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Tilly and the Buttons Patterns

Tilly and the Buttons Patterns

Tilly and the Buttons is a British pattern label known for instructions that assume nothing and explain everything. Founded by Tilly Walnes, the brand has probably taught more people to sew their first garment than any other independent going, and the size range runs to UK 34. If you've been put off by pattern envelopes written in shorthand, this is the brand to start with.
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What Tilly and the Buttons does better than almost anyone is the teaching. The instruction booklets are photographed step by step, written in plain English without the abbreviations that make traditional pattern envelopes so forbidding, and they explain why a step matters rather than just telling you to do it. That's why so many people's first successful garment comes from this brand, and why the patterns hold up for people who've been sewing for years and simply want a clear process.

The house style is bright, retro-influenced and wearable: shift dresses, jersey tops, shirt dresses, trousers and skirts, with plenty of variations built into each envelope so one pattern gives you several garments. Sizing runs across an inclusive UK range, and the brand publishes its finished garment measurements clearly, which makes it easier to judge fit before cutting.

What we're stocking at the moment

The current range covers dresses and shirt dresses, jersey tops, a co-ord set, trousers, a skirt, and pyjama bottoms and shorts. Most patterns include more than one view. The grid above is the definitive list of what's in stock today.

Fabric and sizing

Each pattern lists its own suggested fabrics, and they're chosen to be easy to work with as well as right for the garment. Cotton, viscose, needlecord and stable jersey come up often. If a pattern calls for jersey, check the stretch percentage on the pattern page before buying, since a very stretchy knit will change the fit. Order Sample if you want to handle the cloth first.

Sizing is drafted to the brand's own UK chart and won't necessarily match the size you buy on the high street. Measure your bust, waist and hip and read the chart on the individual pattern page. All patterns sold here are printed paper patterns, posted out to you. For the rest of the range, see our sewing patterns.

Are Tilly and the Buttons patterns good for beginners?

Yes, this is one of the best-known beginner brands for exactly that reason. The instructions are photographed step by step and written without sewing jargon, and several patterns are designed as a first project. More experienced sewists use them too, simply because the process is so clear.

What sizes do Tilly and the Buttons patterns come in?

The brand drafts across an inclusive UK range, with most current patterns running to UK 34 and some earlier ones to UK 24. The exact range is shown in the product title and on the size chart on each pattern page.

Are Tilly and the Buttons patterns printed or PDF?

The patterns sold here are printed paper patterns in an envelope, posted out to you. The brand also sells PDF downloads directly through its own website.

Who is Tilly and the Buttons?

Tilly and the Buttons is a UK-based sewing pattern company founded by Tilly Walnes. Alongside the patterns, the brand publishes sewing books and online courses, all built around the same jargon-free approach to teaching.

What fabric should I use for a Tilly and the Buttons dress?

Follow the suggestions on the individual pattern page, since they vary by style. Cotton, viscose, crepe and needlecord come up regularly for the woven dresses, and stable jersey for the knit tops. Where a pattern needs stretch, the required percentage is stated on the page.

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