DIY: How to Make Gothic Lolita Dresses

Design a gothic Lolita dress.

Gothic Lolita dresses are inspired by Victorian fashion: white lace, black, plaid and tulle. The other influence for Gothic Lolita is young -- think of Vladimir Nabokov's book "Lolita" -- and, to achieve this look, balance the dark with bright colors. Corset waists, bows and crinolines also enhance the Gothic Lolita look. For a Gothic role model, think of Morticia from "The Munsters." The right makeup to go with your Gothic Lolita dress is white pancake powder, bright red lipstick, black eyeliner and black fingernail polish.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Tulle
• Lace
• Satin
• Sewing machine
• Needle and tread
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Go to the library and sign out some Japanese fashion books that feature Gothic Lolita dresses. Study the different designs and decide on the styles of Gothic Lolita dresses you want to make.

2. Make a pattern or go to a fabric shop and find one that suits. Check the girls' section of the pattern books, as the ideal style may well be there. Go for the tight waist and a short full skirt for one dress and long, laced up the front and tight for another.

3. Choose the right fabric. For a schoolgirl look, go with cotton plaids. For evening wear, velvet -- either dark red or black -- is preferable.

4. Buy the right accessories. Stock up on lace, tulle for a crinoline and satin for bows.

5. Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut carefully. Leave ½ inch for a seam allowance.

6. Sew the pieces of material for the top of the dress together. Be sure to include the darts.

7. Hand-stitch the gathered skirt before you sew it on the machine, so that it gathers around the waist smoothly and doesn't bunch up in any particular place.

8. Layer the tulle for the crinoline. Cut a waistband and turn it inside-out to sew. Turn it right-side-out when finished and hand-stitch it to the tulle. Reinforce it with the sewing machine.

9. Add the accessories. Sew lace on the hem of the skirt and place satin bows in strategic places.

Tips & Warnings

• You can either attach the crinoline to the waistband of the dress or leave it as a separate piece that can be worn with other Gothic Lolita dresses.

• Check out the second-hand clothing shops for accessories and dresses you can alter for the Gothic Lolita look.

• Get a pair of big, tie-up-the-front boots to go with your dress to complete the image.

References

• Love to Sew: Sewing & Making Dresses; How to Make a Dress/How to Sew a Dress
• Cosmates: Lolita in Summer

Resources

• Antipope: Free Gothic Lolita Patterns