Sew-Along Day 3, Button Loops (Steps 25-27)

Here we go with Day 3 of our Portfolio Dress Sew-Along.

How are your dresses coming along?  Any questions or problems you've encountered thus far?  Be sure to visit Gwen today for Steps 17-19.  Also, click HERE to add your progress photos to the flickr pool.

Essentially today's post is about making the button loops for the neckband of our dresses.

Step 25.  Fold loop (Pattern Piece #8) in half, lengthwise, with RIGHT sides together.  Stitch a scant 1/4" from fold edge, stretching the loop while stitching.  

With a needle, attach a strong thread to one end of the loop.  

Step 26.  Draw needle eye forward, through fold, turning loop RIGHT side out. 
 

Here is where I had problems. My fabric was too thick for such a narrow tube to reverse over itself.  So, I had to figure out a different method.  I cut a second pattern piece #8, and folded it like double fold bias tape.

You'll iron the loop in half, then press each side to the center.

Then, fold the whole thing in half and press like this:

Now, take the folded loop to your sewing machine, and topstitch 1/8" from the edge to close the loop.

Step 27.  Cut loop in half. Fold each loop in half, having ends even; pin.  You'll be pinning them to the LEFT back neck band, which needs to have interfacing applied (kind of skipped that part...oops.  I'll cover it tomorrow more extensively)  On OUTSIDE, pin ends of loop over small dots on LEFT back neck band,

 having raw edges even; baste.  Be sure to have your loops turned like I've shown.  That way, when the dress is finished, they turn around the button.

Head on over to Gwen's to learn how to make your sleeve bands.

We're getting close to the finish!  Tomorrow, I'll show you how to make the neck band for your dress, and Gwen will teach us how to hem.  I've been making a little archive of all the Portfolio Dress Sew-Along posts.  Just click HERE for a summary.