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                            ITâS FUN TO SEW
                         a cotton school dress

                     COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE
                   OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY, CORVALLIS
                                PHASE 3
                          4-H CLUB SERIES L-87

                  Itâs Fun to SewâCotton School Dress

                              Prepared by
                             THETA JOHNSON
                 Clothing Specialist, Extension Service
                         Utah State University
                              Logan, Utah

PHASE 3

Where to find page
  Your guide for the project                                           1
  Plan your project                                                    1
      Your anklets                                                     2
  Improve your grooming                                                2
      Care of your hair                                                2
  Patterns for you                                                     3
  Fabrics you will like                                                4
  Before you start to sew                                              5
      Study your pattern                                               5
      Straighten your fabric                                           5
      Pin and cut                                                      6
      Check your machine                                               6
  Practice on an easy-to-make article                                  7
      Drawstring bag                                                   7
      Swimming robe                                                    8
      Apron or scarf                                                   9
  Make clothes for school or play                                      9
      Blouse                                                           9
      Gathered skirt                                                   9
      Gored skirt                                                     12
      School dress                                                    12
  How does your costume look to you?                                  12
  Tips for easier sewing                                              13
      Belt keepers                                                    16
      Darts                                                           13
      Facings                                                         14
      Fastenings                                                      16
      Gathers                                                         11
      Guide lines                                                     13
      Hems                                                            15
      Markings                                                        13
      Seams                                                           14
      Seam finishes                                                   14
      Skirt band                                                      11
      Skirt placket                                                   10
      Stay-stitching                                                  13
      Tailorâs tacks                                                  13
  Complete your record book                                           17
  Show others what you have learned                                   17
      Exhibits                                                        17
      Demonstrations                                                  17
  Are you ready for the next project?                                 17

  _Read this book from cover to cover before you start your project._

                       Your guide for the project

This project is for you who have learned the lessons of Clothing Phases
1 and 2. You are now ready to do more advanced sewing.

Third phase clothing features clothing for school and play. It includes
points on health and good grooming for you to study and use. You will
learn to stretch the life of your clothes. Take turns leading
discussions and giving demonstrations for your club. Look at âTips for
Easier Sewing,â page 13. They will aid you in improving your sewing.

                             What to study

  1. Care of clothingâlearn to keep your clothing in its proper place.
  2. Buying anklets and how to care for them.
  3. Habits to improve health and grooming.
  4. Style, material, and construction of easy-to-make clothes for
          school and play.
  5. Taking part in special events such as judging, demonstrations, and
          exhibits.

                            Articles to make

Make one of these articles:

  Swimming robe
  Scarf
  Peasant apron
  Draw-string bag

This will help you review what you learned in the other projects and to
get the feel of using the sewing machine.

Make one of these articles:

  School dress
  Skirt and blouse

                      Add to your 4-H record book

Your county extension agent will give you a clothing record sheet and a
sheet for your 4-H Club story for this year. Place them in front of last
yearsâ records. Keep your records as you go. You may record the articles
you make other than those that are required for your project, unless you
have made them for some other program or class. Keep a record of the
activities you participate in (such as tours, demonstrations, judging,
camps, and exhibits) for your permanent record.

                        Demonstrate to your club

Give a demonstration at one of your club meetings. Show others what you
have learned. When you show another club member how to tie a knot or sew
on a button, you are giving a âdemonstration.â Things that are done or
seen are remembered longest and clearest. Work alone or with a partner.
Plan to enter a community or county demonstration contest. Ask your
leader for help on how to give a demonstration. Choose a topic you will
study in your project.

                           Plan your project

You will have fun making and buying clothing for school or play. Plan
this project with your leader and your mother. Remember that mother is a
partner in this project. Talk to her about what you want to make and
show her this project book. She will be glad to give you suggestions and
help you make a wise selection if she knows what you are to make.

First you will study how to buy and care for your anklets.

The first article you will make is to help you review what you learned
in your last project and to help you get the feel of the sewing machine
again. There is a wide choiceâselect something that you can make in a
short time. Complete this article before you start your dress or skirt
and blouse.

The second article is to be the main part of your project. Here you will
learn many new sewing methods. Select something you have not made
before. Choose something that will teach you two or three new tricks in
sewing, but be careful to avoid dresses with many details such as
collars, cuffs, and sleeves on one pattern.

Your anklets

                             Buying anklets

It is important that you learn to select your own clothing. Why not
start with buying your anklets? You will wear anklets for many
occasionsâsports, school, and best. Select them for the occasion for
which you intend to wear them.

You will find anklets made of many fibersâcotton, rayon, nylon, wool, or
a combination of these fibers. Each of these fibers makes the anklets
feel and wear differently. Cotton anklets are soft and absorbent. They
are comfortable to wear. A good quality cotton anklet holds its shape
and wears well.

Rayon anklets are not as soft or as absorbent as cotton and may not wear
as well. Nylon anklets are made of staple yarn (silk-like) and of spun
yarn (wool-like). They give long wear but are not as comfortable as
cotton. This is because they are not as absorbent. Wool socks are
usually worn by athletes and people whose feet perspire a lot, because
they are absorbent. They will hold a lot of moisture and not feel wet.

    [Illustration: {anklets}]

                            Read the labels

A combination of cotton and nylon makes a desirable anklet. You will
find anklets made of cotton with toes and heels reinforced with nylon
for longer wear. Blends of nylon and cotton or other fibers are also
used. Anklets are made of many new and different kinds of yarns and
knits to add patterns and stretch. New finishes are also used. Some
finishes help to hold the shape and control shrinkage. The finish may
require special care and washing.

A good anklet is closely knit, has a top which will hold its shape, and
the cuff is knitted to the foot. It comes in colors which harmonize with
your dresses or sweaters and skirts. It is âfast colorâ and will not
fade.

                       Buy the right size anklets

To be comfortable anklets should be one half inch longer than your foot.
Short socks are injurious to your feet. They do not wear as long as
properly-fitted ones.

Visit your store to study the newest types of socks for teenagers.

                            Care of anklets

Good care will help your anklets to last longer. Wash your socks after
each wearing. Use a mild soap or detergent and warm water. Have the
water as hot as you can comfortably hold your hands in. Rinse the socks
thoroughly in clear water and hang them by the toes to dry. White socks
may be washed with the family laundry. Always wash dark-colored ones by
hand.

                         Improve your grooming

Care of your hair

Study the care of your hair for your good grooming lesson. Learn to
comb, brush, shampoo, and arrange it. Invite the beautician or hair
dresser in your community to talk at a club meeting. She will be glad to
show you how to care for and style your hair. Have her show you how to
make pincurls, waves, or rolls.

    [Illustration: Hairdo]

Shiny, clean-looking hair adds to your good looks. It shows the
condition of your health. Poor health, lack of rest, or poor food can
make your hair look dull. But more often, dull hair is due to lack of
care. You can add to the luster of your hair by shampooing it often.
Brushing will also add to its beauty.

                                Shampoo

The base of any good hair style is a good shampoo. There is no set time
for a shampoo. Shampoo your hair when it is soiled. You may want to
shampoo it every five days if your hair is oily. Every week may be often
enough if it is dry.

Use plenty of warm water and a good shampoo when you wash your hair.
Shampoos are made for oily, normal, and dry hair. Ask the beautician
which one is best for your hair. Rinse thoroughly to remove the shampoo
and to add luster to your hair.

                                 Style

Since your hair is a frame for your face, a nice arrangement adds to
your good looks. Hair worn in a simple style is easy to manage. Good
hair styling is important. If your hair is shaped properly, it will take
the shape of the cut. Your hair styling will then be beautiful and
becoming.

Here is a trick for finding your hair style. When your hair is wet, mold
it around your face and try several parts. Try curving your part. It is
more interesting than a straight one. Always bring out your beauty
spots. If you have a beautiful hair line, display it.

Hair is styled for the individual. Try new hair styles. There are many
designed for girls your age.

                             Brush and comb

Brush your hair regularly with a boar-bristle brush for stimulation and
to cleanse your hair. Brush your hair carefully. Too vigorous brushing
may break the ends of your hair. The same is true of combing.

Set your hair in pincurls as often as is necessary to have your hair
look well-groomed. Comb your hair thoroughly when it is dry. Set the
waves or curls by combing through the hair slowly. This gives you
control of your hair.

                            Patterns for you

There are many attractive clothing patterns in our current fashion
books. Choose a style you like and feel you can make. Be sure it has
lines that are becoming to your figure and size. You may need a style
that is entirely different from the one your girl friend needs. Your
mother and leader will be glad to help you make a choice. This is
probably the first time you have used a pattern. Select one that has
only a few pieces. Avoid details such as collars, set-in sleeves, and
yokes. Select a pattern you can wear to school.

The size pattern you will need is determined by your bust measurement.

After you have selected your pattern, study the chart on the back of the
envelope. It will tell you how much fabric you need and what trimmings
to buy. Buy your pattern and fabric at the same time.

    [Illustration: Measurements for fitting]

                         Fabrics you will like

When you select your fabric, the important thing to think about is: What
am I going to make from this fabric? When and where will I wear it? Then
choose the right design, color, and weight for your pattern.

You will want fabrics that are pretty, fun to sew, and fun to wear.

                                 Color

What colors do you like best? Usually the colors you like are the ones
that flatter you. Hold the fabric to your face to see how you will look
in it. Does it make your hair, eyes, and skin look prettier? Will it go
with other colors of the clothing you already own? Is it a color you can
wear to school this fall? Is it a color you can find thread and trimming
to match? It is the color for you if it meets all these requirements.

                                 Design

Study the fabrics for the size, color, and placing of the design in the
fabric. Do you want to count the number of spots on it? Is the design
too large or too small? A design that is small with interesting colors
without one part of the design being brighter than all others will make
the prettier dress or apron.

Larger, brighter, and bolder designs and colors make attractive beach
robes and bags. You will find it more difficult to make an attractive
dress or apron from plain colors, plaids, and stripes. Plain colors show
every mistake you make and plaids and stripes are difficult to match.
Border prints are used for pleated or gathered skirts. Try to match the
design at the seams.

Cotton fabrics are beautiful and there are many types of fabrics made
from cotton. Learn to recognize at least five: Percale, broadcloth, sail
cloth, cotton satin, and terry cloth. There are many interesting novelty
fabrics on the market. They have different weaves and finishes. When you
visit the store see if you can find at least three novelty
fabricsâembossed cotton, woven stripes, and a pattern weave.

    [Illustration: I KNOW THESE FABRICSâDO YOU?]

                              New finishes

New finishes make cottons more crease resistant and easier to wash and
iron. But finishes sometimes make fabrics harder to sew and press. You
will find a finished cotton will make a crisper looking dress and will
be worth the extra work it takes to press the seams while you are making
it.

                                 Labels

Read the information on the label on the end of the bolt. It will tell
you if the fabric is color fast, shrink resistant, crease resistant, and
either hand-or-machine washable. A good cotton fabric has all these
features.

                           Examine the fabric

Examine a torn end of the fabric. If the ends and designs are uneven,
look for another piece of fabric. An uneven fabric with a finish cannot
be straightened and you will not be able to cut your dress on the
straight of the grain. Crush the fabric in your hand. Select one that is
soft and difficult to wrinkle.

                                 Tours

Plan a shopping tour with your club. Take your mother with you so she
can help you select fabrics for your projects.

Select all the fabrics you need for your project at one time. Choose
colors and fabrics that look good together. Remember that you will be
wearing your blouse with your skirt so they must look well together. The
bag or scarf you make must also harmonize with your skirt and blouse or
your other clothes.

Also think about the time you will finish your dress and select a style
and color that will be pretty then.

                            Shopping is fun

Before you go shopping, make a list of all the things you will need to
buy for your projectâequipment, fabrics, thread. If you did not have a
tracing wheel and paper last year, you may need them this year. Make it
a habit to buy everything you need in one trip to the store.

             _Fabrics for_â               _Check what you need_

  Dress or skirt                                   [_]
  Beach bag or robe, scarf, or apron               [_]
  Thread to match                                  [_]
  Fasteners, hooks and eyes                        [_]
    snaps                                          [_]
    zipper                                         [_]
    buttons                                        [_]
    velcro                                         [_]
  Pattern, size                                    [_]
  Scissors                                         [_]
  Pins, dressmaker                                 [_]
  Measuring gauge                                  [_]
  Needlesâ7-9 sharp                                [_]
  Thimble                                          [_]
  Tape measure                                     [_]

                        Before you start to sew

Study your pattern

    [Illustration: Studying pattern]

Study the instruction sheet carefully before you unfold your pattern.
This will help you know each piece of your pattern as you unfold it.
When unfolding it, put your initials on each piece.

You will find an arrow on each piece of the pattern that tells you how
the pattern is to be placed on your cloth. This mark is called the
âgrain line.â Learn to recognize marks for fold, seamline, darts, tucks,
hems, center front and center back, buttons, and buttonholes.

When you can recognize all the marks on your pattern, trim off the edges
and pin it together. Have your leader check it for fit. She will help
you make any alterations that are necessary.

Straighten your fabric

    [Illustration: Straight fabric]

Study your fabric. You will find there are threads running lengthwise
(warp threads) with other threads woven in and out of these (crosswise
or filling threads). Each of these threads should be straight, not
curved or slanted. If the end of the fabric has not been torn, pull one
thread near the end that will go all the way across the fabric. Cut
along this line.

    [Illustration: Pulled thread]

    [Illustration: Pulling on the bias]

Now if the ends of the fabric are not even, have your leader or mother
help you straighten the cloth by pulling on the bias, as is being done
in the picture.

When the cloth is straight, pin the edges together. Now pin the pattern
to your cloth.

Crease-resistant fabric cannot be straightened.

Pin and cut

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
âgrainâ or thread of the cloth.

    [Illustration: Pattern placed on fabric]

  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.

    [Illustration: Cutting 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 tailorâs tacks
or how to use dressmakersâ tracing paper. Use the lightest-colored paper
that will show on your cloth. Page 13 tells you more about guide lines.

Check your machine

Before you start to sew, check the machine stitch. Your seams will not
hold if the stitch is not perfect. Try your machine stitch on a double
piece of cloth. Stitch on the bias and the straight. Does the stitch
look the same on both sides? If not, have your leader adjust the tension
while you watch to see how she does it.

For a review of what you learned about the sewing machine in your other
projects, practice sewing on a sample of your fabric until you get the
feel of the machine. When you can run the machine smoothly, make one of
the following articles for practiceâscarf, draw-string bag, apron, or
swimming robe.

                              Cloth guide

A cloth guide on your machine will aid in making the stitching straight.
Place a strip of colored scotch tape on the machine â inch, or the width
desired, from the needle if a gauge is not available. Keep the edge of
the cloth along the inside of the tape or guide as you sew. Watch the
edge of the tape not the machine needle.

The pressure foot is a good gauge for edge stitching. It is easy to
stitch close to the edge of a hem if you let the edge of the cloth
follow the inside of the presser foot. A â inch seam can be made by
letting the edge follow the outside of the presser foot.

                  Practice on an easy-to-make article

Draw-string bag

    [Illustration: Draw-string bag]

You may make a draw-string bag to review what you learned last year.
This may be any size. It can be used for your sewing, swimming suit, as
a hand bag, or for many other purposes.

                            Materials needed

_Fabric_: Percale, sail cloth, denim, terry cloth, or towel. If you use
a towel, select one approximately 14 x 23 or 18 x 28.

_Lining_: Plastic bag.

_Cording_: Cotton or nylon cording.

                             Make your bag

First decide how long and how wide you would like to have your bag. Make
it just large enough for the purpose you plan to use it for. Donât make
it too large.

                        Follow these suggestions

1. Pull threads to straighten material and cut on these lines.

2. Cut two pieces of cloth for the bag, the size you want your bag to
be. If you have enough cloth, you may cut one piece twice as long and
eliminate the bottom seam. When a towel is used, remove the hems at both
ends.

3. Place the two pieces with right sides together or fold through the
center if one piece is used.

4. Pin or baste sides leaving the top open.

5. Measure from the top or open end of the bag Â½-inch and mark with
chalk.

    [Illustration: Bag pattern]

6. Take another measurement from the top, this one 4 inches down and
mark.

7. Stitch a Â½-inch seam from top to first mark, and fasten or back tack
thread. Stitch below second markings. Leave the space between markings
open on both sides of bag.

8. Make a Â¼-inch slash in the seam at lower markings and finish openings
with Â½-inch hems.

    [Illustration: Hemming the bag]

9. Make a 2-inch hem at top. Stitch through the center of the hem to
make a 1-inch wide casing and heading. If you are making a swimming bag,
why not line it with plastic. Either use a sheet or plastic bag. Make it
the same size as your bag.

At this point place the plastic under the hem. Pin or baste into
position. Turn right side out. Stitch hem. Use long stitches 6 or 8 to
an inch when sewing plastic. Small stitches will cut it.

10. Make or buy the cords for your bag. Make two cords Â¾ inch wide
finished, 1 yard each in length. (See apron sashesâPhase 2.) You may buy
cotton or nylon cord. For a small bag use size 100; use size 150 for a
large bag.

11. Run cords through casing. Start each cord at opposite ends. Sew ends
of cord together or tie a knot.

    [Illustration: Stitching the bag]

12. Box the bottom of the bag. Fold from corner so that side and bottom
seams are together. Mark and stitch across triangle.

Swimming robe

    [Illustration: Swimming robes]

  TIE or BUTTONS AND LOOP
  ELASTIC or DRAW STRING

Swimming is now a popular sport in Oregon so you may want to make a
swimming robe.

You may make one like the one pictured or select an easy-to-make pattern
from your favorite pattern book. Or, adapt an overblouse pattern. Just
cut it long enough to cover your swim suit.

Here is an easy one to make. It is mostly hems.

_Fabric_: Approximately 1â yards of terry cloth, sail cloth, percale,
denim, or other absorbent cotton.

                               How to cut

1. Fold fabric in half lengthwise.

2. Measure in from cut end 17 inches and mark.

    [Illustration: Robe pattern]

  FRONT
  BACK
  Fold
  SELVAGE

3. Measure down from top 12 inches to mark arm hole. Then measure across
end 2 inches on each side of mark. Cut along these marks. This marks the
top of the side dart.

4. Mark dart. Measure 4 inches from bottom and mark. Then mark from this
point to top ends of dart. (See diagram.) Make final marks for darts
with tailorâs tacks or dressmakersâ tracing paper.

                              How to Make

1. Fold robe through dart and armhole. Pin and stitch shoulder seams.
Make shoulder 10Â½ inches long. Measure from arm hole. Make a 2-inch
seam.

2. Pin underarm dartâ2 inches wide at underarm and slope to a point 4
inches from bottom. Stitch. (See darts page 13.)

3. Press a 1Â½-inch hem all around robe including shoulder seams and
armholes (see phase 1). To make hem turn edge back 2 inches and press,
then press Â½ inch under to make 1Â½ inch hem.

Press, pin, and stitch hems in this order: Firstâfront; secondâneck;
thirdâarmscye; fourthâbottom.

Stitching the hems in this order will leave the ends of the hem open so
a draw-string can be placed in the top and bottom hem. If a draw-string
is not used, the front hem may be made last.

4. Reinforce underarm with bias or hem tape.

Machine stitch around edge.

                               Fastenings

  1. Draw-strings or ties
  2. Belt
  3. Velcro
  4. Large buttons and loop buttonholes
  5. Large snaps
  6. Buttons and buttonholes

Apron or scarf

If you did not make an apron or scarf in your second year of club work,
you may choose to make one of these now. Turn back to your second-year
outline for these instructions.

    [Illustration: Scarf]

                    Make clothes for school or play

    [Illustration: Dresses]

If you have completed and judged your small article, you are ready to
start your main article. You may make a skirt and blouse, or a dress.
You talked this over with your mother and leader at your first meeting.
By now you should have your fabric and pattern and all the other things
you will need to make your chosen article.

Easy-to-make blouse

If you make a blouse, select a pattern which will be easy to make.
Choose a pattern with few pieces and without set-in sleeves or collar.

Follow the directions in your pattern for making your blouse. Learn what
all the markings mean. Stay-stitch the bias edges. Page 13 tells you how
to stay-stitch.

Select cloth for your blouse that will look good with your skirt. Be
sure the cloth is firm, pre-shrunk, and colorfast.

Gathered skirt

Select fabric that is colorful and gay for your skirt. Closely woven
cloth will be easy to sew and will hold a sharp crease.

You will need from 3 to 3Â½ yards of fabric for your skirt. The more
fabric you try to gather in your skirt the harder it will be to make.
For the girl of average height cut your skirt as follows:

                         How to cut your skirt

Cut or tear a 6Â½-inch strip from one side of your skirt fabric. Measure
in from the selvage edge. Use this for the skirt band and pockets. There
will be some left over.

Tear off the selvage edge from the large piece.

You may have to cut the band from the end of your fabric instead of the
side if you are tall and need the extra length.

The above method of cutting gives you one seam on the placket side.

    [Illustration: Skirt pattern]

  6Â½â³
  SELVAGE
  BAND
  POCKET
  POCKET
  CUT OR TEAR
  SELVAGE

Sometimes the design in the fabric will be more attractive if the skirt
is cut in several lengths. When this is necessary, you will have three
or four seams in your skirt. This may make a difference in the amount of
fabric you will need, so decide how you will cut your skirt before
buying your fabric.

                            Make your skirt

    [Illustration: Pinning the seam]

  5â³
  1Â¼â³ SEAM

Pin the short edges together to make the side seam. Make the seam 1Â¼
inches wide. It is to be used for the placket. When finished the placket
will be on the left side.

Stitch the side seam. Stitch the seam from the bottom up. At a point 5
inches from the top, turn and stitch half way across the seam. Turn both
edges of the seam toward the front section and press.

    [Illustration: Stitching the seam]

  5â³
  TRIM TO ââ³

Trim the seams. Start at the bottom of the wide seam and trim it to â
inch wide up to the placket. Do not trim above this point.

                           Finish the placket

1. Baste and stitch a Â¼-inch hem on the back edge of the placket.

    [Illustration: Hemming the back edge]

  Â¼â³ HEM
  SKIRT BACK

2. Fold the front edge of the placket even with the seam line. Press.
Now fold again to make a complete hem. Baste.

    [Illustration: Completing the hem]

  ââ³ FOLD
  SKIRT FRONT

3. Pin placket together, stitch from the top to the bottom of the
placket, turn and stitch across the end on top of first stitching. Pull
threads through and tie ends. This is a strong, easy-to-make placket.

    [Illustration: Finishing the placket]

  Â¼â³ HEM
  BACK
  ââ³ HEM
  FRONT

                             Hem the skirt

Skirts look best with hand-stitched hems. Make the hem before placing
the band on the skirt. Unless you have poor posture, it will hang even.
Decide how long you would like your finished skirt to be. Be careful not
to make it too short. Measure from the top edge to the length you would
like the skirt to be and press in the hem. Turn the top edge of the hem
under Â½ inch. Your skirt will be prettier if you make a wide hemâ3
inches or wider.

When the hem has been carefully pressed and put in place, ask your
leader to show you a hand hemming stitch.

                Place gathering threads at top of skirt

Make a long stitch on your machine. Use size 50 top thread and heavy
duty for bobbin thread.

Using the guide on your machine, stitch around the top of your skirt Â¼
inch from the edge. Make two more rows Â¼ inch apart. You are now ready
to make your skirt band.

    [Illustration: Skirt band]

                          Make the skirt band

1. Measure your waist. Add 2Â½ inches. This will give you the length
needed for your skirt band. Cut your band 6Â½ inches wide.

2. Press a Â½-inch fold along one side of your band. From the folded edge
divide the rest into three sections. This gives three 2-inch sections.
Make the section with the Â½-inch fold slightly shorter than the other
two sections. Press.

3. The section with the Â½-inch fold is the front of your band. Stitch
criss-cross through the back part of the band. You can stitch straighter
if you make a guide or pattern. Cut a strip of waxed paper the length
and width of your band, 24 x 2 inches.

    [Illustration: Folded waxed paper]

Fold it in six equal sections. Then fold it diagonally; then diagonally
again. Open the paper and pin it to the band and follow the creases in
the paper. This will give practice on starting and stopping the machine
and on turning corners. Tear the paper away after the stitching is
completed.

    [Illustration: Stitching the seam]

4. Stitch a Â½-inch seam at the ends of the band. Turn and press. Do not
sew the Â½-inch fold at bottom of band into the seam.

                           Gather in fullness

Divide both your skirt and the skirt band into eight equal parts to help
you make the gathers even in your skirt. Do not include the placket or
1-inch overlap at the end of the band. Mark with colored threads. Mark
the skirt band so the extension or extra length will be on the back of
the placket. The front of band will be even with the front edge of the
placket.

Pin and stitch band to skirt.

Pin the pieces together, right side of skirt to right side of band.
Match dividing marks that you have made. Gently pull on the gathering
threads at the side seams, the center front and the center back. Pull
the threads until they are the same length as the band. Work with the
gathers until they are even. Baste and stitch along half-inch fold on
the skirt band.

                          Top stitch the band

Fold the double section of your band toward the back and baste the edge
of the band to the skirt. Baste it so the folded edge hangs just below
the stitching you just made on the front side of the band. Machine
stitch from the front side of the band. Place the stitching as near the
edge of the band as you can. Press before you stitch. Pressing will
flatten the seam and make stitching easier.

    [Illustration: Finished skirt]

                            Press your skirt

Press your skirt. Use a dampened cheesecloth and an iron set for ironing
cotton, or use a steam iron. A skirt must be well pressed and fresh
looking to be pretty.

    [Illustration: Pressed skirt]

                        Fastenings for the skirt

See Phase 2.

Gored skirt

You may make a four-gored skirt. If you do, you will need a pattern.
Follow the instructions on the guide sheet.

School dress

This is your first dress. Avoid set-in sleeves, collars, yokes, and
gussets. Use cotton fabrics. Study the instruction sheet in your pattern
and follow it as closely as you can. Know what every mark on the pattern
means before you start to sew. This will make it easier for you.

Pin your cloth so it is straight. Place the pattern on the âstraight of
the grainâ and cut with long, even strokes. Cut all the notches pointing
out.

After the cloth is cut, transfer the marks onto the fabric before
removing the pattern. Use a tracing wheel whenever possible. Use
tailorâs tacks on white or pastel colors.

Stay-stitch around all the bias and curved edges as soon as you remove
the pattern.

Remember to press as you sew. Press each seam as it is made. Pressing
makes sewing easier and improves the looks of your dress.

Hem your dress on the sewing machine if it has a full gathered skirt or
by hand on flared or straight skirts or on plain colored fabric. Use a
matching thread.

                   How does your costume look to you?

Once again, score your own and other club membersâ work. Record your
judging on your own work in your record book. These are the points to
use in judging.

                                                         _Your score_

  1. Fabric or trimming used                               25   _____
     Is it suitable for school or play?
     Will it launder?
     Will it wear well?
  2. Workmanship                                           35   _____
     Are they well made?
     Are seams, hems, finishes good choices?
  3. Design and color                                      20   _____
     Are design and color attractive?
     Are they right for you?
  4. Condition of article                                  10   _____
     Is it clean?
     Is it well pressed?
  5. Value of garment                                      10   _____
     Is there good value for the time and money spent?
                                                  Total   100   _____

                         Tips for easier sewing

Trace guide lines on fabric

    [Illustration: Tracing guide lines]

  CLOTH
  TRACING PAPER
  PATTERN

It takes very little time to trace the markings for darts, seams, and
buttonholes from the pattern on the fabric if dressmakersâ carbon and a
tracing wheel are used. Trace the markings while the pattern is still
pinned to the fabric. Place the carbon waxed side to wrong side of
fabric. Both sides may be marked at the same time. Use white or
light-colored paper wherever possible. Dark colors have a tendency to
work through to the right side. Trace all pattern markings that are
essential to making the dressâdarts, notches, pleats, openings, and
buttonholes. Use a ruler to trace straight lines. Make a bar at ends of
darts and tucks. Use tailorâs tacks for white or pastel fabrics.

Tailorâs tacks

    [Illustration: Using tailorâs tacks]

  SEAM LINE
  CLIP THROUGH LOOP
  SHORTEN ENDS

Use double thread of darning cotton to make tailorâs tacks.

Before taking your first stitch make a hole in the pattern with the
point of your needle. Take one stitch through pattern and double
thickness of fabric, then go over with another stitch, leaving loop and
long end.

After all marked stitches have been made, remove pattern, separate
fabric carefully, and clip threads between the two layers of fabric.

Stay-stitch the bias edges

One of the most important steps you take to keep the cloth from
stretching out of shape is to stay-stitch the edges. Stitch along the
curved and bias edges. These edges would be the neck, shoulders, waist,
armscye, and upper hip line. Stay-stitching is done on each piece
separately, through a single thickness. Stitch Â½ inch from the edge of
the cloth, or â inch from seamline.

    [Illustration: Stay-stitching]

  OUTSIDE
    CENTER BACK
  OUTSIDE
    CENTER FRONT
  OUTSIDE
    CENTER BACK

Pin and sew darts

The purpose of the dart is to shape the fabric to the body. After the
dart is properly marked, pin the two markings together and stitch from
the large end of the dart to the point. Near the point, guide the fabric
so that the stitches will be only a thread or two from the edge of the
fold. Fasten the threads by back stitching or by tying the threads.

Sew from the highest to the lowest point or from the widest to the
narrowest point, as shown by arrows on the diagrams to prevent
stretching during stitching.

    [Illustration: Cutting a dart]

Make strong seams

The life of your clothing is determined by the kind and quality of its
seams. There are many types of seams and seam finishes. Each one has a
special purpose.

                               Plain seam

    [Illustration: Plain seam]

The plain seam is the most commonly used and is the first step in making
other types of seams. The plain seam is made on the wrong side of the
garment. To make a plain seam, place the right sides of the fabric
together. Pin and sew a seam the desired width. This is usually â inch.
Follow the instructions in your pattern. Use this seam on your blouse,
skirt, and dress.

Seam finishes

Finishes are used on fabrics to prevent the edges from fraying. Use one
of the following finishes:

                              Pinked edges

    [Illustration: Pinked edges]

Use pinking shears, if you are able to handle them. Trim off only the
very edge of your seam. Be very careful.

                             Edge stitching

    [Illustration: Edge stitching]

After the plain seam is pressed open, machine stitch along each edge of
the seam. This is a stronger finish than the pinked edge.

                                Selvage

The selvage may be left as a seam finish on your skirt. Clip the selvage
every 2 or 3 inches. The clip should be no deeper than â inch. A deeper
cut will ruin the seam.

Your seams are not complete until you have pressed them. Remember,
always press a seam before joining it to another seam.

Make a fitted facing

Edges that cannot be hemmed may be finished with either bias or fitted
facings. Facings can be turned to the right or wrong side of an article.
They may be part of the decoration if used on the right side.

                         Fitting and stitching

1. Stay-stitch neck and shoulders.

2. Insert a basting line to mark center front and back of the facing and
blouse. Use darning cotton.

3. Sew shoulder seams of blouse and facing. Press.

4. Press a Â¼ inch hem around the facing. Miter the corners and stitch.

5. Pin facing to blouse, matching shoulder seams and centers. Baste
centers of front and of back together.

6. Machine stitch

  a. Stitch around the neckline, â inch seam. b. Stitch center front.
  Start at point Â¼ inch from center fold, stitch to point B. B. is
  almost on center fold. Turn, take 3 small stitches (14-16/inch), turn
  again, and stitch to point C, Â¼ inch from center fold.

    [Illustration: Machine-stitched blouse]

7. Cut along center fold to point B. Trim neck seam to Â¼ inch and clip
seam every Â½ inch.

8. Trim off corners at neck openings.

9. Turn facing and press. After facing edge is finished, tack it to the
shoulder seam of blouse.

                            Finishing edges

If the facing is to be used for decoration, the edge of the facing will
be stitched to the blouse or dress.

Make good hems

                             Straight hems

You made straight hems on your scarf and on your apron last year. Here
is a general review on how to make a hem. If you need more help, see
your last yearâs bulletin.

                              Narrow hems

Make a fold Â¼ inch wide; press. Fold this over and press again. Pin and
stitch.

                               Wide hems

Make Â¼-inch fold along the edge. Then measure the width your hem is to
be when finished. Pin, press, and stitch.

                     Hems for your skirt and dress

    [Illustration: Marking a hem]

1. Use a yardstick or other device to measure the distance you want your
skirt from the floor. Mark with pins, about 3 inches apart around the
skirt.

    [Illustration: Folding and pinning a hem]

2. Fold along the pin-line. Pin and baste along edges of hem. Pin top of
hem to skirt.

3. Try the dress on to check length and evenness of hem.

4. Trim hem to desired width. The width of the hem is determined by
weight of fabric and fullness of skirt.

_Suggested widths_â

  Moderately flared and medium weight              2 to 3 inches
  Straight skirt of sheer fabric                  up to 4 inches
  Heavy skirts of wool or cotton                2 inches or less
  Flared skirts                                        1Â½ inches
  Circle skirts                                 Â¼ inch or rolled

    [Illustration: Hem of circular skirt]

5. In circular skirts the top of the hem is always much fuller than the
bottom of the hem. To avoid a bulge, draw this fullness to lie flat
against the skirt. Lengthen the stitch on the machine and sew around top
of the hem Â¼ inch from the edge. Place another row of stitches Â¼ inch
from the first row. Pin the seams and centers of panels and draw the
bobbin thread until the top part of hem is only slightly larger than the
skirt. Ease in the fullness. This step is not necessary on straight
skirts.

    [Illustration: Stitching a hem]

6. Make a Â¼-inch fold at the top of the hem. Machine stitch along edge.
Pin and baste in place. Hem on the machine or by hand. Use matching
thread.

Blind hemming

    [Illustration: Blind hemming]

1. Fasten thread securely in the hem.

2. Take a stitch directly across from the spot where you first placed
your thread. Then take a Â½-inch stitch through the top of the hem.

3. Take a stitch in the skirt in the same spot where you pulled needle
from the hem.

4. Repeat for each stitch.

This stitch hides the threads in hem and wears well.

Choose fastenings you can make yourself

What type of fasteners does your pattern suggest? You have skill enough
now to make any one of several types. Remember, choose the kind of
fasteners you can make yourself and do them the very best you can.

You have already learned the method of sewing on buttons, snaps, and
hooks and eyes. If you use any of the fasteners, sew them on securely.
See Phase 2. Make your buttonholes with a machine attachment.

A zipper may be necessary if you make a dress. Read the instructions
that come with your zipper and study your pattern for help in putting it
in your dress.

Belt keepers

You might like to put belt loops on your dress at the side seam if your
dress has a belt. Worked loops are fun to make.

    [Illustration: Belt keeper]

  Blanket stitch
  waistline

1. Use matching double thread.

2. Hold the belt in place on dress and loop thread back and forth across
it three or four times. Take a knot stitch each time you sew into
fabric.

3. Remove the belt.

4. Work across the threads with blanket stitch. Keep stitches close
together.

Select a belt for your dress at your local store or have one made to
match your dress. You will learn to make belts when you have had more
experience in sewing.

                       Complete your record book

Your record book is important. Are you enjoying keeping a record of the
things you make and do? Have you recorded the articles you have made?
Have you recorded the activities you have participated in on your
permanent record? How complete is this chapter of your 4-H Club story?
Are there other things you should addâwhile you can still remember?

Are you keeping a scrapbook of pictures and newspaper clippings to
round-out your 4-H Club story? Are you keeping other kinds of things
such as certificates and ribbons in your scrapbook? If you belong to
more than one club are you keeping all of the things that have to do
with each project together?

                   Show others what you have learned

Exhibits   Showing others what you have made can be fun. Plan with your
club to have a display for your mothers and fathers. Share with them the
things you have learned in making your projects. If you exhibit at the
fair your exhibit will be the main article you made. Be sure that it is
clearly labeled so that it can be returned to you.

Give a demonstration   There are many opportunities to share the things
you have learned with others by giving demonstrations. Watch for these
opportunitiesâother than your club meetings.

Select one of the demonstrations you prepared for your club or prepare a
new one. Here are a few suggestions from which you might choose.

  Gathers for a gathered skirt
  Laying the pattern on the fabric
  How to stay-stitch
  How to thread and use a sewing machine
  Make a hem for a straight skirt
  Seams for dresses, blouses, and skirts
  How to make a swimming bag
  How to make a head scarf

                  Are you ready for the next project?

1. Have you kept your record book up to date and had it signed?

2. Have you studied health and good grooming?

3. Have you made two or more articles?

  Keep this bulletin. You will need it for your next project. When you
  have completed all the 4-H clothing projects, you will have a complete
  sewing book.

  THE 4-H CLUB PLEDGE
  I pledge ...
    my HEAD to clearer thinking
    my HEART to greater loyalty
    my HANDS to larger service
    my HEALTH to better living
    for my club, my community, and my country.
  THE 4-H CLUB MOTTO
    to make the best better

  Cooperative Extension work in Agriculture and Home Economics, F. E.
  Price, director. Oregon State University and the United States
  Department of Agriculture cooperating. Printed and distributed in
  furtherance of Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914.

                                                     12MâSeptember 1961.

                          Transcriberâs Notes

âSilently corrected a few typos.

âRetained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook
  is public-domain in the country of publication.

âIn the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by
  _underscores_.


End of Project Gutenberg's It's Fun to Sew a Cotton School Dress, by Anonymous
{'title': "It's Fun to Sew a Cotton School Dress by Theta Johnson", 'source': 'Project Gutenberg', 'lang': 'en'}