NZ Businesses Archives

New from NZ

Are you up-to-date on the latest patterns from NZ-based sewing pattern companies? Here’s some very fresh home-grown goodness.

See the full list of NZ Sewing Pattern Designers here or check out all my posts which round up different patterns from local designers here.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Alistra Dress

The Alistra Dress is the latest pattern from Muna and Broad and the colourblock view is available to M&B Patreon Insiders & Makers.

‘The Alistra Dress is a body skimming, long sleeved column dress designed for larger bodies.’

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

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.’

Lilo Dress

The Lilo Dress from My Keeper

‘The sweetest dress you’ll ever own.’

Paint Dress + Top

The Paint Dress + Top from Make by The Fabric Store

[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 and A4 from $.15 per page

Recent pattern printing

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.

Bottom weight fabric?

Check out my blogpost on ‘Shopping denim in NZ‘ and check out the range of Canvas & Drills at The Fabric Box in Auckland and the canvas selection at Backstreet Bargains.

Millicent Dress

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.

Not your size? More shirts!

Marlo Sweater

The Marlo Sweater from True Bias is available in a standard size range and larger size range (up to 151cm (59.5″) hip

I’ve printed quite a few of these recently, so it must be sweater weather here in NZ!

Alida Skirt

The Alida Skirt from Fibremood is available up to ??

Man, it’s hard to find info on the Fibremood website and life is short. Cool pattern though!

Ora Pinafore

The Ora Pinafore from Australian-based Soften Studio has a sadly small size range, going up to a Size 18 or 119cm (46.8″) hip

This relatively new pattern company has some great patterns so fingers crossed for a future size expansion

Robin Dress

The Robin Dress from Liam by Ruby (NZ-based designer) is available up to 155cm (61″) hip.

This slim-fit bias dress has a few neckline options and length options and is designed for woven fabrics.

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

New-ish from NZ

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.

For extra summer protection, RUBY has a free bucket hat pattern available!

The Gracie Wrap

The Gracie Wrap Bundle from The Bold One comes with oodles of customisation options including different sleeves, different necklines, etc.

Luna Lounge Set

The Luna Lounge Set from Jennifer Lauren Handmade has heaps of pattern options for woven loungewear!

Want more local designs?

Melba Dress

The Melba Dress from Muna and Broad is a simple, relaxed dress made with warm weather in mind

Weiland Tank

The Weiland Tank from Elbe Textiles is a cropped tank with a built-in shelf bra

This has made the roundup becauseI’m counting Lauren from Elba Textiles as an honorary NZer, since she did live in Christchurch for a while.

Eadie Top

The Eadie Top from Hubba Ding has dropped shoulders and a ruffle between the bodice and sleeve.

More warm weather sewing inspo?

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

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!

Sewing Patterns, made in Aotearoa

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

Forget-me-not Patterns

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.

Hubba Ding

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.

Jennifer Lauren Handmade

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.

Makyla Creates
This new-to-me sewing pattern business which makes modern boho-style sewing patterns for women.

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

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.

Twig and Tale

This NZ-based pattern company makes whimsical sewing patterns for kids and a variety of patterns for adult men and women.

Cosy Autumn Sewing

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!

Want more pattern ideas?

Belemnite Dress

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)

Miss Maude has some with great patterned double gauze. For bargain prices, Backstreet Bargains has a lovely wedgewood blue double muslin, and The Fabric Shop in Otara has some lovely colours for $12 p/m. For Fabrics Sake also has some lovely colour options.

The Teddy Dress

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.

Muna and Broad

The Hexham Dress and the quilted Grainger Coat from Muna and Broad

Quilted fabric in NZ

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.

You can get quilted-ish jacquard from Merchant & Mills at Miss Maude and Revology. Nick’s Fabric also has black pre-quilted fabric with an unusual quilting pattern.

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.

Twig & Tale

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

Hove Jacket

The Hove Jacket from Aussie-based In The Folds has a great look and a hood! If you love the hem and pockets, you might also like the Flynn Jacket.

Bottom-weight fabrics?

The two jackets from In The Folds call for bottom weight fabrics (think canvas, drill, etc).

Check out this blog post on shopping denim in NZ, the selection of ‘bottom weight’ fabrics at Auckland-based Fabric Box, the canvas selection at Backstreet Bargains.

The Kimball Bomber Jacket

from Cashmerette

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!

Also check out this loopback sweatshirting from Nick’s Fabrics which is a bargain price! Fable Fabrics stocks a very cute selection of sweater knits (including some of those cute euro prints)! The Fabric Shop in Otara has a range of printed sweat fabrics (at toile prices).

As always, my list of NZ fabric shops is a good place to start.

The Adeline wrap dress and top

from Forget-Me-Not Patterns is a lovely option for cooler weather!

The Reznor Skirt

The Reznor Skirt from Elbe Textiles desperately wants to be layered over tights for chilly weather.

Want to get printing?

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

Shopping Denim in NZ

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)

Shops with less selection

The Fabric Store has a small selection of denim fabrics (including Liberty denim), as does Moreland Fabrics. The Fabric Shop in Otara has some excellently cheap selvedge denim, and Nick’s Fabrics has an interesting stretch denim that’s a different colour on each side. Drapers Fabric always stocks selvedge denim, and Revology has 2 lovely Merchant & Mills denims which have a great texture.

Across the ditch?

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.

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?

The Nullarbor Cami

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).

The Ella Skirt

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.

The Farris Jumpsuit

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.

The Robin Dress

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.

The Teddy Dress

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.

The Tia Dress

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.

The Camille Top

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.

The Block Tee

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.

The Tipa Dungarees

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?

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Trish Newbery is a NZ-based pattern designer who has some unique patterns!

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet and A4 from $.15 per page

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 Chloe Pantsuit and Playsuit from Liam Patterns is available from a 76-126cm (30-49.5″) bust and 88-138cm (34.5-54″) hip but they will grade the pattern to your size if you fall outside of their current size range.

The August Skirt from Make, by The Fabric Store is available from a 57-131.5cm (22.4-51.8″) waist and 87-159.5cm (34.3-62.8″) hip and if you fall outside of their size range, they’ll grade the pattern to your size at no extra cost.

The Camille Top from Makyla Creates is available from 77-121cm (30-47.5″) bust and 87-131cm (34-51.5″) hip

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 and A4 from $.15 per page