Noe Sew Along | Shoulder Seams, Straps, and Side Seams

16.  SEW THE SHOULDER SEAMS

If you prefer a video reference, we have an Instagram reel for steps 16-17 HERE.

With the front and back bodices right side out, pin and sew the main front and back shoulder seams together, fold the lining out of the way. Press the seam open. Repeat for the other main shoulder seam.

Pull the lining straps away from the main and pin and sew the lining straps right sides together. You will need to twist the lining straps a bit to do this.

Press the seam open. Repeat for the other lining shoulder seam. 

17. SEW THE SHOULDER STRAPS

Reach from inside the front bodice hem. Pull the straps from the inside of the tank, so the main and lining are right sides together. You will not pull the full bodice through the strap, just enough to pin the opening closed. 

Sew the remaining opening of the tank straps closed. Start with the neckline side, make sure you are not catching the bodice in the seam. Then repeat for the armhole side. This is why we left the seam allowance at the top of the shoulder. Trim the seam allowance, pull the straps right side out, and press. 

Trim the seam allowance, pull the straps right side out, and press.

Repeat for the other side. 

18. SEW THE SIDE SEAMS

Flip the bodice so that the right sides of the main and lining side seams are facing each other. 

Sew a continuous seam from the main hem to the lining hem.

Finish the side seams.

If leaving a side seam opening, clip the ends of the opening to allow you to finish the seams above and below the opening.

Press the seam allowance towards the back. If hemming your tank main and lining separately, continue to step 19. If fully enclosing the tank, skip to step 20. If sewing a short dress, skip to step 22. If sewing a long dress, skip to step 27. 

Noe Sew Along Posts: Getting Started | Staystitching, Darts, Center Seams, and Ties | Sewing the Neckline and Armholes | Attach Ties and Sew Center Back Opening (Open Back View Only) | Shoulder Seams, Straps, and Side Seams | Sewing Hem and Long Dress Ruffle