It's Fun to Sew a Cotton School Dress

by Theta Johnson

You need a large smooth surface for pinning and cutting. A big table is best, but you can use a clean floor.

Study your pattern layout. Fold your cloth and pin your pattern as suggested. Place the big pattern pieces on first. See that the line that shows the straight of the grain is placed exactly on the lengthwise “grain” or thread of the cloth.

SELVAGE STRAIGHT OF GRAIN

Measure from the selvage to this line, making sure the distance is equal at all points. Pin at each end of mark as measurements are made. Now pin around the edge of your pattern. Place the pins at right angles to the edge.

Have your leader check the pattern on your cloth before you cut.

Use long sharp shears. Take long strokes to give an even edge. Cut close to the pattern.

Cut notches out, not into your seam allowance.

Before you remove the pattern, mark all darts, tucks, seams, buttons, and buttonholes. Ask your leader to show you how to make tailor’s tacks or how to use dressmakers’ tracing paper. Use the lightest-colored paper that will show on your cloth. [Page 13] tells you more about guide lines.