Today we finish our robe!
Here is our sew-along to date: first, we talked a bit about supplies and our pattern; next, we found our fabrics. Then, we cut and marked our fabrics. We joined up our main robe pieces, including the pockets. Last entry, we tackled our facings and hems, leaving us with a robe that was 95% finished!
Today we’re sewing up our sash, and crocheting our belt loops!
Even though a sash is basically a long rectangle, joined with one or two seams, there really are a few ways to sew one up. My favorite method is as follows:
First, I fold the interfaced sash, right-sides together. I sew from one end to the other, leaving a 3″ gap somewhere in the center of the seam. Then, with the sash still inside out, I finger-press this seam open at one of the ends, and position the short raw edges such that this open seam is centered. I then stitch the short end, steam-press this short seam open, and grade and trim. (You don’t need to grade the long seam in the sash, as this will be pressed open.) I repeat the process for the other short end.
Then, I carefully steam-press the long seam open, making sure not to press the edges of the sash and being sure to press open the “lips” of the opening. I turn the sash right side out. I carefully position the long seam along the center of the sash, and press the long edges of the sash – not the center (if you press the center, you might imprint the other side of the sash)!
For the little gap left in the sash, I close with a whip stitch, a slip stitch, or a ladder stitch. Many people call a ladder stitch a slip stitch (like this video, and this diagram). I would say a ladder stitch is a form of slip stitch, but is slightly different than a true slip stitch. But in any case, all of the above will work, and it’s a great opportunity to practice whichever you’d like to try.
Set your sash aside, and get out your DMC floss or pearl cotton – or double up some heavy thread. It’s time to crochet our belt carriers (shown below in last spring’s Tea & Crumpet sew-along)!
There are many tutorials online as to how to crochet belt carriers. I’ll be linking to a video in a moment. But one thing that has helped me, is to start the carrier right on the seam (as opposed to making the carrier separate, then affixing to the dress). You also want to use your wax, thread conditioner, or simply stroke the threads with your fingers so the threads don’t tangle as you crochet.
I usually double-knot before starting, and then after the carrier is finished, come along with some fray check or fabric glue to secure the knot. While there isn’t a lot of strain on these carriers – they merely keep the belt from being lost – you don’t want them pulling out, iether.
I used a lilac purple for these carriers:
And crocheted, counting my loops so I’d make the carrier the same size for both. Here is a great video tutorial of the process by Suzanne Beaubien:
And – that’s it! You did it!
Now – trust me. I know that some of you are “behind” on the sew-along. And some haven’t started! But please know, I am here to support you wherever you are. You can contact me via comments, through email, or on Facebook!
Great work!