the blog here
Looking for fabric for shirts in NZ?
Check out the other posts in the series for fabric shop recommendations!
More shirts!
Still on the hunt for the perfect shirt? This is part 2 of my shirt roundup (see part 1 here)!
The Indie Sewing World loves shirts- there’s just so many great patterns out there. Making a shirt is a great way to tackle new skills, and buttonholes eventually become not as scary as they once were.
The Archer Button-Up Shirt from Grainline Studios was perhaps the original Indie Sewing Pattern Shirt!
Available up to 111.7cm (44″) bust and 119.3cm (47″) hip
The Waikerie Shirt and Dress Collection from Muna and Broad is available up to a 182cm (71.5″) hip
This ‘cup-size flexible’ shirt has multiple views, sleeve-lengths, and even collar options through Patreon.
M&B will grade this pattern up to your size if their size chart is too small to include you.
The Olya Shirt & Dress from Paper Theory is available up to a 114cm (45″) bust and 120cm (47.5″) hip
This relaxed, loose fitting shirt has traditional details and a unique sleeve and pocket treatment.
The Bloom Shirt & Dress from Make by TFS comes with options!
With 3 different collar options, just like Muna and Broad, TFS will grade this pattern up to your size if their sizes don’t include you.
Available up to 149.5cm (55.7″) bust and 159.5cm (62.8″) hip
The Gilbert Shirt from Helen’s Closet is available up to a 147.5 cm (58″) bust
With a camp-style collar and a relaxed fit, one of the views has the cute tie-front option which is pictured.
The Harrison Shirt from Cashmerette is a great shirt option for busty folks looking for a fitted shirt option.
With double princess seams, and classic shirt features, the Harrison also comes with cup-size options.
Available up to a 157cm (58″) bust and 157cm (58″) hip
The Naomi Shirt from Coffee + Thread is available up to a 128cm (50.4″) bust and 138cm (54″) hip
Check out chch-based sewist @naomi.joy.creates in her namesake shirt (and this one too)!
The Ellsworth Shirt from Merchant & Mills is available in both their original size range and expanded sizes.
This boxy shirt has a high-low back hem, a half placket and 3/4 length sleeves.
Their largest size is 139.5cm (55″) bust and 145.5cm (57.5″) hip
Shirts for men
Check out the Sanders Button Up from Elbe Textiles, The Fairfield Button Up from Thread Theory, and the Gosling Shirt from SewSew Def. Also take a look at the Nico Shirt and the Tino Shirt from Stokx Patterns which mix woven and knit fabrics for an extra-comfie shirt.
Fabric for shirts?
Of course, there’s lots of great shops in NZ where you can source great shirt-weight fabric!
- Miss Maude has a great selection of shirting fabrics.
- Florence & Mary have a HUGE selection of Liberty Lawn
- Revology Concept stocks Merchant & Mills Fabrics
- Stitchbird has a small selection of Nani Iro which would make lovely shirts.
I might come back with part 3 of my shirt roundup, but I’m not sure yet if I’ve got an inspiring enough list! Do you have a favourite shirt which hasn’t been included? Let me know in the comments!
Shirt, shirts, shirts!
I’ve been thinking shirts, and perhaps you have been too? They can keep you cosy in the winter chill, but they can also keep the sun off in summer. Basically, shirts are a great year-round project!
I started this round-up of shirts, and I quickly realised that I knew way more shirts than would fit into just one blog post, so here’s the first post in the series of ‘lots of PDF shirt sewing patterns’!
If you scroll down to the bottom I’m included a list of free shirt sewing patterns!
Want more shirt ideas?
The Stokx Shirtdress from Stokx (an Australian living in Germany) is available up to a 60″ hip.
This shaped dress comes with one option for dress and sleeve length, but can be worn open (like a duster) or closed (like a dress).
The Augusta Shirt & Dress from Grainline Studios is available up to a 59″ hip (their size 30).
The Augusta is fitted through the shoulders, and comes with shirt and dress lengths. The asymmetrical collar is joined by two sleeve options that are interchangeable between the dress and top versions.
A great option for a shirt where you get to skip the buttonholes!
The Meadowood top is the latest pattern from Straight Stitch Design, and is available up to a 59.5″ bust and 60″ hip
You get to skip the collar with the Meadowood, which makes for a speedier project!
The Hippolyta Dress from Sew Me Something
This pattern has a 49″ bust and 52″ hip as the largest size. Check out GariChild’s version.
The Huon Shirt and Dress from Muna and Broad is available up to a 64″ bust and a 71.5″ hip
If their sizes are too small for you, Muna and Broad will grade this pattern up to your size for no extra cost.
The Oversized Shirt Pattern from The Assembly Line is available up to a 54″ hip (Their 3XL)
The pattern comes with one length with long sleeves and with two collar options, a traditional shirt collar and a standing straight collar.
The Byrdie Button-up Blouse & Dress from Pattern Scout.
This has plain and pintuck options, has cup-size options and is available up to a 147cm (58″) hip
The Cornell Shirt from Elbe Textiles
This unisex pattern which has plenty of wearing ease, View A features a button up placket, and View B a classic shirt placket.
Designed to be worn by folks of any gender, this shirt goes up to a 138cm (54.5″) hip
Fabric for shirts?
In NZ, there’s lots of great local options for shirt fabrics!
– Check out TFS’s list of shirting appropriate fabrics, which includes cozy brushed cotton!
– Drapers Fabrics always has a variety of shirt-appropriate fabrics (and plenty of remnant bargains)
– The Fine Cloth Company has a great array of coloured linens which make great shirts!
– For Fabrics Sake has a small selection of woven fabrics including linen and double gauze.
– Shop buttons at Hawes and Freer if you’re hunting for eco/sustainable buttons. Or, check out Trademe!
Free shirt patterns
Fabrics Store Avery Tiered Shirt Dress Pattern, up to size 30 or 58″ hip
Fabrics Store Jane Gathered Shirt Dress, up to size 30 or 58″ hip
Fabrics Store Jade Relaxed Shirt Pattern, up to a size 30 or 58″ hip
The Pleated Summer Dress is designed by Emily of In The Folds. Goes up to a 51″ bust and 54.5″ hip
Fabrics Store Anca High Low Hem Shirt Pattern, up to size 28/30 or 58″ hip
Fabrics Store Beau Pleated Shirt Pattern, up to size 28/30 or 58″ hip
Sewing activewear
If you’re interested in sewing some activewear (or active-looking loungewear), then this is the roundup for you! I’ve rounded up some pattern options and places in NZ and Aus that you can buy activewear fabrics!
If I’ve missed a favourite pattern of yours, leave a comment! If you’re ready to get printing, email your files to hello@chchsews.com!
Leggings
- Avery Leggings from Helen’s Closet, 84-157cm (33-62″) hip
- Peg Legs from P4Pirates (Free Pattern), 86-162cm (34-64″) hip
- Tino (pictured above) from Seamwork, 86-147cm (34-58″) hip
- Monica Pants from StyleArc, 83-154cm (32.6-61″) hip
- Cavallo Leggings from Greenstyle, 81-157cm (32-62″) hip
- Cora Tights from Jalie, 56-135cm (22-53″) hip
- Aila Leggings from Last Stitch, 90-127cm (35.5-50″) hip
- Belmont Leggings from Cashmerette, 107-157cm (42-62″) hip
- Sloan Legging from Hey June Handmade, 86-114cm (34-45″) hip
- Sports Leggings from Grasser, 84-112cm (33-49″) hip
Sports Bras
- Coco Sports Bra from Jalie, 53-130cm (21-51″) bust (pictured)
- Classic Sports Bra from P4P, 76-152cm (30-60″) bust
- Embrace Sports Bra from Greenstyle, 76-154cm (30-61″) bust
- Serena Crop Top from Sew Swimmingly, 83-117cm (33-46″) bust
- You could also amp up the powermesh and use swim tops for bralettes- check out some options here.
Tops & Tanks
- Spruce and Saybrook Tanks from Cashmerette,102-157cm (40-62″) bust
- Dunbar Top from Sewaholic, 76-114cm (30-45″) bust
- Cass Top from SieMacht (free pattern), 79-177cm (31-70″) bust
- XYT Top from Fehr Trade, 84-114cm (33-45″) bust
- Banksia Tank from Muna and Broad, 97-162cm (38-64″) bust
- Pika Blouson from Jalie, 53-130cm (21-51″) bust
Outerlayers
- Kennedy Hooded Top and Steffi Jacket from StyleArc, 77-148cm (30-58″) bust
- Maxime Jacket from Jalie, 53-130cm (21-51″) bust
- BORÉALE from Studio Calicot, 79-104cm (31-41″) bust
- Wheaton Windbreaker from Hey June, 84-147cm (33-58″) bust
- Hawthorn Jacket (free pattern, pictured)) from Mood, 82-147cm (32-58″) bust
- Jacques Rainjacket from I Am, 76-114cm (30-45″) bust
Patterns for men
- Jalie (Specialist sports patterns & athleisure)
- Fehre Trade (specialist sports, pictured above)
- Shelby Outdoor (specialists outdoor)
- Wardrobe By Me (athleisure)
- Pattern for Pirates (athleisure)
- Greenstyle (athleisure)
- Seattle Fabrics (cold weather gear)
- Selfmade (athleisure)
- Grasser (outerlayers)
Patterns for kids
Where to buy activewear fabric in NZ and Aus
In NZ
http://.nelliejoans.co.nz (fabrics for leggings, sports bras, swimwear)
https://forfabricsake.com/ (a small selection of activewear fabric)
https://www.dancefabrics.co.nz/ (fabrics for swim, sports bras and spandex)
https://www.angelfabrics.co.nz/ (fabrics for swim, sports bras and spandex)
https://marblenzfabrics.co.nz (a small selection of activewear fabric)
https://thefabricstoreonline.com/ (a variety of general fabrics)
https://www.newzealandmerinoandfabrics.com/ (merino blend fabrics)
https://www.backstreetbargains.co.nz (some ripstop and waterproof shell fabric)
In Australia
https://sewactivefabrics.com.au/
https://theremnantwarehouse.nz/fabrics/active-wear.html
https://www.wickedfabrics.com.au/performance-fabrics/
https://boodesigns.com.au/
Outer-layer sewing
Today, I’ve put together a little roundup of outerlayers, inspired by the chilly and wet weather that we’ve had recently!
Want to know where to buy fabric in NZ?
Check out my list of online fabric shops in NZ here!
The Akerfeldt Coat from Elbe Textiles is available 132cm (52″) chest. This unlined, boxy coat has great pockets and can have a hood or collar.
Leila and I have released 4 outerwear patterns together through Muna and Broad!
Check out our Shoalhaven Shacket (left), quilted Grainger Coat (right)
The Chilton Trench from Cashmerette
Available from Size 12-28 or 102-157cm (40-62″) bust and 107-157cm (42-62″) hip with cup sizes from C – H
This lined trench can be used with wovens, wool and waterproof raincoat fabric.
Below the Kōwhai
The Awhi Coat [pronounced ah-fee] includes hood, collar and pocket options and is fully-lined.
The Goldstream Peacoat from Thread Theory
This classic double-breasted peacoat works both buttoned and open.
With an optional hood, and options for pockets and pocket flaps, this would make a cosy winter option!
Grainline Studios
Both the Thayer Jacket and Cortland Trench are available in both Grainline’s standard sizing and extended sizing which goes up to a 142.2cm (56″) bust and 149.8cm (59″) hip
Wardrobe By Me
The Cocoon Coat from Wardrobe By Me is available up to a 110cm (43″) Bust and 116cm (42″) Hip
Friday Pattern Co
Both the Ilford Jacket and Heather Blazer are available in FPC’s extended sizing, which goes up to a 152cm (60”) chest
Wardrobe By Me
The Men’s Overshirt is a lumberjack-style outer shirt which is available up to a 114cm (45″) chest
Twig & Tale
NZ-based Twig & Tale has a lot of outerwear for kids and outerwear for adults (including maternity and baby-carrying wear).
Patterns to check out:
The Marsha Jacket from Liam
The Mallard Coat from Sewing Revival
The Willa Wrap Coat from Jennifer Lauren Handmade
All the Coats and Jackets from StyleArc
Want more pattern ideas?
Check out this roundup of cosy sewing patterns, get ready for warmer weather with swimsuit sewing patterns, or find NZ-based pattern designers too.
Knit tops for winter layers
The Tarlee T-Shirt from Muna and Broad
This tee comes with crewneck, turtleneck, short-sleeve and long-sleeve options. The curved back-seam makes it great for layering and while the largest size is a 162cm (64″) bust and 182cm (71.5″) hip, M&B will grade up to a larger size at no extra cost.
This classic tee from Cashmerette comes with multiple cup-size options and is available up to a 157.5cm (62″) bust and 157.5cm (62″) hip
The Hemlock Tee from Grainline Studios
This free pattern is available up to a 142cm (56″) bust and 150cm (59″ hip) in the plus-size pattern which runs from size 14-30
Jennifer Lauren Handmade is a Dunedin-based pattern designer
Check out The Bronte and The Gable knit tops. Gable (left) is available with multiple cup sizes and has been expanded up to a 156.8cm (61.5″) bust and 159.5cm (62.5″) hip.
The LB Pullover from Paper Theory
Designed to be made from both knit and woven fabrics, this dropped-shoulder top is available up to a 142cm (56″) bust and 146cm (57.5″) hip
Great for layering under other items that also have a relaxed fit, the Pullover comes with a crewneck and turtleneck option.
The Fog Tee from The Fabric Store
This tee has boatneck, crewneck and a bonus turtleneck too. Available up to a149.5cm (58.7″) bust and 159.5cm (62.8″) hip, TFS will grade out to anyone who isn’t included in their sizes.
This free pattern from Deer & Doe is available up to a 116cm (45.5″) bust and (48″) 122cm hip
Free sewing pattern roundup
The Elemental Skirt from Sew House 7
This simple, free, knit skirt is available from a 86-165cm (34-65″) hip
I’ve made this skirt and the top above this, and blogged about them on my other blog, Broad In The Seams!
The Vera Knit Top
This free pattern from Forget-me-not-patterns is available from 73-123cm (28.5-48.5″) bust
The Sunday V Neck from Friday Pattern Company
This free pattern is genderless and is available from a 97-150cm (34-57″) hip
The Loden Sweater from Dressmakers’ Guild
This free sweater pattern is designed with boiled wool in mind and is available from 77-142cm bust and 85-150cm hip
Hemlock Tee
This free tee pattern from Grainline Studios is available from 81-142cm (32-56″) bust
The Pocket Skirt from Peppermint Mag
This free skirt pattern was designed by Tara from Paper Theory and is available from 60-121cm (24-47.5″) waist and 86-146cm (34-57.5″) hip
The Jumpsuit from Rational Dress Society
This free pattern comes in a variety of styles and fits in order to cover a lot of bodies and genders.
I’ve had more success using the size charts than using their sizing calculator, but haven’t actually made the jumpsuit yet!
Other free sewing patterns
Jalie has a free roll neck top (like a boxy turtleneck) for women and children
Peppermint Magazine has a large selection of free patterns, many of the recent ones have been designed by pattern designers Elbe Textiles, In The Folds, Paper Theory, etc.
Fibremood has the free Francis top (an elastic cuffed top)