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 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! 

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

SHOP THE INDIGO PATTERN BUNDLE

Tailored to Perfection

Turn heads in our elegant, sixties-inspired, fitted Etta dress, perfect for heading straight from the office to the work Christmas do! Etta is shaped with darts at the bust, waist and shoulders, closing with an invisible zip at the back, with a kick pleat so you can strut your stuff with ease. Choose from lined cap sleeves or darted three-quarter sleeves, high back or V-back neckline, with optional collar and faux pocket flaps.

If Etta's caught your eye but you fancy some added expert guidance along the way? Then our 'Sew Your Own Knockout Dress' online workshop is for you!

Need some fabric inspo for Etta? GO HERE

Need some fitting help making your Etta? GO HERE

ORDER YOUR ETTA SEWING PATTERN

The Swish Factor 

Joni is the showstopping party dress from Tilly's book Stretch! The twist-front bodice may look complex, but it's actually pretty simple to make once you try it. The bodice is fitted with a plunging neckline and flattering empire waist seam. The flirty half-circle skirt is great for twirling, with a gently dipped hem that lands just above the knee.

You can make it with three-quarter or elbow-length fitted sleeves, or try the flared sleeve pattern hack.

Choose a sumptuous stretch velvet or silk jersey for parties. In the book, you'll also find tips for making the skirt part of the dress in sequin knit - dream dress alert!

For Joni in more detail GO HERE
Want to know what's in ALL of Tilly's books? GO HERE

ORDER YOUR STRETCH! BOOK

Sassy Shirt Dress

Team Buttons has been obsessed with Lyra this year, with our Product Manager Nikki making a whopping 5 so far! With sleeve and skirt options and a whole host of fabrics to choose from, Lyra is a versatile option where you can also flex your collar sewing skills. 

Jazz up your festive Lyra with some statement buttons, or tie a piece of velvet ribbon under the collar to create a sweet tie at the front. 

Need some fabric inspo for Lyra? GO HERE

Need some help sewing a perfect collar? GO HERE

ORDER YOUR LYRA SEWING PATTERN

Magical Martha

The prettiest of dresses, Martha is an OG Tilly and the Buttons pattern. A favourite of our Tilly, the Martha dress is a contemporary update on the fit-and-flare style. It features a high neckband, princess seam panels, a bias-cut flared skirt and closes with an invisible zip at the centre back. Choose from short sleeves or three-quarter length bell sleeves, with knee-length or mini hemline. 

It's great for twirling!

Jazz up your Martha dress (or any of the above!), with eye-catching trims to highlight the sewing pattern's lovely details. For Martha we selected a floral embroidered trim but why not keep an eye out for sequin trim, velvet ribbon and trendy ric-rac.

Need some trim ideas for Martha? GO HERE

Need some help sewing with slippery fabrics? GO HERE

ORDER YOUR MARTHA SEWING PATTERN

Cheers to our home-sewn party dresses! 

SHOP THE 'PARTY DRESS SEWING PATTERN EDIT'

We can't wait to see your festive make this season, make sure to tag us on Instagram @TillyButtons using #TillyAndTheButtons so we can drool over your handmade party dresses.

If dresses aren't your thing, fear not! Catch up on last year's festive sewing inspo with our crafty Christmas Jumpers!