Tag: Sewing Patterns

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 Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

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).

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

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 Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

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.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

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 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 Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

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!

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

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

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

Sports Bras

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

Patterns for men

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.

The Muna and Broad Belmore Jacket
A hacked Belmore Jacket
“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Leila and I have released 4 outerwear patterns together through Muna and Broad!

Check out our Shoalhaven Shacket (left), quilted Grainger Coat (right)

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot
A Grainger Coat
A Mallee Jacket

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.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Below the Kōwhai

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

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

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!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

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

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot
“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

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

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot
“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Twig & Tale

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

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

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.

Knit tops for winter layers

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

The Tarlee T-Shirt from Muna and Broad

This tee comes with crewneck, turtleneck, short-sleeve and long-sleeve options. The curved back-seam makes it great for layering and while the largest size is a 162cm (64″) bust and 182cm (71.5″) hip, M&B will grade up to a larger size at no extra cost.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

The Concord T-Shirt

This classic tee from Cashmerette comes with multiple cup-size options and is available up to a 157.5cm (62″) bust and 157.5cm (62″) hip

The Hemlock Tee from Grainline Studios

This free pattern is available up to a 142cm (56″) bust and 150cm (59″ hip) in the plus-size pattern which runs from size 14-30

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Jennifer Lauren Handmade is a Dunedin-based pattern designer

Check out The Bronte and The Gable knit tops. Gable (left) is available with multiple cup sizes and has been expanded up to a 156.8cm (61.5″) bust and 159.5cm (62.5″) hip.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

The LB Pullover from Paper Theory

Designed to be made from both knit and woven fabrics, this dropped-shoulder top is available up to a 142cm (56″) bust and 146cm (57.5″) hip

Great for layering under other items that also have a relaxed fit, the Pullover comes with a crewneck and turtleneck option.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

The Fog Tee from The Fabric Store

This tee has boatneck, crewneck and a bonus turtleneck too. Available up to a149.5cm (58.7″) bust and 159.5cm (62.8″) hip, TFS will grade out to anyone who isn’t included in their sizes.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

The Plantain Tee

This free pattern from Deer & Doe is available up to a 116cm (45.5″) bust and (48″) 122cm hip

Free sewing pattern roundup

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

The Luna Tank from Helen’s Closet

This free tank is available from a 79-142cm (31-56″) bust!

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

The Elemental Skirt from Sew House 7

This simple, free, knit skirt is available from a 86-165cm (34-65″) hip

I’ve made this skirt and the top above this, and blogged about them on my other blog, Broad In The Seams!

The Vera Knit Top

This free pattern from Forget-me-not-patterns is available from 73-123cm (28.5-48.5″) bust

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

The Sunday V Neck from Friday Pattern Company

This free pattern is genderless and is available from a 97-150cm (34-57″) hip

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

The Loden Sweater from Dressmakers’ Guild

This free sweater pattern is designed with boiled wool in mind and is available from 77-142cm bust and 85-150cm hip

Hemlock Tee

This free tee pattern from Grainline Studios is available from 81-142cm (32-56″) bust

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

The Pocket Skirt from Peppermint Mag

This free skirt pattern was designed by Tara from Paper Theory and is available from 60-121cm (24-47.5″) waist and 86-146cm (34-57.5″) hip

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

The Jumpsuit from Rational Dress Society

This free pattern comes in a variety of styles and fits in order to cover a lot of bodies and genders.

I’ve had more success using the size charts than using their sizing calculator, but haven’t actually made the jumpsuit yet!

Other free sewing patterns

Jalie has a free roll neck top (like a boxy turtleneck) for women and children

Peppermint Magazine has a large selection of free patterns, many of the recent ones have been designed by pattern designers Elbe Textiles, In The Folds, Paper Theory, etc.

Fibremood has the free Francis top (an elastic cuffed top)

Sie Macht has the free Cass T-Shirt

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!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

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.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

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.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

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

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

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

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

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

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot
“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot
“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

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

Want to get printing?

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

Sewing with fold-over elastic

You might have spotted that I’ve started stocking a selection of fold-over elastic in a few different widths.

FOE makes super-comfie undies, but it can also be used for other sewing projects!

Bras and Bralettes

Cartesian Crop from Sophie Hines is available up to 127cm bust

The Black Beauty Bra from Emerald Erin is available up to a 40G

The Banksia Bralette from Muna and Broad is available from a 97-162cm bust

The Fierce Bra from Pattern 4 Pirates is available up to a 154.2cm bust and also comes in child sizes.

Eye masks & accessories

Dyadic Eyemask from Sophie Hines uses fold-over elastic but makes the straps customisable!

The Ultimate Sleep Mask from Ohhh Lulu Lingerie uses fold-over elastic for a comfortable strap.

Velo Knit Run Bike Cap from The Last Stitch is perhaps not especially seasonal for us here in NZ right now, but might be good for cycling on chilly mornings

Camisoles & Singlets

The pattern bonus of the Julia Tank from Seamwork makes straps from fold-over elastic. The Julia is available up to a 137cm bust and 147cm hip

The Go Shorties & Cami from Madeit Patterns is available up to a 112cm bust and 120cm hip

The Tropo Camisole from Tuesday Stitches is available up to a 132cm high bust and 139.5cm hip

The Wonder Unders from Scroop Patterns bundles up an undies and camisole pattern, which is available up to 112cm bust and 137.5cm hip

Undies

The Ava High-Waisted Panties from Ohhh Lulu Lingerie are available up to a 112cm hip

The Kapunda Undies from Muna and Broad are available from a 105-182cm hip

The Median Knickers from Sophie Hines is available up to a 144cm hip

The super basic underpants from Halfmoon Atelier is available up to a 170cm hip

The Waratah Undies and Period Undies from Muna and Broad is available from a 105-182cm hip

Arccoss Undies from Sophie Hines are available up to 134cm hip

Other project ideas

You can also use fold-over elastic for swimwear (especially if you mostly swim at the beach), and for no-sew projects like hair ties. Fold-over elastic can also be used for homemade face-masks!

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 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.

Sewing for men

Today we’re rounding up sewing patterns for men! Some of the patterns below are free (or pretty close to free), and they’ve been sorted by style (accessories, patterns for woven fabric, underwear, then patterns for knit fabric ).

Do you have some Tried-and-True PDF patterns for men that aren’t listed here? Let us know in the comments!

Accessories

The Sorrento Bucket Hat from Elbe Textiles is a great pattern for scrap-busting!

The Desmond Roll Top pack from Taylor Tailor features a zipper pocket on the front for small bits, and two slip-in pockets on the sides. It’s fully-lined, and there’s optional open top pockets on the inside.

Woven Patterns

The Gosling Shirt from Mimi G Style is a slim-fit shirt with great features.

The Cornell Shirt from Elbe Textiles is a gender-free pattern with a drop shoulders and a classic grandpa collar.

The Ilford Jacket from Friday Pattern Company is a gender-free pattern with two length options and sleeve options too.

The Trigg Shorts from Elbe Textiles are above-the-knee shorts in two lengths. They’ve got an elastic waistband (for comfort), a drawstring, side pockets and a back patch pocket (for stuff).

Underwear

The Comox Trunks from Thread Theory are form-fitting undies with no center back seam.

If you have different underwear preferences, Jalie patterns also has the Gerald undies and long undies for boys and men.

Woven Boxer Shorts from 5 out of 4 Patterns features a 3-panel back and flat-felled seams, for ultimate comfort.

Knit Patterns

The Men’s Hudson Pants from True Bias has a slightly dropped-crotch and a skinny-ish leg. Comfie enough for lounging, but could also be worn out.

The Sayward Raglan from Thread Theory is a classic raglan tee with long-sleeve and bicep-length sleeve options.

The Men’s Daily Tee from The Wolf and The Tree is available up to a 4XL, or 60″ (152cm) chest

The Westbrook Tee from Mimi G looks like it would be a great scrap-buster with those center-front and center-back seams.

The Arrowsmith Undershirt from Thread Theory is a free pattern that can be worn as an undershirt or as a summer singlet, if that’s your scene.

The Carmanah Sweater from Thread Theory is a zippered sweater which comes in a couple of views- a half-zip and full zip-through.2

Want to get printing?

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