How to add lace to any pattern//tutorial

Sometimes I have this problem where I choose clothes for Lila based on what I would wear, not what she would wear.  Like black, gray, navy--muted tones.  And all she wants is a sparkly shirt with Elsa on it.  

But sometimes our tastes align and Lila really likes something that I like.  This usually has to do with lace of any color.  So I end up adding a lace overlay to lots of things, just so I'll get a guaranteed "wear" out of it. :)

I whipped up a little tutorial to show you how to do it too!  This method is fairly simple and it eliminates hemming (que angels singing).  I've done it using patterns that I've drafted and patterns that I have purchased as well.  It works especially well with patterns that use knit fabric.  

I originally came up with it way back when I drafted a pattern for this lace circle dress for Madelyn.  (It only took me this long to put together a tutorial...yikes) But I'm using it here on the Pretty in Peplum Pattern by Sew Much Ado.  

It veers quite a bit from the original pattern instructions, but the pieces are the perfect base to show you how to do this.  And if you're not in the mood to draft a pattern of your own, the Pretty in Peplum Pattern is a pretty rad pattern.  (Not being paid or anything.  That's just my honest to goodness opinion.)

Pretty in Peplum Dress // Shoes 

What you'll need:

• Stretch Lace
• Knit Fabric in a coordinating color.  
• Coordinating thread 
• Sewing Machine (obvs)
• iron
• Some type of pattern

I've put red lines and arrows to help indicate where things need to be sewn.  Hopefully, you'll get the picture.  

The first step is to cut your pattern pieces.  In this case, I'm making a peplum.  All you have to do extra in this step is to cut double.  That means you cut one piece in one fabric and cut a second piece in your lace fabric.  Also eliminate cutting a waste band/neck facings if they're required on the recular pattern.  

Now sew your shoulder pieces on one bodice.  Do the same with the other.

Attach wrong sides together and sew around at the neck.  Flip in around and set aside.  

Now put wrong sides together on your sleeves ad sew down the arm hole.  

Do the same with the circle piece.  (Giant red bulls eye is meant to be helpful...not sure if it is.)

Flip around and press both pieces.  

Attach sleeves to the bodice r.s.t., sewing all layers together

(It should look like this right side out)

Sew down the sides.

Insert the bodice into the circle rst and sew around. 

and sew around.

Press all seams and your done!

Now you can add lace to all the things!