Download epattern and cut fabric for summer dress

Before we start, you'd need to know
- What is fold, grain
- What is bias, selvage
Click on the above link if you need a refresh.

This is part of the sewing series for the Summer dress FREE PATTERN with full step by step instructions for Mela Summer dress free pattern

DOWNLOAD INDIAN SUMMER FREE PATTERN HERE 
Save it to your computer.  Open in Adobe Reader. File->Print.
Select "no scaling" or "100% scaling" or "actual size"  before printing. After you have printed measure the 4cm * 4cm with your scale or measuring tape to ensure it is printed correctly.

If you don't have a printer like me then use my way to print it off the screen -  trace the pattern off the screen.

If you need to brush up on what is fold or grain refer this tutorial

 

Below is the measurements for the skirt tiers.

To lay the rectangles onto the fabric here is the layout. If there is any pattern on the fabric make sure they are seamless when you join the front pieces to the back.

For the binding cut it as below. I'll also show the way I did it. The one cut on the bias is for the bodice. Rest are for straps and skirt hem. They don't need to be cut on the bias. Just saves me buying lots of fabric for the binding. I recommend you read full explanation of bias showing handloom photos to see why and where one would need to cut on the bias.
If your main fabric is very lightweight then you may want to interface the fabric just like we did for the phus phus skirt or you could you some of your binding fabric if that is thick enough like we did for the this dress or this very light weight fabric.
The lengths for the elastic and binding are below. You don't need to join the straightgrain binding now. We'll do it at the time of sewing

Layout to cut is below:

 Fold the corners over to make a square and mark it.

 Since the bias binding tape I'm using needs 3.6 cm strips, I'm measured 1.8 cm on both sides of the line drawn and cut it.

 I used a bias binder using my tutorial. In the same video I also show how to make it without bias tape maker.

With all strips make the binding ready to use. The smallest of them I'm sure would be for the straps be it any size. So measure and cut the straps.
I don't measure and join for the binding on the skirt. I just join whilst sewing the skirt hem.
That's it for today. All cut and ready to sew.

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