Step-by-step guide to sewing this A-line dress || New Look 6263

[@peepers4763]

An educational and enjoyable video. 🙏🏼 when you show us taking a seam ripper and redoing the seam, we understood. Some KZbinrs want us to think they sew perfect seams. “Not helpful”. Seeing the impotence of details, ironing, measuring. ❤️ No music? BRILLIANT

[@SewSewLounge]

Glad that you enjoyed the no music 😉 I rarely manage to sew an entire garment without some seams being ripped. I may as well show that part of the process-it’s what brings us all together.

[@normacooper6377]

I’m definitely not going to ever be a fast sewing person, because I’m not fast at anything.😂

[@Sheri...]

I love that you show everything in such great detail and don't assume we know anything, which is so very helpful for new sewers. I would love to see more of your sew-a-longs!

[@SewSewLounge]

You are so welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful.

[@brose27377]

Cute dress! I admit it.... I'm lazy, but there is only so much sitting around one can do with a cat in my lap, so I've taken up sewing again. I've been sewing since I was five starting with a treadle machine in the 1950's and then went on to making Barbie-doll clothes in the early 60's, etc. I'm watching a few sewing videos to brush up on technique. Love the way you made this video because you explained why you are doing something as you do it in a very clear way. You sew very much like I do, so I can really relate. Thank you!

[@SewSewLounge]

You are so very welcome! I’m also a lawyer which means I’m pretty good at explaining things 😉 my kitten refuses to sit in my lap and prefers to test gravity by knocking everything off of my sewing cabinet.

[@CarolAnnSews]

I loved your sew-a-long. That dress turned out just darling. I loved how well it fit you. Well done! More sew-a-longs please!

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you! We shall see about the next sew along 😉

[@Beth_Ann_K]

Super cute dress. Could even dress it down with sneakers and a jean jacket. Thanks for sharing all the trials and tribulations with that facing neckline. I was taught that all understitching had to be done with the fashion fabric side up-but you managed to get away with actually verifying that the seam was caught doing it your way. Love seeing other options to accomplish understitching (very important but never one of my favorite tasks). Great sew along!

[@SewSewLounge]

I was never officially taught understitching and it just made sense to sew it from the side to make sure it gets caught! You’re right, the dress would look cute with sneakers and a jean jacket. I’m surprised it turned out so well.

[@karendarrell4845]

YAY!! Watching all the way through first. Really appreciate your explanation of "facing" vs. "neckband" because I am working on another pattern and was so confused about that. Getting started on this one right away!!😃

[@SewSewLounge]

Yay! I’m so glad you’re enjoying my video ❤️

[@AnnSchuster-u9m]

My cat used to try to eat my pins. He seemed to taunt me, knowing I was touching the pins a lot. He was very smart and observant. So I love seeing your pets.

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww thank you. Minky doesn’t hang out with me as much but Honey is usually sleeping under the serger table.

[@melaniedelaurell]

I watched this last night! you persevered ! there's a funny side to this actually you managed to tickle me with your sewing and your personality came through, Ive seen this pattern loads of times and had wanted to get it but chose not to because of that neckline but may do now and put pockets in it, all I can say it a big Thankyou to you for your patience, your video tutorials, and that beautiful machine you have I have two of the beasts from Bernina they're the bees knees! long may you continue to sew!

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww thank you! I was pleased with the way the dress turned out, despite the amount of time it took to sew.

[@kimberlywiley7727]

I just recently found your channel and I love 💕 love how you did a postmortem on your sewing process for this dress. Sewing can be slow and tedious. Ask me, a beginner, who only mastered gathers after sewing the same dress twice, how I know? I laugh when a pattern suggests you sew up a dress in an hour or two. But garment sewing is a rewarding skill set if you take your time to understand the construction process. There more thinking and problem-solving to sewing to be done than just running a machine.

[@SewSewLounge]

You’re welcome! I appreciate your comment. Thank YOU for watching. Sewing is a challenging but rewarding pursuit. I always find that it’s worth the effort in the end ❤️

[@AnnSchuster-u9m]

It’s a very cute dress and you did a great job on it!

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you! 😊

[@yvettefeyjoo-booth2670]

Love watching your channel. So glad I found you. I’m losing my fear of sewing with knits thx to you! Bravo. Love your sew alongs. Thank you.

[@SewSewLounge]

Awww thank you! I’m so glad to know my video helped you ❤️

[@ZeldaSews]

Hi Toni. I am listening to you as I am cutting out the Rhapsody blouse.

[@SewSewLounge]

Nice! Happy sewing 😉

[@TheEvie202]

Cute, curious kitty begins minute 5:00! Smart way to mark both darts at once! Did you mark the dot on the right side or wrong side side of the fabric?

[@TheEvie202]

Minute 53:54 what about hand basting? That way you don’t burn yourself.

[@moyagreene9590]

One of the many very helpful aspects of your sew- along is to point out the frequent omissions and imperfections in pattern instructions. Another excellent video !

[@SewSewLounge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AnnSchuster-u9m]

By the way, love your yellow diamond.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks Ann! I love it too-just what I always wanted😍

[@cc83jc85]

We live in humid Brisbane (humid for about 3 months for the locals but more if you are a visitor). I've had this pattern for a couple of years and I haven't made it yet, but it's a great dress for our humid weather!! Thanks for showing us the deatils! Thanks

[@SewSewLounge]

You can do it!! It’s a great great dress❤️

[@Misty13579]

I am SUPER excited that you have a video for this pattern! 🎉Ive tried to make this dress at least 3 times and could not figure out the directions regarding the neckline. Thank you so so much❤❤❤

[@SewSewLounge]

You are very welcome! I hope the 4th time is the charm ❤️

[@elsafischer3247]

Your room looks so neat,I’m impressed. I really enjoy your tutorials. Thank you greetings from Switzerland

[@SewSewLounge]

Oh thank you! I do my best to put things back after I use them and keep things as organised as possible. It’s hard for me to sewing in a messy room.

[@lonobates1]

Nice job! Might need to make this! For the back facing piece, I would typically just serge the edge with 3 threads because I like it flatter and seems to show through less. But, just my preference! Love your fabric! Thank you! 😊

[@SewSewLounge]

That’s a good idea-I just didn’t think about it 🤣

[@karlak.7862]

Thanks for sewing this one for us. I recently bought this pattern and was worried about how hard it would be.

[@SewSewLounge]

You’re welcome! The trickiest part is the neckband attachment. But with some patience and A LOT of understitch it’s manageable.

[@roseculp2924]

Totally loving your videos 😅

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you!! 😁

[@sewwithmsjones1196]

A tip I learned in University classes: One way to help when "clean-finishing" your facings is to stitch 1/4" from the edge and use that line to press up the edge. (The stitching line should be just to the inside.) After pressing, you can edge stitch 1/8" from the Right Side. Stitching from the right side prevents the little folded-up bit from being pushed along by the presser foot and making it messy. Also, if you Understitch from the Right side, you can make sure the seam is fully pressed open and again, the feed dogs help you keep everything flat.

[@SewSewLounge]

That's a good tip! I wasn't taught that in my University classes! I always catch that folded up bit. I'll try your technique next time. Thank you for sharing😊

[@practicallyfree1509]

This is great! Had been looking for a review or sew a long on this pattern and couldn’t find one. Have sewn two and love them though I did the back of the neck in my own simple way! So glad you did this one!

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you! I’m so glad your found it helpful ❤️

[@AnnSchuster-u9m]

I still find tailor tacks useful. Yes, they are time consuming but work well.

[@SewSewLounge]

Yes they are! If grandma sews them 🤣

[@rosalindabarrett7508]

Thank you for the demo. Nice summer great fabric.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you for watching! I’m looking forward to wearing it soon ☺️

[@magi4z280]

Great job and cute dress!

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you!

[@eunicehehir6374]

With that fussy little curved piece do 3 rows of stitching all just slightly inside the 1/4 in seam allowance as follows: one line of stitching each side with regular stitch size, but for that bottom curve, lengthen stitch slightly, ensure a tale each end and stitch round the curve. Use the tales to ever so slightly gather the curve. Now your curve will more easily and more accurately turn under. I use this for curved/rounded pocket corners. Another method is to copy the shape onto thin cardboard. Cut the cardboard piece out Minus the seam allowance. Use this template by placing it on your stitch line and iron the seam allowance amount over the cardboard, trying your best to evenly distribute the little excess fabric folds. You are such a great teacher. I always relax watching your sewing. Thankyou ❤❤❤

[@SewSewLounge]

Those are some really good tips! I will have to keep them in mind the next time I sew curves. Thank you for watching ❤️

[@angelabowman1085]

Great job!!!

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you! It turned out really cute ☺️

[@RunningWithScissors-th8jo]

Great video! I wish I had it two weeks ago when I made mine! 😜 But mine is fine. I will wear it! 🤗❤️

[@SewSewLounge]

I wanted to get it done sooner but things kept coming up in my personal life. Thanks for watching Nancy and thanks for being a guest on the livestream on Saturday ☺️

[@RunningWithScissors-th8jo]

@@SewSewLounge I had fun! Ask me again and maybe I will log in correctly!! 😜

[@mariannmurphy1624]

Thanks so much for this sew along. This was my 1st attempt making a dress, I would have been in tears without your help! Love the fabric, can you do a video on how to cut pattern with matching check, stripes circles etc. I noticed your dress print matches perfectly at all seams

[@SewSewLounge]

I’m so glad it helped you!! Yes I will make a print matching video next month!

[@Jopan471]

Well done

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you! That pattern was more challenging than I thought it would be 😉

[@Jopan471]

@@SewSewLounge at least you could work it out. You’re very talented.

[@elsafischer3247]

I love your dress I’m going to buy the pattern Danke

[@SewSewLounge]

Yay! Thank you for watching ❤️

[@gatsbygirl6311]

I'm getting ready to tackle this pattern and was glad to find your video! When I sew, I follow both sets of directions. The sewing pattern "instructions" but whenever I come to a bold, capitalized word that tells me to refer to the general sewing directions, right after the cutting layouts. Such as on the neckline, when it says to LAYER the seam, going to the general directions, layering the seam includes cuttings notches among the steps. The neckline seems very fiddly, but I'm looking forward to the challenge!

[@SewSewLounge]

The neckline is fiddly, just take your time and you will work it out!! Good luck. Your dress will be beautiful 😍

[@kcastillo0319]

Tip from Margaret Islander's industrial techniques for seams - right hand thumb under fingers on top and slightly tilt the fabric up. It will help to counteract the opposite actions of the feed dogs vs. the foot. Kind of an even feed by hand.

[@SewSewLounge]

It’s funny that you mentioned the Islander method. I’ve tried holding fabric that way and it feels so weird!! But I’m working on it, because it really does make the fabric feed better 😉

[@kcastillo0319]

@@SewSewLounge She and Nancy Z taught me to sew. I can't sew any other way now. Best of everything with your upcoming wedding and honeymoon.

[@AnnSchuster-u9m]

Try some silicone finger tips for those just pressed and hot edges,

[@SewSewLounge]

That’s a great idea! I’ve been wanting to try those and I never think about them until I burn my fingers.

[@leesuvia7861]

Great job on the video! What’s the brand of your sewing machine? I bought a computerized machine, I’m not happy with it.

[@SewSewLounge]

I have a Bernina 1080 circa 1997. It’s one of the early computerized machines, which means I can really adjust the stitches and it makes beautiful buttonholes.

[@eunicehehir6374]

This looks great. I wonder if you've seen anyway you might streamline the steps.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you! I remember having some thoughts as I was sewing but I wanted to stick to the instructions so it would be a really sew along. The dress is cute and it turned out well, but I don’t think I’ll make it again. That neckline was too complicated!

[@suzanajames3278]

Toni thank you for this sew-a-long :) I have just recently purchased this pattern and now I have your video. Why do you keep you thread pieces in the jar? I love your channel!!

[@SewSewLounge]

You’re very welcome Suzana! Let me know if you have any additional questions once you start sewing. I keep my thread in a jar because my pets hang out in my sewing room and occasionally knock over the trash can. It’s easier to dump all the threads when I take the trash out than snips here and there which might end up on the floor 🤣 thanks so much for watching!!

[@AnnSchuster-u9m]

Toni, why don’t you have a smaller scissors for trimming seams, etc.?

[@SewSewLounge]

Because I’ve never thought about it🤣 I learned with Gingher dressmaker shears and I’ve never considered using any others.

[@kathleensmith1522]

I serge around facings and the facing for the front notch. It looks very neat if you take your time around the curve at the bottom, lifting your pressure foot as needed. Or you can sew about 3/16 inch away from the edge and press to the wrong side along the stitching line and then stitch a scant 1/4 inch from the edge. Turning twice creates a ridge that can sometimes be seen from the outside or an edge that looks uneven. Even serging and then turning looks neater but is unnecessary.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for the tip!

[@moyagreene9590]

Good afternoon Toni, Can you do a video that shows us things like how to actually use the loop turner… I don’t find it easy.. perhaps I am not doing it properly. Interfacing… how to you know whether to put it on the collar or the facing? Does it need to be precisely cut removing the seam allowance. Would it be easier to cut the V- neck piece without the curve.. eg angled? Little tips with your excellent camera work will be so helpful. Many thanks.

[@SewSewLounge]

I’m not great with the loop turner 🤣 it took several tries and wasn’t recorded properly which is why the whole process wasn’t included. But I’ll see what I can do the next time I turn one.

[@margaretroberts6258]

I’m getting totally distracted by little kitty cat!!😂😂😍

[@SewSewLounge]

She was very busy. I didn’t realized she was behind me until I was editing the video. Eventually I kicked her out of the sewing room.

[@eunicehehir6374]

I like to do understitching first, then grade seams.

[@SewSewLounge]

Interesting technique! That would certainly make it easier the catch the seam- sometimes I don’t 🤣

[@isherwood4]

The neck facing can just be zigzaged. Faster, easier, no lumpy edge!

[@SewSewLounge]

I’ll have to try that next time

[@susanneburton8077]

Was wandering is it possible to even overlook it?

[@isherwood4]

@@susanneburton8077 yes, you can overlock or serge. I use only one of my regular machines as I always have.… Been sewing for 60 yrs, taught by French seamstresses.

[@isherwood4]

@@susanneburton8077 I forgot to mention I always loosen tension so the zigzag doesn’t cause a lumpy edge.

[@YogaladyToronto]

Lovely dress! I may make this dress! Question: the neck opening looks large enough so that the back neck line closure could be eliminated. Do you think so?

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you! Maybe if you have a small head. It won’t fit over my big giant head without the closure 🤣

[@vanessaarmstead5444]

Hi... do you always cut your fabric right side up?

[@SewSewLounge]

I do for two reasons. I like to check the fabric print placement on the individual pattern pieces AND I slide the tracing paper between the pieces with right sides out so the marks are on the inside of the garment.

[@daxxydog5777]

Single fold bias tape has two folds. Double fold bias tape has three folds. Who thought that description up?? What brand is your iron? Does it leak? I bought an expensive Rowenta thinking it wouldn’t since it was “drip free”, but they lied. I have found that Wondertape (I use the cheaper generic version) really helps if I want to wrestle small seams into submission. That dress turned out so dang cute!

[@SewSewLounge]

I have the exact same thoughts about bias tape- and frankly I’m confused on when to use the double “three fold” variety!! My iron is a Rowenta too. If I use it before it’s hot enough it will leak. I will have to try out wondertape! And thank you. I’m very happy with the way the dress turned out. Much cuter than I expected.

[@jenniferhaefner9132]

Use a walking foot so all edges meet exactly 🤓

[@SewSewLounge]

What great tip! Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@jenniferhaefner9132]

@@SewSewLounge Once I put my walking foot on, I never took it off❤️🤣

[@libbymcculla2650]

This is so helpful-can I ask what height u are?

[@SewSewLounge]

Glad you enjoyed it! I’m 5’5”.

[@CPAndy-x5x]

Can't you snip the edges on that keyhole facing curve?

[@SewSewLounge]

Maybe. I was following the instructions to do a sew along.

[@eunicehehir6374]

I like to sew button loop ends together before attaching then it's easier to handle while pinning to garment. Fiddly little bits 😂😂

[@SewSewLounge]

That’s a good idea!

[@brendastevens8325]

I'm making a shirt with the same type of neck line thank you for actually explaining the neck because I was extremely confused with the instructions

[@SewSewLounge]

You’re welcome! They aren’t the best directions. It took me a while to figure them out too.

[@TraciSeibert]

What brand of thread do you like?

[@SewSewLounge]

It more of what my sewing machine likes 🤣 she sews well with Coats & Clark thread.

[@janestorer6610]

Zig zag the edge of the facings

[@SewSewLounge]

I serged them 😉

[@lovly2cu725]

Inquisitive cat

[@SewSewLounge]

She like to see what’s going on 😹

[@judylemoine4350]

Couldn’t you just serge the yoke?

[@SewSewLounge]

There isn’t a yoke

[@judylemoine4350]

Sorry, I meant the little piece of facing for keyhole in front. Love your see along videos and how well you explain things. I haven’t sewn in years, but trying to get back to it. I have gained weight and having trouble fitting a pattern for different parts of my body. It is stopping me from getting into it!

[@SewSewLounge]

It’s a very tight turn to try and serge. It was hard enough to do with my sewing machine 🤣

[@AnnSchuster-u9m]

A tip, don’t make the one stitch at the bottom of the facing/dress. That is making the turning of the facing very hard. Ann

[@SewSewLounge]

What a great tip! Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@meghopkins4939]

I made this and found it very difficult. Nearly gave up .

[@SewSewLounge]

The whole neckband attachment process seems to be unnecessarily complicated. I wonder if there is a better way?

[@AnnSchuster-u9m]

I wouldn’t have done that one stitch at the bottom of your front facing.

[@SewSewLounge]

In hindsight me neither 🤣

[@geritavares6031]

How come you dont have a serger…it would be so much easier

[@SewSewLounge]

I have a serger, that’s how I finished the seams. I don’t use it for sew alongs because most people don’t have sergers and that defeats the purpose of being able to sew along with me. Plus there is no way to put the neckband together only using a serger.

[@moyagreene9590]

One of the many very helpful aspects of your sew- along is to point out the frequent omissions and imperfections in pattern instructions. Another excellent video !

[@SewSewLounge]

I appreciate you saying so! Thank you 😊