Description
The Tuatua Cover Up is a boxy, relaxed fit, open front top for children.
It is designed to be worn over the top of other garments to provide warmth, shade, or style!
Choose between a straight or curved back, and optional trim (tutorial included).
This sewing pattern features a “choose your own adventure” style tutorial, giving you various methods to choose from for quick and easy, or detail focused sewing.
We know you’ll love this timeless design that is so easy to wear and style.
Tuatua is the Māori name for a shellfish that is found on New Zealand’s sandy beaches. Pronounce tuatua like “two-ah-two-ah” in English.
Features:
- Instant PDF digital download
- Children’s sizes 1-10 / Tween 8-14
- Straight or curved back
- “Choose your own adventure” tutorial, with various seam finishes
- Optional trim tutorial included
- PDF Includes: A4 / Letter format to print at home, A0 copy shop version, and specialty Projector File
- Full tutorial, photos and support to help you create this Cover Up.
- See Sophie’s Women’s size Cover Up here
Sewing Level:
Beginners +
Fabric Suggestions:
This garment is for all seasons, but is especially suited to light-medium weight fabrics including cotton, poly cotton, linen, chambray, tencel, etc
If you intend to use a heavy weight fabric: We suggest serging/overlocking your seams (instructions included in the tutorial).
Fit and Fabric:
This pattern has been created using Standard UK Measurements. The sizing might seem different to what you usually buy in stores. Therefore, use the size the chart says you are to fit the chest, and if required, lengthen or shorten the pattern as needed.
The finished garment will fit a child’s neck, shoulders and arms with the garment landing at mid-bum. There is a boxy fit through the chest with lots of room for growth. We suggest sizing down if you’re between sizes.
Measurement Chart:
Additional Notions Required:
- Co-ordinating sewing thread.
- Optional trim (measurement included in chart)
- Scissors, pins, sewing machine.
What You Get When You Purchase:
PDF Pattern
Digital file emailed and stored in your Below the Kōwhai account for future use. Includes files for pattern to print at home, A0 copy shop pattern, specialty projector file, and instructions.
These downloads will also be available in the “My Account + Downloads” section of this website when you are logged in.
What’s a PDF?
A digital document viewable in Adobe Acrobat Reader (download for free here). You will be able to save, view and print these documents on your computer or device.
Returns and Support:
This is a digital product that can be saved to your computer. Therefore, I am not able to offer returns on any purchase unless at some fault of my own. Please choose carefully and make sure you are purchasing the correct pattern, and you have used a correct email address!
In lieu of returns I offer comprehensive online support to those who are sewing! You can contact me on Facebook, Instagram and email, and you can expect a prompt reply! I will endeavour to help you in any way I can.
Get Sewing!
So, what are you waiting for? Create your own Tuatua Cover Up with this pattern and show off your creations!
This sewing pattern is by Sophie Laughton-Mutu. Sewists and children around the world have tested this pattern. Please leave a review, or pop over to our Facebook VIP Community to show us a photo of your finished Tuatua Cover Up!
anna.jem.smith –
Such a quick easy sew up, and perfect for summer days on the beach! I made my daughter one then with demands for one each, two more for my sons!
Love how there are different difficulty levels allowing you to choose your own version
libbyberkers –
Love how there are options for a quick and easy sew or more advanced. This was my first time sewing French seams and I thought it was a great project to jump into it with.
alison Donnelly –
What a great, fun sew. I’ve already made 2, and with different fabrics they create such a different look! The French seams give such a clean look, and I managed to use up lots of thrifted trim. Thanks for another great pattern!
Jennifer Bramley –
Such and easy and quick sew, I made one from an old shirt (which looked cool as you could include the short pockets and button plackets) and one from a loosely woven scarf – beware this – you can’t french seam 😂
They look beautiful on and are so easy for us for the beach – my son is jealous of his baby sister! I’m going to try some in towelling as a dry you off cover up! I wish there were adult sizes
vinceandjess1 –
This was really quick and easy to sew and looks great on, especially with the trim. I liked being able to try out french seams on a simple garment and the instructions were very clear as always. My 12 year old loves it!
hannahevans5 –
Another stellar pattern from BTK! I love this pattern I already made two! With so much potential for beautiful summery cover ups we’re heading into Autumn but this pattern works exceptionally well for that too! My daughter loves to throw on her Tuatua as we leave the house. The tutorial is a fun and clear way to “choose your own adventure” with the different options for seam finishing – both are fantastic and the French seams are explained so clearly! Whether summer or winter or somewhere in between I’d absolutely recommend the pattern ☺️
Jess –
This is such a fun, fast sew. I made one with a lightweight cotton woven that is perfect for the beach, and another with a worsted wool, which is great as we head into fall. I love how the instructions have two different seam finishes. It’s a simple but elegant design – comes together quickly but with big impact. Another awesome pattern from BTK!
Roxan Bungcayao –
The quickest sewing project I’ve ever made! I used a tweed that I’ve had in my stash for years….. 13 YEARS! And it’s the perfect cover-up for my girl to wear for this coming autumn weather. I have awesome plans to create a quilted cover-up. This pattern is quick and fun to make!
Charlotte Bayliss –
This is a low effort, high reward sewing project. I made my first Tuatua Cover Up in a 100% cotton for my 2 year old and chose the curved hem option. It ended up being a really nice fit on her and I love the length and shape of the curved hem from behind. I chose to sew with the quick and easy techniques but it’s great that there are tutorials to talk me through the French seam for next time.
sonia barrish –
I used a thicker wool fabric and absolutely loved the vibe! It was great to add a pop of style with a plain outfit. Worked well to keep little Mr’s body warm while still leaving his hands more free to move around and explore. A very easy sew too. Can’t wait to try a more summery version!
Deb Fothergill –
Another must have BTK pattern! This super simple, versatile cover up
sews up quickly and is easy to wear. It will a perfect summer wardrobe staple for sure!
Yulia Ashirova –
Great instructions! I like that there are 2 ways to finish the seams. I made the straight edge option with french seams for my 3 year old son, its perfect for sun protection.
Laura –
Perfectly quick and easy sew. Different finishing options for those who want a sleek inside or a quick sew for a bday present. I use a projector and I love the files for these. Super beginner friendly. Recommending to all my sew friends.