Sewing a Heart Shaped Animazing
Blogger: Kirsten Mann
Heart Shaped Animazing
Every year I tell myself I'll make Flo an outfit for Valentine's day.... and every year, I don't get round to it. Except this year!
The base pattern for this sweet little heart pinafore is the Animazing skirt. Follow the cutting instructions in the pattern for the pieces needed. However, follow steps 1 through 3 below to reduce height from the waistband, add length to the straps and remove width from the straps for this project.
Step 1: Remove height from the waistband.
For sizes 12 month through 2, remove 1 5/8" (4.1 cm) from the waistband length.
For sizes 3 through 6, remove 1 7/8" (4.8 cm) from the waistband length.
For sizes 7 through 14, remove 2 1/8" (5.4 cm) from the waistband length.
This will make the raw waistband length 2 3/8" (6 cm) for all sizes and it will become 1 3/8" (3.5 cm) when finished.
Step 2: Add length to straps.
Add 3 1/4" (8.2 cm) to the strap length for sizes 12 months through 2.
Add 3 3/4" (9.5 cm) to the strap length for sizes 3 through 6.
Add 4 1/4" (10.8 cm) to the strap length for sizes 7 and up.
Step 3: Decreasing strap width:
Cut the width of the strap, for sizes 12 month through 2, 4" (10.1) instead of 5" (12.7 cm).
Cut the width of the strap, for sizes 3 through 6, 4 1/2" (11.4 cm) instead of 5 1/2" (14 cm).
Cut the width of the strap, for sizes 7 through 14, 5" (12.7 cm) instead of 6" (15.2 cm).
Step 4: Construct the straps and waistband as instructed in the original pattern. However, the marking for the elastic casing will change because the height of the waistband was reduced. Topstitch the waistband using a 1/8" (0.3 cm) seam allowance. Using a disappearing marking tool and a straight edge, make a mark 1" (2.5 cm) down rom the topstitching. Sew directly on top of the line just drawn. This will leave 3/4" (1.9 cm) excess fabric under the second line of stitching.
Step 5: Insert 3/4" (1.9 cm) elastic.
Step 6: Download the heart shape pattern piece here. If desired, add interfacing to the heart piece to add stability to the final product. Place the heart pieces right sides together. It is very helpful to draw the 1/2" (1.3 cm) seam allowance on the hearts, so it may be followed while sewing. This is especially helpful at the "V" between the two curves. Sew to attach the hearts, using a 1/2" (1.3 cm) seam allowance, leaving a 1-2" (2.5-5 cm) gap along one of the sides for turning.
Turn the heart right side out. Use a turning tool to ensure the piece is completely turned. Press.
Place the heart in the desired position (see picture below for guidance) and topstitch to attach and to close previous gap. Make sure the heart allows the straps to lay naturally and does not pull them in any direction.
Step 7: Sew the skirt and attach it to the waistband (as per the tutorial).
Voilà!
