Sahara Sew Along Days 3 and 4
Today we sew steps 1-4. And because of the extended timeline to give people more time to complete, these steps will take place over the next 2 days.Steps 1 and 2
These steps are sewing the shoulders together of both main and lining pieces. The instructions call for clear elastic to be used in this step to prevent your seams from stretching out and to help the pattern hold the integrity of its shape. It is very helpful, but if you don't have clear elastic, it can be sewn without. Just be very careful not to stretch your fabric as you sew it. A walking foot is very helpful for preventing stretched out seams on knit garments. Also make sure you are using a ball point needle for the best results.Step 3
Pin and sew around the neckline opening. There is a note to apply knit interfacing to the seam line for stability, but again, if you are very careful not to stretch your fabric, you can accomplish this step without it. Here is my neckline pinned (not sewn).
Step 4- Final Step of the Day
This step is understitching. Keep in mind, that understitching and top stitching are very different things. Understitching is a way to get your garment to lay flat and pretty without the stitching showing on the outside of the garment. To do that, you need to separate the main from the lining, keep all of the seam allowance to the lining side and stitch 1/8 inch away from the seam through the lining and the seam allowance. This is the step where that interfacing becomes the most useful if you used it, as it will prevent a lot of the stretching that might otherwise occur. Here is a shot of my understitching in progress. Lining and seam allowance to the left, main to the right.
Final Thoughts
Now, I've gotta be truthful and say that 1) I didn't have clear elastic or knit interfacing, so this project is being done without those things. And 2) I kinda skipped forward a step and ironed my neckline flat for these pictures after the understitching was done. If you want to iron now, that's fine. If you want to wait for day 5, that's ok too! We'll all end up with beautiful dresses/tops in the end and that is what's important, right? So, with that confession off my chest, here is the front of my bodice after today's steps:
And the back:
You can see the understitching there along the front neckline. It really makes for a pretty, polished look when it's all done.
That's it for today and tomorrow! I'll be back with you on Saturday (June 3) for day 5! Check out the schedule below for following along and don't forget to join our facebook group to share the journey! Also, the Ladies and Girls Sahara patterns will remain on sale for the duration of the sew along, so it isn't to late to get them at a steal!
