Category: Sewing Patterns

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.

Check out the other blogs in the series (which includes free shirt patterns and shirt patterns for men) here.

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 Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

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 Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

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 Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

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!

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 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.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

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

Sports Bras

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

Patterns for men

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.

The Muna and Broad Belmore Jacket
A hacked Belmore Jacket
“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Leila and I have released 4 outerwear patterns together through Muna and Broad!

Check out our Shoalhaven Shacket (left), quilted Grainger Coat (right)

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot
A Grainger Coat
A Mallee Jacket

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.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Below the Kōwhai

The Awhi Coat [pronounced ah-fee] includes hood, collar and pocket options and is fully-lined.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

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!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

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

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot
“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

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

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot
“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Twig & Tale

NZ-based Twig & Tale has a lot of outerwear for kids and outerwear for adults (including maternity and baby-carrying wear).

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

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 Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

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.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

The Concord T-Shirt

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

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

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.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

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 Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

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.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

The Plantain Tee

This free pattern from Deer & Doe is available up to a 116cm (45.5″) bust and (48″) 122cm hip

Free sewing pattern roundup

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

The Luna Tank from Helen’s Closet

This free tank is available from a 79-142cm (31-56″) bust!

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

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 Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

The Sunday V Neck from Friday Pattern Company

This free pattern is genderless and is available from a 97-150cm (34-57″) hip

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

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 Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

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

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

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)

Sie Macht has the free Cass T-Shirt

Autumn sewing from Aotearoa

It’s starting to cool down, and the leaves in Hagley park here in Christchurch are crisping up and falling down!

In anticipation of the winter months, here are a few cool-weather PDF sewing patterns from Kiwi businesses and designers!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Jennifer Lauren Handmade is a Dunedin-based pattern designed who makes patterns with a vintage twist.

These two patterns, the Dulcie Pinafore and the Willa Wrap-Coat are available in her new Curve Size Range.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

The Shoalhaven Shacket from Muna and Broad is a cross between a shirt and a jacket and is perfect for a cozy wool jacket!

Muna and Broad makes plus size sewing patterns, and will grade patterns up to your size if their current size chart is too small to include you.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

NZ pattern company Twig & Tale has a large selection of outerwear and chilly weather clothes for adults, children and babies

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

The Adeline wrap dress and top from Forget-Me-Not Patterns is a lovely option for cooler weather!

This Wellington-based pattern company has a lovely selection of patterns for women

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Make, by The Fabric Store have released two dresses (Teddy and Mabel) which are perfect for their ZQ Merino!

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot
“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot
“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

The Te Aro Dress & Top from Scroop Patterns could be the perfect cool weather sweater dress!

Want to get printing?

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

Sewing with fold-over elastic

You might have spotted that I’ve started stocking a selection of fold-over elastic in a few different widths.

FOE makes super-comfie undies, but it can also be used for other sewing projects!

Bras and Bralettes

Cartesian Crop from Sophie Hines is available up to 127cm bust

The Black Beauty Bra from Emerald Erin is available up to a 40G

The Banksia Bralette from Muna and Broad is available from a 97-162cm bust

The Fierce Bra from Pattern 4 Pirates is available up to a 154.2cm bust and also comes in child sizes.

Eye masks & accessories

Dyadic Eyemask from Sophie Hines uses fold-over elastic but makes the straps customisable!

The Ultimate Sleep Mask from Ohhh Lulu Lingerie uses fold-over elastic for a comfortable strap.

Velo Knit Run Bike Cap from The Last Stitch is perhaps not especially seasonal for us here in NZ right now, but might be good for cycling on chilly mornings

Camisoles & Singlets

The pattern bonus of the Julia Tank from Seamwork makes straps from fold-over elastic. The Julia is available up to a 137cm bust and 147cm hip

The Go Shorties & Cami from Madeit Patterns is available up to a 112cm bust and 120cm hip

The Tropo Camisole from Tuesday Stitches is available up to a 132cm high bust and 139.5cm hip

The Wonder Unders from Scroop Patterns bundles up an undies and camisole pattern, which is available up to 112cm bust and 137.5cm hip

Undies

The Ava High-Waisted Panties from Ohhh Lulu Lingerie are available up to a 112cm hip

The Kapunda Undies from Muna and Broad are available from a 105-182cm hip

The Median Knickers from Sophie Hines is available up to a 144cm hip

The super basic underpants from Halfmoon Atelier is available up to a 170cm hip

The Waratah Undies and Period Undies from Muna and Broad is available from a 105-182cm hip

Arccoss Undies from Sophie Hines are available up to 134cm hip

Other project ideas

You can also use fold-over elastic for swimwear (especially if you mostly swim at the beach), and for no-sew projects like hair ties. Fold-over elastic can also be used for homemade face-masks!

Summer sewing from Aotearoa

Here’s a little roundup of summer sewing patterns from Kiwi sewing pattern companies!

Check out the roundup of sewing pattern businesses run by NZers here.

The Pōhutukawa Dress from Below The Kōwhai is available from an 80-125cm (31.5-49.25″) bust and 88-133cm (34.75-52.25″) hip

Use BTKlocal for 20% off Below the Kōwhai PDF patterns until 31/3/21

The Ella Skirt from Forget Me Not Patterns is available from a 55-105cm (21.5-41.5″) waist and 83-133cm (32.5-52.5″) hip

The Pippi Pinafore from Jennifer Lauren Handmade is available from a 74-126.5cm (29-49.75″) bust and 89.5-134.5cm (35-53″) hip and comes with A, B, C and D cup options.

The Waikerie Dress Expansion from Muna and Broad is available from 102-162cm (40-64″) bust and 105-182cm (41.5-71.5)” hip and if the size chart is too small to include you, they’ll grade the pattern up to your size at no extra cost.

The Henrietta Maria Dress & Top from Scroop Patterns is available from a 76.5-127cm (30-50″) bust and 86.5-137.5cm (34-54″) hip

The Zadie Jumpsuit from Paper Theory is available from 80-142cm (31.5-56″) bust and 86-146cm (34-57.5″) hip

The Driftwood Blouse & Dress from Twig & Tale is available from a 76.2-130.8cm (30-51.5″) bust and 81.3-135.9cm (32-53.5″) hip

Want to get printing?

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