Sewing with scallops - A tutorial....

Do you like scallops? I do, the food and sewing  kind ... But today's post is solely focused on the sewing kind, in particular the scalloped neckline on the MAE pattern, and how to create it perfectly!

Its pretty simple to master the perfect scalloped neckline on your MAE blouse if you just follow some really, really simple steps! I am going to show my way of working with a scalloped neckline and how i achieve a clean, professional finish.

So here we go:

Once you have stitched on your neckline facing to the Mae blouse, press this seam line to strengthen it.

Next up,  it is very important to clip the curves of a neckline, especially the scalloped neckline on  the MAE blouse. This allows the curves of the neckline and scallops flexibility and movement as well as the affecting the final look of the  scallops when turned right side out. Clipping the curves allows each curve to lay flat and create a smooth finish on the neckline.
 As well clipping the curves of the scallops,  it is also important to notch out the small amount of  fabric that is  in the pivot  point of each scallop curve, this again allows more flexibility for the scallop curves, when turned to the right side of the blouse.

The next  important step to achieving praise worthy scallops on your MAE blouse, is to make friends with your trusty iron, because this is the point that will create your perfect scallops.
 
This step is required to be completed on both right and wrong sides of the blouse. So before you turn your neckline facing to the inside of the blouse, grab your iron and using only the tip of the iron, gently  iron into each curve of each scallop on the neckline. Be careful not to distort the seam line or shape of each scallop as you go.Once your done press open the seam allowances.

Now turn the neckline facings to the inside of the blouse and repeat the same process with each scallop curve. You may have to roll the seam line a little bit with your fingers,when the neckline facing gets turned to the right side of the blouse,this just help the seam line into the right place. 

Again, using only the tip of the iron, gently  iron into each curve of each scallop on the neckline. Again be careful not to distort the seam line or shape of each scallop as you go.

Once your done, i recommend a final press of the  the entire neckline on the right side of the blouse, then you are  ready to take your lovely new MAE out on the town!

And possibly treat yourself to the food kind of scallops...If you are so inclined.

Easy peasy.... right? You bet! The scallops on the MAE blouse were designed to be big enough that they are quite easy to work with and not finicky at all.

So don't be stranger to scallops of the sewing kind, they are easier to handle then you think!

Enjoy!

Abby
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