Cosy Sewing Archives

Toasty sweaters

It’s that time of the year where NZ houses are often colder than the outside temperatures, and we start to pop on merino turtlenecks and seek out cosy sweaters- or is that just me? Regardless, here’s 11 sweaters to keep you toasty!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Toaster Sweater

What could be toastier than the Sew House Seven Toaster Sweater #1 and #2? In straight size and their curvy size range too. This pattern remains a popular one for printing!

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Cosmos Sweater

Sew House Seven also has the Cosmos Sweater, which has funnelneck and crewneck views and two sleeve options.

Page Sweatshirt

The Page Sweatshirt from Chalk & Notch is a cropped hooded sweatshirt

Marlo Sweater

The Marlo Sweater from True Bias gives you a grandpa style cardigan sweater that you can sew up instead of knitting over the course of several months!

LB Pullover

The LB Pullover from Dunedin-based Paper Theory can be made in woven or low-stretch knit fabrics.

Geodesic Sweater

Do you remember when the Geodesic Sweatshirt from Blueprints for Sewing took over instagram? I certainly do! Ripe for colourblocking and scrap-busting thanks to the fun geodesic design!

The Stadium

Blueprints for Sewing also has the Stadium Sweatshirt which comes with all the lettering templates to make yourself a fun sporty-looking sweater!

Arlo Track Jacket

The Arlo Track Jacket from Friday Pattern Company adds the possibility of a zip to a cosy sweater. Are you as adventurous as this jacket would suggest?

Talvikki Sweater

I love how the Talvikki Sweater from Named Clothing is an elevated option which doesn’t immediately lean towards ‘casual sweatshirt vibes’

Ada Sweater

A sweater for the whole family? The Ada Sweater from Schnittchen Patterns has you literally covered.

Mile End Sweatshirt

Closet Core’s Mile End Sweatshirt comes with multiple views, and interesting design lines.

Want to get printing?

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

Sew in right now?

Here’s a roundup of patterns that are currently popular on the printer, and some which I think should be on the printer!

Want to get printing?

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

Ora Pinafore

The Ora Pinafore is back in season. Available up to 119cm (46.8″) hip, this pattern is the last one which hasn’t been expanded to her new, larger sizing.

Aims Shirt

The Aims from Seamwork is a romantic button up with lovely gathers and dramatic sleeves. It’s available up to a 162cm (64″) hip

Love some romantic drama

Check out this recent roundup of patterns that are full of gathers, ruffles and dramatic sleeves.

Sofia Dress & Top

The Sofia Dress & Top from Victory Patterns is available up to 152cm (60″) hip.

Love the shirred look?

But don’t want to sew shirring in?

Tie Dress

The Tie Dress from Sewing Therapy has been a popular pattern for printing recently! Available up to 137cm (54″) hip

Ormond Coat

The Ormond Coat is the latest pattern that’s part of the monthly In The Folds subscription and has been a popular print this month!

Looking for cosy outerwear?

Outer layer sewing roundup
Wet weather sewing patterns and an earlier roundup of rainwear
Cosy Outers and some jacket/coat options in this Dupe This post
Quilted Jacket roundup and a Chore Jacket roundup

Poppy Coat

The Poppy Coat from Make by TFS is cosy and dramatically oversized. Available up to 159.5cm (62.8″) hip

Kaia Coat

The Kaia Double-Faced Coat from Bella Loves Patterns is designed for use with double-faced coatings. Available up to 119 cm (46″) hip.

Double-faced coatings?

Double-faced camel and blue check from The Fine Cloth Company
Plaid and grey double-faced coating from Drapers Fabrics
Houndstooth double-faced coating from Miss Maude
Red & grey double-faced coating from Wellington Sewing Centre
Bright yellow double-faced coating from The Fabric Store

Celine Bralette

The Celine Bralette from Closet Core Patterns is available up to 152.5cm (62″) full bust. As always, grab your findings 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.

Wet weather sewing patterns

Hello and welcome to this follow-up post to my Rain wear roundup from 2022. There’s been some great wet weather pattern releases since my last roundup, and I’ve included my faves here!

RAINCOAT №1097

This rain poncho coat from Grasser is available up to 132cm (52″) hip

Keneddy Hooded Top

The Kennedy Hooded Top from StyleArc has rain anorak vibes without actually being a rain anorak. I guess that makes it a bold inclusion for this post, but I just really like the big pocket.

Hoodie Poncho

The Hoodie Poncho pattern from Assembly Line is a 1-size pattern.

Check out this version and mini-review from a local maker

Free dog coat

With 3-times as many size options as the 1-size poncho above, the free pet coat pattern The Assembly

Waterproof fabrics in NZ?

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A post shared by Chch destash (@chch_destash)

I have a roll of deadstock taslon raincoating that was used for school uniforms. It’s a perfectly nice fabric that I’m selling at $4 per metre to make it a great price for toiling your waterproof patterns.

I suggest more places to find waterproof fabrics here.

Lou Jacket

The Lou Hooded Jacket from Seamwork is a fully-lined hooded jacket.

Available up to 162cm (64″) hip

Winterthur Jacket

The Winterthur Jacket from Itch to Stitch patterns is a princess-seamed jacket with cup-size options.

Available up to 157.5cm or 62″ hip

More patterns?

How to sew waterproof fabrics?

As always, Seamwork has a great how-to on sewing with different kinds of waterproof fabrics. Core Fabrics also has a thorough post about waterproof fabrics (which they also conveniently sell).

Want to get printing?

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

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)!

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!

Mallee Jacket

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

Jurassic Coat

The Jurassic Coat from Marilla Walkers is available up to 167cm (66″) hip but Marilla will grade up if needed.

Marilla has done a lovely job of matching the pattern on her coat- I always forget I need more fabric if I’m going to pattern match.

Shoalhaven Shacket

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Tamarack Jacket

The OG Tamarack from Grainline Studio is available in 2 size ranges (purchased separately) up to a 142cm (56″) bust and 149cm (59″) hip

The Tamarack features fancy welt pockets and View B has buttons up the front (and I presume a bit of extra length across the front to give them space).

Patchwork Chore Coat

This Patchwork Coat from Patchwork and Poodles was designed with quilting in mind! It’s available up to a 147cm (58″) bust and 152cm (60″) hip. The coat pattern can be combines with the quilt patterns from the same company.

Love a Chore Jacket?

I guess the Patchwork Chore Coat above could have been included with my roundup of chore jacket/workwear jacket sewing patterns.

Hovea Jacket

The Hovea from Megan Nielsen comes with 2 size ranges (purchased separately) and the largest size is 152cm (60″) bust and 157cm (62″) hip.

The Hovea has multiple views with different neck treatments, pockets and lengths

Ayora Jacket

The Ayora from Pauline Alice Patterns is available up to 120cm (47″) bust and 102cm (40″) waist.

This reversible jacket has an interesting facing/button placket which wraps around the quilted section to form the collar, placket and hem.

Want outer layers?

If you want outer layer sewing patterns, but you don’t want to quilt then you might like

Beachcomber Jacket

The Beachcomber from Laundry Basket Quilts has no easy to find info on their size chart but the picture was so quilt-y that I included it anyway!

Juniper Quilted Jacket

The Juniper from Sarah Kirsten is available up to a 163cm (64″) bust and 142cm (56″) waist.

This jacket comes with 2 lengths and different shaped pockets.

Easton Jacket

The Easton from Seamwork is ‘free’ if you’re a Seamwork member and is available up to a 137cm (54″) bust and 147cm (58″) hip

This jacket has a shawl collar which I haven’t seen on other quilted jackets!

Snaps on your Jacket?

Although some quilted outers use regular buttons, quite a few seem to use snaps! If you’re thinking you’d like to get serious about adding snaps to your me-mades then you might want a snap press!

I bought mine from Minkylicious (and still haven’t used it yet), but shops which specialise in nappy fabrics will likely be selling snap tools (GreenBeans NZ is).

Molly Jacket

The Molly from Fibre Mood is available up to 146cm (57.5″) bust and 145cm (57″) hip.

Gibson Coat

The Gibson from It’s All In The Stitch is a reversible pattern that’s available up to 127cm (50″) bust and 132cm (52″) hip

Want to get printing?

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

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

THE Jacket

This Jacket from Atelier Brunette is available up to 126cm (49.5″) bust and 134cm (53″) hip

Julien Chore Jacket

The Julien from Ready To Sew is available up to a 123cm (48″) bust and 129cm (50″) hip

Chore Jacket Fabric?

Classic Chore Jackets are made with bottom-weight fabrics that are hard-wearing, so you can work in them! Grabbing a canvas drop cloth from Bunnings or Mitre 10 can be a cost effective solution because the extra width brings the per-metre price down.

Want a denim chore jacket? Check out my blogpost on ‘Shopping denim in NZ‘.

The Rhett Jacket

The Rhett is a free download if you’re a paid Seamwork member.

Available up to 137cm (54″) bust and 147cm (58″) hip

ZW Workwear Jacket

This zero-waste jacket from Birgitta Helmersson is currently available in sizes EU 36 – 44

Paola Workwear Jacket

The Paola is a free pattern from Fabrics Store which is available up to a 147cm (58″) hip

Finding buttons

All of these Jackets really highlight their buttons! My favourite places to find buttons in NZ is Hawes and Freer (who have some great eco options like corozo nut and sustainably farmed horn), and TradeMe.

I currently have some buttons listed on my @chch_destash page

When hunting for buttons on TradeMe, I type in the width I’m looking for and filter the search to items within NZ.

The Foreman

The Foreman from Merchant & Mills is designed for men and is available up to a 112cm (44″) chest and 98cm (38.5″) waist. It’s not available in their extended size range.

Remy Shirt

The Remy Shirt from Papercute Patterns is maybe closer to a shacket than a chore jacket but it was too cute to not be included. Add your own extra pockets for storing rocks and other important bits.

Want to get printing?

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

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.

RAINCOAT, PATTERN №908

This raincoat pattern from Grasser has trench coat vibes with a big hood and voluminous pockets

Adult Rain Poncho

This $5 PDF pattern is from Ripstop by the roll

The Landgate

The Landgate from Merchant & Mills is a hooded outer which features a drawstring waist and side and front pocket options. The pattern is for both men and women.

Eden Coat

The Eden Coat from Tilly and The Buttons almost made it into my recent Stormflaps post, but I popped it in here instead.

Fully lined, Eden has raglan sleeves and a high neck hood to keep out the wind, practical pockets and a hanging loop.

Choose from hip or long lengths, snaps or toggle fastenings with optional zip, two pocket styles and optional storm flaps

More patterns?

Men’s raincoat from Grasser
Kid’s raincoat from Grasser
Women’s parka from Grasser
Women’s jacket from Pauline Alice Patterns

I AM Jacques

The I AM Jacques coat is a classic raincoat with a hood. The zipper is hidden by a button placket which closes with snap fasteners. There’s two big patched pockets to carry your essentials and it’s fully lined and comes in 3 different lengths.

Cyprus Cape

The Cyprus Cape from Sewaholic is a wide sleeves, a hood, front-zip closure, and flap pockets.

Walking jacket -Momiji

The Momiji Walking Jacket from Waffle Patterns has an asymmetrical zip and a lot of pockets

Sou’Wester Rain Hat

The Sou’Wester Rain Hat from NZ-designer Twig & Tale is a classic waterproof hat which reminds me of lighthouse keeper wear.

Waterproof fabrics in NZ?

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A post shared by Chch destash (@chch_destash)

Coated taslon and showerproof fabrics from Moreland Fabrics
Rainwear from Backstreet Bargains
Oilskin from Miss Maude
Showerproof from Draper Fabrics
Softshell from Spotlight
Waterproof from Remnant Warehouse (actually in Aus)

Akerfeldt Coat

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.

Want to get printing?

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

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.

Henri Trench from République du Chiffon

HENRI is a classic overcoat that has been adapted with a simple, elegant, and feminine style. Its ample cut means it can be worn over any outfit. Raglan sleeves and patch pockets give it an authentic look. Play with the symmetry of the front storm flap and back rain guard for more fun.

Jack trench coat from Ready To Sew

A contemporary twist on a trench coat. It has a relaxed fit and features big curved lapels, a gathered collar and a self-tied waist. Design to be worn open.

BARBARA from I Am

I am Barbara, a twist on the classic shirt: I have classic shirt sleeves and collar, cuffs with a slit opening, a back yoke and a center-back pleat. My front buttons are hidden under a placket and I have a wide cut. I can also be made as a dress.
My details make me very original: my front and/or back flounces are set in the sleeves. I have three different flounce variations with or without godets for a truly unique style.

Lola Linen Trench from Fabrics Store

Free pattern available to download through the link above.

Cortland Trench from Grainline

With its modern swing shape and length that hits mid-hip, the Cortland is an update on the classic trench. Raglan sleeves give you plenty of movement and room for layering while the storm flaps and generous collar keep out inclement weather. The Cortland also features a double-breasted front closure and roomy welt pockets. All seams are bound, which not only gives your coat a professional finish, but also helps it stand up to wear and tear.

Suraya Jacket from Sew Over It

Suraya features a host of lovely details, including epaulettes, storm flaps, sleeve loops, a back vent, welt pockets, collar and lapels. The main body of the jacket is unlined, though the set-in sleeves are lined for comfort. The seams are bound with bias binding for a stunning, super satisfying finish. The jacket is designed to hang open so there are no closures at the front.

Trench coat, pattern №742 from Grasser

It’s a regular fit A-line below-the-knee trench coat with lining. Front has one-piece side panels; trench coat is single breasted with combined central closure that consists of 1 installed snap button and hidden button panel with 8 sewn buttonholes and 8 buttons. Front has two patch pockets with one-piece flaps.

LOOSE-FIT DRESS/SHIRT LE 606 from DP Studio

A belted dress with a lot of volume on the top half, to which a series of pleats is added on sleeves, back and skirt level. The back is enhanced by a yoke and two bellows pockets bring the dress a sporty look.

Isla trench coat from Named Patterns

This timeless trench coat is a wardrobe staple! The straight-cut, lined coat has plenty of details, such as a belted collar, a cape, welt pockets, a belt, and tabs on sleeve openings. There is a vent at the back for added comfort. The double-breasted button fastening adds a classic look which is topped off with double top stitching.

ULYSSES TRENCH from Victory Patterns

ULYSSES mixes trench coat styling with a modern look. This relaxed, straight-cut jacket features draped elements such as a shawl collar and a clean-lined, curved back “rain guard” overlay.

TPC8//TRENCH JACKET from Trend Patterns

HANNAH DRESS from Victory Patterns

Not technically storm flaps, I’m going to go ahead and claim this one as on-topic since I think this crossover would direct water.

HANNAH is a sleeveless dress with a subtle A-line shift silhouette. It features angled side seams and front pockets, which transition cleverly into folding side-panels that wrap around to the back and criss-cross over each other. The hemline, with its upward curve at the sides and a subtle dip in the back, takes its inspiration from men’s shirting, A high neckline is edged with a double fold binding. The button up front is concealed with a hidden button placket for a minimal touch.