Oooh we’re so nearly there! Today our dress becomes a proper dress, because we’re finishing the side seams – and because we put the sleeves in flat, we’re finishing the sleeves as well.
Before we start, figure out where the opening for your tie to go through will be. Traditionally, this is on your right hand side. It’s marked on your pattern, but check that the height of it makes sense for you by putting your dress over your shoulders, and pulling the left tie over to the right side seam. Mark where the opening should go – I’ve done that with a pair of crossed pins.
As jersey doesn’t fray, you can leave these edges raw. However, I like to finish them, by first serging both sides individually (NOT joining them together) across where the opening will be.
Now, pin your side seam starting at the cuff, along the bottom of the sleeve, and then down the sides. Serge down, serging off the edge when you reach the top of the opening. Then, serge back onto the seam at the bottom of the opening and complete the side seam.
Repeat for the other side, but this time you don’t need to worry about leaving an opening.
And now we have an actual dress! Woohoo! Just a few steps to go. Pat yourself on the back, and have some tea and cake. We’ll be back soon!
I haven’t made garments other than aprons (not sure that counts) but your blog gave me courage to give it a try! I’m really enjoying it and so far so good. Thank you so much for taking the time to document and share. Your tutorial has been so helpful.