VIDEO: Sewing the Peter Pan Bolero (Gertie's World Exclusive, Episode 2)
Meet the Peter Pan Bolero! This chic '50s style layering piece is designed to look great with dresses, full skirts, pencil skirts, jumpsuits, trousers--you name it. Watch the video to learn about working with stable knits, how to construct a perfectly polished collar, and how to embellish the collar with beading or faux fur pom poms.
To get the pattern pieces and written instructions, you must be in the $7 tier or above. Please see my separate post with those downloads! I can't wait to see your boleros. Don't forget to use the hashtag #peterpanbolero!
Sewing the Peter Pan Bolero (March 2020 - exclusive to Charm's Patreon members) (YouTube)
Comments (69)
I love this bolero! I have just made two versions in a boucle coating fabric and it is so lovey and warm. The tutorial was great and made the whole process really easy for me as a beginner sewist.
I am absolutely smitten with then end result, especially for how quickly it stitched up!
Unfortunately, the video seems to be unavailable 😕 has it been uploaded anywhere else ?
It's working now
Thanks for the pattern!! I have tried several computers and my phone but the video can not be found. Sorry, I'm finally getting the confidence and time to work on some of these projects so I'm going back to the older projects and hope this is not too much of a bother.
Just sewed my bolero, and loved having the video to help! I’m still fairly new to sewing, so tips and how to’s were so needed!
Is there a video of anyone sewing the main pieces? I feel like I’ve done something wrong. I’m pinning and matching my notches but there’s a weird section that doesn’t match up right by the neckline. I don’t know if I did something off, or if I’m supposed to stretch/ gather there? I’m a beginner!
Hi Gertie! Question for you. My bolero ended up kind of big, with a lot of extra fabric in the back, so it sticks way out. I had to turn it more into a cardigan to make it wearable (which is fine! It ended up pretty cute. It's just not how it was supposed to look). When I make it again, I'll definitely size down. But can you think of anything else I might have done wrong to end up with a back that sticks out so much? Thank you!
Hi dear! This happened to me on my green bolero because the fabric stretched during top stitching. I would recommend comparing your finished bolero to the paper pattern and see if that’s what happened before sizing down. If so, use a walking foot or lower your presser foot pressure while sewing.
How can I watch the videos nothing is happening. Have tried several times, where is the platform to contact you?
You can’t see the video in this post? You just click on the image at the top of the post to watch.
So happy about that pattern, thank you Gertie ! We really needed something like that to wear with all those fancy dresses ! Anyone with broad shoulders can tell me how it fits on the shoulder and if the pattern should be altered to accommodate large shoulders ? I did the size 6 cardigan from GSVC several times, but had to add 1.5 cm on each shoulder for it to fit properly. Thank you :)
I am looking forward to making this. It is super cute xxx
I bought a few yards of this https://www.fabric.com/buy/pdrr-002/ponte-double-knit-black Ponte Double Knit. Amazingly I ordered in the US on 03/03 and I got it in Bahrain today! Anyhow, I'm wanting to check it is one of the fabrics you'd recommend. It wasn't quite what I was expecting. The fabric shops here have all sorts but they all have weird names and if you ask for one of the types they have no idea what you mean. Fingers crossed it'll work and I'm looking forward to getting started!
I didn’t went all the way to the front, I matched my notches. As You showed on the video. It seems my back piece stretched 4” is what I’m missing. I will start from the beginning
Can you salvage it by adding a seam down center back?
Hi can someone help me I cut size 10 but my collar is to short, what I’m doing wrong
Are you matching it up just to the notch on the front bolero? It doesn’t go all the way to the front neckline edge.
Will this video remain up after the month is over, even if the pattern disappears? I am going to try to make a simple bolero during the month but hope to have access to the tutorial later so that I can reference your tips again and try the pom poms/faux fur!
Yes the video and the pattern will both stay up!
Do you do the dart in the narrow zig zag as it may have stretch along the bottom hem or do you think it would be fine with a straight stitch? If I understood correctly, the times you use the narrow zig zag are the side seams, shoulder seams and the corresponding seams in the facings?
I really just used the zigzag for the shoulder and side seams :)
hello i don't see where i get the bolero pattern! thank's
https://www.patreon.com/posts/34404051
Gertie...let me start by saying thank you! You have been the inspiration for me to break out the sewing machine and start sewing after many years. Now for my question...what is that lovely pink fabric you made your Peter Pan Bolero out of...it looks like it is almost quilted? Thank you!!!!
A link to the fabric is on the first page of the instructions! Thank you for your kind words ❤️
How do I get this pattern?
https://www.patreon.com/posts/34404051
What fabric have you made your pink one in? I've watched the video twice but cant find where you say
There’s a link to it on the first page of the instructions!
Fabric question...I would be interested in trying boiled wool knit, but I know regular boiled wool can be itchy. Since this would probably get worn touching bare skin on arms and neck have you had any irritation from the ones you've made?
Most boiled wool knits are blended with rayon, which helps make them softer. I haven’t had any irritation but I’m not sensitive to wool. If you’re worried it might be a good idea to order a swatch first!
Thank you so much for this! This will definitly become a wardrobe staple! Love it!
ok... here it is coming a stupid question but my English is not so good and I'm not sure If i get it... About the peter pan collar.. when we understich the under collar the seam allowances are open out (like one on the left and the other on the right) or both of them are on the side we stich? Sorry for that but when your English is not so good everyhing is confusing! :)
No, when understitching BOTH seam allowances need to be underneath your needle!
I didn't catch the type of interfacing you used. Can you post it?
There’s a link on the last page of the instructions!
That was wonderful! Thank you so much for going through all of the little things in regard to this bolero, I can hardly wait to make my own ❤️ love you both and your sewing abilities!
Oh it's so cute! I can't wait to give it a try
Thank you for giving the stitch length and width and the fabric recommendations :)! This is mega helpful!
AHHHH i am soooo excited to make this bolerooo!!! What fabrics would you recommend?
Can I use wool (coating weight) instead of a knit? (So it becomes more like a skirt suit type thing)
It would have a much bulkier appearance in coating weight fabric! I have a hunch this pattern would work fine in medium weight wovens but anything you try outside of the recommendations is kind of at your own risk since we haven’t tested it in all fabric types. Let us know how it goes if you try it! :)
Amazing, Thanks 😍
I'm so excited! Exactly want I need for our Autumn/Winter!
love this ! I want to make it in every colour !
Me too! I’m going to make an ivory one next.
Is there a reason why I should not just use my surger to sew this instead of finishing the seam allowance?
You could do that for the side seams and shoulder seams but I feel like a sewing machine will give you better control around the collar and neckline, especially with all those layers.
Melisha is adorable!
It’s so adorable!! Could I make it with a sweater knit if it’s less stretchy??
Yes! It’s all about that stretch percentage.
This is so exciting! And yay for Melisha being on camera!! wooh! :D :)
OMG. Faux fur with pom poms. 😱😱😱
I love this pattern, and im already so excited to sew some holiday versions next winter. I'm really greatful for a quicker sew pattern too as my sewing time is often very limited and I'm not a quick seamstress, thank you 🙂
So cute! And it was so exciting to see more of Melisha in this video. It was great to hear her experience in dealing with the fabric. Looking forward to more of both of you every month. 💗
Love it❣️❣️❣️
Do you think this type of fabric will do ? https://www.les-coupons-de-saint-pierre.fr/fr/jersey-maille/32681-jersey-scuba-gauffre-tangerine-et-blanc.html ?
It’s hard to say since the site doesn’t include stretch percentages. I do know that we looked at a similar textured scuba and it was way too slinky and unstable. That’s why we kept our recommendations to ponte, double knit, and boiled wool knits as a starting point.
fabulous bolero jacket!! I like to line everything, what recommendations would you have for lining it.
Thanks! I personally wouldn’t recommend lining it, it’s just meant to be a little sweater-like layering piece and it would make it bulky—besides being hard to find the right lining fabric. If you did line it, you would want to find a knit lining fabric with the same percentage of stretch as your outer fabric.
Thread question: Can I just use standard Gutermann thread or do I need thread for stretch fabrics? (I've seen it at Joann's but am new to sewing so I don't quite know it's purpose vs zig-zag stitches.)
All-purpose poly thread is perfect! Guterman or Mettler are my favorites.
And I have a popover in Melisha's exact fabric too :)
Yay for the extension of the Dorothy sleeve!!!!
Right! My thoughts exactly
This put a big smile on my face 😃 so excited!!
This is utterly adorable! I need one in every colour!
This is going to become a wardrobe staple for me!!