How to Make Bridal Dresses
With the trend of do-it-yourself weddings, many brides are making their own wedding dresses. A homemade wedding dress not only adds extra sentiment to the wedding day but makes the dress more unique than anything seen in a wedding dress store.
- Look in bridal magazines for dress style ideas. Mark the dresses that you like and what details like lace or beading that you liked about them.
- Pick a dress pattern. Craft stores like JoAnn’s hold an assortment of patterns and books that have different dress styles for you to choose from. Take your measurements beforehand so that you pick patterns in the right sizes.
- Pick your fabric. Look at high-end fabric stores. They are more likely to carry a variety of silks and lace, two common kinds of wedding dress fabrics. Make sure you pick up a little more fabric than your pattern calls for incase of alterations or if you want to make wedding accessories. Another option for fabrics is to look at garment districts. You may be able to find your fabric there for less.
- Get your accessories. Pick up buttons, thread, zippers and any kinds of appliqués that are going to be on your dress. Take a swatch of your dress fabric with you so that you can match the colors as close as possible.
- Alter your pattern. You might use two different patterns when making the dress one for the bodice of your dress and one for the skirt. Remember that your pattern is just a base to work off. Some things women do is lower or raise the neckline or remove sleeves.
- Start to sew the dress. Take your time so that your seams are straight. Many dressmakers do dresses mostly by hand sewing them and using a sewing machine for certain parts.
- Alter the dress. Try it on and have a friend or family member pin where alterations need to be made.
- Work on your alterations. Try the dress on again and if need be make more adjustments.
- Add on any last pieces. You may add tulle to the liner or a trim to the dress.
- Admire your completed handmade wedding dress. Use leftover fabric to make a wedding pillow or for other decorations.