Stitch it up!
When both the front and the back pieces are sufficiently bandagey, place the bandaged sides together and pin or baste them securely.
It’s best to use a serger to stitch it all together, since you want to allow for maximum stretch. If you don’t have a serger, find a stitch setting on your sewing machine that has some give, like a zig-zag or a special stretch stitch. If you just use a straight stitch, the seams will probably break since the fabric is so stretchy.
Stitch along the sides about 1/2" -5/8" in from the edge.
Top band
In order to give a nice finish to the top of the dress (and to add a little extra security to prevent it from falling down!) I added a simple banded edge, using the leftovers from the 2-inch wide bandage strips I cut out earlier.
Cut the strip to about twice the length of the top of the back of the dress. That way, the band will be slightly tighter than the top of the dress (since the front edge is longer than the back) and will help keep the dress up.
Top band
Stitch the ends of the band together (right sides together).
Attaching the top band
Fold the band in half lengthwise (wrong side in) and pin it to the outside of the dress. You will have to stretch the band along the top edge of the dress, so after it’s pinned in place, baste it to ensure that it’s even.
I wanted a little extra dress security, so I used the last of the bandage strips to make a halter strap. The best way to determine positioning and length of the strap is to put the dress on and pin the strap where you want it. Then just take the dress off and stitch the strap on to the inside of the top band!
Miracle of miracles… it’s a dress!
Once the strap is secured, tie your threads off, snip off the excess and rip out all your contrast-colored basting stitches. Wriggle your way into the dress, adjust the bandage strips as desired and knock ’em dead!
DIY IS GREAT!