CONSTRUCTION:
NECKLINE:
Sew the clear stay tape to the wrong side of the back neckline and the front neckline.
With RST, sew the front to back at the shoulder seams. Neaten with an overlocker/serger, press to the back.
If using an overlocker/serger and plain sewing machine:
Neaten the front and back necklines. Turn the neckline to the inside 1cm (3/8”) and topstitch into place, being careful not to stretch the fabric. Press.
Neaten the bottom edge of the left front (2) with an overlocker/serger. Turn to the inside 1cm (3/8”), stitch and press.
OR
If using a twin needle or coverstitch machine:
Turn the front and back neckline to the inside 1cm (3/8”) and pin into place on the right side of the fabric. Carefully sew using the twin needle or coverstitch machine, being careful to catch the edge and stay tape on the underside. Press. Take care to not stretch the fabric.
Turn the bottom edge of the left front (2) to the inside 1cm (3/8”) and pin into place on the right side of the fabric. Sew into place. Press.
BODY:
Place the right front (1) onto the work bench with the wrong side up. Place the left front (2) down with the wrong side up, matching the notches. Baste the side seams.
With RST and matching notches, sew the front to back at the side seams. Neaten with an overlocker/serger. Press to the back.
SLEEVES:
Short capped sleeve option:
Fold one of the pair of sleeves (5) RST so the short edges match. Sew then press the seam open. With RST and matching notches, fold the sleeve in half and press. Baste around the sleeve head edge.
Matching notches, pin the sleeve into the armhole of the main body. Sew then neaten with an overlocker/serger and press the seam towards the sleeve. Repeat with the other sleeve.
Long sleeve option:
With RST, sew the under-sleeve seams. Neaten with an overlocker/serger and press to the back. Turn the sleeves the right side out.
With RST and matching notches, pin the sleeve into the armhole of the main body. Sew then neaten with an overlocker/serger and press the seam towards the sleeve.
HEMS AND COMPLETION:
If using an overlocker/serger and plain sewing machine:
Neaten the edges of the long sleeve hems and main body hem using an overlocker/serger. Turn to the inside 2.5cm (1”) pin into place and sew. Press.
If using a twin needle or coverstitch machine:
Turn the long sleeve and main body hems to the inside 2.5cm (1”) and pin into place on the right side of the fabric. Carefully sew using the twin needle or coverstitch machine, being careful to catch the edge on the underside. Take care to not stretch the fabric. Press.
Trim off any loose threads and gently press your new dress.