We are excited to add the Orchid Sew Along to our library. We will be sewing both views of this pattern in the sew-along. We hope you will find all the assistance you need to sew a beautiful Orchid dress. We also have community lead sewing support in our Facebook group, or you can email directly for additional support.

GATHERING SUPPLIES

Before we begin sewing, here’s what you’ll need for your Orchid:

  • The Orchid pdf pattern in your correct size. If you prefer copy shop patterns and you are located in the US, we recommend printing at pdfplotting.
  • Washed and pressed woven fabric. Recommended main fabrics are Rayon Challis, Rayon Crepe, Rayon Voile, Cotton Lawn, Cotton Voile, Linen, and Double Gauze.
  • 1 yd of tricot or other lightweight fusible interfacing. We recommend this tricot fusible interfacing from Wawak.
  • 1 yd of 1/2″ (1.25 cm) elastic
  • 3/4 yd of 3/8″ (1 cm) elastic for View B 
  • Safety pin or turning tool
  • Hidden Snap
  • Preferred cutting tools: scissors/pins, or rotary cutter/weights
  • Pins for sewing
  • Thread snips

TIPS FOR CUTTING

Make sure you have all of the pattern pieces you need for the view you are sewing. 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.

VIEW A CUT LISTS

View A has ruffled sleeves.

MAIN CUT LIST

  • #1 FRONT YOKE – CUT 2
  • #2 OR #3 FRONT BODICE – CUT 2
  • #4 BACK YOKE – CUT 2 ON FOLD
  • #5 BACK BODICE – CUT 1 ON FOLD
  • #6 FRONT NECKLINE BIAS FACING – CUT 2
  • #7 FRONT SKIRT – CUT 2
  • #8 BACK SKIRT – CUT 1 ON FOLD
  • *#9 POCKET FACING – CUT 2
  • #10 WAISTBAND – CUT 2
  • #11 WAISTBAND TIES – CUT 2 (OR USE RIBBON FOR TIES)
  • #12 FRONT RUFFLE SLEEVE – CUT 4
  • #13 BACK RUFFLE SLEEVE – CUT 4

LINING CUT LIST

  • #15 UNDER POCKET LINING – CUT 2
  • #16 UPPER POCKET LINING – CUT
  • *You can use main fabric to cut pocket lining pieces. If you do, you can omit #9 Pocket Facing piece.

FUSIBLE CUT LIST

  • #4 BACK YOKE – CUT 1 ON FOLD
  • #17 POCKET LINING FUSIBLE – CUT 2
  • #18 FRONT SLIT FUSIBLE – CUT 2
  • #19 FRONT HEM FUSIBLE – CUT 2
  • #20 BACK HEM FUSIBLE – CUT 1 ON FOLD (OR CUT 2 AND PIECE TOGETHER)

VIEW B CUT LISTS

View B has long ruffled sleeves with a gathered cap and wrist.

MAIN CUT LIST

  • #1 FRONT YOKE – CUT 2
  • #2 or #3 FRONT BODICE – CUT 2
  • #4 BACK YOKE – CUT 2 ON FOLD
  • #5 BACK BODICE – CUT 1 ON FOLD
  • #6 FRONT NECKLINE BIAS FACING – CUT 2
  • #7 FRONT SKIRT – CUT 2
  • #8 BACK SKIRT – CUT 1 ON FOLD
  • *#9 POCKET FACING – CUT 2
  • #10 WAISTBAND – CUT 2
  • #11 WAISTBAND TIES – CUT 2 (OR USE RIBBON FOR TIES)
  • #14 LONG SLEEVE – CUT 2
  • #2 or #3 FRONT BODICE – CUT 2

LINING CUT LIST

  • #15 UNDER POCKET LINING – CUT 2
  • #16 UPPER POCKET LINING – CUT
  • *You can use main fabric to cut pocket lining pieces. If you do, you can omit #9 Pocket Facing piece.

FUSIBLE CUT LIST

  • 4 BACK YOKE – CUT 1 ON FOLD
  • 17 POCKET LINING FUSIBLE – CUT 2
  • 18 FRONT SLIT FUSIBLE – CUT 2
  • 19 FRONT HEM FUSIBLE – CUT 2
  • 20 BACK HEM FUSIBLE – CUT 1 ON FOLD (OR CUT 2 AND PIECE TOGETHER)

ATTACHING FUSIBLE

Attach the fusible interfacing to the wrong side of one back yoke (making it the yoke facing), upper pocket lining, hem, and slit seam allowances. I recommend Tricot fusible interfacing, but you can use any lightweight fusible interfacing.

Next, we’ll prepare the bodice, sew the darts, and construct our drawstring ties.

Orchid Sew Along Posts: Getting Started | Prepare Bodice, Sew Darts and Ties | Sew Front and Back Bodices | Sew Side Seams and Sleeves | Sew Pockets and Side Seams | Sew Mitered Corners and Hem Skirt | Sew Waistband Casing and Attach Bodice to Skirt