If you’ve ever wondered how to get a lovely clean finish on a sleeveless bodice, the burrito method is the secret! It’s a clever sewing technique that lets you sew an all-in-one facing or lining to the armholes without leaving any raw edges visible. The result? A neat, professional-looking finish inside and out.
It’s called the burrito method because… well, it involves some tight rolling! Don’t worry - it’s easier than it sounds, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll be using it on all your sleeveless makes.
We're demonstrating the technique here on our Noa pinafore sewing pattern, but you can use this technique on any sleeveless bodice with a facing or lining.
Watch the full step-by-step video tutorial here:
What is the burrito method?
The burrito method is a way of attaching an all-in-one facing or lining to the neckline and armholes of a sleeveless bodice. By rolling the bodice tightly and sewing the armholes with the bodice sandwiched inside, you can stitch everything together right sides facing, and then pull it through for a beautifully clean finish.
It’s one of those techniques that feels a bit like sewing magic when you first try it!
Step-by-Step: Sewing the burrito method
Step 1: Roll and wrap
Start once you’ve already attached the facing or lining to the bodice at the neckline. Lay the bodice out flat, wrong side up, with the facing right side up.
Roll up the bodice tightly from one armhole to the opposite shoulder seam.
Wrap the facing edge around the roll so that the armhole edges of the bodice and facing are right sides together.
Step 2: Pin the armhole
Pin the facing and bodice together along the armhole, matching corners, notches and shoulder seams.
Step 3: Stitch the armhole
With the interfacing side face up on your sewing machine to help stabilise the layers, stitch the facing and bodice together along the armhole. Keep the rolled-up bodice out of the way of your stitching.
Step 4: Trim and clip
Trim the seam allowances, grading the facing slightly narrower to reduce bulk.
Clip into the curves, close to but not over the stitching - this helps the seam sit flat once turned.
Step 5: Press and turn
Use the tip of your iron to press the seam allowances apart, then towards the facing.
Now, pull the bodice through to the right side and press again for a neat edge.
Step 6: Repeat on the other armhole
Repeat the process on the other armhole. This time, start rolling from the stitched armhole end.
Step 7: Understitch
To help keep the facing or lining on the inside, understitch it to the armhole seam allowances, close to the seam line.
You won’t be able to get the presser foot right up to the shoulder seam - start at one side seam and sew as far as you can, then start again from the other side seam.
Press the facing or lining to the inside of the bodice, rolling the armhole seam in slightly so it’s not visible from the outside.
Step 8: Finish the Side Seams
Lay the front bodice over the back bodice, right sides together, and fold the facing or lining away from the bodice at the side seams.
Pin the front and back together along each side seam, from facing or lining corner to the corner at the bottom of the bodice, matching armhole seams and notches.
Stitch down each side seam in one continuous line.
Trim and finish the seam allowances, and press them towards the back.
And you’re done! You now have a lovely, neat finish on your sleeveless bodice - no visible seams, no hand stitching, and a pro-looking result inside and out.
It might sound a little fiddly at first, but once you’ve tried it, you’ll be rolling bodices like a pro.
Happy sewing!
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