I finished making these two darlings yesterday. They are for a loyal customer cum good virtual friend, the sweetest lady 'Ainn, meant for her 2yo sweet little princess. I just realised I sewed my tags on different sides on the 2 dresses lol....well, the little quirks that define handamade!
I had fun making the dresses as the serger made it so much easier and faster too. My only woes are with attaching self made bias tapes to the armsyche. Am I alone or does anybody else face the same problems with attaching double fold bias tapes at a curve?
I tried hard not to stretch the tapes as it reaches the curves but still at one time the stitching failed to catch the folded tape at the back as I topstitched. Help! If you know a good a tutorial on this I really appreciate a link. I saw Amy Karol video tute on the subject but it did not mention curves.
With the help of the trusted seam ripper I managed to finish attaching the trim, but know that I need to learn the secret to sewing bias tape on a curve. Thanks for reading ladies, today is Monday and I've a lecture going. See y'all fabulous peeps later! :)
I have trouble with bias tape. When I read this last week it all sort of clicked in my head. I need to add tape to a dress later this week and for once I am not scared!
ReplyDeletehttp://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/2010/03/nothing-to-be-afraid-of-folks.html
Those are lovely. What pattern did you use?
ReplyDeleteI was curious and up for a google challenge so I found this for you. It says to steam iron the bias into the shape of the curve. Would that work? I am unsure but would love to learn.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.oliverands.com/forums/topic.php?id=85
And angry chicken's hilarious no swear bias tape video is included there. I know what won't answer your question but it was funny to watch.
Oh thank you for the links Jodie and Kathy! The OliverandS discussion is particularly helpful with lengthy tips on applying the tape on tight curves. My mistake I gues is pinning them, it just made it uneven when I took the pin out before stitching.
ReplyDeleteMy problem is not puckering though, it's always the top stitching failed to catch the bottom fold. I'm gonna try the steam iron trick and also Liesl's suggestion of using the walking foot.
Oh and Kathy, I used measurements from Froglegs and Ponytails's Caroline pattern with modification of elastic gathers and shoulder ties instead of neck ties.
Great help friends, thank you! *hugs* :)
cute sundresses!
ReplyDeletezura, u mmg hebat dlm fabric selection la :)
Awww...thanks dura!
ReplyDeleteMain fabric my customer select, I just chose coordinating/contrasting prints je to add interest to the design :)
Very cute dresses.
ReplyDeleteI think it may help (if you didn't do it already) to cut the fabric for the bias tape actually on the bias of the fabric (diagonally). That way the tape will have a natural arch/curve already and it will be much much easier to sew it to the arm holes.
So so beautiful! Love the main/contrast fabrics. Was also wondering about the pattern... will check Froglegs and Ponytails!
ReplyDeleteZura, Kirei desu... The contrast really works!!
ReplyDeletehi dear, what i do is first pin the tape then u do need to hand baste first, then clip the curve seams so they will lie flat at the curve, so then when you sew the tape will not move and no need to worry with the pins. then once done, grade the seams( trim the garment seam more than the bias tape), you'll find it easier to fold the tape and topstitch both. hope that helps
ReplyDeleteBeatrix - Thank you for the tip :) The tape already cut on bias (diagonal), it's my double fold at curve technique I need to improve on
ReplyDeleteBarbara - Thanks my friend! That pattern is one of the easiest, try it!:)
Nuno Lady - thanks dear...what does kirei desu mean ya? Oh I so wish I can speak Japanese, I think they have a meaningful and beautiful handmade culture!
Kak Azidah - Wah! I feel like totally HUGGING you right now! What a revelation! Why oh why didn't I think about clipping?? *slap forehead* All this while I thought the bias tape will help with the curve but I know that set in sleeves must be assisted with clipping at the curve. Oh thank you, thank you Kak Azidah! Memang sifu la akak ni! :D
hugs to you too!but remember to grade the seam too, then you'll have no probs in turning and topstitch. A new dress this weekend? hehehe
ReplyDeleteYes, I'll remember that. Grading the seam means trimming the seam allowance right? Definitely a new dress this weekend hehe :)
ReplyDeletehmm, dont know ler cause i dont hv issue, but pinning and also ironing helps gak lah.
ReplyDeleteas for the not catching part, i got seam guide on my SM and that thing kan susah nak explain but it helps with it.
wow...lovely...beautiful fabric and i like the elastic gathers...
ReplyDeleteI love the fabric you used for the top one! Beautiful work, as always! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the fabric you used for the top one! Beautiful work, as always! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kate! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kate! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kate! :)
ReplyDelete