Sewing Essentials: The Isla Dress and Top by Rae Hoekstra

Intermediate | 34 min

Taught by Rae Hoekstra

Known for her carefully crafted sewing patterns that stitch up into dressy-casual garments, Rae Hoekstra of the Made By Rae pattern line brings us a gorgeous sewing class based on her Isla pattern. This playful design for knit fabrics works just as easily as a top as it does a mid-length dress, and both variations feature simply shaped cap sleeves. Rae shares special techniques that make working with knits a breeze, such as using knit clips and shirring with elastic thread.

Learn how to:

Use elastic and shirring to make gathers
Sew with knits without a serger
Work with jersey
Shorten or lengthen a bodice

What you’ll get:

Step-by-step expert instruction on sewing a customizable dress and top out of knit fabric.
6 HD video lessons you can access online anytime, anywhere
Detailed supplies list
Step-by-step expert instruction from patternmaker, Rae Hoekstra
The ability to leave comments, ask questions, and interact with other students

Chapters

Isla Dress and Top
Overview00:52
Materials01:56
Cut fabric and prepare binding09:45
Sew bodice11:49
Sew skirt04:08
Attach skirt to bodice and hem05:50

Materials

Here’s what you’ll need:

Get the Isla Top pattern here
Lightweight knit fabric with at least 50% stretch
- Top: 1 yard for sizes XXS – L; 1 ½ yards for XL and Plus Sizes 1-3
- Dress: 2 yards for sizes XXS – L; 2 ½ yards for XL and Plus Sizes 1-3
Swedish tracing paper
Ruler
Pencil
Pattern weights
Quilting clips or pins
Measuring tape
Hem gauge
Snips
Seam ripper
Polyester or polyester blend thread
Elastic thread
Rotary cutter and cutting mat
Tracing chalk
Shears
Sewing machine
Ballpoint or stretch needle
Iron and ironing surface