Tilli dress sewing pattern

Skill level: Intermediate

Tilli is bolder and slightly more demanding than a simple dress pattern. The upper section needs the most care, especially if you use transparent fabrics such as chiffon. Precise cutting, careful handling and clean French seam finishing will make the difference between “homemade” and properly finished.

For an easier sew, use a more stable transparent fabric such as organza for the yoke and cotton for the body. You’ll still get the contrast and transparency, with less fight from the fabric.

Fabric requirements

Fabric 1: 140 cm / 55 in wide × 100 cm / 40 in
Fabric 2: 140 cm / 55 in wide × 55 cm / 22 in
Lining: 140 cm / 55 in wide × 100 cm / 40 in
Interfacing: 140 cm / 55 in wide × 13 cm / 6 in

The sample uses satin for the body and chiffon for the upper yoke. For a cleaner, easier build, use cotton for the body and organza for the yoke.

Choose fabrics that show the panel lines clearly without making the seams too bulky. A crisp cotton will keep the shape graphic. Satin gives the dress more polish. Organza keeps the transparent yoke stable while still giving the upper section that light, cut-away effect.

Supplies

• 1 invisible zip, 60 cm / 24 in
• Main fabric
• Contrast or yoke fabric
• Lining
• Interfacing
• Matching thread

Equipment

• Sewing machine
• Overlocker / serger
• Pins
• Needles
• Fabric scissors
• Paper scissors

Tilli is available in UK 4–16 / EUR 32–44 / US 0–12.

Choose your size by comparing your bust, waist and hip measurements to the size chart. If you fall between sizes, make a toile first and adjust before cutting your final fabric.

All sewing patterns are drafted for a dressmaker’s B cup, so fuller cup sizes may need a full bust adjustment.

Included in your download pack

• PDF sewing pattern in A4 and US Letter, tiled pages for home printing, all sizes nested
• PDF sewing pattern in A0, one sheet for a copy shop, all sizes nested
• Step by step sewing instructions PDF
• How to print guide PDF: print settings, scale check and how to piece the pages together

File structure

├── How to Print Documentation.pdf
├── Sewing Instructions.pdf
└── Sewing Patterns
    ├── A0 (one sheet)
    ├── A4 (tiled pages)
    └── US Letter (tiled pages)

The size chart is on this page and on the Size charts page. It is not a separate file in the pack.

This is a digital product. No paper pattern will be posted.

After checkout, download your Tilli pattern pack from the order-completion page, your download email, or My Account → Downloads. Save the ZIP file to a laptop or desktop computer so the files are easy to find.

Open PDF files in Adobe Reader and print at 100% scale.

For personal use only.

You may not sell garments made from this pattern, and you may not resell, lend, share, or redistribute the original pattern files. Please read our Terms & Conditions for more information.

Tilli is a dress pattern with restraint, contrast and a little edge.

The square cap sleeves keep the shoulder line clean. The transparent yoke gives the upper body lightness. The chevron panelling gives the front shape and direction, while the back darts keep the silhouette controlled.

Make it in satin and chiffon for a sharper evening feel. Use cotton and organza if you want an easier sew with the same design effect. Push the contrast if you want the panel lines to stand out, or keep the fabrics closer in tone for something quieter.

This is a good pattern for makers who enjoy precision: careful seams, clean pressing, sheer fabric handled properly, and a finished dress that looks designed rather than thrown together.

Simple outline. Stronger details. Worth sewing properly.