As most readers know, I live in Singapore and in Singapore, the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday is a VERY big deal. I've noticed that as China becomes more and more prominent on the world stage the holiday seems to be celebrated more and more widely.
Asian culture has a lot of wonderful sewing traditions from the ornate, embroidered fabrics of a traditional Chinese wedding dress, to the beautiful simplicity of a Japanese kimono and everything in between.
In the lead up to Chinese New Year, I wanted to put together this collection of Asian sewing patterns so you too can participate in some of the wonderful and exotic pageantries of the holiday.
So what is Chinese New Year anyway?
Chinese New Year is also referred to as the Lunar New Year. It's an important annual holiday in China as well as much of Asia. The date of the festival varies every year because the holiday happens on the first new moon of the year which falls somewhere between 21 Jan and 20 Feb each year. This year, the holiday is celebrated on Friday, 16 February 2018, and will start the Year of the Dog.
One of the most important features of the holiday for its celebrants is family gatherings. All around Asia, people of Chinese origin typically travel back to their family and ancestral homes to welcome in the new year, sweep away ill-fortune and make their wishes for happiness, good fortune, wealth and longevity.
Why the different animals each year?
Like the concept of the Greek and Roman zodiac that most westerns would be familiar with, the Chinese see each year as associated with a particular animal that is then meant to characterize the year and have some impact on the individual born that year. The years and animals rotate on a 12-year cycle including the pig, rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, and dog. This year, 2018, is a Year of the Dog.
Not Chinese, but you may like this FREE bag pattern
You can download the pattern and instructions for the Turning Japanese Bag from my design account at Payhip. It's a PDF file containing both instructions and pattern all in the same file. Enjoy! Trouble downloading the pattern? Check out this article - How to Download and Print PDF Sewing Patterns.
Asian Sewing Patterns Roundup
Have a look through these free Asian sewing patterns and projects. Whether you have all day or 30 minutes, and whether you are a beginner or expert, there is something here for everyone.
Boho Kimono dress
Chinese pants
Infinity cowl
Qipao / Cheongsam / Ladies Chinese Dress
Japanese bag
Five stones
Reversible Skirt
Girls dress
Chinese ornament
Sock monkeys
Origami bento bag
Oriental apron
DIY Kimono
Triangle coin purse
Hexagon basket
Felt Cristal Dumpling
Childs oriental apron
Lucky Chicken Softie
Treats Holder
Fortune Cookie Pillow
Replicate a Plush Toy
Brocade Purse
Men’s T’ai Chi Jacket
Fleece Chinese Slippers
Kimono Top
Kimono Onesie Sewing Pattern
Sashiko Embroidery Pattern
Japanese Fabric Folding
any easy free ladies dress patterns please
Thank you – next year I’m going to work on some things for my daughter and son-in-law. I sew New Year outfits for two of my grandchildren every year, and I love the qipao from Porcupine Patterns. I use the paid pattern that includes sleeves and some other options. For my grandson, I have used an out-of-print pattern that is often available on Etsy – New Look 6903. It has a jacket, vest, pants, and a-line sleeveless jumper/dress. It goes up to size 4, but I’ve redrafted it twice to get larger sizes – pretty easy to do. FabricDirect.com has a lot of appropriate brocades, and I usually line with their crepe-backed satin. Very affordable prices. I just posted my latest outfits on Instagram – I’m knitbunnue on IG.
Love your page! So many ideas!!!
We meet this morning at Nido School!!
Welcome
You are welcome Maite.
Thank you Maite, it was such a pleasure to meet you! Looking forward to some sewing time!
I grew up in Singapore and have great memories of Chinese New Year! I was born in the year of the dog and an excited to see what this year brings! I am excited to download wine of those Asian inspired patterns!
Why is it that when I try to access Plus Size Fashions or any other link on your site nothing remotely related to the choice of subject is accessible. There are no patterns on any link. Please explain.
I don’t do plus sizes, some of the patterns go to size 22 but I have no testers on this size. Would you consider becoming one?
If I may also add this practical bag pattern.
http://www.chicagonow.com/quilting-sewing-creating/2015/06/tutorial-for-sewing-a-furoshiki-and-japanese-fabric-folding
Hi Beverly, sure, I can add that one. Will do it shortly. Thanks for your contribution.
Thank you for your Asian Sewing Patterns Roundup. Being an Asian living in a place where nobody knows anything about Chinese New Year … your post make me feel like at least someone helping me celebrating Chinese New Year this year 🙂 Thank you again for your post.
Thank you so much
I love these pattern. Yay! Something out of the ordinary! Great idea.
These are fantastic. Thanks for sharing some new and exotic sewing ideas.