We’re on to the final part of the sew-along. I really hope that this was helpful for those of you who prefer to have photos to follow along.
This final part is probably the longest bit as you need to take care with the gathering but I always find that taking a break helps, and sit down with an episode of your fave show and a cup of tea to keep you company!
As a reminder-feel free to take a break at any point!
REMEMBER: sewing is a learning curve. If something doesn’t make sense or it feels like everything is going wrong, just take a step back. Even the most seasoned sewer will have to reach for the seam ripper at some point or will step away from on a project when it gets too much. Come back to it later and if you prefer a different way to sew up the skirt- go for it! It’s yours!
The best way to use these photos is to pull them up alongside the drawings- sometimes its best to have both to help you understand something. Plus the main instructions will have the bulk of the detail.
Before we begin
Note that all the seam allowances* in this pattern are 1cm (⅜ inch) except for the ruffle hem. Back stitch* at the start and at the end of a line of stitching.
You’ll be sewing the skirt up with a straight stitch with a suggested stitch length of 2.5-3.0mm (but test to see what works best for your fabric). If you get skipped stitches/uneven sewing, think about using a new machine needle or swapping out for a different type according to your fabric.
*See the instructions PDF for a more detailed explanation of these terms
Right side of fabric: the side of the fabric that you intend to wear on the outside
Wrong side of the fabric: the side of the fabric that will be on the inside when worn
Ruffle Hem
21. Lay the two ruffle hem pieces on top of each other with the right sides facing together. Pin along the short edges and stitch. Finish and press open.
22. Gathering: Starting at one of the side seams, stitch two rows of basting stitches (stitch length 4.0 or above) along the top edge of the ruffle. Stitch your first row 0.5cm (¼ inch) away from the fabric edge, then a second row 1.5cm (⅝ inch) from the fabric edge. Make sure you leave long tails on both ends and do not backstitch. *See written instructions for more detail on gathering stitches. There are lots of methods to gathering fabric, feel free to use your favourite or add a third row of stitching for a super neat and even finish.
23. Gather the ruffle by pulling the top threads (green) until it is the same width as the bottom of the skirt.
24. With right sides together, pin the bottom of the skirt and gathered ruffled together, matching along the centre notches and the side seams.
Make sure the gathers are evenly distributed.
Stitch the seam all the way around, remembering to put the stitch length back down to normal.
Remove your basting stitches.
Finish the seam and press the seam up upwards towards the skirt.
25. Finish the ruffle with a double turned hem. Fold the raw edge up towards the wrong side of the fabric by 0.5cm (¼ inch) and press.
26. Fold the edge up again by 0.5cm (¼ inch) creating the ‘double turn’, and enclosing the raw edge. Press and stitch along the edge, making sure you catch the fabric on the back.
Ta-da!
And that is it! You’ve made your skirt 🙂 I really hope you love it as much as I do and hopefully you’ve built up your sewing skills and confidence along the way.
Don’t forget to tag me if you make the skirt- IG @thelittlepomegranate and use the hashtag #SabinaSkirt so I can see your gorgeous makes!
If you haven’t yet downloaded the pattern, don’t worry! Just hit subscribe here via MailChimp and it will wing its way over to you*
Love,
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