Sewing Patterns 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

Sweatshirt storm

It’s been chilly down here in the South Island- the perfect time to sew a sweatshirt! I whipped up a matching set over the easter long weekend (peep them here), and realised that I’d never given you a roundup of all the sweaters living in my head!

Blueprints for Sewing

The Stadium (left in green) and the Geodesic (right in orange), both are available up to a 60″ (152.4cm) bust and 61″ (154.9cm) hip.

I recently made a Stadium and used the included lettering templates to add some merino felt lettering to the front of my sweater. The felt came from The Felt Factory (here in NZ) and you can watch some of my process here.

Talvikki Sweater

The Named Clothing Talvikki Sweater is an elevated funnel with a high-low hem which is available up to a 50″ (128cm) bust and 53.5″ (142cm) hip.

Delicious ponte in NZ?

Ponte or ponti de roma fabric is a soft and sturdy double-knit material which can make for an excellently elevated sweater. Usually with great structure and quite resistant to pilling, it’s most often found in polyester form. You can occasionally find ponte which is mostly rayon/viscose, or sometimes even the holy grail of ponte: wool ponte!

Black merino ponte from The Merino Collective
Black merino ponte from The Fabric Store (TFS)s
Patterned rayon ponte from The Fabric Shop in Otara
Patterned ponte from Backstreet Bargains
Rayon blend ponte from For Fabrics Sake
Other ponte from TFS

Jocko Pullover

The Ready To Sew Jocko Pullover has a similar high-low hem to the Talvikki but with a few different neckline options.

It’s available up to a 48″ (143cm) bust and 50″ hip (129cm)

Maggi

The Melilot patterns Maggi Unisex Sweater is a raglan sleeve sweater which is available up to a 62″ (158cm) bust (same in hip since this is a straight-up-and-down Unisex design)1

Sweatshirting in NZ?

I’m never not hunting for natural fibre sweatshirting in NZ, and I’m a bit of a purist- I really don’t want any polyester in my sweatshirting. If that sounds like you, then here’s some links for you!

Cotton sweatshirting from TFS
Sweatshirtings and matching ribs from Valley Threads
Khaki French Terry from The Fabric Box
Camel Sweatshirting (on Sale) from Drapers Fabrics
French Terry from Miss Maude
French Terry with great prints from Fable Fabrics
Sweatshirting (various prices and compositions) from Backstreet Bargains
French Terry from For Fabrics Sake

Most of my sweater knits from from the Fabric Stash from factory NZ Facebook page. I can’t link you to specific fabrics because limited pre-cut fabrics get launched Monday-Wednesday each week. There’s not always sweater knits, but when it comes it comes all at once.

Enid Sweater

The Jennifer Lauren Handmade Enid Sweater is designed to look like a cute vintage knitted sweater, but which will be much faster to make!

The Enid is available up to a 49″ (124.5cm) bust and 53″ (134.5cm) hip

More Sweaters

LB Pullover from Paper Theory (up to 57.5″ (146cm) hip)
Cloud Sweater from Make by TFS (up to 62.8″ (159.5cm) hip)
Marlo Sweater from True Bias (up to 59.5″ (151cm) hip)
Toaster Sweater from Sew House 7 (up to 64″ (163cm) 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

Dupe this #5

In which I find RTW garments and recommend patterns and/or fabrics to duplicate it!

The dupe in this means duplicate rather than to be tricked by. Although, I suppose if the pattern and fabric match I recommend is a good enough match then you might trick people into thinking you purchased this exact look, thereby duping them?

Maybe it works both ways! You can catch episode 4, episode 3, episode 2 and episode 1 on the blog.

Dupe the fabric

If you’ve been on the ChCh sews email newsletter you’ll know that I LOVE finding garments made from fabrics I’ve seen online.

I spotted these dresses that are made with silk check from TFS and shared them in the Dupe This #3 post.

Since then, I’ve spotted even more RTW garments that use it! I really like it as a shirt- especially the relaxed camp collar paired with silk! If you’re looking for shirt recommendations check out all my shirt roundups! I would dupe this with my go-to Waikerie Shirt but you could also use Helen’s Closet’s Gilbert Top.

The silk top above has a knit neckline, so it’s kind of like a woven t-shirt. Dupe it with Merchant and Mills’ woven Tee Shirt pattern (which has a knit neck) or skip the casual neck with a woven shell top like Cashmerette’s Montrose Top or Grainline’s Scout Tee.

I’ve made a point to include some pointelle since I’ve been seeing a lot of it popping up recently. OTY Fabrics in NZ has some cute pointelle fabric and there’s a $12 per metre merino with subtle pinholes from Nick’s Fabrics in Auckland.

Dupe this look with the Cashmerette Fuller Cardigan or the Juniper Cardigan from Jennifer Lauren Handmade.

A swingy t-shirt dress is a great choice for cool weather layering

I would dupe this look with a lengthened Hexham Dress, but TFS Mabel Dress would also be a great choice.

Perfect for winter in merino, in NZ I search Nick’s Fabrics, The Fabric Shop Otara, and Backstreet Bargains first when I’m hunting for NZ-based options.

I have recently fallen into an internet rabbit hole of summer striped shirts or dresses (this pinterest board will attest).

TFS have a great selection of striped shirtings, including this chocolate and white stripe which may well be an exact match for this shirt.

I would dupe this with the Muna and Broad Tarawi Shirt, but TAL Oversized Shirt or the Grainline Archer Shirt.

Are you sensing the cosy theme to this post yet?

This cotton/linen blend is $35 for 5metres and would make a lovely loungewear/PJs set.

Check out my roundup of PJs here.

It’s getting towards cosy time and if you’re not keen for a self-quilting extravaganza then you can duplicate this quilted outer with pre-quilted fabric!

Maai Designs in Aus has some lovely colourful options, but at $15 per metre, this black pre-quilted fabric from Nick’s in Auckland is a great choice too.

For patterns, check out my roundup of quilted patterns here.

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

Autumnal sewing

Mornings are getting chillier down here in Christchurch, and there’s pears and apples and walnuts falling almost everywhere on my daily jaunts out-and-about with the dog. What a great time to roundup some autumn-inspired blog posts from years past!

Big Pocket Patterns

I purposefully mention nature’s bounty as we head into autumn- I keep finding blackberries and walnuts on my walks, but you really do need some big pockets (and several of them) to capture everything.

Roundup of big pocket patterns

Other roundups you might like

Quilted Jackets

What better time of the year to be quilting an outer layer?! The project will keep you cosy while you’re sewing it and then you’ll be wearing it in time for winter!

Cosy fabric in NZ

It’s always a good time to remind you about my list of online shops in NZ where you can buy garment fabric!

Shackets

Will the shacket still be the perfect look for this winter? Even if they’re not in the shops, they can still be on your body through the power of sewing!

Roundup of shacket patterns

Chore Jackets

Keep cosy with a workwear vibe! I’ve rounded up some great chore jacket patterns here.

Want free sewing patterns?

That’s probably as juicy and link-filled as a blog post can get!

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

Roundup of roundups

Hello lovely ChCh sews makers! It’s the perfect time of the year for roundups of roundups!

Below are some links to my previous blog posts which feature giftable sewing projects- lots of inspiration and plenty of fodder for scrolling!

Free giftable pattern roundups

Other giftable pattern roundups

Some of the patterns in these roundups are free, some are not!

Giftable Projects

I’m on a sewing roundup kick and today I’ve got some more giftable sewing patterns… All of these would also make great self-gifts (that’s where you just make them for yourself…. my favourite kind of gifting)!

The Apreon

This cross-back apron comes in Small Child (3-8yrs), Smaller Adult, and the usual Muna and Broad size range (up to 71.5″ hip)

Roll Top Fanny Pack

This Roll Top Fanny Pack from Proper Fit Clothing has lots of thoughtful details. If I’d found it earlier, I might have included it in my Sewing for the outdoors pattern roundup.

A dressing gown

Perfect in a variety of fabrics, and with free enough sizing that it’s possible to take a punt on a size that’s close enough for someone, a dressing gown in gorgeous fabric makes for a luxurious gift!

The Medlow Robe from Muna and Broad (41.5-71.5″ hip**)
The Lucie Robe from The Fabric Store (35.2-62.8″ hip**)
Free Fleur Robe from Mood Sewciety
The Whitlow Robe from In The Folds (33-72.5″ hip)
The Veronik Robe from Closet Core (33-63″ hip)
The Hooded compose Robe from Love Notions (35.5-59.5″ hip)

** Both M&B and TFS will grade their patterns up if their size range is too small to include you.

Guro bag

The Guro back from Melilot Patterns looks like a bag that would start conversations on the street!

The gift of sleepwear

How much do you like this person? If it’s A LOT, or if it’s you, then perhaps some PJs?

Find the roundup of PJs here!

Napkins

A great use for leftover linen from projects, this tutorial steps you through fancy mitred corner napkins!

Sun hats

Perhaps at another time in the year there can be a roundup of hats to keep you warm, but for now, here’s some hats to keep you sun smart.

Remember- no hat, no play!

Serpentine Hat from Elbe Textiles
Sorrento Bucket Hat from Elbe Textiles
Sunni Hat from Melilot
Lucent Visor from Pattern Fantastique
Sulis Hat from Pattern Fantastique
Hat pack from Papercut Patterns
Free Sunny Hat from Twig and Tale
Free The Bucket Hat from Merchant & Mills
Nola reversible sun hat from Trish Newberry
Safari and Bucket Hat from Wardrobe by Me

Pet hoodie

Who wouldn’t want a hoodie for their dog?

Want more roundups?

Check out the ‘Roundup of roundups‘ post that lists all the posts on the blog that include giftable projects!

Free simple zipper pouches

I’m love a cute little zipper bag, and this free tutorial steps you through sewing up a fully-lined zipper pouch

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

Free giftable projects

It’s that time of year where I feel a need to compile lists of projects that I’ll likely never sew… But maybe I will!

Here are 12 free sewing patterns or free sewing tutorials which will leave you with a giftable product at the end! You can even gift them to yourself…

Free bucket hat pattern from Liam by Ruby

Wine tote

Perfect for summer picnics, the ChCh sews wine tote!

Free tote bag from Mood Sewciety

Free Lil’ pouch sewing pattern from Liam by Ruby

This is part of their series of scrapbusting patterns which are perfect for your fabric leftovers.

Free tutorial for reusable makeup remover squares

Scrap busting and also a sustainably minded gift? What could be better or easier!

The free Pear Pouch from Sarah Kirsten

Free mini fabric basket tutorial

Free soup bowl cosy tutorial

I have 2 of these and I’m surprised by the amount of use that they get! Even if I’m eating at the table, I use my cosy to protect my fingers on the way to the table!

Free Storage Boxes

Store your fabric in fabric with this free storage boxes tutorial from The Fabric Store.

Reusable flower tote tutorial

Felt bag organiser from Mood Sewciety

Pie carrier

Need to transport food this summer? The ChCh sews pie carrier bag could be for you!

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

Sewing for the outdoors

You can love an indoor pursuit like sewing and also enjoy the great outdoors. But, you can also be an inside cat and sew for the folks in your life who love the outdoors! Are there some goodies in here that are perfect for gifting? Absolutely!

There’s a mix of free and paid patterns in here- if they’re free, it’s specifically stated!

Downpour Drybags

This drybag pattern from Sew Outdoors comes with 10 different sizes of dry bags!

This relatively new sewing pattern company even makes some great suggestions here on what outdoor accoutrements will fit into each size bag.

Wood Carrier

This Wood Carrier Pattern from Noodlehead looks like a very straightforward pattern where you can sink your teeth into hefty fabrics and webbings.

Cycling Hat

This free tutorial steps you through sewing a cycling hat

Activewear?

Are you (or are they) the kind of outdoors person who appreciates activewear? Checkout the roundup of Activewear Sewing Patterns on the blog, which also includes a list of some places where you can buy activewear and outdoors fabric in NZ.

The Stitchback LP

The Stitchback LP looks super outdoorsy but also looks like the kind of pattern which is just asking to be made from primary colours!

Free waterproof backpack cover tutorial from ChCh sews!

Fanny Pack

This free fanny pack comes from Bike Packing comes with pattern pieces for easy cutting out!

Camping Hammock

Pretty high up on the things I’d never though one could sew for themselves… is this free tutorial for a DIY camping hammock

Stitchback Chalk Bag

The Stitchback Chalk Bag is intended for climbing dust… but I see it and think ‘snacks’! Fill it full of dog treats for walkies, or snacks for yourself!

Running Armband Pocket

Grab the free running armband pocket from Fehr Trade!

Woodhaven Apron

The Woodhaven Apron from Thread Theory has lots of different options, including all the pocket shapes that bring the look of serious workwear.

Comfortable, yet rugged.

Helen’s Closet has a free apron pattern which you can access here.

Balaclava

This Balaclava pattern from Grasser (one of several different pattern options)

Camp Ditty Bag

This free Camp Ditty Bag Pattern gave such a goreous final product that it didn’t really matter that I had no idea what a ditty bag was for!

Apparently it’s a small bag for your personal effects and important bits (like if you’re a scout), and the idea is that you keep things in one place close at hand.

Trail wallet

This free trail wallet pattern is designed for carrying only the essentials!

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

Bags to sew

It’s the time of the year where I start to think about sewing projects for other people! So, in honour of that, here’s 10 bag patterns or free tutorials for you!

Free zippered dopp kit tutorial

Free Wide Open Coin Purse Sewing Tutorial

Free drawstring bucket tote tutorial

The Buckley Tote from Elbe Textiles

At $5, this bag is a bargain! Fully-lined with internal pockets, the great instructions make this perfect for a confident beginner.

Free canvas lunch bag tutorial

Free drawstring bag tutorial

Le Sac Banane

A riff on the classic bumbag,

The Portside Travel Set

Who can be mad at a matching travel set?

Free wrap pocket tote tutorial

This simple tote pattern uses bias tape to add a colourful edge around the bag

The Sandhill Sling

This cute sling bag is perfect for the daily commute or as a tidy travel bag.

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

Dupe this 4

Hello and welcome to Dupe This, episode 4, you can catch episode 3, episode 2 and episode 1 on the blog.

If you’ve read these Dupe posts before then you know they’re really just an excuse for me to dump a heap of info all in one place, and also a thing I use to justify how I’m always looking to find the exact fabric that has been used to make clothes!

In this episode, I also tell you where to find double gauze in NZ and drop some links to what might be new-to-you fabric stores!

Duplicate these looks

The Matilda Dress from Cool Stitches would be a lovely dupe for this summery dress.

Pair it with washer cotton from The Fine Cloth Company, or shirting from Fabric Box in Auckland.

Dupe this cornflower blue silk top with the Barons Dress from Daughter Judy Patterns or the LB Pullover from Paper Theory.

Cornflower silk from The Fine Cloth Company would be a great match but I also recommend Fab Fabrics, who frequently has 40% off their silk if you’re an email newsletter subscriber.

I love this dramatic sleeve on a simple shape (here’s evidence and here’s even more evidence)! You could use the Muna and Broad Torrens Box Top like I did or the ZW Soft Blouse from Birgitta Helmersson with a double gauze fabric (sometimes called double muslin).

Double gauze in NZ?

Here’s a little list of places that I’ve spotted with double gauze, ordered vaguely by price, from lowest to highest.

Replicate this pleated floral skirt with this fabric from Fab Fabrics and the free vintage-style skirt from Peppermint Magazine or the 3 Pleat Skirt from Assembly Line Patterns..

Or for a bright fabric, this palm leaf linen, this blush tropical linen or this bright blue daisy print on cotton lawn.

Use the Belemnite Dress from Marilla Walker and silk crepe de chine from Hawes and Freer in Auckland or the silk cdc from The Fine Cloth Company in Wellington to replicate this sage green dress.

For a cheaper fabric, a tencel twill from The Fabrics Shop in Otara could work.

Use the Bakerloo Blouse with added tiers with a cotton voile or lovely crisp cotton lawn.

This organic shirting or this organic voile from Hawes and Freer would be nice as would this Japanese shirting from Nick’s. Narrow down the poplin and lawn shirtings by colour at Miss Maude.

I definitely think the Muna and Broad Atrax Top is a great dupe for this but the StyleArc Esme, Forget-Me-Not Sylvie, and True Bias Nikko also have similarities.

The best fabric match would be one of the earthy shades from Fable Fabrics, but it would also look lovely in a merino from Nick’s or even in a brown striped knit from Morelands.

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Joan’s Fabrics in Auckland has a similarly bright floral from Fabric Godmother to replicate this shirt on Rose Matafeo as does Harmer and Huff.

The pattern looks like a shirt with a set-in sleeve and a scarf tied like a pussy bow.

Want shirt sewing patterns?

You know I love to find an exact fabric for you!

Fab Fabrics has this exact print but in white and red and this fabric has similar monochromatic line drawing vibes if the monochrome is your deal.

The Lena Shift or the June Sheath, both from StyleArc, could be great fits.

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