Tess Sew Along | Getting Started
To help you in your sewing experience, we’re thrilled to share the Tess Dress and Top Sew Along. This sew along features step-by-step photos for the entire sewing process! In addition to the sew along, we also have community-led sewing support in our Facebook group, or you can email us directly for additional support.
GATHERING SUPPLIES
Before we begin sewing, here’s what you’ll need for your Tess Top or Dress:
- The Tess Pattern available in sizes 0-30.
- Washed and pressed fabric: we have a fabric resource post here.
- Coordinating thread
- 1 YD ( 1 M) Tricot fusible for dress view only
Optional notions:
- Tailor’s Chalk for marking notches and pattern marks.
TIPS FOR CUTTING
When cutting your fabric and pattern, here are a few important notes to remember:
- Your fabric should be pre-washed the same way you plan to launder your garment.
- Read the information on each pattern piece.
- Grainlines are indicated on the pattern pieces. Place pattern pieces on the grainline, parallel to the selvage or fold.
- If the pattern says “Cut 2,” the pieces are mirror images of each other.
- If the pattern says “Cut on FOLD,” place the pattern edge exactly along the fold of the fabric.
- Clip all notches at 1/4” (0.6 cm) or less.
- Transfer all pattern markings to your fabric with a washable marker or chalk.
CUT LISTS
Below are the cut lists for each view. Before cutting, there are a few things to consider.
I always suggest sewing a test garment/muslin first in a comparable fabric as this will affect the fit.
DRESS WITH SHORT OR LONG SLEEVES
MAIN CUT LIST
- 1 – A/B OR C/D – FRONT – CUT 1 ON FOLD
- #2 – BACK – CUT 1 ON FOLD
- #3 – SLEEVES (SHORT OR LONG) – CUT 2
- 6, #7, #8, OR #9 NECKBAND – CUT 1 *(Choose the correct neckband based on the neckline you are sewing.)
OPTIONAL FUSIBLE INTERFACING CUT LIST
Using tricot fusible interfacing on the shoulder seams will prevent stretching. The hem facings & slit extension fusible stabilize the dress hem.
- 11 A/B OR C/D FRONT HEM FUSIBLE – CUT 1
- 12 BACK HEM FUSIBLE – CUT 1
- #13 SLIT EXTENSION FUSIBLE – CUT 4
DRESS SLEEVELESS TANK
MAIN CUT LIST
- 4 A/B OR C/D FRONT – CUT 1 ON FOLD
- #5 BACK – CUT 1 ON FOLD
- #6, #7, #8, OR #9 NECKBAND – CUT 1 *(Choose the correct neckband based on the neckline you are sewing.)
- 10 ARMBANDS – CUT 2
OPTIONAL FUSIBLE INTERFACING CUT LIST
Using tricot fusible interfacing on the shoulder seams will prevent stretching. The hem facings & slit extension fusible stabilize the dress hem.
- 11 A/B OR C/D FRONT HEM FUSIBLE – CUT 1
- 12 BACK HEM FUSIBLE – CUT 1
- #13 SLIT EXTENSION FUSIBLE – CUT 4
TOP WITH SHORT OR LONG SLEEVES
MAIN CUT LIST
- 1 A/B OR C/D FRONT – CUT 1 ON FOLD
- #2 BACK – CUT 1 ON FOLD
- #3 SLEEVES (SHORT OR LONG) – CUT 2
- 6, #7, #8, OR #9 NECKBAND – CUT 1 *(Choose the correct neckband based on the neckline you are sewing.)
TOP SLEEVELESS TANK
MAIN CUT LIST
- #4 A/B OR C/D FRONT – CUT 1 ON FOLD
- #5 BACK – CUT 1 ON FOLD
- #6, #7, #8, OR #9 NECKBAND – CUT 1 *(Choose the correct neckband based on the neckline you are sewing.)
- #10 ARMBANDS – CUT 2
OPTIONAL FUSIBLE INTERFACING CUT LIST
Using tricot fusible interfacing on the shoulder seams will prevent stretching. The hem facings & slit extension fusible stabilize the dress hem.
OPTIONAL FUSIBLE INTERFACING CUT LIST
Using tricot fusible interfacing on the shoulder seams will prevent stretching. The hem facings & slit extension fusible stabilize the dress hem.
Tess Sew Along Posts: Getting Started | Prepare and Sew Neckline | Sew Sleeves, Top Side Seams and Hem| Dress Side Seams, Slit and Hem | Sew Sleeve Hems or Armbands
