Deborah Chan
There are several ways to add volume to a wedding dress. One way is to wear a petticoat or underskirt underneath the dress to add more volume and shape to the skirt. Another way is to add layers of tulle under the gown to give the skirt more lift and fullness. Additionally, crinoline can be added to the layers underneath the dress, and for a less bulky option, a hoop skirt can be used to achieve a similar effect.
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What You'll Learn
Use a petticoat or underskirt
A petticoat or underskirt is an undergarment worn under a dress or skirt to add volume and shape. In bridal fashion, it is an additional layer of fabric worn under the wedding dress to give more volume and shape to the dress skirt.
When shopping for a wedding dress, consider that not every dress will be suitable to be worn with a petticoat or underskirt. The fabric of the dress skirt and how it is cut will determine what changes can be made. Many ball gown-style wedding dresses are designed with an underskirt to give the fullness of a classic bridal silhouette. However, if you want to add more volume to your ball gown, you could add a few layers of tulle underneath to give the skirt more lift and fullness.
Some petticoats may include a hoop skirt to give the dramatic ball gown look without the bulk of multiple fabric layers. The hoop skirt also keeps your legs clear from tangling up in the tulle. You can also add crinoline to the layers underneath the gown.
If you plan to remove the petticoat for the wedding reception, be aware that the length of your dress will change. The fabric of the skirt will fall straight down and your dress will instantly become longer, which can make walking and dancing more difficult. You may need to change into taller heels to accommodate the extra length.
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Add multiple layers of tulle
Adding multiple layers of tulle is a great way to increase the volume of a wedding dress, especially if you're looking for a ball gown or an A-line silhouette. Tulle is a lightweight and versatile fabric that has been a staple in bridal fashion for its delicate and airy qualities. It can add volume and movement to a wedding dress, resulting in a captivating and ethereal look.
When adding multiple layers of tulle, it's important to choose the right type of tulle to achieve the desired effect. Consider the weight and stiffness of the tulle. Heavier and stiffer tulle provides more structure and volume, making it perfect for ball gowns and A-line skirts. Softer and lighter tulle, on the other hand, offers a gentle drape, creating subtle movement in sheath or mermaid silhouettes. The material composition of tulle varies, with silk, nylon, and polyester as common options. Silk tulle is luxurious and soft but provides less volume. Nylon and polyester tulles are more affordable and offer varying degrees of stiffness and sheen.
The colour and finish of the tulle are also important considerations. Selecting a tulle that complements the gown's fabric and design is crucial for a cohesive look. Tulle comes in a range of colours and finishes, from matte to glossy.
When layering tulle, you can incorporate several layers to add significant volume. You can play with asymmetrical layers to create visual interest and a sense of motion, especially effective in skirts and trains. Additionally, allowing the tulle to drape softly over the gown adds a romantic and ethereal touch, working well for overlays and veils.
If you're adding tulle to the existing skirt, consider the stitching technique. Start the first layer of tulle about 2 inches away from the waist seam, and then gradually move closer to the waist seam with each subsequent layer, using invisible stitches to avoid bulkiness at the waist.
By choosing the right type of tulle and mastering the art of layering, you can effectively add volume and create a stunning, fluid wedding dress.
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Sew in crinoline
Sewing crinoline to your wedding dress is a great way to add volume to the butt area. Crinoline is a stiff fabric that can be used to create a petticoat or underskirt for your wedding dress, which will give it a fuller look.
To sew crinoline to your wedding dress, you will need to first create a petticoat or underskirt using the crinoline fabric. You can do this by following these steps:
- Purchase or source enough crinoline fabric to create your petticoat or underskirt. The amount of fabric you need will depend on the desired length and fullness of your petticoat. For a narrow A-line petticoat, you will need about 4-5 yards of fabric. For a longer or fuller petticoat, you may need up to 6 yards.
- Cut the fabric into three sections, with the top portion being the longest. You can adjust the length of each section depending on your desired look. For example, you could make the fabric skirt 13" long and each of the ruffles 10" long.
- From the lining fabric, cut two A-shaped pieces for the top of the petticoat, one for the front and one for the back. The size of these pieces will depend on your measurements. For a size 6 or 8, each front and back piece should be 20" at the top and flare out to 32" at the bottom.
- Sew the pieces together to create your petticoat or underskirt. You can add a waistband and a button or slit if desired.
Once you have created your petticoat or underskirt, you can sew it to the lining of your wedding dress. Start by gathering the crinoline fabric and sewing it to the lining of the skirt, beginning about 2 inches away from the waist seam. Sew the next layer about half an inch higher, and continue with any additional layers. This will create a gradient effect and add volume to the butt area of your wedding dress.
Keep in mind that adding multiple layers of crinoline or tulle can make the dress bulky and heavy, so you may want to consider the number of layers and the overall volume you want to add. Additionally, crinoline can be quite stiff, so you may want to look for softer crinoline fabric or consider other options like a hoop skirt if you are concerned about comfort.
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Apply starch to fabrics
To add volume to the butt of a wedding dress, one option is to add an underskirt or petticoat, which can be removed for the wedding reception. You can also add layers of tulle underneath the gown to give the skirt more lift and fullness. Another option is to create or modify an underskirt/crinoline by adding a slit.
If you want to apply starch to fabrics, you can make your own homemade fabric starch. Cornstarch spray is a good option for quilts that will be washed as it prevents bugs from eating the fabric. To make the spray, whisk cornstarch into tap water, add two cups of boiling water and one to two drops of essential oil (optional). Pour the mixture into a bottle and reattach the nozzle. Shake the bottle to ensure that all the starch has dissolved. Once the mixture has cooled, spray it generously onto your fabric and press as desired. You can adjust the recipe to achieve more or less stiffness in the fabric. Be careful not to scorch your iron or fabric when using a high heat setting as starch is a carbohydrate that burns easily.
If you have a lot of fabric to starch, the dipping method is more economical. You will need liquid starch for this method, not a spray. Wet the fabric in the starch mixture, spin it in the washer, and put it in the dryer for a few minutes to dry it halfway. Then, iron it dry without steam.
When using starch, it is important to note that it tends to build up over time. To prevent this, clean your iron regularly with iron cleaner or a solution of vinegar and water. If you are using starch to help with sewing, it is recommended to wash and dry the fabric, lay it out flat, spray it with starch, wait for it to dry, and then cut and sew the garment. This will make the fabric more stable while you are working with it.
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Wear a hoop skirt
If you're looking to add volume to your wedding dress, one option is to wear a hoop skirt. Hoop skirts, also known as crinolines, are undergarments that can be worn under a dress or skirt to create a voluminous silhouette. They are often associated with Victorian-era hoop skirt dresses or the fashions seen in "The Crown" and "Bridgerton".
When choosing a hoop skirt, it's important to consider the style and fabric of your wedding dress. Not all dresses can accommodate a hoop skirt, as the fabric and cut of the skirt will determine how much volume can be added. Ball gown-style wedding dresses, for example, are often designed with a built-in hoop skirt or petticoat to create a full, classic silhouette. If you have a different style of dress, such as an A-line, you may need to add panels to the underskirt to make space for the hoop skirt.
Hoop skirts can provide a dramatic ball gown look without the bulk of multiple layers of fabric. They are also easier to walk in than some other types of petticoats. However, they may not provide as much support for the weight of the dress as other options, and they can be impractical for sitting down. Additionally, the rings of the hoop skirt may show through the dress fabric.
When adding volume to your wedding dress with a hoop skirt, it's important to consider the overall balance of the dress. You may need to adjust the waist or bodice to anchor the weight of the skirt and prevent it from feeling heavy or weighing down on the bodice. Adding a waist stay or boning to the dress can help distribute the weight more evenly and provide additional support.
Overall, a hoop skirt can be a great option for adding volume to your wedding dress, but it's important to consider the style of your dress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable and flattering fit.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to add volume to a wedding dress. One way is to wear a petticoat or underskirt, which is an additional layer of fabric worn under the dress to add volume and shape. Another way is to add layers of tulle underneath the gown to give the skirt more lift and fullness.
A petticoat is an undergarment worn under a dress or skirt to add volume and shape. It can be very full and voluminous or more slip-like.
It's important to consider the way that the fabric of the dress skirt is cut, as this will determine what changes can be made. Adding volume under the skirt will create a balloon-like effect, so the fabric will fall out and then down instead of just straight down. Some petticoats include a hoop skirt, which gives volume without the need for many layers of fabric.
Petticoats and underskirts can often be found at costume shops and wedding dress shops.
