Introducing the Indigo smock top or dress pattern!
Looking for an easy-to-sew top or dress that's as comfortable as it is stylish? Meet Indigo – a floaty smock-style sewing pattern you'll reach for again and again.
With its gently curved empire waistline, gathered skirt, choice of sleeves, and optional exposed frill seam detail, Indigo combines effortless comfort with thoughtful design details that make handmade clothes feel extra special. Whether you sew it as a breezy top for everyday wear or a swishy dress complete with pockets, Indigo is one of those patterns you'll find yourself making more than once.
Designed for confident beginners, Indigo includes Tilly and the Buttons' signature step-by-step photo instructions to guide you through every stage of the project.
Available in printed and PDF formats in sizes UK 6–24 / US 2–20 / EUR 34–52 and PDF format in sizes UK 16–34 / US 12–30 / EUR 44–62.
Indigo sewing pattern design details
Here's what makes Indigo such a versatile addition to your handmade wardrobe:
- Choice of top or dress length
- Dress version includes roomy side seam pockets
- Gently curved empire waistline
- Bust darts for shaping
- Floaty gathered skirt
- Choice of bracelet-length sleeves or flounce sleeves
- Optional exposed frill seam detail on the waist seam and sleeves
- No zips, buttons or other fastenings
- Award-winning photo-rich instructions
The beauty of Indigo is that you can make it look completely different depending on your fabric and design choices.
Choose the top version with bracelet sleeves for an easy everyday piece you'll wear with jeans and trousers. Sew the dress version in a drapey fabric and you'll have a comfortable outfit that's perfect for everything from holidays to brunch dates. Add the exposed frill seam detail and suddenly Indigo has a completely different personality.
And yes, the dress version has pockets.
GET THE INDIGO SEWING PATTERN
Indigo sewing pattern sizes and format options
The Indigo sewing pattern is available in two formats:
Printed pattern
Receive the pattern printed on durable white paper, along with a full-colour instruction booklet delivered straight to your door.
Available in sizes UK 6–24 / US 2–20 / EUR 34–52.
PDF pattern
Get sewing sooner with an instant download, including:
- A4/Letter file for printing at home
- A0 copyshop file
Available in:
- UK 6–24 / US 2–20 / EUR 34–52
- UK 16–34 / US 12–30 / EUR 44–62
Whether you choose printed or PDF, you'll get our signature beginner-friendly instructions packed with step-by-step photos.
Is the Indigo sewing pattern beginner-friendly?
Indigo is designed for confident beginners and is a fantastic project if you've already sewn one or two simple garments and are ready to build your skills.
Because there are no zips, buttons or other fastenings, you can focus on techniques such as:
- Sewing bust darts
- Gathering fabric
- Setting in sleeves
- Creating beautiful gathered seams
- Sewing the optional exposed frill seam finish
If you're completely new to gathering, we'd recommend sewing the regular gathered seam version first. It's simple, satisfying and creates a lovely classic look.
Feeling adventurous? The exposed frill seam detail is easier than it looks and adds a gorgeous contemporary finish inspired by ready-to-wear fashion.
As always, you'll also have access to our dedicated Indigo support page packed with extra tutorials, fitting advice and helpful videos.
Why sew Indigo more than once?
We designed Indigo to be a pattern that keeps on giving.
A breezy cotton lawn top for everyday wear. A floaty viscose dress for holidays. A cosy double gauze version for layering through the seasons. Add different sleeves, switch between the regular and exposed frill seam finishes, and suddenly you're sewing a pattern that feels brand new every time.
It's the kind of project that often leads to "just one more version..."
Share your Indigo makes!
We LOVE seeing your creations.
Share your handmade Indigo on Instagram by tagging @TillyButtons and using #SewingIndigo so we can admire your beautiful makes.
*****
Photographer: Jane Looker
Hair and Make up: Laura Anne
Stunning Models: Paige @paigejoannaa, Rumana @thelittlepomegranate & Bethany @bethany_rutter
Fireworks and clementine rayon fabric: Ruby Star Society (gifted)
Lilac viscose crepe: The Fabric Room
Mustard floral crepe: Minerva Crafts
Indigo top with flounce sleeves and regular gathers in geometric cotton fabric
Indigo dress with straight sleeves and exposed gathers skirt in sage viscose twill fabric.
As always, all the love and thanks to our amazing pattern testers xxxx
