Moving on with View C of Marri – today we’ll cover the pockets, side seams, and the finishing touches on those straps and facing!
*Because of the mix-and-match nature of this pattern, there are many different variables to go over for construction. It’s the best, organizational wise, to keep the posts grouped together for each individual view. So while I’ll be going over a straight View C here (v-neckline, thin crossover straps, long dress length with side slits), feel free to mix and match steps from this post with other steps from other posts!
** Also note – pocket notches are also included on View B, and you can follow the same instructions as shown here.
Finish the raw curved edge of each of the four pocket pieces. You can use a serger, zig zag stitch, etc.
You can see here where the pocket notches are on the dress.
Starting with the dress front, right side facing up, place a pocket bag down on top of the dress, with right sides together, on each side. Match up the notches on the pocket pieces with the notches on the dress, and line up the raw edges.
Pin in place, and sew each pocket bag in place 1/2″(1.2mm) from the raw edge.
With the facing flipped up, finish the raw edge of each side seam with your preferred method.
Press each pocket piece and seam allowance out and away from the dress. Understitching along the pocket, through the seam allowance, close to the seam.
Repeat all the above pocket steps with the back dress and the other two pocket pieces.
Lay your front dress down in front of you with right side of the fabric facing up. The facing should be flipped up away from the dress, and pockets laying out and flat.
With the facing also flipped up and away from the dress, place your back dress down on top of the front dress with right sides of the fabric together.
Line up the raw edges of the side seams and pockets, matching up pocket notches and the seamline of the facing. Pin in place.
Sewing 5/8″(1.5cm) from the raw edge, sew from the top of the facing, down the side seam, pivoting at the first pocket notch, around the pocket, pivoting again at the bottom pocket notch, and back down the side seam. Stop at the slit opening notch and backstitch.
Clip into the seam allowance above and below the pocket bag on the back of the garment only.
This will allow you to press the side seam open, and press the pocket bag towards the front of the dress.
Optional and not shown here: you may choose to stitch around the pocket bag to the front of the dress to keep it on place. This stitching will be visible on the outside of the dress and creates a fun design detail.
With the facing still flipped up, finish the raw edge of the facing.
Turn the facing to the inside of the garment and press the neckline and armholes well.
Remember those openings we left in the back neckline?
Being careful not to twist your straps, criss cross the straps in the back…
… and insert them into the openings in the back neckline.
Pin in place. Now is the perfect time to try on the dress and determine of this strap length works for you. Adjust the length as needed. It is also a great time to try out the fit of the dress and take in or let out the side seams as needed.
Once you have your straps at your ideal length, go inside the facing, and move your pins to the inside to hold the straps in place. Sew across the straps 1/4″(6mm) from the raw edge, which should be in line with the other stitching already there for that seam.
Trim off any excess strap.
Press the facing and seam allowance up and away from the dress. Understitch along the facing and through the seam allowance, close to the seam.
Flip the facing to the inside of the garment once again and press.
From the right side of the garment, place some pins along each side seam. Stitch in the ditch, right in the seam line, through the garment and facing. This will secure the facing in place.
If you stitch carefully right in the seam line, it should be nearly invisible.
Thats it for now! We’ll finish up with View C’s hem in the next post.
LOOKING FOR MORE MARRI POSTS?
- How to choose between Marri & Marri Curve
- Marri Inspiration & Ideas
- Marri Sewalong : Joining pattern pieces
- Marri Sewalong : Darts & Staystitching (all views)
- Marri Sewalong : View A Straps, facings and side seams
- Marri Sewalong : View A Cami hem facing
- Marri Sewalong : View B (All steps)
- Marri Sewalong : View C Straps & facing
- Marri Sewalong : View C Pockets, side seams and finishing the straps and facing (this post!)
- Marri Sewalong : View C Hem & slits
- Marri Bonus : French seams
- Marri Hack : Colour blocked
- Marri Bonus : Fabric belt & thread chain loops
Don’t have the pattern yet?
