Franklin Dean
Wedding dresses can be transformed into beautiful purses, allowing brides to carry a piece of their wedding day with them wherever they go. This can be a great way to repurpose a wedding dress, especially if it holds sentimental value. Many brides opt to create a clutch purse adorned with embellishments from the dress, such as lace, beads, and pearls. These purses can be given as gifts to family members or kept as a special heirloom. Some companies specialize in transforming wedding dresses into purses, offering custom designs and personalized details. It is also possible to DIY this transformation, although it can be a stressful process, especially for those who are particularly sentimental about the dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of purse | Clutch |
| Material | Lace, beads, fabric, sleeves |
| Add-ons | D-rings, strap, metal clasp, pocket |
| Purpose | Sentimental value, unique accessory, gift |
| Customization | Personalized design, size, color |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right dress
Sentimental Value
The process of cutting into a wedding dress can be emotionally challenging, especially if it holds a lot of sentimental value. Consider whether you or the future owner of the purse will be comfortable with altering the dress. If the dress has been passed down through generations, it might be best to choose a different dress or select a design that incorporates smaller pieces of the dress, preserving its original form as much as possible.
Condition of the Dress
Inspect the wedding dress for any damage or discolouration. Slight discolouration or yellowing of fabric is common in older dresses, and a skilled seamstress or designer might be able to work around these flaws. However, heavily damaged or extremely low-fabric dresses may require supplemental fabric to create a purse. If insects are found, the dress will likely need to be dry cleaned before it can be used.
Fabric and Embellishments
The type of fabric and the presence of embellishments like lace, beading, or pearls can influence the design possibilities. For example, a dress with a unique pattern, intricate embroidery, or beautiful beading can be showcased as a focal point of the purse. Consider what features of the dress you want to highlight and how they can be incorporated into the purse design.
Size and Style
The size and style of the wedding dress will also impact the design options. A larger dress can provide more fabric to work with, allowing for more intricate details or larger purse sizes. Consider the purpose of the purse and whether you want a simple clutch or a larger bag that can accommodate items like a phone or makeup essentials.
Personal Preferences and Occasion
Think about the future owner's style preferences and the occasion for which the purse is intended. Would they prefer a subtle, elegant design or a more statement-making piece? Do they prefer certain colours or fabrics? Consider the overall aesthetic they usually gravitate towards to ensure the purse aligns with their taste.
Remember, choosing the right dress is a crucial step in creating a meaningful and functional purse. Take your time in making this decision, and don't be afraid to seek advice from professionals or loved ones who can help you select the perfect dress for this transformation.
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Cutting the fabric
When cutting the fabric, it is essential to consider the size and style of the purse you want to create. Measure and mark the fabric accordingly, allowing for seams and any additional features, such as a flap or strap. If you are using a pattern, carefully lay it out on the fabric to ensure efficient use of the material and preserve any intricate details, such as lace or beading.
For a simple envelope-style clutch, you may only need to cut a single piece of fabric for the body of the purse, with additional pieces for a flap or decorative elements. If you are creating a more complex design, such as a purse with multiple compartments or a structured shape, you will need to cut multiple pieces of fabric for each section.
When cutting the fabric, use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to ensure clean edges. Carefully cut along the marked lines or the pattern, being mindful of any delicate details or embellishments that you want to preserve. If you are using a slippery fabric like satin or silk, consider using fabric scissors with a serrated edge to prevent the fabric from shifting during cutting.
Once the main pieces are cut, you may need to cut additional strips of fabric for handles or straps. Consider the length and width of the straps and cut the fabric accordingly. If you are using a sturdy fabric like silk or satin, the straps can be thin and delicate. However, if you are using a softer fabric, you may need to cut wider strips to create sturdy straps.
Creating a purse from a wedding dress requires careful planning and execution during the cutting process. By considering the design, measuring and marking the fabric, and using the appropriate tools, you can effectively cut the fabric to lay the foundation for a beautiful and unique purse.
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Adding embellishments
If you're looking to add some stability to your purse, consider using stiff interfacing, which can be easily sourced from your local fabric store. This will provide a sturdy base for your purse, making it suitable for holding items such as a phone or other essentials.
For a more personalized touch, you can add a strap to your purse by incorporating D-rings. This not only adds functionality but also allows for a versatile wearing option.
If you're working with a vintage wedding dress, especially one that has been stored for a long time, it may exhibit slight discolourations or yellowing. In such cases, consider consulting a professional for dry cleaning to improve the final appearance of your purse.
Additionally, you can add pockets to the interior lining of the purse, providing extra functionality and a place to securely store smaller items. Embellishments don't have to be limited to the exterior; you can add decorative touches to the inside of the purse as well, making it a pleasure to open and use.
Remember, when adding embellishments, it's essential to strike a balance between making a statement and maintaining the overall aesthetic of the purse. Choose embellishments that complement the style and colour of the wedding dress fabric and your chosen design.
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Lining the purse
Prepare the Wedding Dress Fabric:
Start by carefully cutting the wedding dress fabric to the desired size for the purse. If you plan to include embellishments like lace or beading, ensure they are securely attached and lie flat. It is recommended to cut the fabric slightly larger than needed to account for any shrinkage during the lining process.
Choose the Lining Fabric:
Select a lining fabric that complements the wedding dress fabric in terms of colour and texture. Consider the weight and durability of the lining fabric, as it should provide structure and stability to the purse. Cotton or polyester blends are common choices for purse linings.
Cut and Pin the Lining Fabric:
Cut the lining fabric to match the size of the wedding dress fabric, adding a seam allowance of approximately 0.5 inches to 1 inch around the edges. Pin the lining fabric to the wedding dress fabric, right sides together, ensuring that the edges align.
Sew the Sides:
Using a sewing machine or hand sewing needle, sew along the sides and bottom of the pinned fabric, creating a secure seam. Reinforce the stitching at the corners for added durability. Leave the top of the purse unsewn, as this will be the opening.
Trim and Turn:
Trim the seam allowance close to the stitching to reduce bulk. Carefully turn the purse right side out through the opening at the top. Use a pointed tool, such as a chopstick or knitting needle, to push out the corners and ensure they are crisp and defined.
Finish the Top Edge:
Fold and press the raw edge of the lining and wedding dress fabric at the top opening. You can then sew this edge to create a neat finish. Alternatively, you may want to add a zipper or other closure to the top edge for added security.
Creating a purse from a wedding dress involves creativity and careful execution. Lining the purse is a crucial step to ensure the final product is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By following these steps, you will be well on your way to crafting a unique and sentimental accessory.
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Closing the purse
Prepare the Fabric
Before you begin to sew the purse closed, ensure that all the cut edges are neatly folded and pressed. This will give your purse a polished look and make it easier to sew. If your wedding dress fabric is delicate or prone to fraying, consider using a lightweight interfacing to stabilize the fabric and prevent unraveling.
Sew the Sides
Pin the sides of the purse, right sides together, and sew along the pinned edge. Use a straight stitch about 1/4 inch from the edge. If your purse has a lining, sew it separately, ensuring that the lining fabric is slightly narrower than the exterior fabric to allow the purse to maintain its shape.
Box Corners (Optional)
If your purse design includes a flat bottom, you will need to create box corners. To do this, flatten one bottom corner of the purse so that the side seam and bottom fold are aligned. Measure and mark a line across the corner that is perpendicular to the seam, usually about 1 to 2 inches long. Sew along this line and trim off the excess fabric, leaving a small seam allowance. Repeat for the other corner.
Final Steps
Turn your purse right side out and use an iron to press the seams flat. If desired, topstitch along the upper edge of the purse for added durability. Finally, attach any desired closures, such as a magnetic snap or a metal clasp.
Finishing Touches
Add any desired embellishments to the exterior of the purse, such as beads or lace from the wedding dress. You can also line the interior of the purse with a complementary fabric and add pockets or a wrist strap for added functionality.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding dress purse is a clutch bag made from a wedding dress. It can be a unique and sentimental DIY project or a professional service can be used to create a one-of-a-kind purse adorned with embellishments from the dress.
Etsy and Unbox the Dress are two online services that offer wedding dress purse creation. Etsy connects you with individual sellers who can create custom, handmade pieces, while Unbox the Dress provides a team of designers and consultants to help transform your dress.
It is important to consider the condition of the wedding dress. Slight discolourations and yellowed fabric are common in older dresses, and insects in the dress or packaging may require dry cleaning before transformation. Additionally, cutting into a vintage wedding dress can be stressful, so this project may not be suitable for those who are extremely sentimental.
Wedding dress purses can be customised by adding D-rings to attach a strap, incorporating lace and beading details, or using embellishments from the dress. You can also work with the designer to personalise the purse, such as adding a lined interior with pockets or a metal clasp closure.
