sew a summer tunic

1 Download and print the pattern. Fold fabric in half lengthways with wrong sides together matching the selvedge edges. Use the entire length of the pattern pieces to make the tunic or if you are making the cami, fold back the front and back panel pieces at the cutting lines for the appropriate length. Cut out the pieces from fabric and lining using the cutting guide.

2 On both the main and lining front and back panels, finish the side raw edges by overlocking or zigzag stitching. Place the exterior front and back panels right sides together matching the side edges and pin them in place. Stitch down both sides and backstitch at each end. Press the seam allowances open. Repeat to attach the lining front and back panels together.

3 Place the exterior and lining panels right sides together matching the raw edges and the side seams. Pin the edges in place around both armhole openings. Starting at one of the top edges, stitch around the first armhole, stopping at the top edges on the other side. Repeat around the second armhole. Clip into the seam allowance around the curve on both armholes.

4 Pull the exterior panels away from the lining at the arm openings. Press the seam allowances all the way around the armhole seam towards the wrong side of the lining. Turn the exterior and lining right side out, keeping them separated. Working on the right side of the lining, sew a stitching line 6mm from the armhole seam, catching the seam allowance underneath. Be careful not to catch the exterior in your stitching. Straighten the lining around the curved edge as you go and backstitch at each end.

5 Push the lining down inside the tunic and press the finished seams flat. Match both front panels and both back panels together at the top edges and pin them in place. Machine tack just short of 1.3cm across each of the pinned edges to hold them in place. Starting on the right side of the exterior front panel, sew two lines of gathering stitches along the top edge between the two notches; one at 6mm and one at 1.3cm. Leave long thread tails on each end of both stitching lines. Do not back stitch. Set the panels aside.

6 Mark the placement for the button loops on the right exterior yoke back. Using the right yoke template as a guide, place it on the right side of the yoke back at the centre back edge. Using a chalk pencil, transfer the marks for the pla