Here’s a collection of gifts that might be appropriate for your dad? I don’t know him, so it’s tough for me to say. Perhaps they’d be good patterns for you to sew for yourself?
Tag: Sewing Patterns
Scrap-Busting sewing patterns
Since it’s the middle of November (and therefore practically Christmas), I’ve rounded up a few patterns for scrap-busting, many of which would make great gifts!
More free sew-able gift ideas
Here’s a short & cheerful post with 10 free sewing patterns which could be good for Christmas. Also check out this recent post!

Mood, bike satchel
Pie carrier bag
This pie carrier bag is a simple and quick project which will give you the perfect way to carry tasty treats to a picnic!
Will fit 15″x9″ rectangle dish, a 10″ square dish, a 10″ pie dish, a 10″ wide salad bowl with decently high sides, and a 10″ wide casserole dish with a lid (overall height of 6″)

Giftable sewing projects for kids
If you’re thinking ahead to Christmas too, here’s a roundup of free sewing patterns which would make great gifts for the small humans in your life!

Little Cat Friends Bag from Below the Kōwhai
20 free Christmas gift patterns
It’s almost that time of the year! That time of the year where I think I should be a bit more selfless and sew more handmade gifts! Here’s a roundup of free sewing patterns which would make great gifts!
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?
- Summer sewing from Aotearoa
- Lovely NZ Sewing Patterns
- New-ish from NZ
- Autumn sewing from Aotearoa designers
- Full list of NZ-based sewing pattern designers

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).


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.

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.


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.

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.

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.

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.

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?
- Shirts, shirts, shirts
- Free sewing patterns
- Sewing with fold-over elastic
- Sewing swimwear
- Sewing for men
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
Sewing Sleepwear
Everyone has different needs with their sleepwear! Some folks like knits, some folks love a classic piped PJ, some folks want a nightgown (if this is you, I feel like you’re in the minority because no patterns turned up, sorry).
Sleepwear is a constant need throughout the year, but I inevitably think more about it as we get closer to Christmas (maybe because I always feel like you should have new and extra-presentable sleepwear for Christmas Day?)!

The Spinifex PJs and Medlow Robe from Muna and Broad
Available in the standard M&B range of 102-162cm bust and 105-182cm hip, these patterns bring ‘classic sleepwear’ and add comfort and functionality for plus-size bodies.


The aptly named Free Pyjamas Pattern from The Assembly Line is available from 80-138cm bust and 91-139cm hip

The Lucy Robe from Make by TFS is available from 79.5-149.5cm bust and 89.5-159.5cm hip and TFS will grade to your size if you fall outside of their size range.

The free Loungewear Set from Peppermint Sewing Magazine is available from 78-123cm bust and 87-132cm hip and can be downloaded in return for your email address on their website.

The Agnes PJs from Paper Theory
Available from 80-142 cm bust and 86-146cm hip, the Agnes come with short and pants-length options.


The Pine Cove Pajamas from Itch to Stitch are available from 79-152.5cm bust and 84-157.5cm hip
These unique PJs have a wrap-front!
Are you more vintage inspired and want more glamour in your home wear? Check out these PDF downloads of vintage loungewear patterns.

The Carolyn Pajama from Closet Core Patterns is available from 79-117cm bust and 84-122cm hip
These traditional-look PJs bring the notched collar, breast pocket and piped details that are synonymous with classic PJs!

The Compose Robe from Love Notions is available from 84-146cm bust and 90-151cm hip
With 2 length options, and an option for a hood, the pattern comes with a bonus hair wrap pattern

Not strictly sleepwear, the Dyadic Eyemask from Sophie Hines upgrades the usual eyemask patterns and gives you something with adjustable elastic!
Also check out the collection of sleepwear from StyleArc!
On the hunt for men?
– PJ bottoms from Thread Theory
– Knit PJs 2-piece from Sew A Little Seam (free)
– Onesie from 5 out of 4 patterns
– Unisex PJs bottoms from Wardrobe for Me
– Unisex PJs bottoms from PfP (free)
– Traditional PJs from Rebecca Page
– Matching set of onesies for the family
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
- Loxton Leggings from Muna and Broad, 105-182cm (41.5-71.5″) hip
- Avery Leggings from Helen’s Closet, 84-157cm (33-62″) hip
- Peg Legs from P4Pirates (Free Pattern), 86-162cm (34-64″) hip
- Tino (pictured above) from Seamwork, 86-147cm (34-58″) hip
- Monica Pants from StyleArc, 83-154cm (32.6-61″) hip
- Cavallo Leggings from Greenstyle, 81-157cm (32-62″) hip
- Cora Tights from Jalie, 56-135cm (22-53″) hip
- Aila Leggings from Last Stitch, 90-127cm (35.5-50″) hip
- Belmont Leggings from Cashmerette, 107-157cm (42-62″) hip
- Sloan Legging from Hey June Handmade, 86-114cm (34-45″) hip
- Sports Leggings from Grasser, 84-112cm (33-49″) hip

Sports Bras
- Coco Sports Bra from Jalie, 53-130cm (21-51″) bust (pictured)
- Classic Sports Bra from P4P, 76-152cm (30-60″) bust
- Embrace Sports Bra from Greenstyle, 76-154cm (30-61″) bust
- Serena Crop Top from Sew Swimmingly, 83-117cm (33-46″) bust
- You could also amp up the powermesh and use swim tops for bralettes- check out some options here.


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
- Kennedy Hooded Top and Steffi Jacket from StyleArc, 77-148cm (30-58″) bust
- Maxime Jacket from Jalie, 53-130cm (21-51″) bust
- BORÉALE from Studio Calicot, 79-104cm (31-41″) bust
- Wheaton Windbreaker from Hey June, 84-147cm (33-58″) bust
- Hawthorn Jacket (free pattern, pictured)) from Mood, 82-147cm (32-58″) bust
- Jacques Rainjacket from I Am, 76-114cm (30-45″) bust


Patterns for men
- Jalie (Specialist sports patterns & athleisure)
- Fehre Trade (specialist sports, pictured above)
- Shelby Outdoor (specialists outdoor)
- Wardrobe By Me (athleisure)
- Pattern for Pirates (athleisure)
- Greenstyle (athleisure)
- Seattle Fabrics (cold weather gear)
- Selfmade (athleisure)
- Grasser (outerlayers)
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.



Leila and I have released 4 outerwear patterns together through Muna and Broad!
Check out our Shoalhaven Shacket (left), quilted Grainger Coat (right)


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.

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


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!

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


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


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

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.