Guest Author - Susan Kramer

Cut out 2 sets of bodice pattern pieces - one set will be the lining. The entire bodice is lined.

With right sides of back and front bodice facing, sew together at shoulders. Press seam open. Repeat for lining.

See illustration.

Align the good side of bodice to the good side of bodice lining and sew along all edges except lower edge.

Clip curves, turn inside out and bring front and back side seams just together to abut seams.

Blind stitch front of bodice to back of bodice at these side seams.

Try to make tiny stitches when you are sewing by hand so the seams do not pull apart. I find this is a concern with some of my doll clothes making on very small pieces of clothing.

If you are sewing by machine set the tension to 12 stitches per inch. This is a tight enough stitch so it won't pull out and at the same time large enough to get a seam ripper into if you have to open a seam.

Another concern on curved seams is the clipping at one quarter to one half inch intervals. Be sure not to clip into the seam as you will be left with a hole at that part of the seam, and end up having to make your seam larger to repair it.

Unfortunately, with my eyesight not what it used to be I have to be extra careful clipping curves.

I remember my home economics teacher paying close attention to the way we clipped the curved seams on our boat neck blouse!

And after all this, have fun learning the technique to make a lined bodice!

Special Doll Making Techniques
How to Join Bodice to Skirt
Contrasting Top Stitching
How to Make Rolled Hems

Article and photo credit - Susan Kramer