Tilly and the Buttons: Meet the Samara sewing pattern + online workshop!

Two models wearing the Tilly and the Buttons Samara top sewing pattern. One model features the top cropped at the high hip, with elbow-length sleeves with elastic cuffs, while the other model wears a white Samara top with bracelet length sleeves and hip-length hem, highlighting the versatility of this easy top sewing pattern.

Introducing the Samara sewing pattern – perfect for beginners!

Ever wished you could sew your own clothes but didn’t know where to start? Finding a beginner-friendly pattern that’s actually easy can feel overwhelming – but don’t worry, we’ve got you!

The Samara top pattern is simple, stylish, and oh-so-satisfying to sew. Whether you're brand new to sewing or just looking for a speedy wardrobe refresh, this versatile top is designed with beginners in mind.

With its relaxed fit, V-neckline, and a choice of four sleeve options and two hemlines, Samara is a wardrobe staple that will take you through every season in handmade style.

But that's not all – we've also launched a brand new online workshop Learn to Sew an Easy Top to guide you through making Samara step by step! Whether you're sewing your first ever garment or brushing up your skills, this course is perfect for building confidence and creating clothes you’ll be proud to wear.

GET THE SAMARA SEWING PATTERN

Let's take a closer look at Samara...

Samara sewing pattern technical drawings

Why you’ll love the Samara top sewing pattern

Designed especially for beginners, Samara is simple to sew with no tricky fastenings - just straightforward steps and beautiful results. Here’s what makes this pattern so special:

Four sleeve options – short, bracelet-length, elbow-length with elasticated cuffs, or full-length with elasticated cuffs
Two hemlines – a trendy cropped length or a classic hip-length
Beginner-friendly instructions – guiding you through every step
Available in 15 sizes (UK 6-34 / US 2-30 / EUR 34-62)
Printed and PDF formats – choose what works best for you

Whether you're sewing in breezy cotton for summer or snuggly double gauze for cooler days, Samara is a versatile, timeless top you’ll want to make again and again.

GET THE SAMARA SEWING PATTERN

Two models wearing 4 versions of the Tilly and the Buttons Samara top sewing pattern.

Learn to sew with our online workshop

Want to learn to sew your own clothes with confidence? Our brand new online workshop, Learn to Sew an Easy Top, is designed especially for beginner dressmakers or anyone looking to refresh their skills.

Join Tilly as she takes you through each step of making the Samara top – from understanding sewing patterns to finishing seams with a zigzag stitch. Along the way, you’ll learn how to:

Work with patterns and fabrics
Sew and finish seams neatly
Construct a garment from start to finish
Customise with optional hacks and details

With 12 video lessons, you can watch anytime, anywhere – perfect for sewing at your own pace! The Samara PDF pattern is included in the workshop, or you can upgrade to the option that includes the printed pattern too.

LEARN TO SEW AN EASY TOP

Here's what our workshop students have been saying:

"Tilly is fantastic at explaining the instructions in her videos and keeping them extremely clear and easy to follow. Highly recommend to try her online workshops if you haven’t already, she holds your hand all the way, giving me the confidence to have a go." - Judy

"This is the first significant garment I have ever made and I'm so impressed with the result – all down to such a good tutorial. Tilly made every step so straightforward – easy to understand and to copy her instructions... I strongly recommend anyone who wants to take up sewing but is nervous about starting, to take the plunge and get an online workshop." - Myra

"This course was brilliant! I am new to sewing and wanted in-depth easy to understand instructions and this is exactly what I got on the course... I have learnt so much, fallen in love with sewing and discovered my happy place." - Erica

Front cover and back cover of the Tilly and the Buttons Samara sewing pattern featuring two models.

Pattern formats & sizing

The Samara sewing pattern is available in two formats:

Printed pattern – Delivered to your door with a full colour instruction booklet
PDF pattern – Instant download to print at home or at a copyshop

Both include 15 sizes (UK 6-34 / US 2-30 / EUR 34-62), and our award-winning beginner-friendly instructions with step-by-step photos will guide you every step of the way.

Order the printed pattern, and we’ll send you a beautifully packaged sewing envelope with durable paper pattern sheets – perfect for keeping in your sewing stash! If you opt for the PDF version, you can print it at home (A4/Letter size) or at a copyshop (A0 size). Plus, with layered sizes, you can print only what you need – yay!

GET THE SAMARA SEWING PATTERN

What fabric should you use for the Samara top?

Samara is designed to be sewn in light- to medium-weight woven fabrics that drape nicely. Here are some great fabric choices:

Cotton lawn or poplin – Crisp, breathable, and beginner-friendly
Linen blends – Relaxed and effortlessly stylish
Double gauze – Soft and cosy
Viscose/rayon and blends – Drapey with a softer silhouette

You’ll also need:

Matching thread
Lightweight fusible interfacing to stabilise the neckline
Elasticated sleeve versions: 20mm (3/4in) wide elastic + 2 safety pins
Sewing machine and basic tools

Check out the full fabric requirements to plan your perfect project.

GET THE SAMARA SEWING PATTERN

Show us your Samara makes!

We LOVE seeing your handmade creations! Share your Samara tops with us on Instagram using the hashtag #SewingSamara and tagging @TillyButtons – we can’t wait to see what you make!

Happy sewing!