• Home
  • About
    • About the Bungalow
    • My Publications
    • Shop Hours
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Tutorials
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • Shop Hours
    • Facebook
    • Instagram

Bungalow Quilting & Yarn

Bungalow Quilting & Yarn - The Uptown in Any Town

Island Vacation Skirt – Tip #2: Finessing to get a professional look

September 26, 2019 by Susan Daye

I found tips even inside the “learn to sew” pattern used for this. I put them into practice. All the tips are listed below, then the photos for each one follow.

  1. DARTS: This skirt has ’em! The pattern discusses how to eliminate the “bubble” typically created at the very tip of the dart. This was a new learning for me!! First, trace the darts onto the wrong side of the skirt with tracing paper and a wheel. This is the BEST way to get perfect darts. Then, when you sew the dart, start at the wide end of the dart, and sew to the point… and then beyond it a bit, along the fold line. Just a bit though, so that the tip of the dart sort of melts into the fabric and the bubble will not appear. Then, DON’T BACKSTITCH. Cut the threads so you can tie them together in a knot. Press the dart itself , then press it in toward the center of the fabric. They recommend pressing the dart itself first as a way to “set the stitches.” Mine turned out so nice!

2. QUICK PRESS VS. USING AN IRON: When you want to quickly “press” part of a seam, or a dart, or a narrow hem, use your thumbnail vs. an iron. This works best on cotton fabrics. I tried it on satin and it’s not as easy. But you quilters always work with cottons, so you’ll have luck with this. Open the seam, or measure up the narrow hem, and just make creases with your thumbnail. Press it later. This will get you through multiple sewing steps faster.

3. CLIPPING CORNERS OF A WAISTBAND AFTER SEWING BUT BEFORE TURNING: Clip the upper corner and then also the bottom corner. Typically patterns don’t recommend clipping at the bottom. But I do it because it reduces the bulk of the seam when it’s turned in, and also eliminates it from showing inside the waistband.

4. STITCHING THE WAISTBAND ON THE INSIDE AFTER YOU’VE TURNED IT. Guess what – this is the best tip I got from the pattern. Normally, when you turn the waistband to the inside, I have used a hand-done slipstitch to close it all up. The pattern recommended “stitching in the ditch”. It requires some accurate pinning of the folded edge of the waistband to the waistline seam, but makes for a much more professional looking waistband. Try it – it gets easier the more times you do it.

Tracing darts onto fabric
Tracing darts onto fabric
Creasing the fabric rather than pressing
Creasing fabric when you can’t press or want to sew more quickly
Clipping corners on a waistband
Stitching in the ditch

Get our newsletter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Recent News

Sewing a set in Circle

I recently made a baby quilt for one of my employees. She will love it. She should get it today so I … Read More

What do I need for the Blended Hexagon Quilt?

This quilt is beyond fabulous. The best part about it is that it is made simply with squares. It … Read More

Zippy Heart Class

Make this fun and functional zippy heart pouch. It's perfect for everyone. You can make it with or … Read More

Testimonials

  • Kim Van Berkum BatesKim Van Berkum Bates

    I always find the perfect coordinating fabric for my vintage tablecloth aprons, bags, and other projects too. Judy is soooo much fun!

  • Kelly RobbertKelly Robbert

    More than a quilt and yarn shop… It feels like being invited into Judy’s home. If you are wondering if stopping by should be on your list… Yes! Beautiful fabric, wonderfully kind and talented staff and a bathtub full of yarn! Treat yourself and drop on in.

Newsletter Subscription

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact us

920.748.2905
Email Us
920.517.1910
Shop Hours
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Tutorials
  • Contact
  • Shop

© 2023 · Built on the Genesis Framework Using Wordpress by Mat Bolwerk