9 November 2016

Inspiration for Sewing the Cleo Pinafore

Inspiration for making the Cleo dungaree dress - Tilly and the Buttons

Thinking of making the Cleo pinafore or dungaree dress? Today we wanted to share with you some of the gorgeous inspiration we fell in love with when developing this pattern - hopefully it will inspire and delight you too! Short or long, cosy and layered or light-weight and lovely - this pattern is a pleasure to wear year-round, as well as being quick and easy to sew up. Have a scroll through our picks and let the dungaree joy wash over you!

Clockwise from top left:
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Corduroy or suede make lovely pinafore dresses, particularly in the Winter. Try both warm tones such as russet and aubergine, or cooler colours such as baby pink and creamy white. Our sewing kits include lovely needlecord (a finer rib corduroy) in yummy colours, as well as all the other bits and bobs you need to make it.

Inspiration for making the Cleo dungaree dress - Tilly and the Buttons

Clockwise from top left:
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Denim is a classic choice for a dungaree dress - whether blue, black, printed or one of the scrummy colours in our sewing kits! Wear it over a t-shirt, blouse, sweater, shirt, turtleneck... soooo many styling options.

Inspiration for making the Cleo dungaree dress - Tilly and the Buttons

Clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Prints would also be cute on the Cleo pinafore, like these two floral ones up top. I'd love to see a dungaree dress made in a Japanese Echino canvas print or similar - I reckon that would be a winner!

Or make a demure, longer length Cleo, with or without centre front split, like these two. They look like they're made of ponte fabric - in fact, one of the pattern testers made a ponte Cleo and it worked really nicely.

Inspiration for making the Cleo dungaree dress - Tilly and the Buttons

Clockwise from top left
1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Because they have few style lines interrupting the fabric, pinafores are one of those garments that make a perfect "blank canvas" for adding your own design flourish. Try colour blocking the panels with different denims or adding embroidery to the pockets. And please can someone make a kitty Cleo like the one bottom right? It's adorable!

There's plenty more Pinspiration on our Cleo Pinterest board - check it out!

What fabric are you thinking of making your Cleo dress in? Remember to share your makes and works-in-progress with us on Instagram @TillyButtons with the hashtag #Sewing Cleo. Can't wait to see!