Hi everyone! Welcome back to day #5 of our sew-along. Today is our last day! We’re going to put it all together. I’ve also added a bonus tutorial today for adding belt loops to the Ruchie romper shorts!
Optional Belt Loops
If you plan on adding the optional belt loops to your start here!
We’ll start by cutting the desired number of belt loops. I plan on using 4 belt loops on my Ruchie romper. First, cut out 4 (or desired number) pieces measuring 2 inches x 4 inches. Next, use the same method used to make the Ruchie straps or bias tape. Take each of the pieces and fold them in half lengthwise and iron. Then fold each side into the center to enclose the edges.
Next, enclose one of the ends by turning it in by 3/8 inch and refolding and ironing it again. Now the belt loop piece should be topstitched using a 1/8 inch seam allowance to enclose the edges.
Next determine placement of the belt loops on the Romper. For a size 7 romper, I placed each of the front belt loops 5 1/2 inches from the center seam. For the smaller sizes you may want to decrease that measurement. For instance, a size three might look better if the belt loops were placed 4 inches from the center seam instead. Play around with it. Just make sure to use the same measurements from the center front and center back.
Once you’ve marked your placement, go ahead and place the belt loops with the raw edges matching the top raw edge of the shorts.
Baste the belt loop in place using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
The enclosed bottom edge will be turned under 1/2 inch as illustrated below.
Once you’ve turned the edge under, pin and sew a U around the bottom of the belt loop to secure it to the shorts. Make sure to backstitch when starting and finishing the U. Repeat for the remaining belt loops on the front and back.
You have now attached the belt loops to the Ruchie shorts!
Attaching Romper Shorts or Peplum/Skirt to Bodice
Regardless of which bottom option you’ve chosen, we will proceed the same way from here!
Tip: for the romper option, mark the center front bodice and center back bodice before we get started. This will help us match up our center shorts seams with the bodice front and back once the romper shorts are gathered.
To gather the peplum/skirt or romper shorts sew two lines of gathering stitches around the top where the skirt will meet the bodice. Sew these two lines ¼ inch and 3/8 inch from the top raw edge. Alternatively, you can use the zigzag method (there is a fantastic description of this within the pattern on page 31).
Once you’ve sewn the two rows of gathering stitches, pull on the bobbin threads to gather. Distribute the gathers evenly all the way around.
Once all the gathers are even, turn the short, peplum or skirt inside out. Slide the bottom over the bodice. If you are making a skirt or peplum match the side seams of the skirt with the side seams of the bodice and pin all the way around. If you are making romper shorts match the center front and back pins we placed earlier with the center front and back seams on the romper shorts. Pin all the way around. Sew to attach the short, peplum or skirt to the bodice. Use a zig zag stitch or serge around to finish the seam.
Once the seam is finished, press the seam allowance toward the bodice. Optionally, topstitch around the waist to secure the seam allowance.
We’re finished! Stand back and admire that gorgeous Ruchie you’ve just created! Don’t forget to add photos of your completed project to the album in the Little Lizard King facebook group.
I’ve had such a wonderful time sewing along with all of you and I can’t wait to see everyone’s completed Ruchies! Thanks for joining me to sew up one of my all time favorite patterns!