How to Understitch

Under stitching is a simple and useful technique in the sewing practice. If you have ever attached a facing or bias tape, you most likely have under stitched before. This technique keeps whatever is going on on the inside of the garment from peeking out to the outside. It gives everything a clean and professional finish. 

Under stitching is a fairly simple process, especially for separate facings when you have easy access to the bits you are under stitching. However, sometimes you have to get up in a small space, like with the bodice of the Chelsea Party Dress. 

In the second half of this video I will show you how to start from the widest opening to get as far as you can into a small area like a shoulder seam or strap when under stitching. We won’t make it through the whole strap, but the idea is to get as close as you can, and with the smaller lining piece and the under stitching on the other side of the strap everything will still pull together nicely.

And now you know how to under stitch!

You will use this technique over and over again in your sewing practice.

You can now move on with steps 17-23 of the Chelsea Party Dress. Tomorrow we will cover gathering, and I will show you how to attach the skirt to the waistband. 

Happy Sewing!