Front panels assembly
Joining the center and side front pieces using a serger and topstitching for a decorative panel line.
Where it is used
Preparing Lower Front Gathers
p. 4- Sew two parallel gathering lines along the lower edge of the front pieces (3 mm and 7 mm from the edge) using a long stitch length (3.5-4 mm). Leave thread tails loose.
Finishing Bodice Side Seams
p. 5- Finish the side seams of the front and back bodice pieces with a serger, stitching from the right side, then press flat.
Overlapping Front Bodice Pieces
p. 5- Place the right front piece over the left front piece, aligning them at the bottom edge. Pin them together using the reference points.
2. Pressing the hem (Front)
p. 5- Press the hem allowance along the bottom edge of the front panel by 2.5 cm, turning it toward the wrong side.
Sewing Shoulder Seams
p. 3- Place the front and back pieces right sides together, aligning the shoulder edges. Pin in place from the back piece side. Use a serger set for four-thread stitching to sew the seam. Stitch from the back piece side.
Sewing Side and Underarm Seams
p. 9- Turn the dress inside out, matching up the side seams and sleeve edges, and pin in place. Sew together on the serger, stitching from the back side.
Assemble Upper Side Seams
p. 3- Place the upper front and back pieces right sides together, matching the side seams. Pin in place. Stitch on the machine using a 1 cm (3/8 in) seam allowance, backstitching at the ends. Serge/overlock the seam allowances, sewing from the back piece side. Press the seam flat, then press the seam allowances toward the front. Press the side-seam allowances on the upper and lower sections in opposite directions to reduce bulk along the armhole edge.
Assemble Lower Side Seams
p. 3- Place the lower front and back pieces right sides together, matching the side seams. Pin in place. Stitch on the machine using a 1 cm (3/8 in) seam allowance, backstitching at the ends. Serge/overlock the seam allowances, sewing from the front piece side. Press the seam flat, then press the seam allowances toward the back piece.
5. Pin side edges
p. 3- Pin the side edges of the front and back pieces together, matching the edges and placing right sides facing each other.
15. Turn and press top edge
p. 5- Turn right side out and press the top edge of the top, forming a slight roll from the front and back outer pieces.
14. Finish top edge
p. 5- Finish the top edge of the top with the lining, while simultaneously stitching on the elastic all the way around using a 4-thread serger. Tuck the overlock thread tails into the cover-stitching line using a hook.
17. Serge lower edge
p. 6- Serge the lower edge of the top shell to the lining edge on a 4-thread overlock, gently stretching and smoothing the seam allowances all the way around. Use a hook to tuck the serger thread tails into the coverstitch line.
Related terms
requires4-thread serger
requiresIron