Attaching the Skirt or Peplum

Today we will attach the skirt or the peplum. The steps are the same regardless of which version you are sewing, so follow along.

Here is our checklist for the day:

• Apply interfacing.
• Staystitch the skirt.
• Sew the skirt.
• Attach skirt to bodice.
• Finish the facings.
• Edgestitch along the front.

Apply Interfacing

1. Apply the skirt interfacing (P) to the wrong side of the skirt front (I) pieces along the center front edge.

Staystitch the Skirt

1. Staystitch around the waistline on the skirt front (I) pieces, and the skirt back ( J) pieces, stitching a scant 5/8” from the raw edge.

Sew the Skirt

1. With right sides together, stitch the skirt back (J) pieces together at the center seam.

Note: If matching stipes, measure 5/8″ in and place your pin through the same point in the pattern.

2. Finish seams and press open.

Below: Again, I used pinking sheers to clip my seam before pressing open. You can also serge the seam and press toward the back.

3. With right sides together stitch the skirt front (I) and skirt back (J) pieces together at the side seam. Repeat for the other skirt front (I).

Note: As with the center back seam, if matching stripes, measure 5/8″ in and place your pins so the pattern aligns.

4. Finish seams and press open.

Note: Here is how your center back and side seams should line up:

Attach Skirt to Bodice

1. Open the front facing (E) away from the bodice.

2. With right sides together stitch the skirt to the bodice along the waistline, matching notches and side seams, and sewing across the front facings.

Note: To keep an even 5/8″ seam allowance while sewing around the curve of the waistline, drop your needle and raise your presser foot to pivot the fabric. This is most important at the side seams as well as at the back darts, where the curve of the skirt is most exaggerated.

Finish the Facings

1. Turn the outer edge of the skirt and bodice facings under 1/4” and press.

2. Stitch the outer edge.

Edgestitch Along the Front

1. Beginning at the bottom of the skirt on the outside of the garment, edgestitch up one side of the front, pivoting at the corners of the neckline, stitching in a straight line to the seam where the collar and bodice meet.

2. Pivot and sew along the front edge of the collar, and then pivot and sew around the outer edge of the collar. Pivot, and repeat down the opposite side.

And here is what you should end up with: