Sewing Projects

NIGHTGOWNS

We have chosen a simple design from Simplicity, pattern number 5877 and made it in two ways to illustrate how a sewer can place their own identity on to a garment. This pattern comes in sizes XS-XXL (71-132 cm or 28-52” bust).

For more technique advise, click here to go to the technique page

The first example shows it made in a woven fabric cut on the bias with a centre front and centre back seam to allow the fabric to drape the best way possible. It has been finished with a decorative stitch sewn along the edge of the neckline, cuff and hem. An otherwise simple nightgown has been made special by the contrasting thread and stitching.

HANDY HINT: Remember to cut a bigger size when sewing wovens on the bias.

The second example has used a knitted polyester stretch fabric and has retained the simple shape with a single front and a single back piece with long sleeves. The decorative finish, this time, has been achieved by adding a lace to the edge of the neckline, cuff and hem edges.

MATERIALS

• Nightgown pattern (Simplicity 5877, sizes XXS-XXL
• Matching thread to make up
• 3 m (3 ½ yd) of cotton lawn or similar – for white gown
• 100 m reel of machine embroidery thread OR 2.10 - 2.90 m (2 ¼ - 3 ¼ yds of stretch cotton or polyester jersey  for cream gown
• 5 m (5 ¾ yd) of edging lace
  
  
  

  

  COTTON LAWN VERSION

  To make up the bias cut nightdress with decorative machine stitching

   

   

1.Re-draw the new grain line on the front, back and sleeve pieces and add a seam allowance to the centre front and centre back. Cut out two fronts, two backs and two sleeves. Cut out the facings following the original grain arrows.

2. Follow the instructions to make up the nightgown adding centre front and centre back seams.

3. When completed, select a suitable decorative machine stitch and top stitch next to the edge of the neckline, cuffs and hem.

HANDY HINT: Use a tearaway or washaway stabiliser to support the decorative stitching if necessary.

CREAM JERSEY VERSION

To make the knitted jersey, lace trimmed version

1. Cut out the pieces required following the directions given on the pattern envelope.

2. Follow the pattern instructions and make up the nightgown but do not add the neck facing nor finish the cuffs nor hem.











3. Pin the facing pattern pieces together at the shoulder seam. Using short lengths of the lace (approximately 15 cm or 6”) place these on top of the facing pattern overlapping each to match the design in the lace. Place the lace edge to the seam allowance and recreate the shape of the neckline. Machine these pieces together as described in ‘joining lace’ in part 1 of the lingerie series (See Archives to find article).

4. Place the lace neck piece over the neckline and zigzag in place. Trim the excess fabric below the lace close to the zigzag stitch.

5. Add lace to the cuffs and hem edges as above joining the corners using the same method.

Stockist information
The Simplicity pattern 5877 used in this project is available from www.simplicitynewlook.com or tel: 0161 480 8734. and includes the gown shown above plus PJ bottoms, V-neck, short sleeved top, shorts and dressing gown. Plus lots of overlocking sewing tips and available in sizes XXS-S (bust 71-74 cm to 87-92 cm or 28-29” to 34-36”) and M-XXL (97-102 cm to 127-132 cm or 38-40” to 50-52”).

Lorna Knight runs workshops in Staffordshire, just off the M6 at junction 15. These include Lingerie and Bra making courses as well as Heirloom techniques and other subjects. Please call her for further details on tel: 01538 266002 or email: sewknight@btinternet.com.