CONSTRUCTION:
Prepare the facing by cutting and then fusing the Front Facing (5) and Back Facing (4) using a fusing of suitable weight for your fabric. We suggest block fusing the facings (the process of fusing a piece of fabric first, followed by cutting out the facings. This helps to prevent shrinkage).
With right sides together sew the front facing and back facing together at the shoulder seams. Press the seams open, neaten the outer edge with an overlocker/serger and set the facing aside.
With right sides facing sew the back and front shoulder seams together. Neaten with an overlocker/serger and press to the back.
Neaten each armhole with an overlocker/serger. Turn the armhole seam allowance (6mm or ¼”) to the wrong side, press and topstitch into place.
With right sides facing pin and then sew the neck facing to the neckline of the body using a 6mm (1/4”) seam allowance. Clip the seam.
Understitch the neckline on the side of the facing. Catch the facings to the bodice by stitching in the ditch at the shoulder seam.
With right sides facing sew the back and front bodice side seams together. Neaten with an overlocker/serger and press to the back. Sew a stitch to the side seam at the underarm reinforce the base of the armhole.
Neaten each centre front and centre back Skirt seam with an overlocker/serger.
With right sides facing sew the centre front Skirt seams together and press the seam open. Repeat for the back Skirt.
With right sides facing pin the skirt to the bodice, matching the notches and carefully aligning the centre front seam of the skirt with the centre front of the bodice. Note there are no side seams on the skirt.
Starting at the front bodice side seam, sew the bodice to the skirt. When you arrive at the centre front point, keep the needle down, raise the presser foot and carefully clip into the “^” on the bodice. Pivot and now continue to sew along the opposite side seam, sewing the back bodice to the back skirt, matching at the notches as marked.
Neaten with an overlocker/serger and press the seam up towards the bodice. Top stitch the seam (optional).
Neaten the skirt hem with an overlocker/serger. Turn the hem to the inside at the notch and topstitch.
Press your new dress.
