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When it comes to sewing, pattern making, and garment construction, your choice of drafting and tracing paper can make or break your workflow. The right paper helps you trace accurately, draft clean lines, grade patterns, and preserve your originals for years. Until now sewists in New Zealand struggled to access proper dot cross pattern paper or premium tracing sheets. That has finally changed.

Direct Sewing Machines & Supplies now stocks some of the most famous drafting and tracing papers used by professional pattern makers around the world. This guide walks you through each option, what it’s used for, and how to choose the right one for your sewing practice.

What Is Drafting and Tracing Paper and Why Does It Matter

Pattern making always starts with paper. Whether you are tracing commercial patterns, drafting your own blocks, adjusting fit, or experimenting with new designs, you need paper that is transparent, durable, and easy to work with.

Good drafting paper saves you time and helps with:
• Accurate seam allowance adjustments
• Fitting changes
• Pattern grading
• Slash and spread techniques
• Preserving your original patterns
• Reusing traced pieces for multiple versions
• Keeping clear, readable lines

Not all tracing papers are created equal, which is why fashion schools and designers often use specialised dot cross paper, coloured tracing sheets, or Japanese chaco paper. These options are now available in NZ through Direct Sewing.

Prym Dot Cross Pattern Paper. The Iconic Paper Pattern Makers Swear By

Link: https://www.directsewing.co.nz/products/prym-dressmaking-dot-cross-pattern-paper-1m-x-10-m-drafting-tracing

This is the paper pattern makers around the world talk about. Dot cross paper is famous for its printed dot and cross grid that makes it incredibly easy to draft perfectly square lines, divide patterns evenly, walk seams, and maintain accuracy when scaling.

Why pattern makers love dot cross paper:
• One metre wide so no need to tape sheets together
• Ten metre roll gives great working length
• Semi transparent making it ideal for tracing commercial patterns
• Stronger than tissue so it doesn’t tear easily
• Perfect for drafting blocks, slopers, and custom patterns
• Professional graded dot cross grid keeps your lines clean and aligned

This is the gold standard. If you draft patterns regularly or want the most accurate option, Prym Dot Cross Paper is the one to choose.

Prym Yellow Dressmakers Tracing Paper. Ideal for General Pattern Marking and Tracing

Link: https://www.directsewing.co.nz/products/prym-dressmakers-tracing-paper-yellow-large-sheets-for-pattern-marking-drafting

This traditional yellow tracing paper is perfect for sewists who need something simple, lightweight, and easy to use for marking or copying existing patterns.

Why choose Prym yellow tracing sheets:
• Great for tracing pieces or adding markings
• Large sheet size for flexibility
• Lightweight and easy to store
• Ideal for students and beginners
• Works well when preserving your original patterns

Prym Blue and White Transfer Paper. Versatile for Fabric Marking and Pattern Work

Link: https://www.directsewing.co.nz/products/prym-transfer-paper-white-blue-versatile-sheets-for-pattern-transfer-marking

Blue and white transfer paper is perfect when you need your markings to show clearly on different fabric colours. It’s widely used for transferring darts, pleats, grainlines, or notches onto fabric.

Best uses:
• Transferring pattern markings to fabric
• Clear visibility on both light and dark fabrics
• Great for multi layer pattern adjustments
• Ideal for sewists who want crisp clean markings

Japanese 5 Colour Chaco Paper Set. A Favourite for Pattern Makers and Tailors

Link: https://www.directsewing.co.nz/products/japanese-chaco-paper-five-colour-tracing-paper-pack

This Japanese tracing set includes five colours, giving you clear visibility no matter the fabric or design. Many professional pattern makers prefer coloured chaco paper because it lets them colour code pattern changes.

Why sewists love the Japanese 5 colour set:
• Five colours help mark on any fabric shade
• Great for multiple size tracings
• Perfect for marking alterations or muslins
• Crisp chalk transfer

Clover 5 Colour Chacopy Paper. Reliable and Popular Worldwide

Link: https://www.directsewing.co.nz/products/clover-434

Clover’s chacopy paper is one of the most well known tracing papers worldwide. The colours give crisp, clear marks and are perfect for marking darts, pleats, pockets, button placements, embroidery guides, and pattern adjustments.

Key benefits:
• Reliable markings
• Multiple colours
• Ideal for pattern making and garment construction
• Suitable for repeated use

Which Drafting Paper Should You Choose

Choose Prym Dot Cross Paper when you want:
• Pattern drafting
• Accurate fit adjustments
• Pattern grading
• Wide format paper
• Professional level precision

Choose Prym Yellow Tracing Paper when you want:
• Basic tracing
• Simple pattern work
• Budget friendly tracing sheets

Choose Prym Blue and White Paper when you want:
• Transfers onto fabric
• Clear lines on dark or light fabric
• Marking darts and notches

Choose Japanese or Clover 5 Colour Sets when you want:
• Multi colour markings
• Colour coded lines
• Precise transfer onto fabric or muslin
• Pattern amendments and multi sizes

FAQ Section

What is dot cross paper used for
Dot cross paper is used for accurate pattern drafting, grading, and tracing. The grid helps you maintain straight lines, 90 degree angles, and symmetry in your pattern pieces.

Can I use dot cross paper for tracing commercial sewing patterns
Yes. It is semi transparent and perfect for tracing without cutting your original pattern.

Is drafting paper reusable
Yes. Dot cross and heavier drafting papers can be reused many times and are more durable than tissue paper.

Which tracing paper is best for working with dark fabrics
Blue or white transfer paper, Japanese chaco paper, or Clover chacopy sheets work best because their markings show clearly on different shades.

What drafting paper do fashion schools use
Most professional pattern making courses use dot cross paper because of its accuracy and grid system.

Which tracing paper is best for beginners
Yellow tracing sheets or multi colour Japanese/Clover sets are easy, affordable, and suitable for everyday marking.

Where to Buy the Best Drafting and Tracing Paper in NZ

Direct Sewing Machines & Supplies is proud to finally bring premium pattern making papers to New Zealand. Whether you are a student, home sewist, tailor, or professional pattern maker, the right paper will make your work more accurate and enjoyable.

Shop the full range of drafting and tracing papers here:
https://www.directsewing.co.nz