Lyla Dejesus
A net petticoat is an unsung hero of a wedding dress, adding volume and shape to the gown. Whether you want a gentle flare or a full-on princess ball gown, choosing the right petticoat can make all the difference. Making your own petticoat can be a great option to ensure a perfect fit, and save money. To make a net petticoat, you will need basic sewing supplies, such as a sewing machine, needles, pins, and thread, as well as tulle or netting fabric. The amount of fabric required will depend on the desired length and volume of the petticoat, with multiple layers of fabric needed for a fuller look.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To add volume, shape, and support to a wedding dress |
| Materials | Tulle, crinoline, netting, chiffon, taffeta, silk, elastic fabric |
| Construction | Layers of gathered fabric, with more layers for increased volume |
| Length | Dependent on the length of the dress, with the option to add tiers for more volume |
| Waistband | Drawstring or elastic for a separate petticoat, or stitched into the waist of the dress |
| Hoop | Optional, can be added to the bottom of the skirt to keep fabric away from legs |
| Comfort | Lining fabric recommended to prevent itching |
| Cost | Can be expensive to buy, but DIY options are possible with basic sewing supplies |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fabric
Fabric Type: Tulle, Netting, or Crinoline
The most common fabrics used for petticoats are tulle, netting, or crinoline. Tulle is a fine, lightweight fabric that creates a soft and airy look. It is often used for overlaying and underlaying the dress, adding an elegant and ethereal touch. Netting comes in various stiffness options, from rigid nets to softer options. The larger the holes in the nylon netting, the stiffer it is. Crinoline is also an option and is known for its stiffness, usually coming in white. If you want something less stiff and with more colour options, tulle is the better choice.
Fabric Characteristics: Itchiness and Comfort
Fabrics like tulle and netting can sometimes be itchy against the skin. To address this, consider using a lining fabric such as bemberg rayon to ensure comfort. Additionally, if you want less volume at the top of the skirt, chiffon is a smooth and comfortable option for the top tier.
Fabric Quantity: Length and Width
The amount of fabric you need will depend on the desired volume and length of your petticoat. Most fabrics come in standard widths of 115 cm or 150 cm. For a petticoat, you might need around 8 to 15 metres of fabric. If using a sturdy, heavy tulle, you may require fewer layers. If you're using an elastic fabric, purchase enough material that is at least 1.2 m in length and 1.4 m in width. For non-elastic fabrics like silk, you'll need longer lengths, around 2.4 to 2.5 m, with the same width.
Fabric Durability: Starch for Stiffness
If you're looking to add stiffness to your fabric, consider using starch. While some suggest using spray starch, an alternative is to use cornstarch. You can call a consumer hotline for your product to get the exact measurement of cornstarch needed to create clothing starch.
Preserving Wedding Dresses: Techniques and Tips for Brides
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Measuring the fabric
The amount of fabric you will need for your net petticoat depends on the length and volume you desire. Most fabrics are 115 cm or 150 cm wide, so you can cut several layers from 8 m of fabric. You may need as little as 10-15 m of fabric or less, depending on the number of layers and the fabric's stiffness. If you are using an elastic fabric, you will need at least 1.2 m in length and 1.4 m in width. For a silk or non-elastic fabric, you will need 2.4-2.5 m in length and 1.4 m in width.
The number of layers you will need depends on the volume you want to achieve. You will only need one layer if your skirt has a traditional fit. If you want to add volume, you will need 2-3 layers. The more gathered the fabric, the more volume you will achieve. You can also add more tiers to your petticoat to increase volume, but you will need to make them narrower.
To determine the length of fabric you need, measure the length of your skirt and subtract 1 inch. You can then cut layers of tulle to that length. If you want ruffles, cut your tulle into layers for this purpose. Baste your long layers together at the top edge, then feed through a ruffle foot. Make sure that your gathered top edge is at least as long as the person's waist circumference. If it is not, you will need to add more panels at the sides.
The type of fabric you use will also impact the volume of your petticoat. Tulle comes in various colours but is not as stiff as crinoline. Crinoline is typically white and provides structure and volume to your petticoat. If you want less volume at the top of the skirt, consider using chiffon for the top tier, as it is smooth and comfortable.
Choosing the Perfect Attire for Vow Renewal
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$18.99 $22.99
Cutting the fabric
First, determine the length of your desired petticoat. Measure the final length you wish to achieve and calculate the length of the different tiers. Most fabrics come in standard widths of 115 cm or 150 cm, allowing you to cut multiple layers from an 8-metre length of fabric. You may need as little as 10-15 metres, depending on the fabric's stiffness and the number of layers required.
When cutting the fabric, consider the type of fabric you are using. For an elastic fabric, purchase material that is sufficiently long and wide to create the desired volume. For a non-elastic fabric like silk, you will need a greater length to achieve the same volume. Ensure your fabric is wide enough by checking the skirt or dress it will be worn over.
If you are using tulle, which is commonly used for its aesthetic appeal and airy look, cut the layers to your desired length. Decide on the number of tiers you wish to include and cut the fabric accordingly. Baste the layers together at the top edge and then feed them through a ruffle foot, if available, to create a gathered effect.
For a net petticoat, consider the size of the holes in your nylon netting. Larger holes will result in stiffer fabric, while smaller holes create a softer look. Cut the netting to the desired length, gathering it to create volume. You can also attach it below a yoke made of muslin or slip/lining fabric for added structure.
Lastly, don't forget to use the appropriate tools to make the process easier. While scissors can be used, a rotary cutter, cutting mat, and quilting ruler are highly recommended for cutting tulle yardage with precision and efficiency.
Where to See Meghan Markle's Wedding Dress Up Close
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Stitching the fabric
To begin stitching the fabric for a net petticoat, you will need to determine the length of the petticoat and cut layers of tulle to that length. For a bottom ruffle, cut the tulle into layers that are 12 inches tall. You can add more tiers of ruffles to increase the volume of the petticoat. Baste the long layers together at the top edge and feed them through a ruffle foot, which is an accessory that can be attached to your sewing machine. Set the ruffle foot to gather at every stitch. Ensure that the gathered top edge is at least as long as the waist circumference of the person who will be wearing the petticoat. If it is not long enough, you will need to add more panels at the sides.
Repeat the process for the short layers, basting them together at the top edge and feeding them through the ruffle foot. Then, flip the ruffle over and feed the already gathered edge through the ruffle foot again to create an even fuller effect.
To create even gathers, use two rows of gathering stitching and then stitch in between these rows. Using more pins can also help to create even gathers, although it can be cumbersome with a large amount of fabric.
If you are using an elastic fabric, purchase material that is at least 3.9 feet in length and 4.6 feet in width. For non-elastic fabrics like silk, your fabric must be between 7.8 and 9.2 feet long and 4.6 feet wide.
You can add more tiers to your petticoat to increase the volume, but you will need to make each tier narrower as you go up. If you want less volume at the top of the skirt, consider using chiffon for the top tier, as it is smooth and comfortable.
Disposing of Your Wedding Dress: Options and Ideas
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Finishing touches
The final touches to your net petticoat are important to ensure it is comfortable and secure. You want to be able to walk, dance and move around with ease, so consider adding a hoop at the very bottom of the petticoat lining to keep the layers of fabric away from your legs. You can also add a polyester horsehair braid, also known as crin trim, for extra support.
If you want to make the petticoat softer and more comfortable, go for a regular tulle fabric. You can also use chiffon for the top tier as the fabric is smooth and comfortable. If you want more volume, consider using taffeta.
To finish off the hem, you can use double-fold bias tape, preferably taffeta, to give a nice finish. You can also insert a clear fishing line to add extra bounce.
Before you finish, make sure the petticoat is the right length for your dress to avoid any mishaps. You can fiddle around with the hem to see where you want it to hit. The first closure should have the skirt sit on your natural waist. If you then loosen the waistband a little, it will sit lower, which is practical for a longer skirt or dress.
Donating Your Wedding Dress: What's It Worth?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You will need basic sewing supplies (sewing machine, needles, pins, thread, etc), and tulle or netting. The larger the holes in the nylon netting, the stiffer the fabric. You can also use crinoline, which is stiffer than tulle, but usually only comes in black or white.
Most fabrics are 115cm or 150cm wide, so you will be able to cut several layers from 8m length of fabric. You might get away with 10-15 metres or less. Measure the final length of the petticoat skirt you want to achieve and calculate the length of the different tiers, before you buy any fabric.
The more gathered the fabric, or the more layers you have, the more pouffy the effect. You can also use a hoop skirt to add volume.
If you want to incorporate your petticoat into the dress skirt, you can add a drawstring or elastic for the waistband.
