With a bigger project like the Dressing Robe, I like to get all of the little pieces ready to go before I start sewing. This helps me keep momentum once I am constructing the main pieces. Today we will be focusing on the inner ties, outer ties, belt loops, and hanging loop.
You can view all the posts in the Dressing Robe Sewalong here.
Sew the two inner ties and the loop piece with right sides facing as indicated in the instructions. The loop piece will be cut into three to make the outer tie loops and the hanging loop.
Trim the seam allowance on all three ties/loops down to 1/4" (0.3 cm).
Next, we are going to turn the ties right side out using a safety pin. Attach the pin to the end of one tie.
Turn the pin in towards the tie and start feeding it through. You will need to guide the fabric to follow the pin.
Continue to feed the safety pin through, careful that your fabric is not getting too bunched up. Smooth it out and feed it through until you see the pin on the other side.
Once you see the pin, you can pull the tie right side out and remove the safety pin.
Press the three pieces flat, and finish one end of each inner tie. You can tie a simple knot, or fold the end over twice and sew. Set the ties aside in a ziplock bag so you don't lose them.
Divide and mark the side and hanging loop piece into three even sections.
Cut the three even sections so that you have three small pieces. Set the pieces aside in your ziplock bag so you don't lose them.
Fold the outer ties with right sides facing and pin.
Sew along the angled edge and the long edge, leaving the end open. Trim the corners as indicated in the instructions.
Next, we will turn the ties inside out using two different methods. The first method works best for thinner fabrics and the second works well for thicker textiles.
For the first method, you full apart the angled end and stick your thumb inside.
Pull the rest of the tie onto your thumb, pushing the tie right side out.
Once you see the angled end, you can pull the tie right side out.
The second method uses the safety pin again. Drop a closed pin in the open end of the tie and shake it down to the angled end.
Find the pin with your fingers so that you can open and fasten it to the tie. This can take some doing, so be patient and don't prick yourself!
Use the safety pin to guide the fabric through itself and turn the tie right side out.
Push and pull the fabric through.
Gently use the tip of the safety pin to get a nice point at the angled end of the tie.
Finger press the outer ties flat. I like to use a rolling motion to get the edges to lie flat before pressing.
Press the outer ties.
You should have two inner ties, two outer ties, and three small pieces to become side loops and hanging loops.
Next up we will be sewing the pockets, shoulders, and sleeves. It is going to be a big day so we will have the weekend to tackle it. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments or via email at support@helensclosetpatterns.com.
Happy sewing!
Note: This pattern has been discontinued.
The use of the Japanese word ‘Suki’ for this pattern is cultural appropriation. We apologize for using the name and will continue to strive to do better. You can read more about this decision here.
