Our Location
Redfern, Sydney, NSW
Australia
Lace Up Bodice Sew-a-long
This bodice top comes in a sweetheart or square neckline. Both versions feature a peaked centre front hem. Here we have made the sweetheart version.
1. Preparation
Following the pattern-cutting instructions, cut out pieces from your chosen fabric. We are using linen.
Cut out fusing and iron on each piece of the bodice, except the straps.
With this garment, we are fusing all pieces, including lining pieces, as it is self-lined. You may have chosen a stiffer fabric for the outer and are choosing a softer fabric for the lining. In this case, you may only wish to fuse the outer panels. This may be the case if using leather or velvet as self-lining may cause the garment to become very thick and hard to handle when sewing.
1. Front Panels
With right sides together, pin the seam at the centre of the bust and sew down using a 1 cm seam allowance.
3. Back Panels
Position panels as shown.
With right sides together, pin seams down and stitch at a 1cm seam allowance.
4. Seams
At this point, you should have two fronts and one back, each with its respective seams sewn.
Press all seams open.
4. Side Seams
Place right sides together and pin seams as shown in the photo.
Sew seam at 1 cm seam allowance.
When finished both side seams, you should have a full outer piece, as shown in the photo.
Press all seams open.
Repeat for lining.
5. Straps
Fold and press each side of the strap 6mm in towards the centre.
Press again along the centre.
Stitch along the edge to close the strap. Repeat for the other strap.
Pin the straps in place. The front strap is to be placed right in the middle of the centre front bodice seam. The back strap is placed on top of the back bodice seam, as seen in the photo.
Staystitch the strap in place. I have stitched the straps at 6mm from the edge.
Make sure to keep the straps untwisted.
6. Connecting the Outer and Lining.
Place the lining and outer, right sides together, and pin along the top edge. Sew at a 6mm seam allowance along the top edge.
Place the front edges together and stitch a 1 cm seam allowance to close the centre front. This is where we will insert the metal eyelets to form our lace-up bodice.
Alternatively, you can install a zipper at this time or some hook-and-eye tape. If you wanted buttons, please note there should have been a 2.5cm extension down the centre front to accommodate the buttonhole and buttons.
Bag out and then press the seam down. Make sure that the lining and the outer are sitting flat against each other and that there isn’t any bagginess or twisting.
This is where you should be now. Now is a good time to check if the straps are correct or the fit is correct. At this point, because the hem is open, we can correct these issues easily.
6. Hem
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