Sewing a Double-Sided Bolero

In today's blog I will show you step by step how to sew a pretty little double-sided bolero, perfect for those special occasions where you just need a little something to cover the shoulders with. This pattern is so easy that you can manage it in little more than an hour, including the sewing by hand!

I will be cutting the front panel from a fabric with a rather large pattern. I therefore need to take great care with the layout. In the first place I need to make sure that the writing in the pattern must be legible, facing the right way up.

I want to make sure that the pattern at the bottom of the fabric makes sense ...

... as well as the one on the top fabric.

This one looks beautiful!

This one is very nice as well.

Even though the two sides differ so much, they will still make a beautiful unity.

The back pattern is cut on the fold from black denim.

This is the basic idea for the bolero.

I decide to cut the lining for the bolero from a poly-cotton with a fabulous print. This makes it possible to turn the bolero inside out and have a completely different look.

This is the inside of the bolero.

Pin the front and back together at the shoulder seams.

Sew at seam allowance 1,5 cm.

Pin the front and back together at the side seams.

Sew at 1,5 cm seam allowance.

Pin the lining at the shoulders.

Sew the lining at the shoulders.

Pin the lining at the sides.

Sew the lining at the sides.

Iron all of the sewn seams open before you proceed.

Fit the outside and the lining on each other with the right sides facing.

Pin the lining to the outside. First line up the shoulder seams and pin the back neckline.

Now line up the side seams and pin.

Pin the hem at the back.

Now work your way around the front rounded parts and pin.

Sew all around the pinned seams, starting at the back neckline and making your way back to the starting point. Seam allowance is 1,5 cm.

Trim away the excess fabric in all the rounded areas.

Here you can see clearly where I have trimmed the bolero.

Only the armholes are still open. Turn the bolero right side out at the armholes.

The bolero needs to be pressed flat before we can continue.

Take your time with the ironing to make sure that the lining is not visible from the outside and vice versa.

Fold the armholes in and pin the seams in place.

Sew the armholes closed by hand.

Iron the armholes.

You should now have a bolero with some pretty fabric contrasts.

Lovely to wear on either side!

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