Signature Box Top

Please utilize this glossary to assist navigating the Signature Box Top Pattern as well as Simple Box Top Construction Instructions.   Pattern Terminology Grainline -  Refers to the direction of the lengthwise grain on your fabric and indicates how you place your pattern piece on the fabric. A grainline on a pattern piece always follows the warp and runs parallel to the selvedge. This will be a long line with arrows on your pattern piece. Seam Allowance – Seam allowance is the distance (usually in 1/8’’ increments) between the fabric edge and stitch line when two materials are sewn together. Seam...

Place shoulder seams of front and back neck facings right side together. Pin as needed. Note this step does not attach to shoulder seams of bodice. Stitch neck facing shoulder seams with 3/8'' seam allowance. Trim down bulk of seam allowance. Finish raw edge with serger finish or zig-zag stitch. Press shoulder seams forward, stitch finish raw edge of neck facing. Trim 3/4 inch from bottom of seam allowance (removing bulk for folding hem).  

Laying out your pattern correctly is one of the most important steps of the garment construction process. Now that your fabric is pre-washed, cut on grain, ironed, and blocked, you may now begin to place your pattern pieces on your fabric. Lately I have been enjoying sewing my selvages together (instead of pinning) as it also helps iron out wrinkles that happen to congregate around the selvage. OK, lets get started. Roughly lay out all of your pattern pieces referring to the pattern layout guide in your tutorial. Do this first to make sure they will all fit. Place bodice...

Pin Neck facing so it is flush with back bodice. Make sure shoulder seams match. Stitch along back neck facing 1/8 from edge of neck facing. Start and end at shoulder seams. Press back neck facing flat.

Pin right side of neckline facing to right sides of bodice neckline. Match shoulder seams, and place center front at fold. Pin as needed. For video on how to do this step (it can be a bit of a mind bender) wath Part I and Two of "Signature Box Top Neckline"     Stitch together at 1/4 Inch seam allowance. Make sure interfacing is stitched into seam allowance. Trim down bulk at corner. Flip neckline and invert point. Check to see if neckline points match in height. If they do not, stitch taller point with slightly larger seam allowance and...