1 Stitch the darts into the front and back bodice pieces, sewing from base to point, then press towards the centre front and back. Divide this into two bodices, then match, pin and sew the shoulder seams, right sides facing. Press the seam allowances open.

2 Lay one of the bodices out flat, right sides uppermost. Position the other on top with the right sides facing down. Match the necklines, pin and stitch around the neckline, and clip the seam allowances. Repeat for the armholes, pinning, sewing and clipping the seam allowance.

3 Turn the bodice to the right side, threading the back through the shoulders. Tease out the seam allowance round the neckline and armholes, then press. Match the side seams, pin and sew from base to underarm, ensuring the armhole seams are open, and press. Fold the lining inside the bodice.

4 Join the skirt pieces, right sides facing, and sew. Neaten with overlocking or zig zag stitching. Using your machine’s largest stitch, make two rows within the seam allowance across the top of the skirt. Pull up the thread to fit the bodice waistline and distribute the gathers evenly. Pin to the outer part and stitch.

5 Match, pin and sew the two neat