This simple sew by Amanda Walker is the perfect option for dressmakers who are new to stitching with chiffon and lightweight fabrics. Basic techniques such as making bias binding, neatening and pressing seams, and gathering are all you need to master this make. When fabric shopping, look out for delicate materials that offer maximum drape, as this will bring a nice flow to the garment.
BEGINNER
1 Download and print the pattern from sewmag.co.uk, then follow the cutting guide. Pin the front and back across the shoulder, right sides facing. Sew one of the shoulder seams, neaten the allowance, then press the seam towards the back. Leave the remaining shoulder seam open.
2 On either side of the neckline strip, fold and press in 1cm, or use a bias binder. Position one side of the strip around the neckline, from the open shoulder to the other. Pin and stitch in place along the fold line. Fold the strip over to the wrong side of the neckline, then pin and edgestitch, sandwiching the raw edge inside. Trim any excess binding from the shoulder edges. Pin and sew the remaining shoulder together, then neaten and press.
3 Pin the side seams, right sides together, then stitch. Neaten the seams and press them towards the back of the top. Using a stitch length of 5, sew a row of gathering stitches around the head of the sleeves, from the front to the back notches. With right sides facing, pin and sew the underarm sleeve seams together. Neaten the seam allowances, then press them towards the back of the sleeves. Pull the gathering threads up and place the sleeves into the armholes, matching the notches.
4 Join the side seams and the underarm seam of the sleeves together. Pin and stitch the sleeves in place, then neaten around the armholes. Fold and press the base of a sleeve, 1cm, then another 1cm. Pin and edgestitch, leaving a small gap. Thread a length of elastic through the gap, then sew the ends together. Stitch the gap closed, then repeat for the other sleeve.
5 Fold and press the base of the tunic, 5mm, then another 5mm. Edgestitch in place to create a narrow ro
