I love to keep an eye on the releases from NZ sewing pattern companies, and I’m sure you do too!
In case you missed them, here are some of the new-ish releases that caught my eye(s).
Julia Dress
The Julia Dress from Liam by Ruby is pure summer. There’s 3 views in this floaty A-line dress pattern and it’s available up to 155cm (61″) hip
Vista Top
The Vista Top from Twig and Tale is a V-neck darted top with sleeve options. It’s available up to 183cm (72″) hip
Ray Pinafore
The Ray Pinafore from Paper Theory is a trapeze-shaped pinafore dress with 3 different strap options. It’s available up to 165.5cm (65″) hip
Eileen Barrel Pants
The Eileen Barrel Pants from Muna and Broad are an elastic-waist pants with a darted back fit. It’s available up to 181.5cm (71.5″) hip
Charlotte Skirt
The Charlotte Skirt from The Bold One is a beginner-friendly elastic-waist skirt. It’s available up to 153cm (60.2″) hip
Cooper Barrel Jeans
The Cooper Barrel Jeans from Muna and Broad are subtle barrel-shaped jeans with a zip-front and generous pockets. It’s available up to 181.5cm (71.5″) hip
Plains Dress
The Plains Dress from Twig and Tale is a classic shirt dress with 2-views and both have pockets! It’s available up to 183cm (72″) hip
Want to get printing?
Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet.
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
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.
‘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.’
[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.
Some fun new patterns have come through the printer in the last wee while, so here’s a roundup of some goodies that looked particularly interesting! I’ve also included some recommendations for NZ-based places to shop for fabrics which would be a good fit for these projects.
Mitchell Trousers
The Mitchell Trousers is a new pattern from Closet Core in Canada. They’re available in 2 size ranges, the largest up to a 160cm (63″) hip.
Pleated trouser with a fly front, they have deep pleats and a tapered and wide-leg view.
The Millicent Wrap Dress from Aussie-based StyleArc is available up to 154cm (61″) hip and comes with elbow length and bracelet length sleeve options.
Lightweight summery fabrics?
Check out my blogpost on ‘Seersucker in NZ‘ and the range of lovely cottons from The Fine Cloth Company in Wellington (I the Washer Cotton would make a great dress)! As always, Miss Maude has a delightful selection of shirting weight fabrics.
Matilda Dress
The Matilda Dress from Cool Stitches is available up to 153.7cm (60.5″)
This new-to-me pattern company has some great fashion-forward sewing patterns.
Classic Shirt
The Classic Shirt from Modern Sewing Co is available up to 119cm (46.8″) hip, which is smaller than the size range available on some of their other patterns.
PDF Sewing Patterns from NZ? A roundup of Indie Sewing Patterns from NZ? A collection of New Zealand Sewing Patterns? Yes- I’m back with more!
Sylvie Knit Top
The Sylvie Knit Top from Forget-me-not Patterns is a drapey design with options, including a cowl neck, flutter sleeves, and more understated sleeveless and round neck views.
Peggy Top
The Peggy Top and Dress pattern from My Keeper has a wrap top and a non-wrap dress both of which have butterfly sleeves.
Isobel Dress
The Isobel Dress from Paper Doll Patterns is one of the new-ish women’s patterns from a designer that’s already released quite a few children’s designs!
Chloe Maxi
The Chloe Tiered Maxi Dress from Makyla Creates is a tiered maxi dress that screams of summer, but could also be layered under a turtleneck for ChCh summer.
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″).
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.
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!
A lot of you expressed interest in hearing about NZ sewing pattern designers and first up in our roundup are sewing pattern businesses that are based in NZ or run by NZers!
Let me know in the comments if I’ve missed any NZ Based Dressmaking Pattern Companies
Below the Kōwhai Christchurch-based BTK is a family business which makes gorgeous sewing patterns children and has recently expanded their offerings to include sewing patterns for women.
Ford Wardrobe Auckland-based Ford Wardrobe currently has a pattern-less dress and a bucket hat pattern available for sale
Based in Wellington, FMN makes lovely feminine patterns for women. They have a free knit top pattern for those wanting to give the company a trial before purchasing.
Auckland-based Hubba Ding has a pretty impressive catalogue of patterns for women which seem to have popped up overnight. Not super size-inclusive, the designs are very fashion-trend forward.
This Dunedin-based business has a strong vintage vibe and has a wide variety of frocks, tops and even a couple of patterns for men. JLH has quite a few patterns in multiple cup-sizes
Liam Patterns This new-comer to the sewing pattern market started producing sewing patterns based on their successful RTW garments during lockdown here in NZ. If their sizes are too small to include you, they will grade the pattern up for you at no additional cost.
Little Kiwis Closet This NZ-based business makes sewing patterns for women, men, kids and babies too. If you and your family wear a lot of knit fabric- check out Little Kiwis Closet!
Make by The Fabric Store The Fabric Store has recently started designing and selling PDF sewing patterns! So far they have 5 patterns, including the robe pictured above. If you fall outside their size range, they will grade the pattern for you at no additional cost.
Muna and Broad Making patterns from basically Size 12+, M&B is a 1/2 NZ run business (I know this because I’m the 1/2)! If the size chart is too small to include you, Leila will grade the pattern up for you at no additional cost.
Muse Patterns This Wellington-based pattern company makes PDF sewing patterns for adult women and has a strong vintage vibe.
My Keeper If you don’t have time to sew their sewing patterns (size 6-22) then you can rent one of their finished garments.
Paper Doll Patterns This pattern company specialises in cute clothes for children.
Papercut Patterns Perhaps the most well-known NZ-based sewing pattern company, Papercut was one of the first Indie sewing pattern companies.
Paper Theory is a UK-based sewing pattern company but owner Tara grew up in Dunedin! With a modern and simple silhouette, the Zadie Jumpsuit is one of their most well known patterns.
Scroop Patterns This Wellington-based sewing pattern company has a strong historical-sewing vibe thanks to the historical sewing interest of owner & designer Leimomi of Dreamstress
Sewing Revival Based at the top of the South Island, The Sewing Revival makes sewing patterns for women and children.
The Bold One Slow-fashion patterns for women which have oodles of options (including height and various necklines)
Trish Newbery This new-to-me sewing pattern company is NZ based and has a wide variety of sewing patterns for accessories and women’s clothes.
Summer sped by and it’s basically time for Autumn. I’ve already purchased my first wide-wale corduroy fabric of the season, so it seemed the perfect time to roundup some cosy projects for you!
The Belemnite Dress from Marilla Walker would look lovely with tights and a cosy coat for chilly weather!
One of the recommended fabrics for The Belemnite Dress is Double Gauze, which is sometimes called Double Muslin (the orange dress above uses this fabric)
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.
One way to make a super speedy quilted coat (like the ) is to purchase pre-quilted fabric! I’m not going to advocate for chopping into a heirloom quality blanket but purchasing quilted bed spreads is a great choice (and since they’re usually so wide, the per metre cost can be really great).
Spotlight & Lincraft have pre-quilted fabrics online (usually poly with poly batting), and many of the local Christchurch bricks-and-mortar stores stock pre-quilted fabrics in basic colours.
Jennifer Lauren Handmade is a Dunedin-based pattern designed who makes patterns with a vintage twist.
Can’t find the right zip? Sometimes I’ve needed a zip which I just couldn’t find in stores- did you know that you can contact YKK in NZ and they’ll sell you zips?
I’ve heard that you can send them a swatch of fabric and they’ll even colour-match for you, if that’s your struggle!
The Cloud Set
The latest pattern offering from The Fabric Store is a cosy sweatsuit ensemble! The sweater has 3 views (including a hoodie and a classy funnel neck) and the pants have a jogger view (with gathered ankles) and a wide leg (right)
Thinking knits and sweaters?
Not usually one for Facebook, I’ve found quite a few bargains on french terry and t-shirt knit fabrics on the Fabric Stash From Factory (NZ only) | Facebook Facebook Group. Most things are pre-cut into metre bits but I just plan ahead for that!
If you spotted the Jeans Sewing Pattern Roundup Blog and then thought ‘fine Jess, but where do I get fabric from in NZ?!?’ …. well this blog is for you.
What kind of denim do you want? Your project will inform the weight of the fabric, the stretch (or lack of stretch) of the fabric and also whether or not you can buy narrower selvedge denim.
Shops to start your search
Miss Maude Always a good place to start your search, Miss Maude always has a lovely curated selection of fabrics, and the denim situation is no different!
Backstreet Bargains Often the first place I look, especially when I’m hunting for toile fabrics. Backstreet separates their denim offerings into stretch denim and non-stretch denim categories
Fab Fabrics The Auckland-based Fab Fabrics has frequent sales, with the codes heading out through their email newsletter. At the time of writing they had 40% off denim!
Fabric Box Want coloured denim? Fabric Box in Auckland have you covered with a large range of 9oz coloured denims (and the usual indigo denim too)
A+R Fabrics near Melbourne has a great selection of rigid and stretch denims, Maai Designs often has denim and currently has a great range of heavy drill in nice colours. Potter & Co is based in Perth and has a decent selection of denims to choose from.
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?
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.
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 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.
