Direct Sewing Now Offers Fabric by the Metre: Discover Our Growing New Zealand Fabric Collection

Every great sewing project begins with two things: the right idea and the right fabric.

For more than two decades, Direct Sewing has helped New Zealand makers find the sewing machines, cutting tools, threads, needles and specialist equipment needed to bring their ideas to life.

Now, we are taking the next natural step.

Direct Sewing is proud to introduce fabric by the metre, beginning with a carefully selected range of 100% cotton New Zealand-inspired fabrics from Nutex Native Treasures.

Our first collection celebrates the colours, wildlife and visual character of Aotearoa, with designs featuring fantails, tūī, kererū, kiwi, native foliage, pōhutukawa, paua-inspired patterns, koru motifs and dramatic botanical prints.

This is only the beginning. We will continue adding new designs, colours and fabric styles as the Direct Sewing fabric department grows.

Why Direct Sewing Is Introducing Fabric by the Metre

Fabric has always been at the centre of sewing.

A machine may create the stitch and thread may hold the project together, but the fabric determines how the finished piece looks, feels, drapes and performs.

Our customers already visit Direct Sewing for sewing machines, overlockers, quilting machines, cutting equipment, scissors, needles, thread, stabilisers and expert advice. Introducing fabric by the metre allows us to support even more of the creative journey in one place.

It also gives our team the opportunity to build a fabric collection with a clear purpose rather than simply filling shelves.

We want to offer fabrics that are:

• Good quality and enjoyable to sew
• Suitable for practical, achievable projects
• Easy to coordinate with commonly used threads and tools
• Relevant to New Zealand makers
• Distinctive enough to inspire a new project
• Supported by knowledgeable local service

Our first collection reflects that approach with versatile cotton fabrics that can be used across quilting, patchwork, craft sewing, bags, cushions, home décor and many other projects.

Beginning with New Zealand-Inspired Cotton Fabrics

The first Direct Sewing fabric-by-the-metre range comes from Nutex Native Treasures.

Nutex is a long-established New Zealand fabric supplier known for patchwork, quilting and novelty fabrics, including collections developed around New Zealand wildlife, landscapes and visual culture.

These designs allow makers to create projects that feel recognisably connected to Aotearoa without being restricted to traditional souvenir-style sewing.

Some prints are bright and playful. Others are subtle, botanical or dramatic. The collection includes both feature fabrics that can become the focus of a project and supporting designs that can be combined with plains, blenders and complementary prints.

Each standard fabric in the current collection is made from 100% cotton and is sold by the metre, allowing you to order the amount required for your project.

Why 100% Cotton Is Such a Popular Sewing Fabric

Cotton is one of the most widely used fabrics in quilting and everyday creative sewing because it offers a practical balance of structure, softness and ease of handling.

Unlike slippery or highly stretchable materials, quilting cotton generally remains stable while being measured, cut, pinned and sewn. This makes it approachable for newer sewers while still providing the accuracy experienced quilters and makers require.

Quality cotton fabric also presses cleanly, holds seams well and allows detailed prints to remain crisp and visible.

It is particularly useful for:

• Patchwork quilts
• Quilted wall hangings
• Cushions and pillow covers
• Tote bags and project bags
• Table runners and placemats
• Bunting and decorations
• Fabric baskets and organisers
• Aprons and light craft garments
• Book covers and zippered pouches
• Children’s craft and learning projects

The finished result will always depend on the project, interfacing, batting, lining and construction method used, but a stable cotton fabric gives you an excellent starting point.

Meet the Birds of Aotearoa

Native birds are some of the most recognisable subjects in New Zealand fabric design, and the Direct Sewing collection includes several different interpretations.

Fantail Fabric

Nutex Native Treasures Fantail Fabric features charming pīwakawaka among soft pink blossoms and leafy branches on a fresh blue background.

The design has plenty of movement without feeling overly busy, making it suitable for cushions, bags, quilt blocks, table runners, fabric baskets and decorative projects.

The combination of blue, pink, white and green also provides several easy starting points when choosing coordinating fabrics or thread colours.

Tūī and Pōhutukawa Fabric

Tūī and Pōhutukawa Navy brings together two familiar New Zealand icons.

The deep navy background allows the birds, green foliage and rich red pōhutukawa flowers to stand out clearly. It is an excellent feature fabric for projects where you want the print to become the main visual element.

Consider using it for a statement cushion, tote bag, quilt border, apron, table runner or fabric panel framed by coordinating navy, red or green fabrics.

Wood Pigeon Fabric

Native Treasures Wood Pigeon Fabric features kererū surrounded by detailed native foliage.

The natural colours make this a strong choice for projects with a calmer, more botanical character. It can work beautifully in patchwork, home décor, bags, cushions and nature-inspired quilts.

Chatter Birds and NZ Natives

The collection also includes Chatter Birds Green and NZ Natives Fabric.

These multi-subject designs are useful when you want several native species represented within one fabric. They are particularly effective for children’s projects, nature-themed quilts, reusable gift bags, library bags and decorative panels.

Ferns, Koru and Botanical Designs

Not every New Zealand-inspired project needs a large bird or scenic print.

Ferns, koru shapes, stems and botanical textures can provide a more subtle connection to the landscape while remaining easy to coordinate with other fabrics.

Ponga Koru

The collection includes two distinctive interpretations of the ponga and koru theme.

Ponga Koru Green offers an organic, nature-led palette that works well in botanical quilts, bags and home décor.

For something more dramatic, Ponga Koru Black and Gold creates a stronger contrast and more formal appearance.

The black and gold design is particularly effective for evening table settings, decorative cushions, feature quilt blocks, presentation bags and sewing projects intended as gifts.

Fern Charcoal and Black

Fern Charcoal and Black provides a neutral alternative to the brighter prints in the collection.

Its monochromatic palette allows the fern shapes and tonal details to create interest without overwhelming the project. This makes it useful for modern quilts, masculine gifts, bags, organisers and décor projects with a contemporary look.

Twilight Stems and Agapanthus

Twilight Agapanthus Navy features sweeping botanical movement and layered shades of blue, purple and green.

The larger-scale design is well suited to projects where the fabric can be shown in generous sections rather than cut into very small pieces.

Use it for cushions, feature panels, tote bags, table runners, quilt borders or the central section of a wall hanging.

Twilight Stems Dark Green offers a deeper botanical coordinate that can be used alone or alongside other fabrics from the Twilight range.

Understanding Border Print Fabric

Twilight Double Border Navy differs from a standard all-over print.

In a double border fabric, the main decorative design runs along both outer edges of the fabric width. This creates opportunities to use the printed border strategically rather than cutting it into ordinary squares.

Border prints can be used for:

• Quilt borders
• Table runners
• Apron hems
• Skirt or garment borders where suitable
• Bag panels
• Cushions
• Curtain accents
• Wall hangings

Before cutting, spread the fabric out and plan how the border will sit within the completed project. Directional and border prints often benefit from more careful placement than small all-over designs.

Paua-Inspired Colour and Movement

Paua shell is known for its shifting blue, green, turquoise and purple colour.

Crazy Paua Blue uses this colour story in a lively, abstract print that can bring energy and contrast to a project.

Pacifica Paua provides another interpretation of one of New Zealand’s most recognisable natural materials.

These designs are useful for feature blocks, bag panels, ocean-inspired quilts, decorative accessories and projects that need a strong blue-green accent.

Kiwi and Pōhutukawa Prints

Kiwi White uses a lighter background that keeps the overall result fresh and easy to coordinate.

It is a particularly appealing choice for children’s items, gift sewing, travel accessories, quilt blocks and projects being sent overseas as a reminder of New Zealand.

Spot the Pōhutukawa Scatter offers a lively scattered design inspired by New Zealand’s well-known summer flowering tree.

Its brighter character makes it ideal for seasonal tableware, summer projects, festive sewing, bags, bunting and colourful quilt sections.

Te Koripi Wae O Maui and Moko Designs

The collection also includes bold graphic fabrics influenced by New Zealand and Māori visual themes.

Te Koripi Wae O Maui Red provides a striking red colourway, while Te Koripi Wae O Maui Multi introduces a broader palette.

Moko Charcoal and Black offers a strong monochromatic design suited to projects where contrast and graphic impact are important.

When working with culturally influenced designs, take time to consider the placement, purpose and context of the finished item. Thoughtful fabric selection is part of thoughtful making.

A Fabric Panel That Becomes a New Zealand Counting Book

One of the most distinctive products in the opening collection is the NZ 1, 2, 3 Book Panel.

Unlike the standard fabrics sold continuously by the metre, this is a printed 90 cm project panel designed to be cut, assembled and sewn into a children’s fabric counting book.

Fabric book panels are ideal for makers who enjoy creating handmade gifts but do not want to draft a complete project from the beginning.

The printed sections provide the basis of the design, while the maker completes the cutting, assembly, stitching and finishing.

A soft fabric book can become a meaningful gift for a new baby, young child or family living overseas. It also provides a manageable project for someone developing confidence with accurate cutting, seam allowances and basic construction.

What Can You Sew with Kiwiana Fabric?

New Zealand fabric does not need to be reserved for souvenirs.

With thoughtful design and fabric placement, these prints can become modern, useful items for everyday life.

Quilts and Patchwork

Combine feature bird or botanical fabrics with solids, tonal blenders or simple geometric prints. Larger motifs can be fussy cut to centre a bird, flower or koru inside an individual quilt block.

Bags and Accessories

Cotton fabric can be combined with interfacing, foam stabiliser or batting to create tote bags, project bags, cosmetic pouches, travel organisers and zippered cases.

Cushions and Home Décor

Larger prints such as Twilight Agapanthus, Wood Pigeon and Tūī and Pōhutukawa can create striking cushion fronts. Pair them with a plain or coordinating fabric on the back to keep the feature print as the focus.

Tableware

Use cotton fabric for placemats, napkins, table runners, bowl covers, coasters and reusable food or gift bags. Always consider heat, food-contact and washing requirements when selecting materials for practical household items.

Gifts for Overseas

Handmade Kiwiana bags, cushions, wall hangings and fabric books can create personal gifts for friends and family living overseas without relying on mass-produced souvenir items.

Children’s Projects

Native bird and animal prints work beautifully for library bags, fabric baskets, bunting, simple quilts and educational projects.

How Fabric by the Metre Is Ordered

Our standard fabrics are sold in metre units unless the product page states otherwise.

A quantity of one represents one continuous metre of fabric. A quantity of two represents two continuous metres, subject to stock availability.

The NZ 1, 2, 3 Book Panel is different because it is sold as a complete 90 cm printed panel rather than as a repeating metre of fabric.

Always read the individual product page before ordering, especially when purchasing panels, directional prints or border fabrics.

How Much Fabric Should You Buy?

The correct quantity depends on the project, pattern, fabric width, print direction and whether the design must be matched.

Before ordering:

• Check the fabric requirements in your pattern
• Confirm whether the print is directional
• Allow extra fabric for matching larger motifs
• Consider shrinkage and pre-washing
• Allow for mistakes or future repairs
• Purchase enough at one time where possible

For quilts and patchwork, calculate the number and size of blocks before purchasing. For bags and home décor, remember to include pockets, straps, linings and pattern placement.

When a particular print is important to your project, purchasing the full required quantity together reduces the risk of the design selling out before you finish.

Should Cotton Fabric Be Pre-Washed?

Whether to pre-wash quilting cotton is partly a matter of project type and personal preference.

Pre-washing can remove some manufacturing residues and allow initial shrinkage to occur before the fabric is cut. This may be helpful for garments, washable bags, tableware and projects where consistent sizing is important.

Some quilters prefer not to pre-wash because they enjoy the slightly textured appearance created when an unwashed quilt shrinks gently after completion.

Whichever approach you choose, be consistent across all fabrics used in the same project. Combining pre-washed and unwashed fabrics may create uneven shrinkage.

Always follow the care instructions associated with the fabric and finished project.

Choosing Thread, Needles and Tools for Cotton Fabric

For general sewing with quilting cotton, a good quality all-purpose polyester or cotton thread is usually suitable.

A universal needle in an appropriate size will work for many projects, although the final choice should reflect the number of layers, batting, interfacing and construction method.

For accurate patchwork, a rotary cutter, cutting mat and quilting ruler can make repeated shapes faster and more consistent.

Useful tools include:

• A sharp rotary cutter or fabric scissors
• A self-healing cutting mat
• A clear quilting ruler
• Fine pins or fabric clips
• A reliable steam iron
• A quarter-inch patchwork foot
• Quality sewing thread
• Fresh sewing machine needles

Accurate cutting and careful pressing often make as much difference to the finished result as the sewing itself.

Building a Fabric Collection with Purpose

Direct Sewing’s fabric department will continue to grow.

Our intention is not to add designs simply for the sake of having more products. We want to build a useful, inspiring collection that complements the machines, threads, cutting tools and sewing knowledge already available through our business.

The current Native Treasures range provides a strong starting point with quality cotton fabrics that celebrate New Zealand wildlife, plants, colours and creative identity.

Over time, customers can expect to see more designs, colour options and fabric ranges added as we develop this new part of Direct Sewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Direct Sewing sell fabric by the metre in New Zealand?

Yes. Direct Sewing now offers a growing fabric-by-the-metre collection online and through our Auckland superstore.

What type of fabric is currently available?

Our opening range features Nutex Native Treasures 100% cotton fabrics with New Zealand-inspired designs, including native birds, flowers, foliage, koru, paua colours and botanical prints.

Is this fabric suitable for quilting?

Yes. The cotton fabrics are well suited to quilting, patchwork, appliqué and many other craft sewing projects.

Can the fabric be used for bags and cushions?

Yes. Cotton fabric can be used for bags, cushions and organisers. Depending on the project, you may need to add interfacing, lining, batting or foam stabiliser for additional structure.

Is the fabric suitable for clothing?

Some cotton prints may be suitable for light garments, aprons and accessories, but quilting cotton generally has more structure and less drape than fabrics specifically designed for flowing garments. Consider the pattern requirements and desired finished feel before purchasing.

What does fabric by the metre mean?

Standard fabric is cut from the roll according to the number of metre units ordered. Unless otherwise stated, ordering a quantity of two provides a continuous two-metre length, subject to stock availability.

Are fabric panels sold by the metre?

No. A project panel is sold as one complete printed unit. The NZ 1, 2, 3 Book Panel measures approximately 90 cm and is intended to be cut and sewn into a fabric book.

Will Direct Sewing add more fabric designs?

Yes. This is the beginning of our fabric collection, and we intend to continue adding new designs, colours and ranges over time.

Can I view the fabric in person?

Yes. The collection can be viewed at the Direct Sewing Auckland superstore at 138 Railside Avenue, Henderson, subject to individual product availability.

Where can I buy Kiwiana fabric online in NZ?

You can shop Kiwiana and New Zealand-inspired fabric online at Direct Sewing, with nationwide delivery available.

Discover Fabric by the Metre at Direct Sewing

Introducing fabric by the metre is an exciting new chapter for Direct Sewing.

It brings the material itself into the same specialist environment as the machines, threads, needles, cutting tools and practical sewing advice our customers already rely on.

Whether you are planning a native bird quilt, a New Zealand-inspired gift, a new project bag, colourful cushions or your next creative experiment, our opening collection provides a beautiful place to begin.

Explore the complete fabric-by-the-metre collection at Direct Sewing and check back regularly as we continue adding new designs to the range.