In this post, we are going to prepare our pattern by marking our pattern, finishing a few seams, adding a bit of fusible, and making our neckline drawstring.

SEAM ALLOWANCE, MARKINGS

Unless noted, the seam allowance included is 3/8” (1 cm) for joined seams. Clip or mark the notches. The notches are indicated by “T” marks and “triangles.”

STAYSTITCH THE NECKLINE

Before handling your cut pieces too much, sew a stitch line 1/4” (0.6 cm) away from the fabric edge on the front and back bodice pieces and ruffle or sleeve pieces at the neckline. See arrows for stitching direction. This will prevent the neckline from stretching out before attaching the bias casing.

FINISH SEAMS & ADD FUSIBLE INTERFACING

If sewing the top or dress, finish the center front edge of the bodice. If sewing the skirt set, finish the front seam of the skirt waistband, the short edge with a single notch. If including pockets for the dress or skirt set, finish around the curved edge of the four pockets. Add a small piece of fusible interfacing to the pocket edge between the notches. If only sewing the skirt, skip to this post here.

SEW THE BODICE NECKLINE DRAWSTRING TIES

With the right sides together, sew the neckline drawstrings together at the short end.

Press the seam open and press the ends in at 3/8” (1 cm). 

 With the wrong sides together, fold the ties in half lengthwise and press to create a fold line.

Open and press the cut edges to meet the center fold line.

Fold again to create a 3/8” (1 cm) wide drawstring and edgestitch the three open ends. We have a tip on how to finish the ends of your drawstrings, you can find the video here. Once you are finished with your drawstrings, set aside.

SEW THE BODICE

With the right sides together, sew the center front bodice. Starting from the notch, make sure to backstitch and continue to the waist seam and press the seam open to the neckline. Unfold at the top edge.

With the right sides together, sew the front and back bodice side seams, finish and press to the back. If sewing a bodice with sleeves, skip to this post here.

Ivie Sew Along Posts | Getting Started | Prep Pattern, Sew Drawstrings & Bodice | Sew Tank Sleeve | Sew Cap or 3/4 Sleeves | Sew Neckline & Hem Top Bodice | Sew the Pockets & Skirt Tiers | Sew the Dress Waist Casing | Sew the Skirt Ties & Skirt Waistband