31 March 2021

How to Make Thread Chain Belt Loops (with Video!)

How to Make Thread Chain Belt Loops (with video!) - Tilly and the Buttons

Thread chains make lovely simple belt loops for narrow, lightweight waist ties. You can add them to the side seams on our Safiya dungarees, maternity Bettine dress, and our forthcoming Lyra dress (sneak peek alert!). 
Once you get the hang of the technique, they come together in just a few minutes.

How to make thread chain belt loops - Tilly and the Buttons

Want to watch the steps in action? Check out our video tutorial...



How to make thread chain belt loops - Tilly and the Buttons

24 March 2021

FREE PATTERN! Oversized Detachable Collar


Try a cute detachable collar to style up your outfits this season! Perhaps you're loving the oversized and statement collar blouses that are popping up but aren't ready to commit to the full look? We've got you covered with our FREE detachable collar pattern download. Perfect for pairing with our Billie Sweatshirt or Indigo Smock sewing patterns for some on-trend Spring layering.

In this post, I'll be sharing a step-by-step tutorial on how to sew the collar, including a helpful video tutorial. Plus I'll list just some of the customisation possibilities at the end. Enjoy!


DOWNLOAD THE FREE COLLAR PATTERN

Open the pattern file in Adobe Reader (you can download it for free). Print the pattern on either A4 or Letter size paper, selecting “actual size” or “set scaling to 100%” or “turn off scaling” in your print settings. You can double-check the pattern has printed at full scale by measuring the test square - it should be exactly 60mm x 60mm. Cut off the borders and join the sheets together with glue or tape, lining up the triangles.


You will need:

  • Approximately 1m (1 1/8yd) fabric - or use a combination of smaller scraps from your stash. Cotton work best or, if you want to use a lightweight fabric (like viscose) we'd recommend interfacing the top layer for stability
  • Matching thread
  • Sewing machine and basic tools

17 March 2021

Sleepwear Sewing Projects for Golden Slumbers

Sleepwear sewing patterns for golden slumbers by Tilly and the Buttons

There's nothing better than pulling on a fresh pair of PJs ready for a good night's sleep, is there? Actually, there is... pulling on a fresh pair of me-made pyjamas makes that feeling even better! 

It's World Sleep Day on the 19th of March, and the theme for 2021 is "Regular Sleep, Healthy Future". Comfy sleepwear that signifies bedtime and slowing down can really help your body feel it's time to rest.

If you've never made your own pyjamas, it's time to change that! We have some sleepwear sewing patterns that are not just cute and comfy, they are easy to sew - with no fiddly fastenings so you can whip up multiple pairs. You can have so much fun with patterns, prints and colour combinations because you aren't going to be leaving the house in them (I always edge towards cat or food print fabrics myself!).

Pyjama bottoms are also a great first sewing project for beginners as they are often secured with elastic or a drawstring, so require minimal fitting. 

We also have a couple of must-have sleepwear accessories that will complete your me-made sleepwear capsule. So, without further ado, onto the projects...

Jaimie pyjamas easy sewing pattern by Tilly and the Buttons
Jaimie pyjamas - in sizes UK 4-34 (US 0-30 / EUR 32-62) - choice of TWO size bands


The Jaimie pyjama bottoms and shorts are a perfect entry project to kickstart your sewing journey. They are simple to sew and come with a sewalong video on YouTube so you can watch each step and feel like you are sitting in a class, but one that you can rewind and pause as you need.

Jaimie pyjamas easy sewing pattern by Tilly and the Buttons

You can make Jaimie as super-comfy elasticated full-length bottoms, with an optional drawstring, or as cute boyfriend shorts that are perfect for the warmer months. If you are an experienced sewer, you can whip up multiple pairs in an afternoon to fill the PJ gaps in your me-made wardrobe.

Oh, and one more thing... all sizes the shorts can be made out of 1.1 METRES of fabric, so they are a great project for using up small bits of fabric or remnants you have leftover from other projects - yasss!

Joe pyjamas easy sewing pattern by Tilly and the Buttons
Joe pyjamas - in men's size 28-46






Have you heard Jaimie has a brother? The Joe pyjamas have a longer and straighter menswear fit and can be sewn as full-length bottoms or above-the-knee shorts. They are as easy-peasy to sew as Jaimie is - yippee! 

Jaimie & Joe stitchers, you might like these YouTube videos...

How to Sew Pyjama Bottoms

How to Finish Seams with a Zigzag Stitch

How to Sew an Elasticated Waist Channel

A Trick to Turn Out Narrow Tubes, Straps or Drawstrings

Juno pyjamas sewing pattern from Make It Simple by Tilly Walnes
Juno pyjamas from Make It Simple - in sizes UK 6-24 (US 2-20 / EUR 34-52)

10 March 2021

Sewing For The Season - Spring!

Hands up who's ready for spring? As soon as the daffodils start popping up in the local park, regardless of the single figure temperatures that are still showing in the weather app, I'm straight into my spring sewing plans and ready to put the 90 denier tights away! 

In today's post, we've had a browse at the trends hitting the high-street this season and how we can sew the looks ourselves. I hope this post will inspire your spring sewing and spark some ideas, and we promise it's not all florals...

Fancy seeing some of our spring pick patterns in action? Check out our video below for more spring sewing talk with Abi:



Comfy & casual layering


1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8



1. viscose jersey, 2. crepe, 3. stretch denim, 4. stretch denim

It's hard to predict what the weather's going to do from one day to the next, especially in the UK, so layering is key for this in-between season. Let's start with the basics - we have a large selection of top patterns that make great base layer tops. From our fitted Agnes top to our more relaxed Coco top, depending on what you're in the mood for we've got you covered with multiple sleeve lengths and necklines. But if you're looking for the ultimate T-shirt sewing pattern, you've got to check out the Tabitha T-shirt from our book Make It Simple!

Dungarees are a must-have for easy (and mega comfy) transitional dressing and we've got a bunch of versatile options for you! Our Mila dungarees are a classic shape, perfect for fabric like denim and twill, with classic blue denim dominating the spring trends. Then we have our ultra-comfy Marigold and Safiya from Make It Simple styles which work perfectly with lighter weight fabrics like chambray, viscose and double gauze. 


Tiers on tiers on tiers


1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

3 March 2021

Tilly's Sewing Books and What You Can Make with Them!

Tilly's sewing books and what you can make with them!

It's World Book Day tomorrow and we're thinking about our most treasured books. Like loooads of other sewists, I (Louise) used Tilly's first book, Love at First Stitch, as a tool when I first started sewing. And because of that, it's a book that will always have a very special place in my heart :) 

Since releasing her first book in 2014, Tilly has written three titles - all published by Quadrille (Hardie Grant) - that pass on her tips and tricks. They all contain a range of sewing patterns, so you can practise techniques while making gorgeous clothes that you will be proud to say you made yourself!

They're an excellent way to get into sewing, as you get a number of garment patterns to work with that build in difficulty as you go. You can pick up handy tips and tricks as you progress that will set you up with sewing skills for life. As Tilly holds back on all the confusing sewing jargon, the books are user-friendly and easy to follow. Plus, they are pretty to look at, which is how I pick most of my books!

If you are thinking about getting one of Tilly's books, you might be wondering which one is the best for you. And, what's in these gorgeous books I hear so much about? Grab a cuppa, and come on into the sewing library - shhh!

Love at First Stitch by Tilly Walnes - perfect for beginners

Love at First Stitch - £25

Tilly's first book captures the spark that is ignited when you first sit at the machine. Everything is so new and exciting, and nothing is off-limits. Love at First Stitch will take you through all the essential things you need to know when you are getting into sewing, and will guide you through projects that will help you build up a handmade wardrobe while learning sewing skills that you will count on later in your sewing life. Basically it's like taking a dressmaking course, but in book form.

BEST FOR - Absolute beginners

Love at First Stitch by Tilly Walnes - a perfect introduction to sewing

STYLE - A nod to 60s fashion

WHAT CAN I MAKE? - The book includes five main patterns - pyjama bottoms, a skirt, two dresses and a blouse. Also included are two simple patterns you draft yourself, guided by Tilly, for a scarf and skirt. All the patterns have multiple ways you can make them so you can get so much out of the book.

Love at First Stitch sewing patterns by Tilly Walnes