Hello again! It’s Nastasia here for another Sewalong! So let’s chat a bit about the Reef camisole and shorts set. You can make it as a sleep set or a casual outfit! I’m heading to the beach soon and can’t wait to bring along my linen version. For this Sewalong I will take you through each step of making your own Reef set! In this post, we’ll go through the camisole, where I’ll take you through how to sew the camisole yoke! So let’s get started!
First, we will make sure we have all of our pattern pieces cut. Be careful to pay attention to the grain lines on the pattern pieces as some are cut on the bias. This means the pattern will be placed at a diagonal from the grain of the fabric. Also, be sure to cut out interfacing pieces according to the pattern.
Attach the lightweight fusible interfacing to two of the yoke pieces to create the yoke facings. Also, attach interfacing to the back and front-facing pieces. You might like to check out this blog post on How to Block Fuse Facings for an alternative method of interfacing.
Next prep the camisole back by staystitching 1/4” (6mm) from the raw edge. Clip along the seam line every 2 inches (5cm) being careful not to cut through the stitches. Note: Do not skip this step as the back is cut on the bias and needs this line of staystitching!
Place the yoke pieces right sides together so that each interfaced piece matches a non-interfaced piece. Sew 1/4” (6mm) from the raw edge along the armscye and neckline yoke edges. Be sure to leave the bottom and top of the straps open. Trim the seam allowances back to 1/8” (3mm) or notch along the seam allowance. I used pinking shears to trim the seam allowance. This allows the curves to turn out nicely.
Turn the yoke right side out. You may use a tube turner or attach a safety pin to one layer of fabric at the top of the yoke strap. Push the safety pin down through the strap and pull the yoke right side out. Press the yoke into shape. Be sure that the seams are not visible from the right side when pressing.
Place the camisole front right side facing up. Place the yoke pieces right sides down on top. Line up the shoulder seams so that the yoke straps sit in the middle of the front shoulder pieces. Be sure the yoke pieces are positioned correctly with the shorter curved edge at the armhole. Staystitch 1/4” (6mm) from the raw edge along the shoulder seam.
And that’s it for today! We will continue with the Reef camisole facing and seams in the next post.
Happy Sewing!
Nastasia
LOOKING FOR MORE REEF POSTS?
Here’s the full list of the upcoming Reef posts and tutorials:
- How to choose between Reef & Reef Curve
- Reef Maker Roundup
- Reef Inspiration & Ideas
- Reef Tester Round-Up & Reef Curve Tester Roundup
- How to Block fuse facings
- How to Sew a Perfect V Neck on Woven Fabrics
- Sewalong | Camisole Yoke (this post!)
- Sewalong | Curve Darts
- Sewalong | Camisole Facing & Seams
- Sewalong | Camisole Hem
- Sewalong | Shorts Pockets
- Sewalong | Shorts Seams
- Sewalong | Shorts Waistband
- Sewalong | Shorts Hem
We’d love to see what you’re creating from the new Reef camisole & shorts set pattern or the new Reef Curve camisole & shorts pattern! Don’t forget to tag your creations #MNreef and @megannielsenpatterns to share what you’ve been working on, and check out what everyone else is up to!
