We Make Sewing Patterns!
Our pattern brand Make by TFS has evolved from our desire to encourage as many people as possible to sew their own clothing slowly, a natural extension of our sustainable and ethical business values and our design-driven philosophy. We launched Make by TFS in July 2020 with a single pattern (our Lucie Robe!), and have since grown our pattern wardrobe with more than ten popular styles.
We're huge supporters of home sewing, crafts, and the #MeMade movement, and appreciate the time and care that goes into creating garments by hand. Our patterns are designed and created end-to-end by our HQ team. The full range is available in PDF format from our Online Store, as well as selected patterns in paper format both in-store and online. In our stores you'll also find samples made up in our fabrics available for each garment!
Our Pattern Range
Our intention with Make by TFS is to build a staple wardrobe of sewing patterns, featuring garments that are not only accessible and functional but also modern and stylish in their silhouette, detailing and fit. For us, sewing pattern development requires critical thinking around design elements such as a garment's comfort, fit, practical details, end fabric and paper yield, ease of customisation, and any optimisations we can make to suit the sewing ability level.
If you're planning a Make by TFS project and need a little inspiration, head over to our blog! We share fully photographed sew-alongs for each of our patterns, pattern hacks, staff makes, as well as regular colour and fabric recommendations.
Our range of patterns is growing, and we have garment options available for all sewing levels, from the newbie beginner through to the advanced sewist. Click through on each button below for pattern info and loads of photos!
Our PDF Patterns
We began Make by TFS offering our patterns only in PDF format. PDF patterns are downloadable patterns which can be printed at home on a normal domestic printer, or through your local copy shop. Our PDF pattern files are layered, to allow you to switch off the sizes you don't want to print using your PDF reader (Acrobat or Preview for example). Once you have printed, you then assemble them together with glue or sellotape, and once that's done you can use them as if they're a normal tissue pattern. The instruction booklets come in a separate file to the patterns themselves, so you don’t have to print these if you don’t want to. Some sewists like to have the instructions open on a tablet or phone, rather than printing them out!
Our Paper Patterns
Selected Make by TFS patterns are also available in paper format. We designed our paper patterns with the slow sewist in mind, and like our fabric sourcing, we've taken care to ensure that each component of the paper pattern is sourced ethically. This includes using FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper stocks, small-run booklet and pattern printing with local New Zealand suppliers, and limited edition GOTS certified organic cotton pattern bags. Our paper patterns are designed to be kept in your sewing pattern stash for life, and we think they'd also make a perfect gift for both new and seasoned sewing enthusiasts! If you're after a copy, pick one up from your nearest store or online, as our small print runs mean stock is strictly limited.
Make by TFS Sizing
Right from the start, it's been important to our team to ensure we are able to offer our Make by TFS patterns in a wide range of sizes. We're so proud that all of our patterns are offered in sizes 4-32, based on New Zealand women's sizes. This size ranges from 77cm (30.3”) – 149cm (58.7”) in the bust, 57cm (22.4”) – 131.5cm (51.8”) in the waist and 87cm (34.3”) – 159.5cm (62.8”) in the hip. All patterns are drafted for an average height of 5'7. Check out each product page for finished garment measurement charts, and the body measurements chart below.
Have a question about our Make by TFS patterns or pattern sizing?
Get in touch by emailing patterns@thefabricstore.co.nz
Please note, we are currently unable to offer our size grading/size extension service due to resource restrictions in our Head Office team. We do have selected patterns with extensions available, so please do get in touch if you are interested in this service and we will let you know if your pattern is available.
On The Blog
Starting a Make by TFS project and need a little inspo? Head over to the blog for motivation! Our blog has everything from genius pattern hacks easy enough for even the newest of sewists, through to fabric recommendations and colour inspo, to in-depth visual sew alongs for each pattern. Don't forget we LOVE seeing what you're making too! You can find us on Instagram and TikTok using #MakebyTFS