At this point, your bodice should be sewn and we’re ready to stitch up the pockets (optional) and skirt of your Fringe blouse or dress.

SEW THE SIDE SEAMS WITH NO POCKETS

If omitting skirt pockets or sewing the blouse, sew the side seams right sides together.

Finish and press to the back. Skip to hemming the skirt.

ADD FUSIBLE AND FINISH SIDE SEAMS AND POCKET PIECES

If adding skirt pockets, add a strip of fusible interfacing between the pocket notches. Finish skirt front and back side seams and around all 4 pocket pieces. Make sure to mark notches.

SEW THE POCKETS AND UNDERSTITCH

With right sides together, sew pocket bags to front and back skirts, matching the notches.

Press the pocket bags open and understitch the pocket bags, stitching 1/16″ (0.15 cm) away from the seam.

SEW THE SIDE SEAMS WITH POCKETS

With right sides together, pin the front and back skirt pieces together.

Sew the side seams by starting at the waist. Stitch to the first pocket notch, pivot your needle, sew around the pocket’s edge until you sew to the bottom notch. Pivot your needle again and finish sewing to the skirt hem.

Clip the seam allowance above and below the pocket opening.

Press the side seams above and below the pocket open. Press the pockets towards the front.

SEW POCKET BAR TACKS

Turn your skirt right side out. Secure the pockets so they are lying towards the front; secure with a few pins.

Sew a 1/4″ (0.6 cm) bar tack just above and below the pocket, going through all layers, to secure it in place. Remove pins and repeat on the other side.

Now you’re ready to hem and attach your bodice to your skirt.

Fringe Sew Along Posts: Getting Started | Prepare Facings and Sew Darts | Sew Shoulder Seams and Attach Facings | Attach the Sleeve/Cuffs and Sew the Side Seams | Sew Pockets and Skirt Side Seams | Hem and Attach Bodice to Skirt