Isla Sew Along Day 4

We’re in the home stretch! You’ve made it to day 4. By now we’ve cut all of our fabric pieces and completed construction of the bodice. If you have fallen behind, don’t fret! Since we are only completing our skirt today, you have time to catch up. Let’s get started.

Skirt

I chose to add a peplum skirt with my AGF taco fabric. First lay your back skirt piece on top of your front skirt piece with right sides together. Sew/serge down the short side. Repeat with the other side.

I do not have a coverstitch machine so at this point I like to serge the bottom of my skirt to prepare it for hemming.

After serging the skirt bottom edge I folded it up 1/2″ with wrong sides together and ironed the hem in place. Finally topstitch the hem 3/8″ from the folded edge using a stretch or elongated straight stitch. I like to use a straight stitch with a 3.0 length. Since my skirt is done, I’ll set it aside for tomorrow and work on my romper bottom for my shamrock piece.

Romper

First of all, if you do not have the romper add-on, you can purchase it here. Similarly, we will start by laying our romper back on top of our romper front with right sides together and sew/serge down the short side. Repeat with the other side.

Next we will add bias tape to the leg opening. I prefer to use store bought single fold bias tape because it is such a time saver. Lay the bias tape along the leg opening with right sides together and lining up the raw edges. Sew in place along the first crease of your bias tape. Flip the bias tape toward the wrong side of the fabric and iron the seam toward the inside of the romper. Stitch in place 3/8″ from the folded edge to create an elastic casing. Finally thread your elastic through the casing you’ve created. Make certain to sew and back stitch a few times at the ends to secure the elastic within the casing.

Sew on the crotch bias tape using this same method. Add 2-3 snaps or buttons to the crotch bias. I have a Dritz snap pliers set that I use to add snaps to all of my rompers for easy diaper changes. I bought it from Joann’s a few years ago but you can find them at any craft store. You are almost done because all that is left to do is sew your gathering stitches to the top of your romper bottom.

Day 4 Progress

Don’t forget to snap a quick photo of your completed skirt or romper bottom and drop it in the fan group Isla Sew Along album. While you are there take a look at everyone’s projects and progress. Everyone is doing so amazing and the bodices you all have completed are gorgeous! Feel free to leave each other some positive feedback and love.

Happy skirt sewing,

Chauncey