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Tilly and the Buttons: Stretch!: Make Yourself Comfortable Sewing with Knit Fabrics
Stretch! offers perfect proof that easy-to-wear clothes can be seriously stylish with a collection of outfits that combine the comfort of stretch fabrics with Tilly Walnes' signature look. Even experienced stitchers are often wary of working with stretch knit fabrics, but in this book Tilly demystifies the techniques needed and shows how to sew stretchy makes on a regular sewing machine – no need for a fancy overlocker. Aimed at dressmakers who have grasped the basics and want to expand their sewing horizons, Tilly's tried-and-tested, learn-as-you-make approach is structured around six made-to-measure, speedy-to-sew garments. Tilly's friendly instructions and the clear step-by-step photographs are accompanied by lots of tips and tricks to make your sewing a breeze, and the multiple variations and ideas will help you customize your garment to suit your own style.
192 pages, Flexibound
Published March 20, 2018
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160 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 25, 2022
Great patterns with clear instructions
July 23, 2018
Tilly is the unquestioned queen of writing clear yet detailed sewing instructions - I don't even plan on making any of the patterns included in the near future and yet I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book.
October 25, 2024
Wow what a book, jumper made, hoodie made for grandson, evening dress being cut out this weekend for daughter with all the sparkles. Loved it so much have just ordered another. I think I know have all Tilly and The Buttons books, delightful patterns that fit me - hooray.
April 2, 2022
"Stretch!" is a book by dressmaking pattern designer Tilly Walnes, known for her pattern brand 'Tilly & the Buttons'. I've used a Tilly & The Buttons pattern once before (specifically the Lotta dress) and was impressed at the casual, understandable style of the instructions. Dressmaking patterns have a tendency to be a little archaeic and technical, and Tilly's style was a breath of fresh air.
So I decided to try this book. I've been sewing for... *counts*... around 15 years? My mother taught me the basics of the sewing machine and the rest has been trial and error, mostly costume making. In that time I've found sewing with stretchy fabrics... difficult; they slip, they move, they stretch. But if anyone could give me some useful advice, surely it would be Tilly.
And I was right! It goes through everything you'd need to know about working with stretch fabrics, from how to select, cut, handle and stitch them. The book comes with 6 patterns (the Bibi skirt, the Frankie t-shirt, the Freya sweater, the Stella hoodie, Stella joggers, and Joni dress), and contains the instructions for them in Tilly's conversational style, with specific sections on the techniques used in each pattern. It also goes through modification ideas for each pattern to add to each's versatility.
This book is not for first-time sewers, but if you've got the basics of your machine and working with woven fabrics, this is a really useful tool to expand your skills. The patterns included are also really cute and versatile. Totally recommend.
So I decided to try this book. I've been sewing for... *counts*... around 15 years? My mother taught me the basics of the sewing machine and the rest has been trial and error, mostly costume making. In that time I've found sewing with stretchy fabrics... difficult; they slip, they move, they stretch. But if anyone could give me some useful advice, surely it would be Tilly.
And I was right! It goes through everything you'd need to know about working with stretch fabrics, from how to select, cut, handle and stitch them. The book comes with 6 patterns (the Bibi skirt, the Frankie t-shirt, the Freya sweater, the Stella hoodie, Stella joggers, and Joni dress), and contains the instructions for them in Tilly's conversational style, with specific sections on the techniques used in each pattern. It also goes through modification ideas for each pattern to add to each's versatility.
This book is not for first-time sewers, but if you've got the basics of your machine and working with woven fabrics, this is a really useful tool to expand your skills. The patterns included are also really cute and versatile. Totally recommend.
June 16, 2018
Been hearing such good things about this book so when I saw it at the library I grabbed it! Read it through in one sitting. I've been sewing with knits for a while, so I was aware of most of what was in this book before, however, as I don't read patterns I did enjoy learning some of the terminology. I was also amused to see some of my dad's tips and tricks in here, which have always made sewing knits (and threading a serger!) Way easier.
My only complaint is that I wish there would have been a more detailed section solely about the types of knit. I think it would have been helpful, both for me and more beginner sewists!
My only complaint is that I wish there would have been a more detailed section solely about the types of knit. I think it would have been helpful, both for me and more beginner sewists!
October 1, 2018
Very useful for the beginning knit sewist, with clear instructions. I particularly like that the same pattern is shown in several different variations, and modelled on several different body types. I'm a very standard, boring 'sample size', but it is so much easier to envision how to put a pattern together when you see how the finished product fit and drapes in multiple fabrics and sizes (one of the reasons I love browsing Ravelry.com for knitting patterns.)
March 8, 2019
tilly is wonderful for clear concise directions
she speaks to sewers on all levels
book comes with patterns as well
i am thrilled to add this to my collection and to start sewing
don't miss out on this one
she speaks to sewers on all levels
book comes with patterns as well
i am thrilled to add this to my collection and to start sewing
don't miss out on this one
May 16, 2018
Includes patterns, fun clothes and helpful hints.
June 3, 2019
nonfiction (sewing clothes with stretch knits)
The patterns are mostly plain (raglan sleeves, mock-turtleneck, twist neckline, pencil skirt, half-circle skirt, hoodie sweatshirt with sweatpants) but thanks to the stretchy fabric, very adaptable for various body-types as well as different fashion tastes. Tilly's instructions are very accessible, friendly, and encouraging :)
I've been sewing with t-shirt jersey for 10+ years, and I learned a few things just from glancing through this book. A nice primer on sewing with knits.
updated (6/2/2019): have tried the pattern for the raglan tee; while my technique could still use practice, the pattern and instructions get a thumbs up.
The patterns are mostly plain (raglan sleeves, mock-turtleneck, twist neckline, pencil skirt, half-circle skirt, hoodie sweatshirt with sweatpants) but thanks to the stretchy fabric, very adaptable for various body-types as well as different fashion tastes. Tilly's instructions are very accessible, friendly, and encouraging :)
I've been sewing with t-shirt jersey for 10+ years, and I learned a few things just from glancing through this book. A nice primer on sewing with knits.
updated (6/2/2019): have tried the pattern for the raglan tee; while my technique could still use practice, the pattern and instructions get a thumbs up.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews