Hi everyone! So first things first – a big massive apology for how late this tutorial is. I had a minor drama working on the Matilda posts, namely that my machine timing was off and causing massive issues for me. I tried to push on through as I wanted to do the tutorials on time as promised, and did the first few posts, but then came to the realisation that my seams were not going to be strong and long-lasting if I kept trying to sew with a timing issue, and at the end of the day, I really really want to wear this dress and not have it fall apart hehe.
So long story short – my darling Bernina is back from the repair shop and all fixed and at her best again! Hurray!
So let’s get to it! Today I’m going to show you how to attach the shoulder yokes to the Matilda dress. This method results in fully enclosed neat yoke seams, and I honestly wouldn’t bother sewing a yoke any other way unless I had to :)
It’s really simple and I know you’re going to love it!
Place the Front Yoke [3] and Back Yoke [6] right sides together and so that the shoulders line up.
Sew the shoulder seams 5/8” (1.5cm) from the raw edge. Press the seams open.
Repeat for both sets of yoke pieces, to end up with two sets of yokes, an inner set and an outer set. I ran out of the lovely rust fabric when sewing this dress, so I have cut all my facings from contrast fabric – which makes it really easy for you to see which is the inner yoke and which is the outer!
Place the back bodice between the two yokes. The yokes should be right sides together, so that the right side of one yoke is facing the wrong side of the back bodice, and the right side of the other yoke is facing the right side of the back bodice.
Remember that if you are using a different fabric for your inner facings and inner yokes etc, then your outer yoke will be right sides together with the bodice, and the inner yoke will be right sides of yoke facing wrong side of bodice.
Sew the back seam 5/8” (1.5cm) from the raw edge.
Fold the yokes upwards away from the back bodice, and press well.
If you’re like me and you are topstitching allll the damn seams, then now is a good time to topstitch the back yoke seam.
Place the front bodice pieces on top of the front yokes with right sides together so that the notches line up. Ensure that the front bodice is also right sides together with the back bodice.
Remember that we are not pinning anything to the inner yoke at this point, only the outer yoke.
Stay stitch the front bodice to the outer yoke only, ½” (1.3cm) from the raw edge.
Roll up the front bodice panels and pin them to keep them out of the way.
Roll up the back bodice panel and pin it to keep it out of the way.
Fold the inner yoke over the rolled-up panels so that the front yoke seams line up and the rolled-up front and back panels are sandwiched between. The inner and outer yoke panels should be right sides together at this stage. Ensure that your notches are matched up.
Sew the front yoke seam 5/8” (1.5cm) from the raw edge.
Turn the yokes right side facing outwards and unpin the rolled-up panels. You can literally pull the rolled-up panels through either the neckline or the armhole side. Press well.
And don’t forget my fellow topstitching freaks, now is a great time to topstitch the front yoke seams!
Now you can sit back and admire your ridiculously neat and pretty yokes, and feel rather smug about how easy it was to do.
| LOOKING FOR MORE MATILDA POSTS? |
Here’s the full list of Matilda posts and tutorials:
- How to choose between Matilda & Matilda Curve
- Matilda Inspiration & Ideas
- Matilda Tester Roundup & Matilda Curve Tester Roundup
- Matilda Maker Roundup
- How to Grade Matilda Between Sizes
- How to Lengthen or Shorten Matilda
- Matilda Broad Back Adjustment
- Sewalong | Skirt & Skirt Pockets
- Sewalong | Bodice & Breast Pockets
- Sewalong | Front & Back Yoke (this post!)
- Sewalong | Waistband & Placket
- Sewalong | Collar & Stand
- Sewalong | Hemming & Sleeve Bands
- Sewalong | Inserting the Sleeves
- How to Sew Buttonholes Without An Automatic Function
We’d love to see what you make, so don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNmatilda and @megannielsenpatterns to share what you’ve been working on, and check out what everyone else is up to!
Don’t have the pattern yet?!
