How to Make a Wedding Dress

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Searching for wedding dress is often looked at as one of the more exciting aspects of your wedding planning details. But, some brides find themselves frustrated and exhausted after spending days going from shop to shop and leaving empty handed. It happens to a lot of brides, but what if you could make your dream dress and have it fit perfectly? If you have the thought, just keep reading on and forget about your shopping frustrations!

How to Make a Wedding Dress

1

Determine the basic shape of your dress

There are a variety of dress shapes you can choose and while you may have the ideal dress in mind, it may not be the right shape for your body. When you are narrowing down what shape will be the best fit for you, here are some things to consider:

  • Your body shape. Brides with an apple body shape will want to try and stick with an empire waistline or an A-line silhouette. Brides with a pear body shape can also wear A-line silhouettes or a ball gown shape. Brides with a more rectangular body shape will look stunning in a mermaid gown or an empire waist gown. Brides with an hourglass body shape can go with a gown that has a natural waistline or can add waistline accents.

  • Your sewing skills. If you are new to sewing, you will want to stick with basic shapes and fabrics that are easier to cover up mistakes.

2

Choose a color

Most brides will be surprised by just how many shades of white you can choose from. You want to find a shade that compliments your complexion whether it is ivory, crème, stark white or off-white.

3

Sketch your dress

Once you have determined the shape you want, you can begin to sketch out the design of your dress. You should sketch the front and back of the dress and any details you want to add, which will give you a guide for how to make a wedding dress.

4

Determine and buy your fabric

Just as you tried on a number of dresses to determine the shape, you will also want to try on dresses of different fabrics. Maybe you like the way certain fabrics feel, but you may not be happy with how they flow once on. So try on by yourself.

Some of the most popular fabrics you can consider include chiffon, jersey, moire, organza, satin, silk, taffeta, and tulle. Chiffon is often used as a sheer layer while fabrics like organza and tulle are great for adding volume or body to your design. Silk fabrics tend to be more expensive but can be found in a variety of textures, and jersey fabrics are a great lightweight option that tends to be less expensive.

When choosing the fabric, you need to consider the season and the location of your wedding. If you are having your wedding on the beach or if it is during the hot and humid summer months, you will want to stick to lighter and soft flowing fabrics.

5

Take your measurements

It is recommended that you have someone else do the measuring for you to ensure accuracy. You should mark the measurement next to your sketch. These measurements should include:

  • Bust: The fullest part of your chest, this should be taken with the bra you plan to wear with the dress on and nothing else on top of it.

  • Hips: Measure the fullest part of your hips with your heels together while standing naturally and relaxed.

  • Waist: The smallest area of your waistline is found one inch above your belly button. Do not suck in your stomach or pull the tape measure too tight.

  • Hem: Wear the shoes you will be wearing on the wedding day and measure from the collarbone to where you want the bottom of the dress to fall.

6

Choose your pattern and follow it

How to make a wedding dress will involve making your own patterns or using pre-designed patterns. You will use your measurements to create your patterns but make sure you add an additional 1 ½ inches for the seams. Making your own patterns for your wedding dress can be a challenge for beginner sewers, so buying a pattern can be a better option. Make sure the patterns you buy come with a key or glossary, layout, instructions and that it is a pattern that can easily combine different sizes.

The patterns can be printed on different materials, while most often is tissue paper or stiff white paper. The stiff white paper is more durable and can be more easily re-used. Once you have your fabric, you will pin the patterns to the fabric to make precise cuts, remember to account for pleats if you need to cut extra fabric later.

7

Sew your dress

You will want to follow your patterns closely when you begin sewing. Pins will help ensure the fabric stays in place and can be sewn over and removed later. Once you have the fabric pinned, you want to add in texture to accommodate for your curves. This is done by folding or bending the fabric, or adding in pleats.

You will want to use a vertical princess seam that goes from the top of the dress to the bottom. Most wedding dress designs will use the princess seam. Do not be alarmed if you seem to have excess fabric at the bottoms or the sides, just continue to follow the pattern.

8

Try on and make adjustments, if necessary

Once you have the dress sewn, you will want to get some help to try on the finished project. You may need to make a few adjustments to get the perfect fit, which can be easily done by having a friend pin the adjustment that need to be made.

How to make a wedding dress is not that hard, but you will want to take your time when making your own wedding dress and avoid taking any short cuts. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the dress and ensure your finest sewing skills are used. By taking your time, you can complete your dream dress with all the details and finishing touches that can make it an heirloom. So why not try making it yourself if possible?

Click HERE to get a series of videos for making dress, you may learn more from these helpful tips.