How to Sew an A Line Dress
- 1). Prepare the fabric before starting your sewing project. Prewash most cottons and cotton blends for shrinkage and colorfastness. Steam press wools before cutting.
- 2). Fold the fabric lengthwise, bringing the selvage edges together. Pin the pattern pieces to the fabric, making sure the arrow measures equally to the selvage edge. Cut your pattern pieces with sharp scissors and mark notches and darts with your fabric chalk.
- 3). Sew your back seam with right sides together and press open with the iron at the proper temperature for the fabric you are using. Follow the pattern instructions for installing the zipper, leaving at least 1 inch at the top for the facing around the neck.
- 4). Attach the front to the back at the shoulder seams, and press open with your iron.
- 5). Sew the darts carefully following your chalk marks. Cut the dart seam open and press with the iron.
- 6). Place the rights together to baste the side seams. Try on the dress for any necessary adjustments, making sure it fits properly.
- 7). Sew the side seams and press open with an iron.
- 8). Pin the facings for the neckline and armhole seams, right sides together and stitch. Fold the facings inside, press flat with an iron and stitch by hand to hold in place.
- 9). Try your dress on to measure the hem length. Have someone measure with a yardstick from the floor. Mark with chalk. Fold the fabric over 1/4 inch then sew the raw edges. Stitch the hem by hand.
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