Step 1. Cut out the pattern pieces as directed on the pattern guide sheet. If you are using a different pattern, the dress front piece will need to be the full width of the fabric for the pleating.

Step 2. Using the smocking template as a guide, chalk guideline rows for the stitching across the entire width of the front of the dress. Used here are 9 rows ½” apart.

Step 3. Thread the Evolution serger for a three thread cover stitch. Set the stitch length to 4 and the differential feed to 2.

Step 4. Choose your serger method:

1. For serger pleating with decorative sewing stitches, thread the serger with all 4 threads matching the fabric. Serge the rows with needle threads on the right side of the fabric.
2. For serging with chain looper as smocking stitches, thread the serger with the three needle threads matching the fabric and the chain looper in the decorative contrast thread.

Step 5. Once all rows have been stitched, use a pin to pull the center needle thread at the ends from the thread chain in each row.

Step 6. Even out the gathers so the pleats form straight vertical lines.

Step 7. Use the gather guide piece to know how far to gather the fabric, according to the dress size you cut out.

1. Optional: Cut the gather guide piece from the knit fuse interfacing. Lightly and carefully press the knit fuse interfacing to the wrong side of the gathers so to not fully crush the pleats.

Step 8. With the serger pleating method, thread the machine with the decorative thread.

1. Lay a piece of press-away stabilizer on top of the gathered pleats. Using a decorative satin stitch sew across every other row.
2. Use a slow and even speed while stitching for best results.
3. For this dress, we used an elongation on 2, stitch width 7.0, stitch length .2, and a pressure foot pressure on 2.

Step 9. With the serger smocking method, you may choose to add additional decorative stitches between the rows of cover stitching or leave only the rows of cover stitching showing.

Step 10. When attaching the mini piping cord to the bodice front, back, collar and sleeves, baste the piping to the pieces first using the standard zipper foot.

Step 11. Then attach the invisible zipper foot to the machine.

Step 12. Run the mini piping through one of the channels of the zipper foot. Your stitching will be tight and close to the piping leaving a professional result.

Step 13. Complete the remaining construction portion of the dress as directed by the pattern instruction guide sheet. Use the serger to finish off the seam allowances for a professional looking finish