29 December 2021

Looking Back at 2021 at Tilly and the Buttons!

Looking Back at 2021 at Tilly and the Buttons!

2021 is almost over so it’s time to look back at what we got up to in Tilly and the Buttons, from the exciting new products we launched into the world, to stuff happening behind the scenes. 


Let’s face it, this year has been another bizarre one! While we’ve emerged blinking into the daylight from a series of lockdowns in the UK, at the time of writing the Omicron variant has recently emerged to taunt us. So we may be feeling more optimistic than last year, but we’re certainly not out of the woods yet! 

Looking Back at 2021 at Tilly and the Buttons!

Like many business owners, I (Tilly) usually like to plan everything in meticulous detail. Yet there is still so much uncertainty thanks to the pandemic, so I’ve had to (reluctantly) learn to prepare as much as we can, while knowing that a lot is still unknown and out of our hands. In the last couple of years, we’ve had to pivot and adapt so many times due to logistical challenges presented by Covid (as well as Brexit). Adding to this may have heard other small business owners lament that sales have been so up and down in the past couple of years, which adds an extra layer of insecurity when making business decisions. But we are still here and going strong, more determined than ever to spread the joy of sewing!

22 December 2021

Top Ten Blog Posts of 2021

Top Ten Blog Posts of 2021
Bethany Rutter by Jane Looker Photography

What a rollercoaster of a year 2021 has been! Before the end of the year is up Tilly will be sharing her reflections on the blog, but today we're sharing our top ten blog posts of 2021, as read by YOU!

The Tilly and the Buttons blog continues to be our place to share handy sewing tips & tricks, inspiration for your makes and a whole host of other crafty content. Keep your eyes peeled, because for 2022 we've got BIG plans for this blog and we can't wait to get stuck in - eek.

Here are some of the most popular blog posts from the last 12 months in case you've missed them or just want to take another look :) 

FREE PATTERN! OVERSIZED DETACHABLE COLLAR

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 layering.

TILLY'S SEWING BOOKS AND WHAT YOU CAN MAKE WITH THEM!

TILLY'S SEWING BOOKS AND WHAT YOU CAN MAKE WITH THEM!

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! This blog post showcases all the sewing patterns across all the books - wow!

THE FAST WAY TO THREAD YOUR OVERLOCKER OR SERGER (WITH VIDEO!)

THE FAST WAY TO THREAD YOUR OVERLOCKER OR SERGER (WITH VIDEO!)

Let's face it, threading an overlocker or serger isn't the most fun you could be having while sat at your sewing table. The good news is that it's actually quite rare that you'd need to thread it from scratch. More often than not, you can get away with this easy, speedy method of changing the threads - a method that doesn't require you to navigate all those hooks and loopers. Hooray!

15 December 2021

Speedy Makes For Last Minute Pressies!

Speedy Makes For Last Minute Pressies!

Aren't handmade Christmas pressies just the best!? They can also be a life saver to those of us who may or may not have left a large portion of their Christmas shopping until the last minute... Fear not makers! 

Below, we're sharing our favourite quick and easy sewing projects to make for Christmas presents for all the family. If you're short on time, don't worry, lots of these projects will take less than an hour and minimal fabric. Win-win!

Our FREE sewing pattern downloads are now listed in the shop (not just on the blog), for easy access. Check out our freebie sewing patterns!

Continue reading for some perfect handmade stocking-stuffer gift ideas...

Face Masks


Perhaps an unconventional Christmas pressie, but face masks have become the unexpected, but a necessary accessory of recent times and they don't have to be boring! Perfect for using up the fabric scraps you've collected this year, sew your loved ones some stylish masks to match any outfit.

You don't need to download a pattern, simply check out our face mask tutorial to see how to quickly draft your own...

HOW TO MAKE A DIY FACE MASK

Eye Masks

Speedy Makes For Last Minute Pressies!

Whilst we're talking masks, check out our lovely FREE Fifi eye mask sewing pattern. There’s something so indulgent about slipping on an eye mask to help you get enough beauty sleep. Line it with silky satin for a touch of luxury to your gift.


8 December 2021

How to Insert a Sleeve

How to insert a sleeve - Tilly and the Buttons

Attaching a set-in sleeve, also known as sewing a sleeve “on the round”, is when the two circles of the sleeve head and armhole are joined together after the underarm and side seam have been stitched. It’s a bit fiddlier than attaching them while the pieces are still flat but it allows you to create beautiful shaping at the shoulders on your me-made clothing. Seen here on a lovely polka dot Mathilde blouse.

How to insert a sleeve - Tilly and the Buttons

The reason we’re adding fullness at the shoulder is to help the fabric curve over your shoulder where it sticks out from your body. A sleeve head is often at least 2cm (3/4in) bigger than the armhole - on some sewing patterns it's even bigger to create more visible gathering as a design detail. This excess fabric is gathered in so the circumference of the sleeve head and armhole match when sewn together, creating volume in the fabric to accommodate your shoulder.

In case you’re interested, not all sleeves are inserted this way. Some sleeve heads don’t have any ease at all. An alternative method - often used in shirt-making and on jersey t-shirts - is to insert sleeves “on the flat”, in other words, stitched flat against the armhole before the bodice side seam and sleeve underarm sleeve are joined.

Anyway, that’s the theory over – let’s get on with the sewing!

In the tutorial below, Abi is sewing lovely set-in sleeves to a Martha dress



How to insert a sleeve - Tilly and the Buttons

1 December 2021

Sew a Perfect Party Dress!

Sew a Perfect Party Dress!

Party season is upon us, sewists! It's the perfect excuse to sew up those extra fancy, luxurious makes you've been dreaming up all year. Perhaps you've been lusting after designer velvet dresses or swishy sequin skirts, this blog post will get you in the mood for whatever your festive party feel.

SHOP THE 'PARTY DRESS SEWING PATTERN EDIT'

However... we're advocates of wearing your fanciest dresses whenever you want. So don't pack your make away after one wear. Love it, wear it and restyle it to give it the love it deserves!

Simple Chic

Indigo dress with gold confetti falling from above

Indigo is one of our all-time best-selling sewing patterns. Just check out the super inspiring #SewingIndigo hashtag on Instagram (with over 4000 posts!) to see what the online sewing community makes of it. 

Recently re-released in our UK 16-34 size band AND with a trendy puff sleeve add-on update, now is the best time to get your copy and join the Indigo bandwagon! 

Indigo collage with tech drawings.

With a whopping possible 60 combinations to make with our Indigo Add-on bundle, you'll be whipping up simple smock dresses left, right and centre! So if you want to make your own party dress this season but are short on time, our simple Indigo pattern is the perfect place to start.

Need some fabric inspo for Indigo? GO HERE
Want to know how to sew a smooth dart? GO HERE