Sewing
Whether you're making clothes, creating an amazing costume for Armageddon, or mending you'll find useful resources at the Library.
Sewing
Looking for a course?
Try searching CINCH, our directory of Christchurch & Canterbury community organisations and courses.
- Sewing and dress making
See also: Fashion Technology and Design at Ara
Sewing by the seaside
Need to repair or make a piece of clothing but don't have a sewing machine? New Brighton Library now has a sewing machine for public use.
Sewing, overlocker and embroidery machines
Sewing machines are available at several libraries: Fendalton, Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre, Matatiki Hornby Centre, New Brighton and Tūranga.
The Great British Sewing Bee
Books from the tv show The Great British Sewing Bee - techniques, and books by judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young.
Tūranga - Create your own autumn poncho - 16 years +, part of a series
Apr 19th | 10:30am - 1:00pm
Join us for a fun session where you’ll make your very own autumn poncho. e…
Sewing by the seaside
Need to repair or make a piece of clothing but don't have a sewing machine? New Brighton Library now has a sewing machine for public use.
Sewing, overlocker and embroidery machines
Sewing machines are available at several libraries: Fendalton, Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre, Matatiki Hornby Centre, New Brighton and Tūranga.
The Great British Sewing Bee
Books from the tv show The Great British Sewing Bee - techniques, and books by judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young.
Tūranga - Create your own autumn poncho - 16 years +, part of a series
Apr 19th | 10:30am - 1:00pm
Join us for a fun session where you’ll make your very own autumn poncho. e…
Cosplay and costuming
Costuming in the catalogue
Cosplay and costuming
'Armageddon' at Auahatanga - Creative Spaces
Armageddon Expo is on at Te Pae Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March 2026. Get your costume sorted in our Auahatanga - Creative Spaces.
Participants at Vesak celebration: Picturing Canterbury
Participants at the Vesak celebration held in Cathedral Square, 4 April 2008. An image from Canterbury Stories.
Tusken Raider in Santa Parade: Picturing Canterbury
A person dressed as a Tusken Raider in the Smiths City Santa Parade (2009) on Colombo Street. An image from Canterbury Stories.
Anime Cafe Staff at Japan Day 2012: Picturing Canterbury
Five people in maid outfits onstage at Japan Day advertising an anime cafe, 2012. An image from Canterbury Stories.
Mending
Mending in the catalogue
Featured
Crafting for Wellbeing - Slow Stitching, part of a series
Foster your creativity and resilience while learning a new skill. Drop in, relax and enjoy some 'me' time as you explore a new craft.
Make your money go further: Mending
Make use of library resources and extend the life of your clothing for little to no cost!
Craft Snippets: Sustainable crafting and mending
Sally reports back from the Craft snippets event at Upper Riccarton Library with guest speaker sustainable crafter, Amy Hewgill.
Related pages
Crafts
Our libraries have a range of resources to improve your craft skills and give you creative ideas.
Fashion
Resources for the dedicated follower of fashion. Find books, magazines and more about fashion, designers, sewing and style.
New Zealand fashion
Explore the clothing and dress of Kiwis, from past eras and today.
Auahatanga - Creative Spaces
There is amazing technology at Christchurch City Libraries. Find out about each piece of gear, where you can find it, & how you can use it.