top of page

Lesson 5.2

Dress Assembly: Finishing the Neckline and Inserting the Zipper

In this lesson, you will finish the neckline of the front and back bodice pieces and insert the zipper. You will practise pressing, clipping corners and trimming seam allowances for a smooth finish. The demonstration uses hand stitching to attach the zipper and a machine zigzag stitch to finish the raw edges.

Materials to Prepare

  • Prepared front and back bodice pieces

  • Zipper

  • Pins

  • Hand-sewing needle and matching thread

  • Sewing machine

  • Fabric scissors

  • Iron and ironing board

Learning Outcomes


By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Sew and press the neckline on the bodice pieces.

  • Clip corners and trim seam allowances to reduce bulk.

  • Re-pin and stitch the neckline as demonstrated.

  • Position and attach both sides of the zipper.

  • Use backstitch and closely spaced hand stitches for attachment.

  • Finish raw edges with a zigzag stitch.

Your Practice


Stitch the neckline on each bodice piece. Remove the pins and press carefully, then clip the corners as demonstrated so the neckline sits neatly. Re-pin from the front side and complete the stitching shown.


Trim the back neckline seam allowance to approximately 5 mm, 

following the demonstration, to reduce bulk and help prevent wrinkling.

Position the zipper and prepare its upper end as shown. Attach the first side with hand backstitch, or use your sewing machine. Secure the second side with short stitches downwards, then return upwards to fill the spaces between them.


Finish the raw edges with a machine zigzag stitch. Complete the indicated lower-left bodice section using the same hand-stitching method.

bottom of page