Level Up Your Sewing Skill with these Hacks for a Dress Bodice and Pockets!

#ProjectDressaGirl #sewinghacks
Here are a couple of hacks for a little girl's dress. Do away with facings and bias tape and easily line the bodice, and line the pockets for a stronger, more finished look. And these aren't just for little girls - try it on an adult bodice too!
Find more details here about the Project Dress a Girl global organization and specific details about the dresses and your local ambassador, labels, etc: www.dressagirlaroundtheworld....
Mari ‪@MariSews‬ IG: @marisewsforcurves
Mari's blog: marisews.com/projectdressagirl/
Mari's video about Project Dress a Girl: • LET’S DONATE DRESSES T...
Mari's playlist for #ProjectDressAGirl: kzbin.info/aero/PL1...
Although you can use any dress pattern for this, here are some free pattern sources. Just keep in mind the guidelines for construction details from Dress A Girl Around the World (website listed above):
Sam's talks about free patterns you can use @Frugalisama
• Free Patterns for the ...
Alisa @Thoughtful Creativity - CRAFT, SEW, DIY created a free dress pattern for this project: • Do some good with your...
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:21 All about Project Dress a Girl
1:43 The dresses I've made
7:22 How to hack a bodice with a back zipper into a keyhole
9:06. How to make a quick lined bodice
12:51 Using the burrito method to finish armholes
18:44 Attaching the ties at the keyhole opening
20:26 Making the perfect pocket
25:47 Reinforcing the pocket corners
27:00. Final thoughts and directions for posting on Instagram
The patterns I used:
Simplicity 1211: www.simplicity.com/simplicity...
Butterick 5019: somethingdelightful.com/b5019
Butterick 4790: somethingdelightful.com/b4790
McCalls 7992: OOP
Simplicity 5577: OOP
Find my favorite sewing notions here: www.amazon.com/shop/todayinje...
My everyday machines:
Pfaff 2140 sewing machine (no longer made)
Juki M-2000 overlock: amzn.to/3tXKw37
My other channel where I talk about audiobooks: / jentalksaudiobooks
Thanks for watching!
Come find me!
Twitter: @blondiejen
Instagram: Today_in_Jens_Sewing_Room
Facebook: / jennyfilsonwesner
Goodreads: / jen-jen-talks-audiobooks

[@suescholz4645]

I’ve been sewing for more than 50 years and still picked up tips, especially the burrito method.

[@kathyteague829]

You are a gal after my own heart!❤️ I’m almost 70 and my mother taught my home-economics teacher the burrito method back in 1969! She was amazed!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

No way. That's been around since 1969? Wow! I had no idea!

[@mariecaroniaplotkin5268]

Thank you for those keyhole back hack !

[@CulinaryGuide]

Thanks for all your excellent sewing tips. I can't wait to make dresses for this organization.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Wonderful!

[@MariSews]

Lots of great tips here. I like the tip about not pressing the seam open to make them stronger. Great burrito method tutorial. I really like your tie tutorial. It’s really simple and makes a beautiful finish. I’ve never seen it done like that before. Also, I like to assembly line sew. It’s so easy!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you my friend! ❤️😘

[@denisedorsey2889]

Wonderful information, Jen. Another tip I figured out (I sewed 50 dresses for DAG in 2020 & 2021) is to sew that label on the pocket front before starting construction. Then those stitches are enclosed when you sew the pocket lining on. I also sew the pockets to the skirt while it is still flat - so much easier to get evenly spaced and lined up. The “order of operations “ is different, pretty much starting with pocket assembly, and going on from there. Your dresses are lovely and I know the girls will be blessed. 💕

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks so much!

[@destrygraves]

One thousand dresses is Mari’s goal for 2022. Thank you for helping.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Mari is amazing in the way she is such a giver.

[@RobynsLoveofSewing]

Thank you for showing those amazing hacks! I Love them!😍💗🧵🪡 I don’t like to do bias binding, so I will definitely use this hack !

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Yay! I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@gwyenotter6414]

This is my first time I’ve seen your channel and I wanted to let you know I love that drawing on your wall.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you! That's an ink-on-canvas that a wonderful friend/roommate did when we were in college. She gave it to me and it languished for years in attics, barns, garages - then finally I decided to put it up. I recently covered it but I think I need to uncover it again. She is so talented still!

[@rachelshapiro18]

Thank you for this tutorial. I have one more dress I need to do for Dress a Girl and I’m going to try this method. Very clear instructions.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

My pleasure! I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@elizabethconradie1241]

Thanks for your tutorial. It's really helpful! Greetings from Gordon's Bay, South Africa 🇿🇦

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Hi there, Elizabeth!

[@sharongallagher3443]

Very helpful instruction. Thanks for the tips.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sarahodonnell6957]

Top tips 🙏❤️💜💙

[@e.c.5851]

I love the burrito method. ❤

[@frugalmrsolson1]

Thank you for sharing.

[@mysewingpractice]

Hi Jen, I wanted to let you know, I am referencing this video in my September 3, 2022 project dress a girl video. Thanks for the comprehensive information

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks so much!

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Love those hacks! I think I’m going to use the lined bodice and tie hack for my next ones!! Thanks Jen.. you’re a great teach 😀💕

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

❤️❤️❤️😘🤗

[@user-up2jq2wm5z]

Love it

[@jmanonmakes]

Your dresses are beautiful. Thanks so much for the tutorials. I will definitely use them.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks so much 😊 I'm so glad to hear that they'll help!

[@patriciadoherty464]

Jen, thanks for all your tips today, and your dresses are beautiful. I especially like the wider keyhole. You are going to make some little girls very happy.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I did those wider keyholes last night and was holding my breath - didn't know if it would work without taking the whole thing apart. But I used bias tape and it took no time at all! Thank you Lord - 🙏

[@bluegrassdreams2seams510]

Very pretty dresses! Loved watching you do a lined bodice. Very helpful tips provided!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks - my pleasure!

[@sandraglover2681]

I've been sewing for years & you taught me a couple of new hacks! I face all my bodices, they are so much nicer & crisp. I also line all pockets too, but I'm gonna use the reinforced stitching at the top of the pocket. Great tutorial on both!!! Sweet lil dresses gonna bring smiles to some very thankful lil girls! Thanks again! gg in Tennessee 😘

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks! I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@micheleallen1327]

Love your dresses, Jen. So, so cute. It's clear you have experience sewing dresses for girls!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Michele! This was a great reminder of those days of making dress after dress, and quite honestly I think I'm finally ready to be a Grandma! No grandkids right now., I'm still not a grandma yet at 62.. But just watch, I bet you all when my girls do start having babies, it'll be at the same time and they'll all have boys ! 😂

[@McJulieO]

I’ve been sewing for more than 50 years and I learned something today! You are a Genius using the burrito method for the bodice… you explained it so well & since I’ve used it before for pillowcase construction, everything just fell into place…. For extra EXTRA strength on those pockets, though, you might just want to consider sewing a tiny bit of cotton or interfacing on the underside of those pockets on the inside of the dress, just at the upper corners, where experience has taught me that extra stress on those seams where little hands are so busy, can easily tear the dress fabric itself, leaving a hole that is a pain to mend.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

That is SUCH a smart idea. Now I'm the one learning! I wondered if there was another way to stabilize that corner seam on the pocket and that's a fantastic way to do it. Thank you!

[@frugalmrsolson1]

McJulio. I’m trying to imagine how you are suggesting to reinforce those top corners on the inside.

[@McJulieO]

@@frugalmrsolson1 Debbie, reinforce the dress side (the inside of the dress) where the upper corners of the pocket will be attached. Iron on fusible interfacing is usually enough, but you attach it BEFORE you sew the pocket on. When pockets are not reinforced this way they can pull a hole in the dress itself, especially if the fabric is lightweight.

[@Ms4Marie]

I'm in! I've currently got five dresses on my sewing table. The dresses you sewed are adorable (the girls will love them) and the sewing "hacks" are helpful. Thx!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Wonderful!

[@thomasinagoss5904]

You are going to make some little girl happy. Those dress are gorgeous. The whole ideas is just magnificent. Ever year the church in my neighborhoods would dress some girl for there prom. So many Young girls would turn out. Girl Power.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Chicks rule!

[@sabrinac4092]

I’m so glad you talked about the older girls! I’ve made almost 100 dresses over the last few years and I try to always make the older girl sizes. I also make them more “modest” and grownup looking meaning I don’t use the sundresses with the tie straps for the older girls. DAG is such a great charity to sew for!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

It is! Andra @andramakes tries to concentrate on the older girls as well.

[@sabrinac4092]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom Thanks! I just found her and subscribed. 🙂

[@cathyswope5174]

Such cute dresses Jen!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Cathy!

[@krisl.4962]

Thanks for this info, Jen!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks! I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@cynthiatennant9896]

Great tips!!!! Thank you ❤️

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robincook4349]

those dresses are so cute and great info to know, thanks.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Glad you like them!

[@reebogibbs8653]

Great sewing tips! Adorable dresses!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Glad you like them!

[@AndraMakes]

Beautiful dresses, and fab hacks! 💗

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you!! 😊 Thanks for the encouragement to make the bigger dresses. That's just so important!

[@AndraMakes]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom 😘

[@GoSewBeautiful]

Beautiful dresses and great techniques, Jen! GREAT job explaining the burrito method for a bodice. Thanks for sharing😊

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

My pleasure and so good to know - my daughter Mia says I can't explain anything 😂

[@Ida868]

You have the best lighting. I love the plaid and the cute dress.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you so much!!

[@joannebanks2147]

Wow Jen you are in the zone getting little dresses sewn well done Wouldn't it be interesting to see the little girls receiving them Make your heart sing Lovely to do this Take care happy sewing God bless you

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Joanne and so well said - it does make my heart sing!

[@libbymcculla2650]

oh my goodness Jen this is amazing-the way you line the bodice + do the pockets-have learnt so much from you. its such a neat finish. Love this. Thank you for sharing !!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Woo-hoo, that's always my hope - that you'll be able to use a technique and it will make your sewing easier. Thanks for letting me know!

[@marisolreyes6502]

Your videos are always enjoyable. Your generosity will be appreciated.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Glad you like them! Thanks Marisol!

[@nanastevens4094]

You are such a good person. Sounds like a great cause and a good way to destash some of the cottons.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

It is a great way to destash. I spent no money and got 8 beautiful little dresses, plus a lot of practice doing lined bodices. It was a pleasure -

[@msbdot1]

I love this tutorial. I’ve made 4 dresses using Mari’s pattern. I think that for my next dress, I will channel my inner Jen, and use the methods here. Thanks so much!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@Silver_Threads_Sewing]

Love the way you explain the burrito method. I use your method of the ITS Celeste dress. These dresses are beautiful. There will be some very happy girls. 💞

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you! I'm so glad it was helpful. This has been a great experience.

[@debramejia5091]

Fantastic video! So helpful, thank you for sharing your sewing techniques! Please consider another sew along; your tips and tricks as well as your teaching methods are fantastic. Thank you!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you! Will do!

[@connieacree4006]

I love the job you've done. I also love your dress. You are so very creative. God bless you for making the dresses for the girls.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you so much Connie.

[@sherryannjames9075]

I always line my little girl dress bodices. Really easy

[@jankerslake5813]

This was a truly excellent tutorial. I’ve already made a few dresses but the need to line the next few was an issue. I’ll definitely be making stronger pockets in future too. Thank you so much. 🙏

[@LostMyThread]

Big fan of the burrito technique for the bodice. I haven't tried it for this in ages and need to try it again! I love how much you've thought through making the dresses good and strong. It makes me happy for those little girls!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks so much - I can't wait to watch your video and hear about your experience. Mari says it's amazing. ❤️

[@carmensalome]

Thank you thank you for the pocket tutorial. Your dresses are super cute. Off to make my pockets.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

❤️😘🤗

[@carmensalome]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom made my pockets using ur method and love the way they look. Thanks again!

[@andreathurgau9613]

Wonderful dresses for girls I sew it also for my daughter for Christmas time. Now of course she is too old to wear those cute dresses. But I like it very much you can turn back to front with buttons or different fabrics for skirt. Everything is possible and you could make the dress bigger when you put on an inch each side. When you want to sew a Dirndl you can take the same with an apron why not. I hope lots of girls can wear these lovely dresses for years. Thanks for your help to all the girls perhaps they never had a new handmade dress like this one. Best whises to all your sewing partners.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I heartily agree on all counts, Andrea! Thanks!

[@kristicitak3932]

You’re a master elite sewist. Blessings to you and your family ❤❤❤

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

What kind words. Thank you so much!

[@kristicitak3932]

You are so Welcome Jen. 😍💗🥰

[@DiyideaswithYana]

The dresses are so pretty...The Fabrics also very comfy and pretty colors...👍💖

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you so much 😊 And calico cotton is the best - I love working with it.

[@SimplyDelilah]

Those dresses are beautiful 😻 And they are so fun to make right? I loved that pic you shared of all the dresses you made for your daughters.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

They are fun to make. So quick and easy, and so gratifying when you're using higher level sewing techniques. I'm hoping they give a lot of viewers confidence.

[@victoriahannah1633]

Such good tips. I would probably have to practice the burrito method quite a few times to catch on.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

It's not hard at all if you think of it like a sandwich. I bet you'd get it in a sec.

[@deebuettner8017]

I never thought of using the burrito method for lining a bodice. Brilliant! Thanks for showing this method and explaining so well. I sew for my 2.5 year old granddaughter, so I really liked the pocket idea. She's enamored with pockets of all kinds.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

My pleasure! And you know, I don't think I put pockets on the dresses I made for my girls back when they were little. I wish I had - although I saved myself a lot of trouble picking rocks out of the washer, I think. Makenna ended up getting a geology degree! 😂

[@BritInvLvr]

I just made two similar dresses. I went ahead and sewed the armhole seams when it was still inside out. I was still able to turn it right side out, then I sewed the side seams like you did. I really like the pockets.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

That's fantastic!

[@georgiatavira]

BritinLuvr that's how I sew my bodices, too. I sew the neckhole then the armholes while it's still turned inside out. I think it's easier than the burrito method.

[@cindycarnes6441]

I am just now sewing dresses for girls, I was told the older girls get fewer dresses because everybody wants to make the smaller ones for the young girls. The older girls' dresses get passed down to the younger. So there is a bigger need.

[@Carol-xt8ly]

I love your video and I'm excited to participate in DAG. Can you suggest some good places for quality fabric? Also, did you make your dress? I'd love to find the pattern.

[@heathermauck]

Honestly skip the center back seam to make it faster. Since there is no zipper it isn’t needed.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

True! I didn't do that initially because I used it for the keyhole. But cutting the keyhole in a circle pretty much did away with the need for the center back seam.

[@joanweissenburger632]

How wide and long did you make the ties. How large are the pockets. How do you know where to put pockets on a dress that does not have pockets on the pattern. I'm starting to make my dresses. Thankyou.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I'd suggest you just find a pattern you like and follow that.

[@sweetdhax1797]

New subscriber here I am from Philippines I hope you can send some of your dresses for kids and I can share it with my fellow Mom's who can't afford to buy with there little ones

[@bobbiek2960]

I would love to make this for my granddaughter,she’s now a size 3.. do u know what pattern it was. I’m looking for something easy, no buttons or zipper

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Should be in the description box -

[@theresawagner2642]

How do I get some of the labels? I would love to sew a few dresses.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Just click on the link to Mari's blog and email her. She can send some to you.

[@theresawagner2642]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom Thank you so much. Will do. Want to get pattern 1211 like you made. Soooooooooooooo cute!

[@stephaniesalva9036]

since it is too late to participate this year, how do we find a "drop off point" for next year?

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

You can head to the website dress a girl around the world. I think they take dresses year round.

[@LottieSue]

Ah...I was looking at that pattern with keyhole opening and wondered if it would acceptable for project. No problem meeting the criteria right?

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Shouldn't be but definitely check with your local rep.

[@LottieSue]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom they are not replying to me.

[@LottieSue]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom They are not replying to me. Mari either.

[@elizabethconradie1241]

p.s. what about the boys? I'm just curious as to why the project is for girls' dresses 👗

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Not sure, but that's what their website says. They explain it pretty well.

[@SirenaSpades]

Silly question, but why do you want that tag to be on the exterior of the dress? Seems to me that is embarrassing to the girl who gets the donated dress ?? Why isn't it tucked inside nicely... and most of all discreetly? Second question, I looked on another site and my state isn't represented (I just found out about this a few minutes ago on the previous video I watched), so what do you do if your state isn't represented? My state has a deep need and is very poverty stricken especially in the north/downeast (Maine). It always frustrates me because despite the poverty in my state, it doesn't have Dress For Success, Beccas Closet, or any of those programs for girls. It's a little late now probably. I'm not on instagram, either, but I'm sure non-instagram folks could take part.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

You can send your dresses directly to the headquarters in Iowa or to Mari. And the tag is sewn on the outside to alert traffickers and predators. I think in the US we have different views on what's appropriate and discreet - the folks in this organization have a strong relationship with the communities where the dresses go and nobody seems to have a problem with it. You should ask about being an ambassador for your region! That would be amazing and I'm sure they'd appreciate your help.

[@ddean7869]

I would love to view more of each dress (and less of a view of you speaking) Maybe you could tip your camera down a bit more? They are some cute designs and nice fabric choices!