Hayes Sew Along | Staystitching, Interfacing, & Ties
Before we begin assembling your dress or set, there are a few things to prepare. We'll start with staystitching and adding fusible interfacing.
Unless noted, the seam allowance included is 3/8" (1 cm) for joined seams.
Clip or mark the notches indicated by 'T" marks.
TOP & DRESS | SEAM ALLOWANCE, STAYSTITCHING & FUSIBLE
Before Handling your cut pieces too much, sew a stitch line 1/4" (0.6 cm) away from the fabric edge on the bodice neckline. See arrows for stitching direction.
If you would like to add more structure to your neckline, you can add tricot fusible interfacing to the center front lining pieces.
SKIRT AND DRESS | ADDING FUSIBLE TO POCKETS
If including pockets, add a small piece of fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the pocket edge between the notches. Repeat for all four pocket pieces.
SKIRT AND DRESS | SEW THE WAIST TIES
With the wrong sides together, press one short end in 3/8" (1 cm).
With the right sides together, fold the ties in half lengthwise. Reduce the stitch length to get a sharp corner. Stitch at 3/8" (1 cm) around 2 sides, leaving the folded end open, pivoting at the corner.
Turn right side out and press. Repeat for the remaining three ties and set aside. Alternatively, 1/2" (1.25 cm) ribbons can be used for ties. If sewing the full, closed back or skirt view, Skip ahead to the next step.
OPEN BACK DRESS | ATTACH TIES TO ELASTIC
If sewing the open back, you will need three pieces of 1/2" (1.25 cm) elastic. Use the cut chart on page 7 of the pattern to determine elastic length. The long piece is for the front and the two short pieces are for the back.
Insert the elastic inside the ties at the open ends about 3/8" (1 cm) deep. The front elastic will have ties on either end. The back elastic will have a tie at one end. Secure the elastic with a zigzag stitch or backstitch a few times to secure the seam. Set aside. Skip to next post.
FULL BACK DRESS OR SKIRT | ATTACH TIES TO ELASTIC
If sewing the full back dress or skirt, you will need two pieces of 1/2" (1.25 cm) elastic. Use the cut chart on page 7 of your pattern to determine elastic length.
Insert the elastic inside the ties at the open ends about 3/8" (1 cm) deep. The elastic will have ties on either end. Secure the elastic with a zig zag stitch or backstitch a few times to secure the seam.
That's it for this installment of the Hayes Sew Along. Check out our other sew along posts below.
Hayes Sew Along Posts: Getting Started | Staystitching, Interfacing, & Ties | Assemble Bodice & Sew Neckline | Attach Sleeves and Sew Sides | Finishing the Bodice | Assemble Skirt | Finish Dress and Skirt Waistband
