Sew Alongs / Marcel / All

If you are sewing one of the dress views, it’s time to sew the side panel tiers together. If you are making View A, the Midi length, this will be the step that takes the most time. Just be patient and the effort will be worth it! Feel free to check out the video for this step or read along below.

PREP THE SIDE PANEL PIECES

Marcel Side Panels Tier 1, 2, and 3 are shown cut out laying on a white background

Lay out your side panel pieces to make sure you have the pieces you need, or if you used a directional print, make sure you are happy with the print layout. 

The Midi Dress (View A) will have 5 side panel pieces and the Mini Dress (View B) will have 3 side panel pieces.

GATHER THE TOP EDGE OF TIERS

Marcel Side panel tier 1 lays on a white background while tiers 2 and 3 are shown gathered across the top.

We are ready to gather our side panel tiers. Tier 1 does not have any gathers. The top edge of tiers 2-5 will be gathered. The notches help distribute the gathers evenly. The instructions will show each tier gathered separately, but I like to get the gathering out of the way and gather all of the tiers at the same time.

To prepare your gathers, set your machine to the longest possible stitch length. Sew two parallel baste stitch lines at the top of your tiers. Make sure not to backstitch at the beginning or end of your stitch lines and leave long ends to your threads. 

– The first line is 1/4” (0.6 cm) away from the fabric edge.
– The second line is 1/2” (1.5 cm) away from the fabric edge.

Pull the bobbin threads to gather the top edges.

Press the gathers in place to help when distributing the gathers – this step is very helpful so don’t skip it 🙂 

Repeat for all the tiers you have cut, side panel tiers 2 through 5.

SEW THE SIDE PANEL TIERS TOGETHER

Starting at the top, with right sides together, pin the bottom of side panel tier 1 to the top side panel tier 2, matching the center notch and keeping the gathers even. Sew seams with the gathers facing up, making sure the gathers are distributed evenly.

The gathered Marcel side panel tier 2 is shown sewn to tier 1

Finish the seam, removing any visible basting stitches. Press the seam allowance up towards tier 1.

The wrong side of the side panel is shown with gathered tiers 2 and 3 sewn together.

Repeat for tier 3. With right sides together, pin the bottom of side panel tier 3 to the top side panel tier 3, matching the three notches and keeping the gathers even. Sew seams with the gathers facing up, making sure the gathers are distributed evenly. Finish the seam and press the seam allowance up towards tier 2.

Mirror image completed Marcel side panels are shown next to each other against a white background.

If you’re sewing the Midi Dress (View A), continue adding tiers 4 and 5. Repeat for the other side panel. Now you are ready to attach the side panels to the center front and center back, making a tube that will form the dress.

Click here for your next steps.