SEWING TUTORIAL: how to make the Belize top

Gather two center back pieces and place them together, right sides facing.

Stitch the center back with 3/8 inch seam allowance.
Press flat and open.

Once opened, press again the seam allowance to the sides.

Now, bring the middle piece of the back bodice and place it with the back center pieces together.

Then, stitch the middle piece to the back center piece together with a 3/8 inch seam allowance.
Then, press the seams flat and repeat on the other side of the bodice.

Once the middle pieces are attached, press the seams again, facing the side of the bodice.

After that, attached the side panel of the back bodice to the rest of it using 3/8 inch seam allowance as well.

Repeat on the other side and press the seams flat.

Then, open the side panels and press the seams again, facing the side seam.

Now, bring the front bodice and side panel to the table and place them together, right sides facing.
Then, attach the side panel to the front bodice and stitch them together with a 3/8’’ seam allowance.
Press the seams flat.

Once again, open the side panels and press them flat. Repeat on the other side of the bodice.

Now, follow the procedure to make the lining on the same way you have just made the bodice.

Then, place front bodice and lining together, right sides facing.

Stitch the armhole area and the neckline, leaving about 2 inches un-stitch on the shoulders area.
Press the seams flat.

Now, repeat step 14 with the back bodice and the lining.

Press the seams of the back bodice and lining as well. Make sure to create a clear crease on the shoulder area so it is easier to attach front and back bodice together.

Now, turn the front and back bodice to the right side of the fabric.
Press again.

Open the shoulder area so you can attach front and back bodices together.

Place the front and back bodices together and pin the shoulders.

Stitch the shoulder area; first, the main fabric and then the lining.

Then, open the side seams and stitch the front and back bodice together. Once again, main fabric first; then, lining.

Stitch the front and back bodice together, right sides facing with a 3/8 inch seam allowance.
Then repeat with the other side.

After attaching both sides, press the seams flat, specially the shoulder openings.
Then, edgestitch with a 1/8 inch seam allowance. This will close the shouder and neckline openings.

Both, the top or dress bottom area will be done with the following instructions:
Place two panels together, right sides facing and pin the side seams.

Stitch the side seams and repeat with the second pair of bottom panels.

Turn one of the panels to the right side and press flat.
Then, place the panels together, right sides facing and pin the bottom area.

Stitch them together and press the seams flat.

Now, turn the fabric to the right side and press again.

Then, insert the bottom area to the top and stitch them together, making sure you have matched the side seams.
Use a 3/8 inch seam allowance.

Finally, turn the skirt or waistband to the right side and press flat.