Brand new here! Pattern help, please?

Pattern number? I don't understand what you are talking about without it.

Beverly

Hi

Welcome to alt.sewing

Can you tell us which pattern you are using?

Baste - means temporary stitching (often by hand) to hold everything in place so that you can then machine stitch it.

There are lots of books on sewing out there - but I know plenty of folks on here will highly recommend the Readers Digest one, whose title I can't remember because I don't have it.

Good luck.

Lizzy

Would I be right in assuming that you are just asking about putting in the continuous lap on a slit in the skirt back?

If I am right and the continuous lap ends at the waist line, then maybe you sew on the 5/8 inch line and maybe you don't.

It's something that I'd like to see and read before commenting on but it could be (based on the instructions you've quoted) that it is stitched a quarter of an inch from its edge. That would make some sense for a lap as it's really just like on a shirt sleeve.

Yes. First you baste, then you stitch.

May I suggest that you do a google on 'continuous lap'? You might find something online to help you out.

Good luck.

Fran

They assume you know the terms and processes. Get a nice clear general sewing manual that can explain all these terms and processes. I like the Dorling Kindersly one and the Reader's Digest. Both called The Complete Book of Sewing... Bit confusing, that!

Right there you are told that this is a 1/4" seam allowance. You want to taper it in slightly towards the dot.

Sew the reinforcement stitching EXACTLY ON the line. I usually use a smaller stitch for this than for the seam. Baste the lap in place on top of it (usually by hand), and then sew in place by machine. Remove the basting.

If you get it right, the reinforcing stiyching is covered by the seam. It just prevents the stitching pulling the fabric to bits at the pivot point.

When you read a pattern and the instructions, take out your trusty highlighter pen and highlight any odd bits like this. GENERALLY seam allowances are 15mm or 5/8", but some patterns have, as you have found, areas where there are differences, and some patterns are made with different seam allowances. Always check before you start and highlight the general sseam allowance and any anomolies. They will be noted on the patter or in the instructuons, OR BOTH!

Welcome to the wonderful world of sewing and insanity that goes on here!

Can't tell the exact stitching distance from what you've quoted, but most pattern companies have a way of reaching them and asking questions -- the distance should also be somewhere in the pattern instructions, maybe printed on the pattern piece for the lap. Anyhow, try looking for customer service contacts on the web pages for the pattern company, e.g.:

Kay

portugo had written this in response to

portugo wrote:

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Sweet pattern. Are you sure there's a zipper in the back? The notions list does not call for one, and I would think the continuous lap opening would be sufficient for a child's outfit. Just a suggestion, in case you make it again: it would be "child's play" ;-) to alter the back with a center back seam, and eliminate the continous lap.

What Berverly said.

Having a balloon glass of red, are we Catharyne? ;-P

Beverly

Duh!

It were late/early... I'm running on too little sleep, sore fingers and a lot to do! No wine here for me! No real Kentish cider, no lovely local beer, not a tot of me very favourite Talkisker or Laphroaig neither! Booze in all shapes and sizes off the menu. But I HAVE lost some weight this week! :) Must be light-headed.

I realized after I hit send late last night (here), that it would be early AM where you are, and that you probably are not an AM tippler. ;-) Congratulations on the weight loss, I know how difficult that is. Please be careful around sharp implements if you are feeling light headed!

Beverly

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Oh, you're right! I just assumed it would have a zipper, but it doesn't. That's good to know it's optional, but I think I'll still put it in. My sister will probably appreciate the extra space to get it on a squirming baby. :)

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