How to sew French seams - VIDEO TUTORIAL

In today’s video, I’ll be showing you how to sew a french seam. The french seam sewing method stitches the seams and finishes them in a two step process. In this method, you will stitch each seam twice, enclosing the raw edge of the fabric on the second pass creating an attractive and clean finish. This is a simple method to sew and well worth mastering.

Can I confess something? I used to hate sewing French seams. It just took forever and I always ended up with bits of thread showing on the right side of the garment. It’s very possible that in my impatience, I was skipping the very important trimming step. But over the years, I’ve figured out how to sew this seam finish without going crazy. I actually enjoy sewing it now and rarely feel impatient to move on to the next project.

How to wear a cocoon shaped dress - Lou Box Dress 1 Style Inspiration. Sewing pattern by Sew DIY

To celebrate Me Made May, this year I’ll be doing a few blog posts to highlight some of my favorite Sew DIY patterns, sharing style inspiration and sewing tips. This week I’m focusing on the Lou Box Dress 1 and Lou Box Dress 2. Today, I’m starting with style inspiration. I often find it helpful to see how other people style a certain design and what fabric they select. It’s also great inspiration for making variations or hacks to a pattern. The Lou Box Dress patterns are really versatile and very hackable. The different sleeve options can be easily swapped between the patterns. Just like the Lou Box Top, they can be sewn with either woven or knit fabric and the pattern includes instructions for both construction methods.

CHECK OUT THE LOU BOX DRESS 1 IN THE SHOP

The Lou Box Dress 1 is a simple basic and perfect for summer weather. Both views have a cocoon shape, medium scoop neck and knee length skirt finished with a facing. View A of the pattern features in-seam pockets and elbow length sleeves with cuffs. View B features large patch pockets and short cuff sleeves.

This dress can be worn with sandals or sneakers and is great for showing off a statement necklace. In cooler weather, pair it with boots and tights. For the perfect lounging caftan, just lengthen the dress to ankle length. See my caftan hack here.

Image sources, first photo, clockwise from top left: Pinterest, Universal Standard, Everlane, Black Crane, Etsy, Elizabeth Suzann, Sotela

How to wear an elastic waist dress - Lou Box Dress 2 Style Inspiration. Sewing pattern by Sew DIY.

The Lou Box Dress 2 features a ballet neckline, a gathered elastic waist, a knee length A-line skirt, tapered sleeves and scoop front pockets. View A has elbow length sleeves and view B has full length sleeves and a scoop back. I enjoy wearing this dress in a knit fabric the most because it’s comfortable but feels pulled together. I love how sophisticated these inspiration photos look. It makes me want to try the pattern in a luscious silk fabric with a midi-length skirt and in-seam pockets.

CHECK OUT THE LOU BOX DRESS 2 IN THE SHOP

Image sources, photo above, clockwise from top left: Black Crane, Pinterest, Pinterest, Babakud, Black Crane, Pinterest

Lou Box Dress 1 PDF Pattern

US$14.00

Lou Box Dress 2 PDF Pattern

US$14.00

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Lou Box Dress 1 & 2 Bundle PDF Patterns

US$22.00 US$28.00

For the Lou Box Dress 1, I recommend using medium weight woven or knit fabrics such as linen, chambray, cotton lawn, poplin or rayon. View A is also suitable for sweatshirt fabric. See my version here. The pattern looks great in a variety of fabrics. The less drape the fabric has, the more it will stand away from the body and show off the cocoon shape.

For the Lou Box Dress 2, I recommend using fabric that has some drape and will be comfortable when gathered at the waist with the elastic. You can use lightweight rayon, crepe de chine, chiffon, georgette or jersey.

If you need help sewing these patterns, make sure to check out the sewalong for lots of helpful posts. There are loads of tips, photo tutorials and even a few videos. Happy sewing!

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