The Lou Box Dress 1, view A features traditional in-seam pockets. During my development of the pattern, I found two methods for attaching them when using a knit fabric. The first is detailed in the instruction booklet and is more similar to sewing with a woven fabric. This second method uses a serger for the majority of the sewing and a conventional machine to finish it off.
I cannot take credit for inventing this technique. I first learned it in this post by Johanna Lu of The Last Stitch. It’s also part of the instructions for the Sweatshirt Dress designed by Emily of In The Folds. They are both very talented sewists so make sure to check out their blogs and shops. Johanna released an e-book about sewing activewear last year and Emily has a shop full of stellar patterns.
By this point in the construction of your dress, you will sewn the shoulders, neck binding and sewn the sleeves to the shoulders. In this tutorial, we will sew the pockets to the dress and sew the side seams.
How to Sew In-Sew Pockets with a Serger/Overlocker
Step 1: With right sides together, pin pockets to front and back matching circle markings. Try on the dress to check that you like the pocket placement. Using the serger with the knife disengaged, stitch the pockets in place. Press pockets away from the dress.
Note: This fabric is a thick ponte knit fabric so to cut down on the bulk I used a lightweight knit for the pockets sewn to the front of the dress. Also, it was a little hard to see the stitching in the photos so I've added the blue line to show you where to sew.
Step 2: Pin front to back along the side seams matching underarm seam and pockets. Serge/overlock from the end of the sleeve, down the side, around the pockets and all the way to the hem. You’ll be able to use the 1/2 inch seam allowance everywhere except the inner curved edges of the pockets. We’ll fix that in the next step.
Step 3: Now we need to make the opening for the pockets smaller. Grab your conventional machine and set it to a narrow zig zag or a stretch stitch. I usually eyeball this but it’s a good idea to use a ruler to mark the seam line (1/2 inch from the edge of the pocket/side seam).
Starting above the pocket, stitch down towards the pocket until you’re about an inch below the top of the pocket. Backstitch and trim threads. Repeat for the bottom part of the pocket. Starting about 1 inch above the bottom of the pocket, stitch until you reach the serged stitches.
That's it! See below for the rest of the sewalong schedule, links to the patterns or to catch up on previous posts. Happy sewing!
LOU BOX DRESS SEWALONG SCHEDULE
DAY 1 RTW Inspiration Tues Jan 9
DAY 2 Fabric & Supplies Wed Jan 10
DAY 3 How to Print and Store PDF patterns Thurs Jan 11
DAY 4 How to Finish a Knit Neckline Mon Jan 15
DAY 5 How to Finish a Woven Neckline Tues Jan 16
DAY 6 How to Sew a Patch Pocket Wed Jan 17
DAY 7 How to Sew In-Seam Pockets with a Serger Thurs Jan 18
DAY 8 How to Sew Lou Box Dress 2 Scoop Pockets Mon Jan 22
Day 9 How to Sew Lou Box Dress 1, View A Sleeves Tues Jan 23
DAY 10 How to Sew Lou Box Dress 1, View B Sleeves Wed Jan 24
DAY 11 How to Sew Lou Box Dress 2 Waist Casing Thurs Jan 25
DAY 12 How to Sew a Hem Facing Fri Jan 26
If you haven't picked up your pattern yet, they are available in the shop at the links below.
The Lou Box Dress 1 is a loose-fitting cocoon style dress. Worn alone, it’s perfect for warm summer days. Paired with a sweater, tights and boots, it will take you through the colder months. Make it in linen for a casual look or printed silk for a luxurious night out. View A features a medium scoop neck, 3/4 length sleeves with cuffs, in-seam pockets and a knee-length skirt. View B features short cuff sleeves and patch pockets. Instructions are included for sewing the dress in both woven and knit fabrics.
This digital pattern includes an illustrated, step-by-step instruction booklet, a print-at-home layered pattern for letter or A4 size paper, a US copy shop pattern and an A0 size pattern.
Model is 5’11” and is wearing a size 12.
THIS IS NOT A PHYSICAL PRODUCT. After checkout, you will receive a link to the pattern that will be active for 24 hours after you click it. Prices are in USD.
The Lou Box Dress 2 is a loose-fitting gathered waist dress with a ballet neckline, scoop pockets, a knee length skirt and dolman sleeves. View A features three-quarter length sleeves. View B features full-length tapered sleeves and a low scoop back. Instructions are included for sewing the dress in both woven and knit fabrics.
This digital pattern includes an illustrated, step-by-step instruction booklet, a print-at-home layered pattern for letter or A4 size paper, a US copy shop pattern and an A0 size pattern.
Model is 5’11” and is wearing a size 12.
THIS IS NOT A PHYSICAL PRODUCT. After checkout, you will receive a link to the pattern that will be active for 24 hours after you click it. Prices are in USD.
This item includes the Lou Box Dress 1 and the Lou Box Dress 2 pdf sewing patterns for a discounted price.
Lou Box Dress 1
The Lou Box Dress 1 is a loose-fitting cocoon style dress. Worn alone, it’s perfect for warm summer days. Paired with a sweater, tights and boots, it will take you through the colder months. Make it in linen for a casual look or printed silk for a luxurious night out. View A features a medium scoop neck, 3/4 length sleeves with cuffs, in-seam pockets and a knee-length skirt. View B features short cuff sleeves and patch pockets. Instructions are included for sewing the dress in both woven and knit fabrics.
Lou Box Dress 2
The Lou Box Dress 2 is a loose-fitting gathered waist dress with a ballet neckline, scoop pockets, a knee length skirt and dolman sleeves. View A features three-quarter length sleeves. View B features full-length tapered sleeves and a low scoop back. Instructions are included for sewing the dress in both woven and knit fabrics.
The bundle includes two digital PDF patterns each with a print-at-home pattern, copy shop pattern, A0 pattern and illustrated instructions. THIS IS NOT A PHYSICAL PRODUCT.
After checkout, you will receive a link to the pattern that will be active for 24 hours after you click it. Prices are in USD.
