News
Top 10 Must-Have Sewing Accessories Under $50
Sewing doesn’t have to be expensive – the right tools make all the difference. From Kai and Fiskars scissors to Clover chalk, Bohin measuring tapes, Sew Easy weights, and more, here are 10 essential sewing accessories under $50 to upgrade your sewing kit. Perfect for beginners and experienced sewists alike.
The Best Overlockers to Buy or Gift in 2025
Find the perfect overlocker for 2025 — from budget-friendly Janome models to air-thread Brother and Juki industrial machines. Ideal Christmas gifts for sewing enthusiasts across NZ.
The Complete Guide to RIT Dye in New Zealand
Discover the complete range of RIT Dye at Direct Sewing — from All-Purpose to DyeMore for synthetics, plus Back to Black, Back to Blue, Colour Remover, White Wash, and Whitener & Brightener. With over 50 colours in stock, we’re NZ’s go-to RIT supplier.
Broadway Yarns NZ – Knitting Supplies at Direct Sewing
Looking for the best knitting supplies in NZ? Direct Sewing stocks a wide range of Broadway Yarns, including 4-ply and 8-ply merino, knitting wool, needles, and accessories. Perfect for cosy garments, baby knits, and colourful projects.
Beginner’s Sewing Guide NZ: Choosing Your First Machine, Setting Up & Must-Have Accessories
Starting your sewing journey? Discover the best beginner sewing machines in NZ, how to set them up, and the essential accessories — including the right Schmetz needles — that every sewer needs.
Supporting Future Designers at NZ Fashion Week
We’re closing slightly earlier on 30 August to attend the NZ Fashion Week Graduate Collections Runway Show. This event showcases Whitecliffe, AUT, and Massey students who have supported Direct Sewing over the years and we’re proud to support the next generation of New Zealand fashion designers.
Coats Thread Distributors in New Zealand | The Complete Guide
Discover why Direct Sewing is one of New Zealand’s top Coats thread distributors. From everyday Astra to UV-resistant Dabond and Wax Braid for crafts, explore the full Coats range available online with NZ-wide delivery.
The Ultimate Guide to Sewing Machine Maintenance in New Zealand
Want your sewing machine to last longer and sew better? Our ultimate guide covers everything from cleaning and oiling to choosing the right needles, quality threads, and when to book a professional service. With trusted servicing partners in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and beyond, Direct Sewing is New Zealand’s #1 destination for sewing machine care.
Why the JUKI MO-735N Overlocker & Coverstitch Combo Is One of the Best Machines in NZ
The JUKI MO-735N is a professional overlocker & coverstitch combo machine that gives NZ sewists flexibility, speed, and professional finishing all in one.
Oliso Kaffee Irons Have Landed in NZ – Limited Edition, Big & Mini
The limited-edition Oliso Kaffee Irons have arrived in NZ! Available in both the large and mini size, these stylish irons combine Oliso’s trusted technology with a sleek coffee-inspired finish. Perfect for quilting, sewing, and crafting – but only while stocks last.
What is the Difference Between an Overlocker and Coverseam Sewing Machine?
The stitching inside your T-shirt is from an overlocker, while the bottom hem is from a coverseam machine. Learn the key differences, why quality thread matters, and see our top machine picks.
Coats Wax Braid Thread – The Strong, Stylish Thread for Jewellery, Crafts and Leather
Discover why Coats Wax Braid Thread is loved by jewellery makers, leather crafters, and artists. Available in 1.0mm, 1.6mm, and 1.8mm sizes at Direct Sewing NZ, it’s strong, versatile, and perfect for necklaces, macramé, bookbinding, and leatherwork.
How to Choose the Right Tagging Gun for Your Retail Store
Tagging garments in your retail store? Learn the difference between standard and fine tagging guns, what barbs and needles to use, and why the Kobe Tag Gun is a top pick. Direct Sewing Machines & Supplies stocks everything you need — from guns to clips and replacements — with fast NZ shipping.
Industrial Sewing Machines NZ – Direct Sewing Has the Widest Range
Direct Sewing Machines offers New Zealand’s largest range of industrial sewing machines, from Juki and Brother to Jack, Zoje, Siruba, and Mirsew. Whether you’re starting with a basic plainsewer, setting up an alteration shop, or upgrading to a walking foot or coverseam machine, our guide helps you choose the right model for your workshop.
Where to Buy Sewing Scissors in NZ – KAI, Wilkinson, Mundial, Fiskars + More
Looking for quality sewing scissors in New Zealand? Direct Sewing Machines & Supplies stocks NZ’s largest range of sewing scissors, including trusted brands like KAI, Wilkinson, Mundial, Fiskars, Bohin, Klasse, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional tailor, find the perfect pair—dressmaking shears, embroidery snips, pinking shears and more—all in one place. Fast NZ-wide shipping available
How to Use a Rotary Cutter: What You Need, How It Helps & Choosing the Right Blade Size
Thinking about switching from scissors to a rotary cutter? Discover how to use one, what size blade to choose (45mm vs 60mm), and shop NZ’s best selection of Olfa and Fiskars rotary cutters.
🧵 Best Fabric Stores in New Zealand – As Recommended by NZ Sewists (2025 Edition)
Explore the best fabric stores in New Zealand—chosen by our sewing community! From Auckland to Christchurch, find your next go-to spot for fabric, notions, and quilting supplies.
WIN a Pair of William Whiteley Wilkinson Black Noir Fabric Shears — Valued at $150!
We’re giving away a luxurious pair of 10" William Whiteley Black Noir Fabric Shears, valued at $150! Made in Sheffield and boxed to perfection — these are heirloom-quality scissors every sewist dreams of. Enter now by telling us why you’d love to win!
Wilkinson Shears by William Whiteley – Now at Direct Sewing with Exclusive Gift Box
Discover the iconic Wilkinson Shears by William Whiteley – now stocked exclusively by Direct Sewing in New Zealand. Made in Sheffield, England, and presented in a premium gift box, these are the ultimate sewing shears for professionals and enthusiasts.
Why You Should Get Your Domestic Sewing Machine Serviced by a Specialist in New Zealand 🧵
Looking to service your sewing machine in New Zealand? Discover why domestic sewing machines need specialist care and where to find trusted technicians across the country. From expert cleaning and stitch calibration to genuine parts sourcing, learn why choosing a household machine expert makes all the difference.
Why Every Sewing Room in NZ Needs an Oliso Iron – Pro Plus & M3 Pro Compared
Discover why the Oliso Pro Plus and M3 Pro are the irons every NZ sewist needs. Perfect for quilting, dressmaking, and travel. Smarter, safer, and built for fabric work.
🧵 Top Lightweight Sewing Machines for Classes and Groups
If you're heading to sewing classes or group workshops, a lightweight and portable sewing machine is a must. In this blog, we break down our top picks — including the Janome DC1000, Brother A16, Singer Simple 3221, and Pfaff Smarter 160s — all available at Direct Sewing Machines & Supplies in NZ. These models are compact, feature-rich, and easy to carry, making them the perfect companions for sewists on the go.
🚨 NEW to NZ: The SilverStar SR-5000 – Korea’s #1 Garment Steamer Has Arrived! 🚨
The best-selling garment steamer in Korea is now in New Zealand! The SilverStar SR-5000 delivers professional-grade steaming power trusted by fashion retailers, boutiques, and studios. Discover why this high-performance steamer is a game changer for garment care.
🧵 Thread Matters: How to Choose the Right Thread for Every Sewing Project in NZ
Find out which thread to use for every sewing project — and why brands like Gutermann, Madeira, and Coats Astra are trusted by NZ sewists for flawless stitching.

