How to Make a Simple Vintage Wedding Dress

Save money by making your own dress.

Every bride wants to walk down the aisle in a wedding gown that fits her body perfectly and represents her own unique style and beauty. If you've spent hours going from bridal store to bridal store searching for the perfect gown and still haven't found the right one, consider making your own. Making a simple vintage wedding gown is easier than you might think. You'll also save money by making your gown and have the extra assurance that your dress will truly be unique.

Instructions

1. Select your fabric. Fabric selection is key to the overall look of the dress. Consider the color, feel and weight of the fabric. The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable in your dress. A certain fabric may be pretty but feel scratchy against your skin. Silk works well for a simple vintage dress.

2. Decide on modifications. Looking at your pattern, decide on simple modifications you'd like to make such as shortening or removing sleeves, adjusting the neckline or taking out a hem. Keep in mind that you cannot change the basic construction of the dress.

3. Make a mock up of the dress. Although this will not be the final version of the dress, it is helpful to make a mock up to trouble shoot any design problems. Take your measurements and using the pattern, cut and mark the fabric and sew it together. This is also the time to make any modifications you have in mind.

4. Try on your dress. Once you have the mock up dress, you can make additional alterations. Try on the mock up while standing in front of the mirror. Using pins, tuck and pin the dress until it fits the way you want it to fit. Decide on any alterations you need to make.

5. Make alterations, if needed. If your dress doesn't need altering and you are happy with it the way it is then you are ready to sew your dress together. If not, draw the alterations on you paper pattern, then use the pattern to carefully re-cut the fabric making the alterations that you desire.

6. Baste your dress together loosely, using medium sized stitches. Basting is the process of sewing your dress together by hand. Doing this allows you to get an idea of the finished product but is flexible enough that you can remove the stitches to make changes if necessary.

7. Try on the dress again. If there is anything you feel is still not working, pull the stitches out and fix it.

8. Sew your dress together. Using a sewing machine, sew your dress together using the basting stitches as a guideline. Now your dress is ready to wear.

References

• A Practical Wedding: How to Make a Wedding Dress