Welcome to the Frannie Dress sew-along. I want to remind everyone that I am not a "professional" seamstress, nor was I formally taught. I'm just a girl who loves fabric, sewing, and pretty much everything related to those two things. If you have any questions, suggestions, or tips to share; please make sure to post them on our Facebook group.
Please read the directions in your Frannie Dress pattern all the way through before you begin. It's probably a good idea to read through this lesson once before you begin also.
I also want to remind everyone that if you would like to see any of the images posted in this blog larger, just click on them. It might be helpful on some steps. Let's begin now.
Day 4 - Adding the Back Closure Button, Creating a Button Loop, and Closing Up the Lining.
1. Sew a button onto the top of the back dress opening. I sewed mine here on the left side, but convention is to sew it on the right side. You can add more buttons to the back opening if you like. Kits came with just one button, but the choice is totally up to you.
2. We are now going to sew a button loop for your back closure. I'm first going to show you how I originally learned to sew these. Then, I'm going to share a series of videos that show you what I feel is an easier way to make the button loop. Do not fret if your button loop isn't perfect. You will get better at this the more often you make them. Let's jump in.
Note: It will probably be helpful to click on the pictures to be able to see the steps in more detail.A. I used 4 LONG strands of sewing thread for my button loop. Thread these on your needle and tie a knot in the end so you will be sewing with a total of 8 strands of thickness. You can probably get by with as few as 2 strands (4 when doubled), but I like my loops strong. If you are using embroidery floss you may get by with even less.
B. Go up through the hole in your lining and out the edge of your seam opposite your button. You want to come out near the top of where your button is on the the other side. Secure the knot on the inside between the dress and the lining.
C. Measure about how long you want your button loop to be by wrapping it around your button.
D. Then, go back into the dress and out the original hole with your needle.
E. Pull your threads until the loop is the size you just measured and determined you desired. You can try it on the button to make sure.
F. When you have the loop the size you want and all the threads are lined up together, wrap the loose thread around your index finger like shown below.
G. Now, poke the needle through your button loop from back to front.
H. Next, slide your needle under the thread on your finger.
J. Keep pulling and slide the knot down to the base of your loop until it is tight.
K. It should look like this.
L. Repeat steps F thru J until you have covered the whole loop with your stitches.
M. When you have your loop finished, push the needle back in between the dress and the lining and knot your threads.
Below are three videos that also explain how to accomplish the same task of creating a button loop, but in a little different way. This is how I prefer to make them now as it is really quick. The only suggestion I would make is to keep the thread tails after your knot longer. They will be hidden inside the dress and the knot is more secure if they are longer.
3. The very last step for your dress is to close up your opening in the lining. I like to use a ladder stitch as I feel it is strong enough and hides the hole well. You can use whatever method you prefer.
That's it! You just made a Children's Corner Frannie! Wasn't that awesome! Thank you so much for joining me. It's been a total pleasure to teach one of my all time favorite patterns.
Our youngest, Miss Sydney, in her very first Frannie I made for her first birthday.
Miss Sydney today. Oh how fast they grow!
* If you would like to enter the prize drawing, please make sure you submit a picture of your completed lesson four to the Facebook Album by 12:00 noon CT, Thursday, June 5th. Also, if you have any questions the Facebook Group is a great place to ask.
Thanks for sewing with me,
Danielle Storm
www.whimsicalfabric.com
