Tilly and the Buttons: NEW NELL SEWING PATTERN + ONLINE WORKSHOP!

Are you ready to meet your new favourite sewing pattern? Introducing the Nell blouse + dress pattern, a mix 'n' match design that has so many views you could literally wear it all summer long!

But wait, that's not all! We’ve also created a brand new online workshop to accompany the pattern – Learn to Sew a Button-Front Dress or Blouse. The course covers a whole load of garment-sewing essentials, so it's perfect for budding sewists, or anyone in need of a refresher.

With so much to tell you about Nell, we'd better get going...

Technical drawing of the Nell blouse + dress sewing pattern

THE PATTERN DESIGN

With four blouse and dress options, four sleeve styles, two fastening styles, as well as extra optional details, this pattern is oh so versatile! Make Nell as a statement piece with head-turning features such as lined puffball sleeves and (faux) bow tie-front, or opt for a timeless button-front gathered dress with straight or flutter sleeves. Whichever version you choose, Nell is set to become a wardrobe favourite!

Straight blouse, peplum blouse, knee-length or midi-length gathered dress
Choice of button-front opening, or faux bow ties with hidden snaps - no bra flashing required!
Relaxed fit bodice with bust darts
V neckline finished with a facing
Four sleeve options: short and straight, bracelet-length, flutter, or lined puffball
Optional patch pockets on the bodice or skirt

GET THE NELL SEWING PATTERN

Collage of four samples of the Nell blouse and dress pattern, One model wears a peplum blouse with flutter sleeves, one wears a gingham midi dress with short sleeves, one wears a dark blue knee-length dress with long sleeves, and the other wears a pink and red blouse with bow fastening and puffball sleeves.

THE ONLINE WORKSHOP

In our new online workshop, Learn to Sew a Button-Front Dress or Blouse, Tilly guides you step-by-step through sewing all the versions of the Nell pattern, teaching you a wealth of clothes-making fundamentals along the way.

This class is perfect for beginners who have made some simple things before, or anyone in need of a refresher of garment sewing essentials. You will finish the workshop with a gorgeous blouse or dress you can be proud to say you made yourself, as well as an abundance of tips and techniques that you can use again and again in future sewing projects – including darts, gathers, buttonholes, setting in sleeves… and lots more!

The workshop features 15 video lessons, that you can watch whenever and wherever you like, as many times as you like, and with no deadlines.

Join the workshop

Tilly sits at a desk with a sewing machine and sewing tools to her left, and a copy of the Nell pattern to her right

Haven't taken an online workshop before? It's like participating in a structured sewing course, but with loads of added benefits. You can see the sewing up close, and pause and rewind the videos as many times as you like, with no deadlines. It's a fraction of the cost of attending an in-person class, plus it has the added benefit of being super convenient as you don't even need to leave the house to do it.

LEARN TO SEW A BUTTON-FRONT DRESS OR BLOUSE

Nell button-front blouse and dress sewing pattern cover

SIZING + FORMATS

The Nell pattern is available in either printed or PDF format in 15 sizes - UK 6-34 / US 2-30 / EUR 34-62.

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.

Order the printed sewing pattern and we'll send you a beautiful package in the post, with a 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.

Order the PDF and you'll get an email straight after purchase with a file to either print and assemble at home on A4 or Letter size paper, or send to a copyshop or pattern printer to print full scale on A0. The Nell PDF pattern includes layered sizes too, so you can print just the sizes you want - yay!

A smiling model wears a v-neck peplum blouse with flutter sleeves. The blouse is made in a dark green viscose fabric with a pink geometric print.

A model wears a v-neck peplum blouse with flutter sleeves. The blouse is made in a dark green viscose fabric with a pink geometric print.

A model sits on a stool wearing white trousers, and a pink and red checked v-neck blouse with lined puffball sleeves and bow fastenings down the centre front

A model wears white trousers, and a pink and red checked v-neck blouse with lined puffball sleeves and bow fastenings down the centre front

FABRICS + SUPPLIES

Nell is designed to pair beautifully with so many light- to medium-weight woven fabrics, and the finished look is so different depending on the weight and drape of the fabric you choose.

For easy-breezy, summery vibes use cotton lawn, poplin, chambray, or linen.

A more fluid viscose (rayon) or Tencel (lyocell) would work for any version of Nell, but the flutter sleeves look especially dreamy in these fabrics.

Thinking ahead to autumn (sorry!), the straight sleeve version would look great in needlecord or lightweight denim, and you could even add utility-style, contrast topstitching. And don't even get us started on cosy winter Nell dresses made in flannel or brushed cotton!

For those show-stopping puffball sleeves, we recommend using a fabric with body, like cotton poplin, that will hold its shape, so the sleeves get the volume they deserve!

You'll also need:

Matching thread
0.9m (1yd) iron-on interfacing (similar weight to your fabric)
10-15mm (⅜-⅝in) wide buttons or sew-on snaps (for faux tie versions): 6 for straight blouse, 7 for peplum blouse, 10 for knee-length dress, or 11 for midi dress
Sewing machine and basic tools, including a buttonhole foot for the button-front version

You'll find the full fabric requirements on the Nell page on our online shop.

A model wears a dark blue chambray knee-length dress with a v-neck, button front, long sleeves and contrast topstitching on the hems, chest pockets and button placket

Back view of a model wearing a dark blue chambray knee-length dress with long sleeves and contrast topstitching on the hems

A model wears a pink and yellow gingham midi dress, with a v-neck, short straight sleeves, button-front, and large patch pockets on the skirt

SHOW US WHAT YOU MAKE

We're so excited to see what you make with the Nell pattern - there really is a version to suit every style! Don't forget to tag us on Instagram @TillyButtons using the hashtag #SewingNell so we can swoon over your me-mades!