Long-time readers of Sew may fondly remember our Bette dress from our earliest issue, a gorgeous 50s style frock with a nipped in waist and five panel skirt, sewn in a red polka dot fabric. With our 100th issue upon us, we decided to bring back this blast from the past for those who missed it the first time round - not only does it look great, it also provides the opportunity to try sewing a concealed zip and adding a net underskirt for added fullness.
1 Download and print the templates, then cut out the pieces. Lay out your fabric as instructed in the cutting layouts provided on the PDF, adhering to all fold lines. From the printed cotton place Pattern Piece 1 (Front Bodice) on the fold and cut out two (one of these will act as lining). Then cut two pairs of Pattern Piece 2 (Back Bodice), again one pair will become the lining. Place Pattern Piece 3 (Front Full Skirt) on the fold, cut one. Next cut one pair of Pattern Piece 4 (Back Full Skirt). These pieces form one front skirt piece and two back skirt pieces. With fabric laid flat, cut one pair of Pattern Piece 5 (Side Full Skirt). With tailor’s chalk, mark on the relevant notches to the wrong side of the fabric.
2 Fold the net in a rectangle 124cm wide, cut along the fold but leave the two layers together. Cut a 38cm x 135cm rectangle from the lining fabric, this will become the top of the net under skirt.
3 With wrong side facing and using a straight machine stitch sew the darts in the front bodice and then the back bodice pieces. Once stitched in place, press the darts towards the centre of the garment. Repeat this process to dart the lining pieces.
4 With right sides facing, align the shoulder seams of the front and back bodice pieces and pin to secure. Using a straight machine stitch join the two pieces together with a 1.5cm seam allowance. Repeat this process for the lining.
5 Lay the lining on top of the bodice with the right sides of the fabrics facing. Match the necklines together, aligning the shoulder seams and the centre backs and front and pin to secure. Working with a straight machine stitch join together with a 1.5cm seam allowance. Trim away half of the seam allowance and then clip around the curve to allow the piece to lay smooth.
6 Stay stitch the neckline. This line of stitching gives the neckline a smooth finish and prevents the lining from rolling out to the right side of the garment. Fold the seam allowance towards the lining and then stitch on the right side, as close as you can to the seam line through all three layers and press.
7 Stitch the armholes; this is achieved in two sections, the front (up to the shoulder seam) and then the back. Place the bodice in front of you with the right side of the fabric towards you. Start by folding in the seam allowance of the bodice and the lining on the corner of the armhole and the front side