Exciting news for stitchers with a bun in the oven – we’ve created two maternity sewing patterns!
Currently pregnant while writing this, I (Tilly) have struggled to buy maternity clothes in the shops. Brands with maternity lines are few and far between, and when you do find a store that stocks them, the range is disappointingly limited, the colours bland, and finding the right size is near impossible!
So I decided we should develop a couple of patterns with multiple variations so you (and I!) can build a stylish wardrobe to show off your bump. They’re based on our popular Bettine and Agnes patterns, redrafted for a curvalicious pregnant shape and size, and redesigned with the needs of baby mamas in mind.
Crucially, these patterns are:
- Comfortable to wear – essential when you’re growing a little one and have enough aches and pains to deal with, amirite?
- Quick and easy to make – so you can get on with curating your nursery Pinspiration board!
- Versatile – multiple variations mean you can get a wardrobe full of garments out of each pattern
- Easy fitting – to accommodate a range of bump shapes, and to continue to fit you as you grow
ORDER MATERNITY BETTINE OR MATERNITY AGNES
OR SAVE MONEY WITH THE MAMA-TO-BE BUNDLE!
MATERNITY AGNES TOP + DRESS
Show off your curvalicious mama-to-be shape in this close-fitting top or dress. Designed for stretchy jersey fabric, it’s speedy to sew, simple to fit, and comfortable to wear.
- Pattern created for pregnant body shapes, with extra ease for curvy boobs and hips
- Stretchy, ruched front bodice creates space for your growing bump throughout pregnancy
- Choose from knee-length dress or long-line top that won’t ride up over your bump
- Classic scoop neckline, or add elastic to create a ruched sweetheart shape
- Cropped, three-quarter or full length sleeves for year-round wear
- Add the optional adjustable drawstrings to the top version to gather or loosen the fabric as your shape changes
We recommend making Agnes in 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.
Need some help sewing stretchy jersey? Take our popular video workshop - Learn to Sew Jersey Tops!
MATERNITY + NURSING BETTINE DRESS
This easy-peasy throw-it-over-your-head dress will make you feel stylish and comfortable throughout your pregnancy. Make it in woven drapey fabric, or make the plain bodice version in jersey for ultimate comfort!
- Pattern created for pregnant body shapes, with extra ease for curvy boobs and hips
- Blousy bodice with scoop neckline
- Optional button front version is perfect for breastfeeding once baby has arrived
- Easy-to-sew grown-on sleeves with turn-up cuffs and optional cuff tabs
- Narrow elasticated empire waist channel sits under the bust, with optional waist tie to define your bump even more
- Knee-length skirt that will hang nicely throughout your pregnancy
- Optional neckband for making the plain bodice version in jersey
We suggest making Bettine in a light- to medium-weight drapey woven fabric, such as viscose (rayon), chambray, cotton voile, double gauze, or crepe. Or make the plain bodice version in lightweight drapey jersey with any amount of stretch.
DIGITAL PATTERNS
These two patterns are available as digital patterns to print at home. You’ll get an email immediately after purchase with PDFs of the patterns and instructions to download, print on either A4 or US Letter, and assemble at home with glue or tape.
Our award-winning sewing patterns are refreshingly clear to use, with jargon-busting instructions and full colour photos of each step, so you can see what your project is supposed to look like as you’re making it.
In case you’re wondering, we don’t have plans to produce printed versions of these two patterns at the moment. As maternity sewing patterns appeal to a niche audience only, we don’t expect to sell enough patterns to cover the costs associated with a print run. I hope you find our digital patterns easy to use – plus they’re cheaper for you than printed patterns ;)
PATTERN SIZING
The patterns include eight sizes – from UK 6-20, US 2-16 or EUR 34-48. We’ve developed a new maternity sizing chart especially for these patterns to account for expanding boobs and hips, and redrafted the patterns for a pregnant body shape.
Measure your full bust and the widest part of your hips to pick your size on the measurements chart included in the pattern (you can also see it at the bottom of the pattern pages). If, like me, you’ve struggled to buy the right size of ready-to-wear maternity clothes, you’ll find it such a relief to make your own maternity clothes based on your actual measurements!
The patterns are designed to fit from around 4 months to 9 months of pregnancy. I’ve worn these samples throughout – I’m currently 8 months pregnant and can see myself wearing them until the end! Bumps do vary a lot in shape, size and position, so the pattern designs are easy fitting to accommodate a variety of silhouettes.
If you’re pregnant, I really hope you enjoy making and wearing these patterns as much as I do! I’d absolutely love to see what you make – share your creations with us on Instagram with the hashtags #SewingMamaAgnes or #SewingMamaBettine and tag us in @TillyButtons.
Photographer: Fanni Williams
Hair and make up: Elbie van Eeden
Model: Tilly Walnes (34 weeks pregnant when the photos were taken)
