Tilly and the Buttons: Stretch!: Make Yourself Comfortable Sewing with Knit Fabrics

This book is so prettyyy!!! Very helpful full of knowledge! Very easy to follow and the patterns are excellent!

I've sewn the Bibi skirt and Frankie tee so far on a regular sewing machine (don't own a serger.) Even though Tilly's style isn't really my cup of tea (she seems really obsessed with horizontal stripes, and that applique idea on her striped Frankie tee looks downright awful), the patterns are versatile enough and she includes several other ideas to "make it your own" that you can, well, make it your own very easily. I was able to make the Bibi skirt with a higher waist, and the Frankie tee with longer sleeves and I've only been sewing for a few months.The instructions are pretty clear. In just these two projects I did though, there were certain things I just skipped over because they didn't seem necessary, or I used some other made up hack of my own to make things easier (like getting the stretch around the Frankie tee collar to be even; the quartering technique she described was irritating, so I stretched the collar and neckline around a large measuring cup and pinned it to make the stretch evenly distributed. So much quicker and easier.)One glaring problem I've run into is that her recommended stitch settings were inadequate for the stretch of my fabric. I HIGHLY recommend you run some test stitches of your own and stretch them to see if they break.Overall, I love the book. I feel like I'll be working through it for a while, trying all the different things included with each pattern and even trying more of my own adjustments. This book really is bursting with mix-n-match to make what you want potential.

Some of the book is for beginners. If you are more experienced seeing you can skip over those brief parts. She mainly talks about how to manipulate the knits and then how tompattern hack them to make your own. You don’t have to hack on the outset. More like if you want to do them a second time. I like the printed patters in the back. I’d hate books that make you print the patterns and tape them together. I’ll update my review after I make the first pattern. I took off one star for some minor reasons (I’m a harsh critic for sewing books). First, this would have been PERFECT if there were some side notes as to where to use a serger and cover stitch which were both listed as optional. All directions were on a sewing machine which is awesome for those that don’t have the other machines. Second, She showed some samples with maternity models (I think herself). Awesome! I would have liked more directions on how to make the adjustments in the book. However I did go back and look at the author’s blog and there is some help there. I’m a big fan of the blog which is what led me to buy the book. I’m going to buy the others and yes Inwould buy again.

I have made every pattern in this book and several hacks including some of my own hacks not in the book. The patterns are very well done and generally fit true to size. I think the Freya is sized a bit smaller than the other patterns and I actually went up two sizes compared to my measurements for that dress/shirt. Every garment came out better than the pictures in the book itself. Amazing.The other thing I really like about this book are all the tips and tricks for sewing various types of knit fabrics. Anyone who sews knows that the variety of knits and the properties of knit fabrics vary greatly. This book ties a type of knit to each pattern design and goes through many tips for sewing that type of knit including type of stitch to use on a regular sewing machine, type of needle to use, when to use stabilizers and type of stabilizer, etc.This book is a gem and totally worth the money. Highly recommend. I would have attached pics of everything I made but Amazon flips all my pictures sideways...oh well.

Fantastic volume. I am a strong sewer, but am new to knits. This books was easy to read and the step by step instructions very accessible. The author includes instructions for those with and those without a serger - gives some options depending on what machines you have. There is a brief section on fitting patterns which I found helpful. My very first stretch shirt was a success thanks to Tilly! Definitely recommend this book to any sewer interested in diving into the wonderful world of knits!

This is a great book to learn how to sew knits!! The techniques are taught simply and clearly, with more detailed instructions than any pattern.I’ve made the Frankie T-Shirt twice with knit jersey and they are my favorite tops!!The shirts fit so well with no alterations to the pattern.I’ve never traced patterns in the past, but this book forces that skill. But the book even makes that easy!!Want to sew knits??? Get this book!!

I've made 3 of the patterns in the book. I needed to upsize to fit my more curvy body. (I knew this prior to ordering!). Anyway, I have found the pattern pieces easy to trace. Generally all pieces needed are on one sheet. The multiple size lines are easy to decipher/see through my parchment tracing paper. The directions are clear and have plenty of pictures to show the sewer each step. Also several different variations are shown with directions and suggestions to consider. I highly recommend this pattern book to anyone interested in sewing with knits. So far I have made 4 different Frankie T shirts, the Stella Hoodie and the Freya top. I have another of each planned! Thank you for such easy to trace good, solid patterns with clear and easy to understand directions.

I'm very happy with the instructions and patterns in this book. I feel it's very beginner friendly. I do wish the pattern pages weren't double sided, though.

About 1/4 of the book is dedicated to helping you understand stretch fabrics and your sewing machine, to get the best results. The remainder of the book incorporates further techniques, tips and valuable gems of information on sewing and working with different stretch fabrics, as part of making up the garments, for which patterns are provided. There's a range of patterns and you're sure to find something you like, or if you're confident enough, something you can adapt to your style.I've been sewing for many years and steered clear of stretch fabrics, but Tilly's book has given me the confidence to give it a go and I'm optimistic about the results!The only thing to beware is that, although you can achieve results with your standard sewing machine and minimum of a zigzag stitch, it does seem for very stretchy fabrics it's necessary to buy a walking foot.

Book is first class. Full size patterns that u have to trace. I made Freya dress with ruffles in magenta. Being 5'8", I extended length and sleeves by two inches -perfect fit in body. There are so many options. For example the Freya pattern can be made to make a top, dress, ruffle dress, cowl neck dress, polo neck - all with without short/long sleeves. All patterns can be made on a regular sewing machine.....u do not need a serger/overlocker. What you will need is a stretch needle. Watch YouTube reviews and tutorials for inspiration. I simply love this book x

Love this book! Made 3items so farBook

I’ve only been sewing since January and after successfully completing the separate Coco pattern I bought this book. The patterns are great and the tutorials are so clear for a novice / advanced beginner, but also great for more advanced dressmakers too. Have made the Bibi pinafore and Joni dress. Freya is next on my list. Love it!

Great book.I’m confident sewing stretch fabrics so I was mainly interested in the patterns and not the instructions and tips for sewing.Unlike most other sewing books I’ve purchased, where I only like one or two of the patterns in the book. I love ALL the patterns in Tilly’s STRETCH!Thrilled that I will really be getting my money’s worth out of this one. Would absolutely recommend to any sewing enthusiast.