Shift Dress Sew Along: Bodice Front Seams and Topstitching

Today we'll be assembling the pieces that make up the front part of Simplicity 3833. These are marked as pieces 1 and 2 in your pattern. I'll go into more detail today on how I sew seams than any other day so you know the method I use the rest of the sew along.

Assembling the 3 Pieces of the Bodice Front 

With right sides together, pin and stitch the center front seam (piece 2). I use a piece of blue painter's tape to help me keep a consistent seam allowance as I go.

Press open the seam. 

Next, finish the edges of your seams. I serge each side of the seam flap separately so I can keep it pressed open. Don't have a serger? No problem! See alternative seam finishes from Sew Mama Sew. 

Here's what the seam looks like once finished and both sides are serged. 

Next, stitch the top of the bodice (piece 1) to the bottom of the bodice that you just sewed (piece 2). Take care to match the notches and center front. You'll see the dart legs are still open on either side when you finish. Finish the seam. Here, I've serged both sides together because I will be pressing both seam flaps the same direction. Press the seam.

Topstitching

Next you'll be top stitching the two seams that you just sewed. You can use a fancy edge foot for your topstitching that will help guide you. I like to use my regular foot. I put the edge of the foot up against the seam line, and then I adjust my needle all the way over to the left. I lengthen the stitch a little.

This is what the top stitching will look like when finished. I chose a contrasting pink thread. Go slow to make sure you stay even as you stitch.

That's it for today! Next up, stitching the darts. 

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