I finally got around to making the tilly and the buttons margot pyjamas, and honestly, I wish I'd done it much sooner. If you've spent any time in the online sewing community, you've probably seen these pop up a million times. They're basically the rite of passage for anyone picking up a needle and thread for the first time. For me, it wasn't just about needing new sleepwear; it was about finally tackling a project that promised to be stress-free while still giving me something wearable at the end of the day.
Most people encounter this pattern through Tilly Walnes' book, Love at First Stitch. It's designed to be the very first garment you sew, right after you've practiced sewing straight lines on a few napkins or a tote bag. There's something so approachable about the way the instructions are laid out—no confusing jargon or weird diagrams that look like IKEA instructions gone wrong.
Why the Margot Pyjamas are a Total Game Changer
If you're a beginner, the thought of sewing trousers can be a bit intimidating. You start thinking about zippers, flies, and complicated tailoring, but the tilly and the buttons margot pyjamas strip all of that away. These are simple, lounge-style bottoms with a relaxed fit and an elasticated waistband. There are no buttons (despite the brand name!) and no zippers to fight with.
The beauty of this pattern is that it teaches you the fundamentals of garment construction without making your brain melt. You learn how to cut out pattern pieces, how to deal with a crotch seam (which sounds way more suggestive than it actually is), and how to create a casing for elastic or a ribbon. By the time you finish, you've actually made a piece of clothing that fits your body, which is a pretty incredible feeling the first time you do it.
Picking the Perfect Fabric
One of my favorite parts of starting any new project is the fabric shopping, though it can be a bit overwhelming. For the tilly and the buttons margot pyjamas, you really want something breathable and soft. Since these are meant for sleeping and lounging around the house, comfort is the only thing that really matters.
I've seen people make these in everything from stiff quilting cotton to buttery soft flannel. If it's your first time, I'd suggest sticking to a stable cotton or a lightweight lawn. They don't slip around under the presser foot like silk or rayon would, which saves a lot of frustration.
I went with a classic brushed cotton in a quirky print. It's cozy enough for winter but light enough that I don't overheat. If you want to feel a bit more fancy, a Liberty Tana Lawn would be absolute heaven, though it might be a bit nerve-wracking to cut into expensive fabric for your very first go. Whatever you choose, just make sure you pre-wash your fabric. I can't stress this enough. There is nothing worse than making a perfect pair of PJs only for them to shrink two sizes the first time they hit the laundry.
The Sewing Process: Step by Step
Actually putting the tilly and the buttons margot pyjamas together is surprisingly fast. Once you've got your pieces cut out, the whole thing comes together in just a few hours.
Dealing with the Crotch Seam
The most "technical" part of the build is the crotch seam. It involves nesting one leg inside the other, which feels a bit like a magic trick the first time you do it. You sew the inner leg seams first, then flip one leg right-side out and stuff it into the other one. It feels like you're making a giant fabric tube, but once you sew that curved seam and pull them apart, suddenly—poof—you have trousers.
Tilly's instructions are great here because she explains exactly which way to point your seam allowances so you don't end up with a bulky mess right where all the seams meet. It's those little tips that make the difference between homemade and "handmade."
The Waistband and Finishing Touches
The Margot pattern uses a simple fold-over casing for the waist. You basically fold the top edge down, sew a channel, and then thread your elastic through. I decided to go the extra mile and add a ribbon drawstring as well. It doesn't actually do much if your elastic is the right size, but it looks so much more professional.
I also added a little "back" label. Since the front and back of these pyjamas look fairly similar at a glance, having a little scrap of ribbon or a "handmade" tag sewn into the back waistband saves me from putting them on backwards every morning when I'm still half-asleep.
Getting the Fit Right
One thing to keep in mind with the tilly and the buttons margot pyjamas is that they are roomy. They're designed for maximum comfort, so they have quite a bit of "ease" (sewing speak for extra space).
If you prefer a more slim-fit look, you might want to size down, but I personally love the oversized feel. I did have to take a few inches off the hem, though. I'm not exactly a giant, and the original pattern is quite generous with the leg length. It's always better to have too much fabric than too little, so I just tried them on before hemming to see where I wanted them to hit.
If you find that the "rise" (the distance from the crotch to the waist) is too high or too low, it's a pretty easy fix on a pattern like this. Since it's a straight-up-and-down shape, you can just fold the pattern piece to shorten it or add a bit of paper to the top to lengthen it.
Why I'll Be Making More
Now that I've finished my first pair, I can totally see why people end up with a whole drawer full of these. They make incredible gifts because the fit is so forgiving—you don't need someone's exact measurements to get it right. Plus, they're a great way to use up those 2-meter cuts of fabric you bought because they were cute but didn't have a plan for.
I'm already planning my next pair. I think I'll try a version with some contrasting piping along the hem to make them look a bit more "boutique." I might even try to make a matching sleep mask with the scraps.
Final Thoughts on the Margot Pattern
If you've been sitting on the fence about starting your sewing journey, the tilly and the buttons margot pyjamas are the perfect place to dive in. There's no pressure to be perfect, and even if your seams are a bit wonky, nobody is going to see them except you and maybe your cat.
The sense of accomplishment you get from wearing something you actually made is addictive. It's a low-stakes, high-reward project that builds your confidence for more complicated things down the road. Honestly, give it a go. You'll end up with the comfiest trousers you've ever owned, and you'll be able to tell everyone, "Oh these? Yeah, I made them myself." There's really no better feeling than that.