Meet the Bobbi Skirt and Pinafore!

Is there anything better than a new sewing pattern release? I don't think so! We're delighted to introduce the newest member of the Buttons family - meet Bobbi.

Bobbi is a gorgeous button-down skirt and pinafore with multiple super cute pocket options to choose from. She's the ultimate wardrobe superhero as she manages to be both enduringly classic and bang on trend at the same time - you'll want to wear Bobbi all week long.

If you like our Cleo pinafore, you're going to love Bobbi - think of her as Cleo's more fitted and grown-up older sister. Bobbi's got all the easy-breezy wearability that makes Cleo so popular and well-loved, but with some elevated details and a closer fit at the waist to give our beloved pinafore a new twist.

Want to find out more about our newest sewing pattern BFF? Read on for more details...

THE DESIGN

Tilly was inspired by the high street when designing Bobbi. She wanted to create a classic button-down skirt and pinafore that you could wear with anything, with modern utility-style details to keep it sartorially fresh and current.

We can't get enough of all the exquisite details that Bobbi has to offer. It has a flattering shape thanks to the fitted, curved waistband and princess seams on the back skirt, with the hem falling above the knee.

The button-down front feels modern whilst also giving a nod to both the seventies and nineties. The pinafore version has a lined slim-look bib, crossover straps and optional flap pocket. Both versions have the option to add contrasting topstitching, or you can opt to keep it simple with matching thread for a more understated look (and matching topstitching means you can hide any wobbly stitches!).

You'll be spoilt for choice with the pocket choices as there are three different styles in total. Choose between patch pockets with optional flaps or lined, diagonal hip pockets for the front skirt, and a patch pocket for the back skirt. If you're making the pinafore version, you can opt to add a utility-style slim patch pocket and flap on the bib. The bib pocket is big enough to fit your cards and cash safely buttoned up - winner!

The Bobbi skirt or pinafore goes with everything. Wear with fitted jersey tops like Freya and Agnes, with a Rosa shirt tucked in, or with a cosy Nora cardigan, to name a few. Our office assistant Frances was bang on the money when she nicknamed Bobbi a "wardrobe winner".

Our award-winning sewing patterns feature clear instructions with step-by-step colour photos to guide you through the project. The pattern pieces themselves are clearly labelled so you can see which seam is which and how they go together.

We've labelled the Bobbi skirt or pinafore as suitable for confident beginners. If you've made one or two beginner projects, you'll be ready to sew Bobbi. The buttonholes are the fiddliest part of the make, however, we have loads of resources to help you get a lovely neat finish, including blog posts which talk you through how to sew one-step buttonholes and four-step buttonholes. We'll also be releasing videos on making buttonholes in the next few weeks, so keep an eye on our YouTube channel.

Order the printed sewing pattern and we'll send you a beautiful package in the post, with full colour instruction booklet. Made in the UK, our patterns are printed on durable paper which you can use again and again without it tearing or scrunching up. As well as our online shop, you can buy them from fabric shops and department shops around the world - check out our list of stockists.

Prefer to print your own pattern? Buy the digital pattern and you'll get an email in an instant with a PDF to download. You can either print it at home on A4 or Letter size paper and stick the sheets together, or send the A0 version to a copyshop or pattern printer to print full scale.

The Bobbi skirt or pinafore pattern is in our extended size range, which includes ten sizes – from UK 6 – 24, US 2 – 20, or EUR 34 – 52. You can see the exact body measurements on the sizing chart.

Bobbi is designed for medium- to heavy-weight woven fabrics that hold their shape such as denim, corduroy, cotton canvas, drill, gobelin (tapestry), or velvet. Stretch isn't required but a small amount of elastane will make your skirt or pinafore extra comfy at the waist. Bobbi looks so different depending on the type of fabric you choose - go casual with blue denim and contrasting topstitching, or dress to impress with velvet or a floral canvas (drool).

One of the great things about this pattern is that it uses surprisingly little fabric - check out the yardage and supplies needed for your size, version and fabric width on the shop page. If you're making the pinafore version and/or hip pockets, you'll need a small amount of medium-weight cotton fabric for a lining - this is a great way of using up fabric left over from another project, and will give your me-made a secret little 'pop' of colour. 

If you want more details on the types of fabric suitable for Bobbi, our top fabric aficionado Louise will publish an inspo and fabric post very soon, to get your creative juices flowing. Watch this space! 

Excited to make the Bobbi skirt or pinafore? Grab the pattern from our online shop today.

We absolutely L O V E seeing your progress shots and finished makes, so please share with us on Instagram @TillyButtons using the hashtag #SewingBobbi so we can see what you've made. It truly makes our day :)

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* Free shipping for UK customers only on printed sewing patterns. Applies to shipping rates under £3.00 (not kits, books and fabric) until Monday 27th January 11.59pm GMT.

Author: Nikki Hoar
Photography: Jane Looker
Models: Megan Valero @pigeonwishes and Jess Burrell @jessbrll
Hair and makeup: Laura Anne
Mustard denim: Gifted by Fabric Godmother
Pink corduroy: Gifted by Sew Me Sunshine
Navy corduroy: Gifted by Sew Me Sunshine
Black canvas: Gifted by Sister Mintaka

As always, thank you so much to our amazing pattern testers for your input - we couldn't do this without you xxx