Top 10 Essential Pattern Making Tools for Beginners in NZ

Thinking about diving into the world of sewing pattern drafting? Whether you’re a budding fashion designer, a home sewer, or a sewing student, having the right pattern making tools makes a huge difference in your accuracy, efficiency, and confidence.

At Direct Sewing Machines & Supplies, we’ve created a go-to list of the Top 10 pattern making essentials every beginner in New Zealand should have. These tools will help you draft, trace, mark, and cut with confidence — and many are the same trusted brands used in professional fashion schools and design studios worldwide.

🧮 1. Morplan Pattern Master – Your All-in-One Drafting Tool

The Morplan Pattern Master is a multi-purpose ruler that combines a set square, French curve, grading guide, and seam allowance tool — all in one! It’s perfect for beginners learning how to draft their own patterns or adjust existing ones.

🧵 Great for marking armholes, necklines, darts, and hems
📐 Used in top fashion schools
🛒 Available now in NZ via Direct Sewing

📏 2. Morplan Set Square – Precision in Every Line

The classic Morplan Set Square is a must for straight lines, 90° angles, and hip curves. Its large, transparent design makes it ideal for both pattern drafting and garment construction.

✅ Metric markings and curved edges
✅ Essential for fashion students and home sewers
✅ Built to last — imported from the UK

🌀 3. Sew Easy French Curve – Smooth Out Every Curve

For those beautiful curves — like sleeve heads, necklines, and princess seams — the Sew Easy French Curve is a beginner’s best friend. It glides easily over your pattern paper for clean, repeatable curves.

✍️ Ideal for pattern alterations and custom fits
💡 Lightweight and clear for easy use
🎯 Perfect companion to your Morplan tools

🖊 4. Clover Chalk Markers – Clean, Accurate Marking

Marking your fabric with precision is crucial. Clover chalk markers offer a fine, crisp line that brushes off easily. Whether you're tracing patterns or transferring darts, these tools give you control without mess.

🌿 Available in multiple colours
🌿 Refillable and long-lasting
🌿 Perfect for both light and dark fabrics

🪙 5. Pattern Weights – Made in NZ 🇳🇿

Ditch the pins and upgrade to pattern weights for faster, pin-free tracing. Our high-quality NZ-made pattern weights are designed for smooth use on paper and fabric — ideal for beginners and pros alike.

🏷️ Handmade in New Zealand
🏷️ Minimise fabric distortion while cutting
🏷️ Great for use with rotary cutters

✂️ 6. Pattern Notcher – Align with Confidence

A pattern notcher creates small cut-outs along your paper pattern’s edge — helping you line up sleeves, darts, and hems with precision. It's a small tool with a big impact on accuracy.

🧩 Clean, consistent notches every time
🧩 Ideal for commercial or custom patterns
🧩 Loved by fashion industry professionals

📍 7. Pattern Awl – Mark Like a Pro

Use a pattern awl to pierce fabric and paper for button placements, notches, and dart points. This tool helps transfer markings without tearing or damaging your pattern.

📌 Sharp and durable steel tip
📌 Non-slip handle for control
📌 Essential for tailoring and structured garments

🧻 8. Pattern Tracer – Copy Without Damage

Want to duplicate or modify a commercial pattern? A pattern tracer lets you trace without damaging the original. Ideal for making size adjustments or trying variations on one base design.

📄 Works with tracing paper or carbon
📄 Smooth roller for consistent lines
📄 A must-have for pattern experimentation

🪝 9. Pattern Hook – Keep Patterns Organised

Once you've created your masterpiece, store it the pro way with pattern hooks. These sturdy metal loops let you hang your patterns neatly on rails, just like in a design studio.

🗂️ Keep patterns wrinkle-free and easy to access
🗂️ Reusable and perfect for studio or classroom use
🗂️ Organise your collection like a pro

🎖 10. Bohin Measuring Tape – Trusted by Tailors Worldwide

No sewing kit is complete without a high-quality measuring tape. The Bohin measuring tape is flexible, accurate, and built to last — perfect for measuring body dimensions or garment lengths.

📏 Made in France by Bohin, a heritage brand
📏 Clear markings in both cm and inches
📏 Reliable, retractable, and easy to carry

🔍 Why Quality Pattern Tools Matter for Beginners

Investing in well-made pattern drafting tools from the start will save you time, improve your results, and build your confidence. From Morplan to Bohin and Clover, we only stock trusted global brands and NZ-made products that deliver on performance and durability.

📦 Fast shipping across New Zealand
🛒 All tools available now at Direct Sewing Machines & Supplies