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Sewing techniques for sundress

Seams | Posted in General Sewing Info on

A while back I saw

construction technique for stitching a sleeveless, lined sundress that eliminated the hand stitching at the shoulder seam and simplified turning the dress right side out. It was very different from the technique that is usually included on the pattern instructions. I may have seen the technique on a Sewing with Nancy or similar show. Does anyone have a similar times saving technique? Many thanks.

Replies

  1. User avater
    Becky-book | | #1

    Technique will depend on whether or not there is a zipper in the center back seam (or any CB seam)...

    1 sew shoulder seams on dress and lining (press open & trim)

    2 sew dress to lining around neck and armscye (trim & clip)

    3 turn right side out (through the shoulder area)

    4 sew zipper in CB of dress, hand or machine stitch lining to zipper tape inside

    5 sew side seams, matching armscye (dress and then lining as one long seam)

    Clear as mud??

    Becky



    Edited 7/20/2007 9:02 am ET by Becky-book

    1. solosmocker | | #2

      Becky, you made that sound so simple that I am ready to go cut a linen sheath out. Thanks for the inspiration. I think I will print this off.

      Edited 7/20/2007 5:44 pm ET by solosmocker

      1. User avater
        Becky-book | | #5

        As I re-read the "simple" list I noticed that instruction on how to insert zipper and finish lining back seam is VERY sketchy!!  I usually do invisible zippers and a hook at the top.  You have enough sewing "under your belt" to fill in the gaps (I hope!)

        Becky

    2. Teaf5 | | #3

      Excellent, clear instructions!  A single caution, though--the shoulder straps have to be wide enough for the fabric of the entire dress to pass through.  If the shoulders are only 2 or 3 inches wide, it's a lot easier to hand stitch those after turning the lining.  (I learned this from experience, late at night, after I had closely trimmed all the seam edges, understitched, topstitched, etc. the narrow straps of a lined sundress...sigh!)

      1. User avater
        Becky-book | | #4

        So true!!  I was in hyper simple mode when I wrote that!!

        Becky

    3. Fruzzle | | #6

      If you sew the dress to the lining at the neck and the armscye, surely that means you won't be able to turn it? Sewing right sides together, right? This doesn't work for me -- I always have to sew in the armscyes after I turn the dress.

      1. User avater
        Becky-book | | #7

        If you have an open back seam

        and open side seams

        and a large enough shoulder seam area,

        you can turn it by feeding the back through the shoulder area and then just keep on pulling till it's all right-side out!  It does look real strange for a minute and may get quite wrinkled but it will turn.

        This will NOT work if the neck seam is a complete circle (ie no back seam)

        Maybe I need to make a doll dress like this and post pics!

        Becky

        1. Fruzzle | | #9

          Aha! The open back & sides are the difference from what I was visualizing. :)I've never tried to do it before sewing the side seams.

    4. Seams | | #8

      Becky -
      Thanks tons for your clear instructions. This is much simpler than the instructions accompanying the pattern. I really appreciate you taking the time to list out the step by step. These instructions are now copied and placed w/ my pattern. I'm thrilled to have this!

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