Rhiannon Hendricks
Many women keep their wedding dresses without intending to wear them again, so why not transform your dress into a homemade Christmas tree skirt? This guide will take you through the process of creating your own tree skirt, from preparing your wedding dress to the final product. You can also refer to the various online tutorials for visual instructions and inspiration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Wash, dry, and iron the wedding dress. |
| If necessary, clean the dress, especially if it is old. | |
| Order a secure DressBox to safely send the dress for transformation. | |
| Cutting | Cut the dress at the bodice or midway down, ensuring a minimum of 30" for the skirt. |
| Cut a hole in the middle of the skirt for the tree trunk. | |
| Cut slits at the back of the skirt. | |
| Sewing | Hem the edges of the hole. |
| Sew ribbons to the underside of the slit. | |
| Sew lace or other trimmings from the unused portion of the dress across the edges. | |
| Sew snaps to either side of the skirt's waistline to enclose it around the tree. | |
| Finishing | Fluff the skirt around the tree's base. |
| Storage | Store the skirt in an acid-free cardboard box encased in an unbleached muslin bag in a dry area. |
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What You'll Learn
Cutting the wedding dress
The first step in cutting the wedding dress is to decide how much fabric you need to cut. The length of the cut will depend on the length of the dress and the desired size of the skirt. Ideally, you should aim for a minimum of 30" for the skirt. Cut at the bodice or midway down the dress to achieve the desired length.
If your dress has a waistline seam, carefully use a seam ripper to separate the bodice from the skirt. This will help you retain the finished edges of the fabric. However, if your gown lacks a waistline seam, you will need to cut into the fabric.
If the centre of your skirt has a raw edge after removing the bodice, you can choose to hem it or finish it with ribbon. This step ensures that the skirt has a neat and polished appearance. If your skirt is not wide enough to wrap around the back of the tree, you can add additional fabric to increase its size.
Before cutting the hole for the tree trunk, decide on the placement of the skirt. You can position it around the base of the tree, gathering the waistline around the tree's stand. Mark the desired tightness with pins where the two sides meet. This will guide you in determining the optimal location for the hole.
Finally, cut a small hole in the centre of the skirt to accommodate the tree trunk. Fold the skirt multiple times to create a triangle of fabric, then cut off a couple of inches from the centre. Hem the edges of the hole to prevent fraying and create a finished look.
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Creating a hole for the tree trunk
To create a hole for the tree trunk in your Christmas tree skirt made from a wedding dress, follow these steps:
First, decide on the diameter of your tree skirt and write this number down. This will depend on the size of your tree and the space you have available. The skirt should extend a few inches beyond the bottom set of branches. Next, decide on the diameter of the centre hole for the trunk and write this number down.
Now, fold the fabric in quarters (half, then half again) so that it forms a triangle. Find the centre fold and mark it with a pin. Measure out from the centre point the radius (half the diameter) of your desired tree skirt, plus an extra 0.5 inches for a seam allowance. Mark this point with a pin. Continue measuring and marking from one side to the other in an arc shape, always measuring from the centre fold.
Once you are happy with your measurements, cut the centre hole. Unfold the fabric—you should now have a circle with a circular hole in the middle. Cut up one side, just to the centre hole, so that you can get the skirt around the tree.
If the centre of your skirt has a raw edge, either hem or finish it with ribbon. If your skirt is not big enough to go around the back of the tree, add fabric as necessary.
Finally, sew on any finishing embellishments, such as extra lace edging. Wrap the skirt around the base of your tree and you're done!
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Hemming the skirt
Preparing the Fabric
Before beginning any cutting or hemming, it is essential to determine the desired size of your Christmas tree skirt. Measure the width of the bottom row of branches on your tree, as a general rule, your skirt should be at least as wide as this. Cut your fabric to size, allowing for additional length if you plan to create a gathered or ruffled effect. Wash, dry, and iron your fabric to remove any creases or wrinkles that could impact the accuracy of your measurements and cutting.
Cutting the Hole for the Tree
Fold your fabric in half, and then in half again, creating a triangle shape. Cut a small hole in the centre of the triangle, this will be the opening for the tree trunk. Depending on the thickness of your tree trunk, you may need to adjust the size of the hole. A good rule of thumb is to cut a hole that is slightly smaller than the trunk, as you can always enlarge it later if needed.
Hemming the Hole
To create a neat finish around the hole, hemming is essential. Sew all the way around the edge of the hole, approximately 1/4 inch from the edge. This will help stabilise the fabric and prevent fraying. Fold the edge over to the wrong side along the line of stitches, pressing it to create a crisp crease. Fold it over a second time, pressing and pinning it in place to secure the raw edge. This technique, known as a double-fold hem, provides a durable and polished finish.
Adding Ribbon or Trim (Optional)
For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding ribbon or trim along the slit at the back of the tree skirt. Cut pieces of ribbon to your desired length and pin them into place along the slit. Sew the ribbons securely, adding a decorative element to your skirt while also reinforcing the slit.
Finalising the Hem
After completing the hemming process, give your skirt a final press to ensure all creases and folds are smooth. Lay the skirt around your Christmas tree, adjusting the gathers or ruffles to achieve the desired fullness. Enjoy your unique and personalised Christmas tree skirt, knowing that you've given new life to your wedding dress!
Remember, when working with delicate bridal fabrics, always handle them with care and consider using a seam ripper to carefully remove seams whenever possible to preserve the fabric's integrity.
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Adding fabric for a bigger skirt
The size of your Christmas tree skirt is entirely up to you. If you want to make a bigger skirt, you will need to adjust the amount of fabric you use. The fabric used in the original tutorial was 53 inches wide, and the creator got a yard and a half of it, resulting in a piece that was 54 x 54 inches before cutting the selvedges off. This resulted in a tree skirt that was about 52 inches in diameter.
To make a bigger skirt, you can use wider fabric or get more yards of the same fabric. If you want to add a ruffle or trim to your skirt, you can attach it to the main skirt's raw edge with a 1/2" seam allowance. You can also create your own ruffle by folding a strip of fabric in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides together, and then running two rows of gathering stitches at 1/4" and 5/8" from the raw edges opposite the fold. Gather the strip to match the circumference of your skirt.
If you are adding fabric to make your skirt wider, remember that you will need to cut a bigger hole in the middle of the skirt for the tree trunk. You can do this by cutting a larger circle in the middle of the fabric or by cutting a straight line from the outer edge to the inner circle, creating a slit that runs at the back of the tree skirt.
Finally, you will need to adjust the number and length of ties you create. If you are using ribbon or bias tape, you will need more length to tie the bigger skirt around the tree. If you are creating fabric ties, you will need to cut more strips that are longer to account for the increased size of the skirt.
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Storing the skirt
Storing your wedding dress is an important step in ensuring it remains in good condition, especially if you plan to repurpose it into a Christmas tree skirt in the future. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for storing your wedding dress:
Cleaning and Preparation:
Before storing your wedding dress, it is essential to have it professionally cleaned by a specialist dry cleaner. Cleaning helps remove stains that may show later and can also act as an insect deterrent. Some preservation companies offer repair services for stitching and beading, ensuring your dress is in the best possible condition before storage.
Storage Container and Environment:
Avoid using plastic dress covers or regular cardboard boxes, as they can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to mould or mildew growth. Instead, opt for an acid-free, lignin-free wedding dress storage box designed for preservation. Acid-free tissue paper is also recommended to protect the fabric and prevent creases. Store your dress in a dark, dry, and cool place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and damp areas. Keep it away from cooking or smoking odours, as these can permeate the fabric over time.
Regular Inspections:
While long-term storage aims to preserve your dress, it is crucial to inspect it regularly, ideally every six months. During these check-ups, look for any signs of damage or pests. Refold the dress along different lines to prevent permanent creases. Regular inspections allow for early detection and prompt addressing of any issues.
Professional Preservation Services:
If you want the utmost assurance of your wedding dress's preservation, consider professional preservation services. These services involve cleaning, treating, and packaging your dress using museum-quality techniques and materials, guaranteeing its long-term preservation.
Hanging and Handling:
Avoid hanging your dress on a hanger for extended periods, as it can put stress on the seams and affect its shape. If you must hang it temporarily, use a sturdy hanger that can support the weight of the dress. When handling the dress, especially after removing it from long-term storage, wash your hands or wear cotton gloves to prevent leaving marks or stains.
By following these instructions, you can effectively store your wedding dress, ensuring it remains in excellent condition for future use, whether that's transforming it into a cherished Christmas tree skirt or passing it down to loved ones.
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Frequently asked questions
You can either make the skirt yourself or have it custom-made. If you want to make it yourself, you can find tutorials online. If you want to have it custom-made, you can order a secure DressBox from Unbox the Dress, which you can fill with your dress and send back to them.
Before cutting your wedding dress, make sure to clean it thoroughly. You can either clean it yourself or have it dry cleaned, which may be recommended if the dress is heavily damaged or discoloured.
First, cut the dress at the bodice or midway down, ensuring you have a minimum of 30 inches for the skirt. If the centre of the skirt has a raw edge, hem it or finish it with a ribbon. If the skirt is not big enough to go around the back of the tree, add fabric as necessary. To create a hole for the tree trunk, fold the skirt into a triangle and cut a couple of inches from the centre. Sew around the edges of the hole and along the curve where the tree pole will go.
