Hey, sewers! Today is an exciting day as we get to finish our Suzy dresses! In this last part of the sewalong, we are attaching the elastic and hemming the dress.
Using the elastic guide on your pattern pieces, cut the correct length according to your size. If you want to make sure that the elastic isn’t too tight around your waist, don’t use the guide, instead wrap the elastic around your waist, stretching it a bit while making sure it is still comfortable, then add 2 cm (3/4”) for the seam allowances and cut it.
You will stitch the elastic on the seam allowance that was created when you joined the bodice to the skirt (around the waistline) in order to gather the fabric.
Fold the elastic in half and put a mark in the middle. Also, fold the end of the elastic to the center and mark that middle point. Do the same for both sides.
Place the bodice inside the skirt, right sides together. Then fold the skirt in the middle sideways and mark the center on both the front and the back. Then place one end of the elastic on the seam allowance at the side seams, leaving 1 cm excess in order to be able to hold it with your hand and pin it in place. Place the center mark you made on the other side seam and the other mark on the center front of the skirt.
This trick will allow you to stretch the elastic evenly in quarters and achieve a smooth gathering of the waistline. Stitch the elastic on the seam allowance using a zigzag stitch, while stretching it as evenly as possible to reach the other side seam. Then do the same for the other side until you attach the elastic all the way around the waistline. As the elastic goes back to its original length, it will gather the fabric at the waist.
And that’s it! You made a beautiful dress that you can wear with pride 🙂 If you want to, there is an optional tie belt included in the pattern, but you can also wear it with a leather belt if you prefer that look.
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