1940’2 Wrap Dress
A stunning, vintage-inspired woven wrap dress with a wearable contemporary feel, the 1940’s Wrap Dress is a gem from the Sew Over It archives. Stylish, sophisticated and elegant, you can wear this dressed up or down, perfect for both daytime and evening.
The 1940’s Wrap Dress features a wrap front bodice with a front collar and pretty shoulder pleats. The bodice gathers into the uniquely-shaped pointed waistband, and the dress closes with hidden buttons or press studs. The slightly A-line wrap skirt is flattering on all shapes, and the narrow sleeves mean you can pair this dress with your favourite jumper or cardi. Both the sleeves and skirt come with a choice of two different lengths.
Sewing Level
The 1940’s Wrap Dress is designed for intermediate to advanced sewers who have experience of making fitted garments, and working with fabrics with drape.
Fabric Suggestions
Perfect in light to medium weight woven fabrics with lots of drape, the 1940’s Wrap Dress works beautifully in crepes, heavier rayons and even cotton lawn for less experienced sewers.
Fabric Requirements
The 1940’s Wrap Dress comes in UK sizes 8-20.
A LOVELY POUCH
This is a really quick project to make. You won’t need much material to make one (approximately 2 fat quarters) Its a fun and original idea for a storage item.
Sew your own jersey tops with this easy-to-use guide. This sewing pattern includes step-by-step photo instructions and helpful tips for stitching jersey on a regular sewing machine –don’t worry you can still make even if you have no overlocker/serger!
Agnes is a close-fitting jersey top, speedy to sew and simple to fit, finished with a narrow band at the neckline. Choose from long or cropped sleeves; plain or ruched sleeves; scoop neckline or ruched sweetheart neckline – eight possible combinations. Irresistibly wearable and endlessly versatile, Agnes is destined to become a wardrobe staple that you’ll make again and again!
DIGITAL PATTERN – You’ll receive gorgeous printed pattern to arrive in the post.
SKILL LEVEL – Improvers
MAKER GALLERY – Get inspired by what other people are making in the Tilly and the Buttons Agnes gallery.
FABRIC SUGGESTIONS – Light- to medium-weight stretch knit fabrics, such as cotton jersey, viscose jersey or wool jersey. Check that the fabric can be stretched crosswise at least 25% wider than its original width.
SUPPLIES
SIZES (body measurements)
| PATTERN SIZE | BUST | WAIST | HIP |
| 1 | 76cm (30in) | 61cm (24in) | 84cm (33in) |
| 2 | 81cm (32in) | 66cm (26in) | 89cm (35in) |
| 3 | 86.5cm (34in) | 71cm (28in) | 94cm (37in) |
| 4 | 91.5cm (36in) | 76cm (30in) | 99cm (39in) |
| 5 | 96.5cm (38in) | 81cm (32in) | 104cm (41in) |
| 6 | 101.5cm (40in) | 86.5cm (34in) | 109cm (43in) |
| 7 | 106.5cm (42in) | 91.5cm (36in) | 114cm (45in) |
| 8 | 112cm (44in) | 96.5cm (38in) | 119.5cm (47in) |
ALDER SHIRTDRESS
Alder is a loosely fitted sleeveless shirt dress with two options. View A falls into an A-Line at the waist and features a curved hem, bust darts and two breast pockets. View B features the same bodice as View A but with a gathered skirt at the sides and back of the garment resulting in an incredibly flattering and fun silhouette. The Alder Shirtdress is a perfect breezy option to keep cool while looking great all spring and summer long or throw on a cardigan or blazer and you’re all set for fall and winter!
Techniques involved include sewing a straight seam, bust darts, bias facing armholes, adding a shirt collar, gathering, and buttons & buttonholes. Pattern is nested to facilitate cutting between sizes if needed.
SUGGESTED FABRICS
Light to medium weight fabrics ranging from silk charmeuse, crepe de chine, cotton shirting, poplin, chambray, sateen, lightweight to midweight denim, linen, linen blends, and flannel. Extra fabric may be needed to match plaids, stripes, or one-way design prints.
All Seasons Shift
Brighten up your wardrobe with a bold print, or make yourself an everyday staple with a classic spot, stripe or denim.
A printed package containing full scale pattern sheets and an instructions to guide you through the steps.
Suggested Fabrics: Medium weight fabric such as cottons, linen, wool and wool blends
You will need: 1.5m of wide width fabric (150cm wide) or 2.5m of narrow width fabric (112cm wide) plus thread and a 50cm dress zip.
Suitable For: Beginners
Sizing: UK dress sizes 8-20
ALMA BLOUSE-SEWAHOLIC
Brighten up your wardrobe with a pretty new blouse! The Alma Blouse is a feminine, semi-fitted blouse with neckline and sleeve variations. Darts create a fitted silhouette without being too tight, with an optional tie belt to cinch the waistline. The Alma Blouse closes at the side with an invisible zipper.
All of the sleeve and neckline options work together to create nine different blouses from a single pattern! Your choice of cute cap sleeves, elbow-length sleeves or long sleeves with cuffs. For the neckline, choose from a simple rounded neckline, a contrast Peter Pan collar, or a notched neckline to frame your face.
Perfect for work, equally pretty for a night out!
ANISE JACKET – Intermediate
A multi-season jacket in a classic short length. This double breasted jacket has gentle shaping, a simple rounded collar, and tailored sleeves. The one-piece front makes it easy to incorporate patterns such as plaids or stripes.
Anise can be made with with either full length sleeves (version 1) or below-elbow cropped sleeves (version 2). Learn to create single welt pockets and insert a jacket lining as you sew.
SIZE 0-18
ARCHER BUTTON UP SHIRT
The Archer Button Up is a loosely fitted button up shirt with long sleeves. View A has angled cuffs and a back pleat at yoke. View B has straight cuffs and a gathered lower back detail.
Techniques involved include sewing a straight seam, setting sleeves, continuous button plackets, adding a shirt collar and buttons & buttonholes. Pattern is nested to facilitate cutting between sizes if needed.
SUGGESTED FABRICS
Shirt weight fabrics ranging from silk chiffon, silk crepe de chine, cotton shirting, chambray, lightweight denim, and flannel.
This easy-to-use sewing pattern will take you through the steps to making the Arielle skirt, with jargon-busting instructions and photos showing you how to sew each part.
Arielle is an asymmetric pencil or mini skirt with an adorable button opening to one side. Long darts and a high waistline create a flattering, figure-hugging shape. The unlined version is an ideal project for confident beginners, or take your sewing prowess up a notch by adding the optional luxury lining.
PRINTED PATTERN – You’ll receive a gorgeous pattern containing full scale pattern sheets and a colour guide with step-by-step photo instructions.
SKILL LEVEL – Confident Beginners
BONUS TUTORIALS – Get extra help sewing Arielle from our Tilly and the Buttons blog.
MAKER GALLERY – Get inspired by what other people are making in the Tilly and the Buttons Arielle gallery!
FABRIC SUGGESTIONS – Medium-weight woven fabrics such as stretch cotton, sateen, denim, gabardine, brocade, suiting, pincord, lighter weight canvas or wools. Choose something with enough body to hold the shape, but not too thick or the darts will be bulky. A touch of stretch would be a bonus.
SUPPLIES
SIZES (body measurements)
| PATTERN SIZE | WAIST | HIP |
| 1 | 61cm (24in) | 84cm (33in) |
| 2 | 66cm (26in) | 89cm (35in) |
| 3 | 71cm (28in) | 94cm (37in) |
| 4 | 76cm (30in) | 99cm (39in) |
| 5 | 81cm (32in) | 104cm (41in) |
| 6 | 86.5cm (34in) | 109cm (43in) |
| 7 | 91.5cm (36in) | 114cm (45in) |
| 8 | 96.5cm (38in) | 119.5cm (47in) |
Recommended level – Intermediate
Aster offers a fashionable twist on the classic button-up blouse.
Three different sleeves and two bodice options, you can mix and match features to create your ideal shirt.
Version 1 has short, cuffed sleeves for a casual look,
version 2 combines long sleeves and pleated bodice for a professional appearance.
The delicate flutter sleeves in version 3 provide a feminine, short-sleeved option.
AXEL SKIRT
Fitted knit skirt with a range of different hem finishes. Pattern sits at the natural waistline, features close fit, simple construction and easily adaptable pieces.
Version 1 is a midi length skirt with a handkerchief hem.
Version 2 is an above knee length skirt with hip sashes.
Version 3 is a midi length skirt with slit that can be worn in the front or back.
BABY CHANGER
This is a super useful baby changer , designed when Beth had her second child. It combines the changing mat together with storage for wipes and nappies. It quickly folds out when needed, then neatly folds away so it can be stored or carried around when out and about, eliminating the need for all the big and bulky changing equipment in a neat and functional way.
Experience level: Medium
Techniques: Quilting, Top stitching, Sewing pleats
Finished Size: 12 ½” x 9″
BEATRIX BLOUSE TOP
Beatrix is a button-back pullover top with a simple silhouette that is both comfortable and flattering.
With two views that offer different sleeve lengths, button placket options, and a shirttail or banded hem, this is a truly versatile pattern for woven fabrics.
Included are six sizes (XS-XXL) with two different front bodice pieces to fit either A/B or C/D cup sizes. This modern wardrobe basic is sure to become a new favorite!
BEIGNET SKIRT
High waisted straight skirt provides a very flattering shape with paneled styling: not too loose or too tight around the hips, with a very fitted waist. Buttons up the front, has side seam pockets, and includes a self tie belt, which can be swapped out for your own narrow belts. Skirt has a faced waist, button placket and full lining.
BELCARRA TOP-SEWAHOLIC
A super-simple top that will quickly become a wardrobe favourite! The Belcarra Blouse is a simple pullover top with subtle waist shaping and raglan sleeves. Ideal for showing off beautiful fabrics with minimal sewing. No darts or tucks makes it a quick project!
Great for wearing under suits and jackets, tucked into skirts with waistbands or worn untucked with trousers and shorts. The simple style makes it perfect for embellishments.
Also includes a view with tucks along the shoulders, or folded cuffs and a pocket. The last version looks great in striped or plaid fabrics. Cut the bands and pocket on the bias to create a diagonal effect.
Simple to sew, and equally easy to work into your wardrobe!
BETTINE
Bettine is an easy-peasy throw-it-over-your-head dress. It has a blousy bodice with scoop neckline, kimono sleeves which hang softly around the underarm, turn-up cuffs, elasticated waistline to cinch you in and flattering tulip skirt.
The plain skirt version is a perfect project for beginners, as it’s simple to sew, with no fiddly darts, fastenings or set-in sleeves – yay! More experienced? Try the pocket skirt version and optional cuff tabs for a speedy, satisfying project.
Comfortable and gorgeous, this is a dress you’ll want to wear every day. Throw it on with sandals for Summer picnics; dress it up with a necklace for the office or evenings out; or layer it over long sleeves and woolly tights in the colder months.
