Rhiannon Hendricks
A wedding dress petticoat is an undergarment worn under a dress or skirt to give it volume and shape. It is made from layers of tulle, crinoline, or netting, and can be purchased or made at home. Making a petticoat involves measuring the length of the skirt and purchasing the right amount of fabric. The type of fabric used, such as tulle, crinoline, or netting, will depend on the desired volume and structure of the petticoat. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a petticoat for a wedding dress, including measuring, fabric selection, and construction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To add volume and shape to a wedding dress, making it look stunning and comfortable to wear |
| Fabric | Tulle, crinoline, netting, chiffon, silk, lace, satin, feathers, or sequins |
| Layers | 1 layer for a traditional sheath dress, 2-3 layers for more volume |
| Length | Typically 1 inch shorter than the skirt or dress |
| Budget | Available in various price ranges, from $8 DIY options to $70 for decent-looking ready-made petticoats |
| Time | Takes a good part of a day to make, according to one source |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fabric
Fabric Type
The type of fabric you choose will impact the overall look and structure of your petticoat. Tulle is a popular choice for wedding petticoats due to its elegant and airy aesthetic. It adds volume and shape while maintaining a soft and ethereal appearance. Crinoline, on the other hand, is a stiffer fabric that provides more structure and volume. It typically comes in white, giving a crisp and defined look to the petticoat. If you want less volume at the top of the petticoat, chiffon is a suitable option. For a unique touch, consider using netting or ruffles, which add body and softness to the petticoat.
Fabric Amount
The amount of fabric required depends on the desired volume and length of your petticoat. For most petticoats, you will need around 3.7 to 4.6 metres of fabric. If you're using an elastic fabric, purchase at least 3.9 feet in length and 4.6 feet in width. For non-elastic fabrics like silk, you'll need approximately 7.8 to 9.2 feet in length and 4.6 feet in width. Consider the number of tiers and layers you want, as more layers will require additional fabric.
Fabric Colour
Traditionally, petticoats are white, matching the colour of the wedding dress. However, if you want to add a unique touch, consider using coloured tulle. Choose a colour that complements your wedding dress, adding a subtle hint of colour underneath.
Fabric Weight
The weight of the fabric will impact the overall feel and movement of your petticoat. If you're looking for a lightweight and airy petticoat, opt for soft tulle or chiffon. These fabrics will create a delicate silhouette with a gentle swish. However, if you desire more structure and volume, choose heavier fabrics like crinoline or stiff netting. Keep in mind that heavier fabrics may require more yards of fabric to achieve the desired volume.
Budget
Fabric costs can vary, so setting a budget will help guide your fabric choice. While some fabrics, like tulle, can be more affordable, others, such as silk or lace, may be more expensive. Consider your budget constraints and prioritise fabrics that offer the best value without compromising comfort and style.
Remember, the fabric you choose will significantly impact the overall look and feel of your petticoat, so take the time to consider these factors and select the right fabric for your dream wedding dress.
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Measuring the petticoat
First, determine the desired length of your petticoat. Find the skirt or dress that you plan to wear over the petticoat. Measure the length from the waist seam down to the bottom hem. It is common for petticoats to be slightly shorter than the outer garment, so consider subtracting 1 inch (2.5 cm) from your measurement. This ensures the petticoat remains discreet and doesn't peek out unintentionally.
Next, calculate the width of each tier of the petticoat. Divide your final length measurement by 3, then add back any inches you subtracted earlier. This will give you the width for each of the three tiers. For example, if your desired length is 27 inches, divide it by 3 to get 9 inches, then add back the subtracted inch for a final width of 10 inches per tier.
The number of tiers you include in your petticoat will depend on the volume and shape you desire. A single layer may be sufficient for a traditional sheath dress, while 2 to 3 layers can provide more volume and fullness. If you add more tiers, remember to make them narrower to maintain the overall proportions.
When planning your petticoat, consider the type of fabric you will be using. Tulle, crinoline, netting, and chiffon are all popular choices, each offering different levels of stiffness, volume, and aesthetics. Measure and purchase your fabric accordingly, keeping in mind that most fabrics are 115 cm or 150 cm wide, and you may need multiple layers.
Lastly, don't forget to consider the waist measurement. The top tier of the petticoat, which sits at the waist, should be approximately twice the circumference of your waist. This ensures a comfortable fit and allows for ease of movement.
By carefully measuring and following these guidelines, you will be well on your way to creating a beautiful petticoat that complements your wedding dress perfectly.
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Cutting the fabric
- Measure the length of your skirt and subtract 1 inch (2.5 cm). This is important because petticoats are typically 1 inch shorter than the skirt or dress worn over them. This ensures that the petticoat remains discreetly hidden under the skirt.
- Determine the width of each tier. Divide your final length measurement by 3, then add 1 inch (2.5 cm) for the seams. This will give you the width for each of the 3 tiers on your petticoat. For example, if your skirt is 25 inches (64 cm) long, your petticoat would be 24 inches (61 cm) long. Each tier would be 8 inches (20 cm) wide, and after adding 1 inch for the seams, the final width will be 9 inches (23 cm).
- Calculate the amount of fabric needed. Most fabrics are 115 cm or 150 cm wide, so you can cut several layers from 8 meters of fabric. You may need 10-15 meters or less, depending on the fullness and length of your petticoat. If you are using an elastic fabric, purchase material that is at least 1.2 meters in length and 1.4 meters in width. For a non-elastic fabric like silk, you will need a longer length of 2.4-2.5 meters, with the same width of 1.4 meters.
- Choose the right fabric for your desired effect. Tulle is a popular choice for petticoats as it comes in various colors and creates an elegant, airy, and ethereal look. It is often used for overlays and underlays, adding volume and a floaty appearance. However, if you want more structure and volume, crinoline is a better option. It is stiff and usually comes in white or black. Netting is another option, especially if you want to maintain softness and foldability in the skirt.
- Consider the number of layers. If your skirt has a traditional fitting or sheath dress shape, one layer may be sufficient. However, if you want to add volume, you will need 2-3 layers for your petticoat.
Remember to plan and measure carefully before cutting your fabric to ensure you have the correct lengths and widths for each tier of your petticoat.
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Sewing the layers
The number of layers in your petticoat will depend on the volume you want to achieve. You only need one layer if the skirt has a traditional fitting or sheath dress shape. If you want to give the skirt more volume, you'll need 2-3 petticoat layers. The more volume you want to add, the more layers you will need.
The first step is to measure the length of your skirt and subtract 1 inch (2.5 cm). Next, find the skirt or dress that you want to wear over the petticoat and measure the skirt from the waist seam down to the bottom hem. Subtract 1 inch (2.5 cm) from this measurement and remember it. If you are wearing the petticoat with a dress that does not have a waist seam, measure down from the narrowest part of the waist instead. Petticoats are typically 1 inch (2.5 cm) shorter than the skirt or dress worn over them.
Divide your final measurement by 3, then add 1 inch (2.5 cm) for the seams. This will give you the width for each of the 3 tiers on your petticoat. For example, if your skirt is 25 inches (64 cm) long, your petticoat would be 24 inches (61 cm) long. Divided by 3, each tier would be 8 inches (20 cm) wide. After adding 1 inch (2.5 cm) for the seams, the final width will be 9 inches (23 cm).
If you want less volume at the top of the skirt, consider using chiffon for the top tier. Tulle is a good option if you want something that looks pretty, while crinoline is better if you want structure and volume. If you want to add "fluff" to your petticoat, you can use netting or ruffles, or add a row of hoops for more rigid structure.
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Styling the wedding dress
A wedding dress is a once-in-a-lifetime outfit, and for many brides, it is important to achieve that perfect, dream-like look. A petticoat is an undergarment worn under a dress or skirt, and it can be a great way to add volume and shape to a wedding dress. It can be used to create a gentle flare or a full-on princess ball gown. Petticoats are made from layers of tulle, crinoline, or netting, and they can pump up the volume of the dress, keeping it from sticking to the legs and ensuring it flows beautifully as the wearer moves.
When styling a wedding dress with a petticoat, it is important to consider the length of the dress and the petticoat. The petticoat should be slightly shorter than the dress to avoid any peek-a-boo moments. The fabric of the petticoat is also an important consideration. Tulle is a popular choice for its elegant and airy look, while crinoline is stiff and provides structure and volume. The number of layers in the petticoat will also determine the volume of the skirt, with 2-3 layers typically needed for a skirt with more volume.
Additionally, the shape of the wedding dress should be taken into account when choosing or making a petticoat. A-line or ball gown wedding dresses can be enhanced with a petticoat, while a trumpet or mermaid-style dress may require a different approach, such as adding a panel of stiff netting to create a precise trumpet flare. For those who want to maintain softness in the skirt, ruffles or netting can be added to create a full slip, while hoops will provide rigid structure.
Comfort is another key consideration when styling a wedding dress with a petticoat. Petticoats can add weight to the dress, so it is important to choose a petticoat that is comfortable to wear and allows the bride to move and dance freely. It is also worth noting that petticoats can be removed for the reception, but this may require a change of shoes to accommodate the extra length of the dress without the petticoat.
Overall, a petticoat can be a great way to elevate the style and comfort of a wedding dress, ensuring the bride feels amazing on their special day and creating those dreamy bridal portraits.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to buy around 3.7 to 4.6 metres of tulle or crinoline fabric. Tulle comes in more colours and is a better option if you want something that looks pretty. Crinoline is stiffer and usually comes in white, so it's great if you want structure and volume. You will also need measuring tools, pins, and a sewing machine.
Measure the length of your skirt and subtract 2.5 cm. If your dress does not have a waist seam, measure down from the narrowest part of the waist. Petticoats are typically 2.5 cm shorter than the skirt or dress worn over them. Most fabrics are 115 cm or 150 cm wide, so you will be able to cut several layers from 8 metres of fabric.
You only need one layer if the skirt has a traditional fitting or sheath dress shape. If you want to give the skirt more volume, you will need 2-3 petticoat layers.
If you want a lot of volume, use crinoline or stiff netting. Hoops will give you rigid structure, but if you want to maintain any kind of folds or softness in the skirt, use netting or ruffles.
