nedkline facing question

Dear Judie,

Another alternative is to trim the seam allowances away from the neck, and bind the neckline with either self-bias or a contrast. For the most superior results, trim the neckline down to 1/4-inch seam allowance (both dress and collar), sew on the bias, folding over the ends to the wrong side (both ends), then stitch 1/4 inch seam allowance. Trim the neckline further to 1/8 inch, and hand sew the second side of the bias to the wrong side. (This advice coming from an avid hand-sewer who prefers fine hand finishing to machines.) If you opt for the bias, but don't like to do hand sewing, start on the wrong side, then sew by machine from the outside. This will insure careful sewing for the second stitching.

Teri

Thanks, Teri.

I just finished doing the facings but I'm making this little dress as a sort of trial for a second birthday picture dress so I think I will try your method on the next one. I'm making this one to be sure it fits before I make the one with the fabric for her birthday dress.

Also, do you have any advice on how to modify the pattern so I can use buttons on the back instead of the zipper? I don't want it to button all the way down the back, and there is a back seam but I'm not sure how to change the pattern so I can have the top of the seam close with buttons and not a zipper.

Thanks again,

Judie

gj> Dear Judie,

duh, did I really type nedline and not neckline???

sorry

Judie > I'm making a little toddler dress with a peter pan collar that zips up

Dear Judie,

This is how you add for all buttons, not just this dress. First, since patterns no longer have seams printed on them, draw the seam allowance where the buttons will go. They don't have to be all the way down the back--just far enough for your child to get it on easily. Next, decide what size button you want to use. The extension you draw for the opening should be the radius of the button from the original seam allowance, plus 1/4 inch.

That's the minimum. To make self facings and finished edges, add two more inches. This is how I always finish shirts and dresses such as you describe. You simply press under one inch down the back, then press in another one inch. You have an interfaced and faced edge for both buttons and buttonholes.

Teri