How To Print Fabric - with a Parsnip!

We've had lots of questions about this gorgeous pink fabric featured in our Stevie tunic pattern shoot. Where did we find it? Well, the model, Zeena Shah, hand-printed it herself - using a parsnip!

As you may know, rather than using model-models for our patterns, we like to hire non-professional models with other creative talents, most of whom we know personally. Zeena is a designer, print maker and author, as well as creator of the most inspiring Insta account - and today we have a special treat for you as she's going to show you how to print your own fabric. With root vegetables. As you do...



Hi guys, it’s Zeena Shah here for a special guest post celebrating the launch of Tilly’s newest patterns!

If you don’t already know me, I’m a London based print designer, maker, illustrator and author of the book How to Print Fabric and illustrator of Scandia, a colouring in book journey.  I’m a trained print designer and teach creative workshops in print and pattern design. I love sharing my skills and getting everyone making!

I was lucky enough to be asked to model these dreamy dresses and had such a fun day shooting in the studio with the team. I’m super excited to share with you a simple printmaking technique to create your own printed fabric at home that you can turn into this gorgeous Stevie dress I’m wearing!

Fitting the Seren Dress

Itching to get your Seren sundress off your cutting table and into your nearest field of flowers? Before you get sewing, let's talk fitting.

As the bodice on this dress is fitted, it's worth taking the time to make a toile (AKA "muslin") - a mock up in cheap fabric with similar qualities to your final fabric - so you can make any alterations needed to get it to match your unique body shape. I wouldn't worry about toiling the skirt part.

Alternatively what you could do is make your first version of the whole thing as a "wearable toile", a version in nice-enough-but-not-expensive fabric so you can wear it if it does fit you first time, or if it needs altering it's not the end of the world.



In this post I'm going to go through the most common fitting alterations that you might want to make to your pattern - if you already know you usually need to make any of these alterations, go ahead and adjust the pattern before you make your toile. Or if you're not sure, make your toile first and adjust the pattern based on what you need to add or take out of your toile.

We're going to cover:

• Choosing your size
• Lengthening the bodice or skirt
• Shortening the bodice or skirt
• Combining pattern sizes
• Bust adjustments
• Adjusting the dart position
• Altering the strap length
• What to do if the neckline gapes
• What to do if the front opening gapes at the bust

Please bear in mind that, depending on your shape, you may not need to make any changes, or only one or two, so please don't feel intimidated by this list! It's worth putting a bit of effort into fitting to get clothes that are tailored to your unique set of curves - after all, that's one of the benefits of making them yourself - but equally it's important not to over-fit. Remember, this isn't a couture gown, it's more summer picnic or wedding disco attire, so it's going to move with you :)

Fabric Shopping for Seren

Have you been swooning over our latest pattern Seren while making the very tough choice of which gorgeous fabric to use for your project? It’s Louise here, and I have a confession… I am a fabric shopaholic! I wanted to share my picks from online window shopping to help inspire your make. I am certain this flirty sundress is going to be your favourite me-made for many years to come.

Seren can be made in a multitude of fabrics and has some stunning details choose from (the tie-waist is my fave!). By using different fabrics, you can take Seren from picnics in the park to cocktails under the stars. If you opt for the flounce detail, choose a drapey fabric to keep it soft and flowy.

When selecting your fabric, think about how you want your dress to look and where you might be wearing it. Pick something with drape, like viscose (rayon) or crepe, if you want something more appropriate for the evening or just fancy something flowy.  Cotton fabrics are perfect for day wear and will also hold the shape of the skirt beautifully.

Please bear in mind that we haven't handled these fabrics ourselves (I have one or two in my Seren stash!) so order a swatch if you want to check how they look and feel IRL.

Inspiration for making Seren

Are you swooning over Seren and ready to make your own? This flirty button-down dress will keep you feeling cool during picnics in the park all summer long and is just perfect for a party. If you’re looking for a little style inspo we have a round-up of ideas to get you started.

It’s Louise here, and I have been pinning plenty of suggestions to make your own creation. Seren has some really pretty options to choose from, whether you opt for the flounce neckline or tie-front bodice, you will find yourself cinched in with a flattering waistband aaand the straps are wide enough to cover bra straps (yay!). I predict this will become your favourite summer dress : )

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