Just as a companion post to my last McCall 6713 dress. I've seen that many people who start sewing this dress are beginners, so I thought I would make this post for people who want to modify the pattern to eliminate the lined bodice. I decided on a facing instead of just turning it under because 1) I didn't want the seam, this creates a neater edge, 2) a facing helps prevent the neckline from stretching!. Gaping is always annoying.
A few notes: I feel like construction of this dress is very dependent on the fabric you choose. Thinner knits may need the double layer for shape, support, and because facings might show through on clingier material. Go with what your fabric tells you! If you are using a heavier knit, you don't really need all those layers.
Second thing? Making a facing is super easy
Making a facing:
Grab a piece of paper and set the pattern piece down that you want to make the facing for (in this case, each side of the bodice and the back neckline if you choose to). Trace along the outer edge of the neckline and a few inches along the shoulder and side seam connecting to it. For the back neckline, trace along a few inches on the shoulder seams
Take away the pattern piece and measure in about 2 inches from that outer-edge line you just drew. This is your facing pattern piece. Cut it out of the paper and cut out one of each in your fabric.
You could also make a copy of your pattern piece and cut out two inches from the edge.
Decide if you want to finish the edge with a serger or a small hem (Depends on the weight of your fabric, you don't want a hem to show through!). Knits don't always require finishing though.
Sew the bodice front and back together at the shoulder seams. Sew the facings together at the shoulder seams as well. Place the bodice and facing right sides together along the neckline -line up at the shoulder seams- and sew along the neck edge. Trim the seam, clip the curves, press seam towards the facing, and understitch, you don't want the pesky lining coming around to the front!
Flip it around to the inside, and baste the raw edges of the facing and bodice together. Tack it down at the should seams. Done :)
Quick understitch for beginners: Press all the seams towards the facing. Open up the bodice and the facing to keep the bodice completely free for this step. With the right side up, stitch just inside the seam line on the facing through the layers of the seam allowance, keeping the bodice free. Et voila!
Hope that was helpful! Let me know if anything needs clarifying!
~Nikki