How to Make a Square Dance Dress
The square dance dress has evolved over time. Today there are three basic types: the club dress, the simple dress and the party dress. The club dress is fashioned to the taste of the square dance club that you are a member of, while the simple dress is best for practice and dances in which there is more socialization than actual dance. The party dress, however, is the most elaborate of the square dance costumes, intended for special occasions on the dance floor. While any of these dresses can be purchased at a significant cost, you may elect to make your own to address your own style and taste. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Thread
- Needles
- Sewing machine needles
- Sewing machine
- Material
- Paper
- Pencil
- Straight pins
- Photographs
Instructions
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Design and Construction
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1
Determine the type of square dance dress that you will need: club, party or simple.
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2
Gather pictures or photographs of the dresses that you like to use as a guide in your design.
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3
Using pencil and paper, draw/design your square dance dress.
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4
Focus on the skirt first. You have a variety of choices in the type of skirt that you design: prairie, full-circle, gathered, tiered, A-shape or aproned, for example.
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5
Concentrate on the bodice of the dress. Start with the neckline and determine if you want a "V" neck, a square neckline, a high collar, rounded neckline or a ruffled neckline.
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6
Design the sleeves for your dress. These can be puffed, straight, short, long, bell, three-quarter or petal.
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7
Draw the waist of the dress, determining if you want it to fit snugly, to be tied or gathered or have a specific design element displayed.
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8
Determine the type of petticoat you will need under your dress. Petticoats should be 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches shorter than the dress itself. The fullness of the petticoat will be determined by the fullness of the skirt on the dress. Design your petticoat accordingly.
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9
Shop for materials, including trims, if desired, as well as zippers and elastic for your petticoat.
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10
Using your design, make your own pattern in sections for the dress. Be sure to leave room for a 1-inch sewing seam, as well as ample room for material that is gathered, such as that material used in your petticoat.
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11
Sew the pieces of your pattern together using your sewing machine and hand-stitching as needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Pettipants, pantaloons or mid-calf pantalets may also be created to wear under your square dance dress and are a traditional part of the square dance attire. Lightweight fabrics flow easily on the dance floor. Remember when creating your undergarments that you may not be able to see them when you're are dancing, but the spectators will.
