When sewing the skirt to the bodice, remember that there was a 3/8″ allowance on either side of the skirt. In other words, the fabric of the skirt will go past the edges of the width of the bodice by 3/8″ on each side (Photo 2). Adjust the gathered skirt so that the ruffles are not too bulky in one spot or another. Pin the right side of the skirt to the right side of the bodice (Photo 3). For those new to sewing, the wrong side of the fabric is what would go against your skin, or in this case, the skin of the doll. The right side is the outside of the dress – what is visible to others.
1. Wrong Sides Facing Up (See the Pencil Lines)
2. Allow 3/8" on Each Side of Bodice
3. Pin Skirt to Bodice
As shown in Photo 4, I sew the bodice and skirt together with the bodice on top so that I can follow the edge of the bodice with the foot of the sewing machine. This also lets me see where the sides of the bodice begin and end. I have drawn a yellow line to show where I would sew the skirt and bodice together. In Photo 5, you can see the stitches along the bottom of the bodice.
4. Sewing with Bodice Side Up
5. Bodice Sewn to Skirt
The dress is beginning to take shape. Keep in mind that normally I would use thread that matches the fabric. You would not see the stitches in the darts as you can see them in Photos 6 and 7. Additionally, embellishing the dress with ribbons, flowers and other items helps to camouflage the threads that are visible.
6. The Bodice and Skirt Sewn Together
7. The Dress Takes Shape