Tips & Tricks to Sew a fully Lined A-Line Jumper with a clean finish! Sew-A-Long

PLEASE NOTE - Dress a Girl Dresses should not have buttons. The ones made in this video went to a group that would take dresses with buttons.
#ProjectDressAGirl, hosted by Mari of Mari Sews, is a charity event for the month of September where we are sewing dresses for impoverished girls around the world. The dresses will be distributed by the organization Dress a Girl Around the World. If you choose to participate and sew a dress or dresses, be sure to post photos of your completed dresses to Instagram and use the #projectdressagirl and tag @MariSewsforCurves so that she can include your dress in both the count and the compilation video!
The Martha Pullen dress can be made from quilting cotton, has no exposed seams, and is a quick and easy sew. This pattern was the very first pattern I sewed with zero experience - it is beginner friendly! The method used to finish the seams is great to know. I use this method on other patterns because this one is so neat and so easy to do. I also demonstrate some techniques that will solve the problem of the lining drooping past the hemline, sewing a nice smooth curve, and how to sew on buttons using your sewing machine! Time stamps are included in case you want to jump to a technique or step.
What I am wearing - Yanta Overalls pattern by Helen's Closet can be found here: helensclosetpatterns.com/prod...
Union St Tee by Hey June Handmade pattern can be found here: www.heyjunehandmade.com/produ...
Mari's blog has a lot of information on #ProjectDressAGirl. You can find her blog here - marisews.com/.
You can find Mari on Instagram at @MariSewsForCurves, tag her and include the #projectdressagirl if you sew a dress for dress a girl around the world. Mari has a goal of 100, but I predict we will top 500!
Dress a Girl Around the World can be found Here - www.dressagirlaroundtheworld....
The book Martha Pullen Applique 1991 is where I got the pattern for the A Line Jumper.
I sewed these dresses on my Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Royale Sewing Machine
Timecodes
00:00 - Intro
5:18 - How to keep your hem lining from drooping lower than your hemline
6:16 - Closeup of the finished hemline
6:48 - Demonstrating how to have smooth and accurate curves
10:30 Tips for trimming your seam allowance so that the seam lies flat
15:05 - Ironing out puckers and creases for a neat finish
17:50 - Design features I like about the Martha Pullen A-line Jumper
19:36 - Step one in neatly finishing the open side seam
21:37 - How to pin the side and where to leave the opening for turning
23:50 - Turning the dress right side out
26:00 - Sew the 4 inch opening closed
28:28 - How I designed my patch pocket
30:20 - Marking the buttonhole placement
32:22 - Sewing the buttonhole using automatic buttonhole foot
33:33 - Easy machine sewing on buttons using a zigzag stitch

[@angelrose7906]

I like the pattern style. I am working on some dresses now for Project Dress A Girl but have been told not to use buttons, or zippers because the areas where the dresses are going, they have no way off doing repairs on the clothing.

[@ChristineSewsALot]

You are correct. 💕This is video is from the first year of Project Dress a Girl and I checked with Dress a Girl Around the World BEFORE sewing and they said they could use this style for a particular group. Going forward I have not made any others with buttons to help avoid confusion.

[@dtwinington5166]

@@ChristineSewsALot Would you be able to post another video on how you adapted the pattern so as to not use buttons? I imagine that I could sew the straps together and add a decorative rosette in place of the button.

[@ChristineSewsALot]

@@dtwinington5166 I did not adapt this pattern. The group I sent the dresses to was OK with buttons. I made a similar dress that used elastic in the shoulders and it was a little fiddly. I will be looking at using a different pattern this year.

[@cindycarnes6441]

@@ChristineSewsALot did you ever find another pattern? I love this little dress and how it turned out, but I stopped at the button. SHOOT. I did get a person to donate a new pattern to the project, it's a reversible dress. I've made 2 so far. and 10 pillowcase dresses. I do not like to make them. I don't think they would be comfortable to wear. I'm not making any more of them

[@ChristineSewsALot]

@@cindycarnes6441 I have a couple from Violette Field Threads. The Pixie, The Audrey, and the Teagan which I tie with bias binding at the neck instead of a button closure. I also make the short sleeve version. The Jacksonville Dress a Girl Around the World Group has a free pattern. That particular group only wants dresses made with that pattern.

[@alohachik]

*gasp* picking shears on the curves?? GENIOUS

[@Frugalisama]

So many fantastic tips in there Christine & 12 beautiful dresses made for such a fantastic charity - well done. Hope everyone is safe after the storm 🤗

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Thank you Sam! We had just rain. Hurricane season is not my favorite season 😂.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

This was such a great tutorial! What an interesting method of construction! Thank you so much for sharing. And awesome job on the dresses!!!🙌

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Thanks! I use this method a lot.

[@whatmandymadenext8120]

Beautiful dresses, loved the sew along it’s given me some ideas on an alter way of lining a dress. What a great contribution to the project x

[@MariSews]

I’m going to try this method for lining dresses, especially tiny ones where it’s difficult to finish small arm and neck holes. Love this method.

[@ChristineSewsALot]

If you do decide to participate and sew a dress, please take a photo of it and share it on Instagram with #projectdressagirl and tag @marisewsforcurves so that Mari can include it in a photo montage and so that she gets a count of the number of dresses we have sewn.

[@blueRosesforme]

Your little dresses are all adorable. I have not lined anything so far, but will give this a try. I am sure to save this for future reference.

[@ChristineSewsALot]

It us a nice easy lining!

[@sarahodonnell6957]

Beautiful makes and wonderful instructions 🙏❤️💜💙 God bless you.

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Thank you! It is a great cause.

[@Carmen2960]

Great tutorial and certainly worth a try for such an amazing cause‼️🙏

[@christineeick5096]

Thank you! Mari is running it again this September. I love the woman lifting up women aspect of it.

[@kennethiacgilliam]

Okay I'm sold! I'm going to find that book and make some dresses for some little girls! Awesome!

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Thanks!

[@margaretlougheed1390]

Christine , making my first dresses for my first grand child . This was a wonderful tutorial . Thank you

[@ChristineSewsALot]

You are very welcome. Sewing for grands is so satisfying. Mine love for me to sew for them.

[@LottieSue]

I really like the idea of lined dress and I'll be looking for a pattern I can use this technique on. I'm a quilter and have never sewing a dress. I'm really looking forward to it. Thanks for a great video.

[@terriek9620]

Christine you did an awesome job in beautiful dresses and I thank you for that. Your tutorial was excellent. I hope that you are able to do more tutorials. Thank you.

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Thank you for your kind comments and for watching. I do plan to do more tutorials here. Right now I am working on planning October before it gets away from me. My problem is there is so much that I want to do!

[@MariaLuciaGomezGreenberg]

Outstanding, inspirational tutorial. Thank you! ❤ 👗💙

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Thank you Maria!

[@nellielaverdure1776]

You explained so well, I can do it know. Thank You.

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Thank you!

[@brendalindsay5419]

Beautiful dresses, I have made 6 and waiting for the labels to come to get them mailed off to Mari.

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Wonderful! Isn’t it a great feeling?!

[@faithwalker5196]

Beautiful dresses! I like your technique. I will try it.

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@Bonbon53539]

This is a great video! Thank you.

[@ChristineSewsALot]

You are very welcome!

[@harrisfam9145]

These dresses are lovely and I love your channel

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Thank you so much! I got a sneak peek at the dress @thoughtfulcreativity designed for 2023 project dress a girl and it is so cute! That free dress pattern will be released September 1 and will be released as a single size - 4/5T.

[@juliesew_me_something699]

Thank you x

[@ChristineSewsALot]

You are very welcome!

[@lizzybetbutt6040]

Thank you sew much… your tutorial is so clear and easy to follow. One of the best I have seen. How do you not have more followers? Have liked and subscribed, from Shropshire, UK and will be catching up from your first video this weekend. Well done !

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Thanks! I am glad you found it helpful.

[@myfoodforall6102]

Lovely content 💙

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Thank you

[@sherryv7341]

Aww! The dresses are so beautiful and meticulously sewn! Fantastic job! Oh, I'm planning on making the Yantee overalls. Did you ever do a video on them? Thanks!

[@ChristineSewsALot]

I have made two pairs of Yanta overalls and love them. I have shown them on the channel but not done a sew along. They are not difficult. Just take your time with the back strap attachment. My first version I felt like I needed a little length. The proper adjustment for that is to add length to the bib not the straps. I think I just added less than an inch. I also found I did not need the side zip. Have fun making the Yantas!

[@sherryv7341]

Thank you! I'm going to make a muslin first. I'm 5ft6in, average torso...so hoping the length will work. Thanks for the advice!

[@kristicitak3932]

Beautiful fabrics. Beautiful workmanship

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Thank you

[@paulinechamberlain6927]

I just joined your group. Do you wash fabric (for shrinkage ) or do you count on lots of steam when ironing. Love your video. Thank you

[@ChristineSewsALot]

I definitely wash before I cut and sew. I want to get all the shrinkage out. I think the only time I rely on steam might be with store bought bias tape - which I rarely use in garments. I am more likely to use bias binding I have made when sewing garments.

[@Paper_and_Fabric]

10:10 ❤❤

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Thank you

[@delilahcarbajal6734]

Excellent tutorial! What beautiful work you did here, these recipients will be so happy 😁🥰 and blessed to get one your beautiful dresses.. I tried finding this pattern to make a couple. I can’t find it. You have link to this pattern?

[@ChristineSewsALot]

The pattern is from the book Appliqué by Martha Pullen. It was published in 1991 and you can find it on eBay. There were a couple of copies when I last looked. It was about $19. It has the pattern for the Aline jumper and boy’s Jon Jon both in sizes 1-6. There is a pattern for an apron that I have never sewn and lots of appliqué. I did more what I will call regular appliqué before I got an embroidery machine. Now it is only occasionally when I can’t find the right machine embroidery design.

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Sorry I just checked, the copies I saw on Etsy and eBay have sold. The technique can be used on other patterns. Children’s Corner Patterns are another old fashioned look with heirloom sewing patterns. They have several easy patterns and I use the method I use on the Martha Pullen dresses. My favorite baby gift to give is the Taylor romper. I have a detailed tutorial on this pattern and I put it together like the Martha Pullen.

[@delilahcarbajal6734]

@@ChristineSewsALot awesome thank you so much for this! I really appreciate it. I know I’m probably to late for dress drive. But I can get ready for the next one with patterns etc. I have lot material lol.. I’m going to be a 1st time grandma so excited 😆 congrats to you. Your grand baby is precious and hat you made.. I’m looking forward to this stuff.. thank you again! Your a great instructor

[@LottieSue]

@@ChristineSewsALot I found a couple of Applique books by Pullen. Are you sure the title isn't, " Applique Favorites by Martha Pullen"?

[@ChristineSewsALot]

@@LottieSue it is called Appliqué and the subtitle is Martha’s Favorites copyright 1991. I will post a photo of the book on the community page.

[@dlwrules]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I found it extremely helpful. Question: I didn’t think that we were allowed to use buttons for Project Dress a Girl. Am I wrong?

[@christineeick5096]

You are correct. The ambassador I donated through said buttons were fine with the group where her donations went. I checked before I made he dresses. I am using a different pattern this year that has no buttons.

[@madelaine3209]

I would like to make dress s to donate. Where is the pattern and who do I send the dress to?

[@ChristineSewsALot]

The project starts in September and Mari will have a kickoff video on September 1 with all of the details on where to send the dresses and the requirements for the dresses. If you subscribe to @MariSews and hit the notification bell you will be notified of when her videos come out, or you can use the KZbin search box. This is such a good charitable cause. Thank you for joining in!

[@ngmolly4158]

How to cut the dress and the edge is not so messy with untidy tread

[@ChristineSewsALot]

You can use a rotary cutter to get a nice crisp cut or with your dressmaking scissors that you only use on fabric, keep the scissor against the cutting table while you cut.

[@juliewright9016]

They are lovely dresses but I thought we weren’t to use buttons?

[@ChristineSewsALot]

You are correct. I say that in the video and I have it in the description box. It is a long video so I can see where you would miss it. I would take it down to avoid confusion, but it is my most popular video and took a few days to film and edit. Those dresses went to a place in the US and I checked with the particular ambassador before sewing. If I had a do over I would have made this a separate video apart from the project. Live and learn! Thanks for watching!

[@madelaine3209]

Where can I get the pattern? where do I mail the dresses after completion?

[@ChristineSewsALot]

@marisews has a recent video with the info you will need. This particular pattern in this video does not comply with the project dress a girl rules. I have left the video up because so many people find it helpful in sewing a lined dress with all seams enclosed. It is my most popular video. The pattern came from Martha Pullen’s Appliqué book.

[@madelaine3209]

Thank you!

[@nathalieboudreau7765]

I cant seem to be able to find this pattern :(

[@ChristineSewsALot]

It is in an older book published in 1991. Martha Pullen Favorites Applique. I saw a bunch of copies of the book at a booth when I attended the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo in Lakeland FL. I googled and found it here treasuredheirlooms.com/Books/MarthaPullen.htm. The John John (Little Boy Suit) is my absolute favorite pattern for this style. I have made it probably close to 100 times and have a tutorial for it on my channel.

[@paulinechamberlain6927]

Sorry about the button comment, noticed this is an older video after I wrote comment.

[@ChristineSewsALot]

No problem. I understand it is an old video.

[@maryt2887]

I thought Dress A Girl didn’t allow buttons and buttonholes.

[@ChristineSewsALot]

They don’t. The first year there was a group that was sending dresses locally and they said ok. I did check with that particular group before making the dresses. I mentioned that in the video, but that video is LONG so I can see how you missed it.

[@kristicitak3932]

Buttons? Thought no fasteners of any kind (because dress a girls have no way of fixing them if they come off)🤷‍♀️

[@ChristineSewsALot]

That is correct. I made these dresses the first year and checked with the ambassador where they were being sent and they said they would accept them. They went to a US location where they could be mended. I would take this down as I get many comments about the buttons, but it is one of my most popular videos and people get a lot of help from the tutorial. Sorry for the confusion.

[@paulinechamberlain6927]

Did you just say you are putting buttons on shoulder. I thought buttons are a No,No. is this dress for Dress as girl?

[@ChristineSewsALot]

This is an old video. I updated the Thumbnail to reflect not to use it for project dress a girl.

[@cindy6479]

I don’t think they want any buttons or fasteners of any kind

[@ChristineSewsALot]

You are very correct. I mentioned it in the video, but it is long and I can see how you would miss it. I would take the video down to avoid confusion but it took three days to film and edit and it is my most popular video. People find the tips very helpful. Thanks for watching. I hope you plan on participating!