CONSTRUCTION:
POCKETS:
Fuse the pocket facings (5) using a fusing of suitable weight for your fabric.
With wrong sides together, fold and press the pocket trim in half lengthways.
With right sides together sew the pocket trim (6) to the top edge of the pocket (4).
With right sides together pin the pocket facing to the pocket and pocket trim piece – sandwich the pocket trim in between the pocket and pocket facing and sew the three layers together. Press the seam towards the pocket facing and from the right side of the fabric understitch on the side of the pocket facing.
Press the pocket facing down and neaten the bottom edge with an overlocker/serger. Press seams inwards.
Pin the pockets to the front pattern piece, following the markings and sew down with an edge stitch.
Sew darts in raglan sleeves and press towards the back.
With right sides facing sew the front raglans to the front body. Neaten with overlocker/serger and press towards the sleeve.
With right sides facing sew the back raglans to the back body. Neaten with overlocker/serger and press towards the sleeve.
With right sides facing sew the centre back seam. Neaten with overlocker/serger and press to one side.
With right sides facing stitch the side seams and underarm seams together, starting at the hemline and continuing all the way through to the sleeve hem, matching underarm seams as you sew. Neaten with overlocker/serger and press to the back.
Neaten sleeve hem with overlocker/serger. Using the fold line, fold and press the hem towards the inside. Stitch the sleeve hem into place with a top stitch or twin needle stitch.
NECKBAND WITH BINDING:
With right sides facing sew the short ends of the neckband together and press open.
With wrong sides facing fold the neckband in half, length ways. If needed sew a stay stitch to the two raw edges to keep secure.
With right sides facing sew the neck band to the neck of the dress. Neaten with overlocker/serger and press downwards.
From the right side of the fabric understitch around the neckline, on the side of the body and sleeves.
(You may also wish to use a single bind around the neckline, click here for the tutorial on our website ).
NECKBAND WITH FACINGS:
If you prefer, you can make the dress with facings instead of binding, using the neck guides as neck facings.
Fuse the front and back neck guides/facings (8 & 9) using a fusing of suitable weight for your fabric.
With right sides together sew shoulder seams of the front and back facing together. Press the shoulder seams open and neaten the outer raw edge of the facing with an overlocker/serger.
With right sides together pin and sew the facing to the neckline of the dress, matching the shoulder seam to the shoulder dart.
Understitch the seam on the side of the facing and press the neckline. Secure the facing by stitching in the ditch along the front and back raglan seams.
COMPLETION:
Neaten the hem with overlocker/serger, using the fold line fold and press the hem towards the inside. Once in place stitch the hem with a top stitch or twin needle stitch.
Press your new dress.