Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dresses can be transformed into a variety of accessories and household items. Companies like Unbox The Dress offer a service that turns wedding dresses into one-of-a-kind heirloom pieces, such as baby blankets, bassinet covers, christening gowns, pillows, tablecloths, table runners, and napkins. Couples focused on sustainability can repurpose their wedding dresses into décor or donate them to organisations like Brides Across America, which provides wedding dresses to military brides in need. Alternatively, pre-owned wedding dress sellers like Nearly Newlywed make it easy to sell wedding dresses and even offer gown cleaning as part of the process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Accessories | Veils, jackets, detachable sleeves, trains, overskirts, jewellery, shoes, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, belts, headpieces |
| Customisation options | Detachable sleeves, cape, jacket, bra cups, sparkle tulle, straps, detachable shoulder wrap, skirt layer change |
| Heirlooms | Robes, clutch, Christmas tree skirt, angel tree topper, guardian angel ornaments, baby blankets, bassinet covers, christening gowns, pillows, tablecloths, table runners, napkins |
| Other options | Donate, frame, sell, turn into art, use as décor |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a bracelet
If you're looking to make a bracelet out of a wedding dress, there are a few methods you can try. One way is to use beads from the dress to create a simple baby bracelet. First, use a seam ripper to remove the beads from the dress, placing them in a cup so they don't roll away. Next, cut a piece of stretchy string, such as Stretch Magic, long enough to tie a knot. Finally, string the beads onto the stretchy string, tie a knot, and you're done!
Another option is to create a fabric scrap bracelet. This method involves cutting fabric from the wedding dress into strips and attaching a snap closure or jewellery clamp to create a reversible bracelet. First, determine the width of your bracelet by measuring the width of your jewellery crimp and adding the desired amount of overlap for the closure. Cut two strips of fabric to this width and the desired length. If using a snap closure, cut the interfacing to the chosen width and length, lay out the fabric strips, and centre the interfacing on the fabric. Iron on the interfacing, following the instructions for your particular brand. Fold the fabric towards the interfacing and press. Finally, wrap the bracelet around your wrist and mark the placement of the other side of the snap. Install the other half of the snap, and your bracelet is complete!
You can also get creative and experiment with different types of closures and fabrics to make unique bracelets from your wedding dress.
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Sewing a veil
A wedding veil is a ""flirty, timeless, or ultra-dramatic" accessory that can add a flourish to your bridal look. The process of sewing a veil can be completed in an afternoon, but it may take a weekend if sewing by hand or adding lace and beading. Here is a step-by-step guide to sewing a basic wedding veil:
Planning and Preparation:
Firstly, decide on the style and length of your veil. If you have your wedding dress, try it on and place your hair comb where you plan to wear it. Hold the tulle up to the comb to determine the desired length of your veil. You may want your veil to be a few inches longer than your dress, especially if your dress has a train.
Gathering the Fabric:
Lay your fabric on a clean surface. Fold the fabric in half widthwise, with the comb at the top and the blusher folded over the rest of the veil. Find the center point width-wise, then open it back up. Mark with pins where you will gather the fabric, as this will determine the shape of your veil. For a cascading veil, gather the center third of the fabric along the fold, and for a standard veil, gather along the entire width of the fabric.
Sewing the Veil:
Using a running stitch, baste along the gather line, staying within the area marked with pins. If you are in a hurry, use a sewing machine on the longest stitch size. To create a trimmed hem, pin the trim to the veil's border with the wrong sides together, overlapping a few inches and tucking under the ends to prevent fraying. Sew all the way around, close to the edge of the fabric and trim. Flip the trim so that the right side is now showing, press with low heat, pin in place, and stitch down.
Attaching the Comb:
Using invisible thread, secure the tulle to the comb at three points: one in the middle, and one at each end. Sew the tulle evenly to the comb, leaving the teeth of the comb free of thread if desired. Once the three points are sewn, you will have two "loops." Find the middle points of these loops and secure them.
Final Adjustments:
Round out the corners and trim any excess fabric to ensure a neat finish. Put the comb in your hair and adjust the veil as needed. Cut the sides of the blusher to achieve your desired shape and length.
Creating your own wedding veil allows you to customize your bridal look and showcase your personality and style. With some patience and creativity, you can sew a veil that complements your wedding dress and makes you feel truly special on your big day.
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Creating a jacket
Choose a Design and Pattern:
Begin by deciding on the style and design of your jacket. Consider the amount of fabric available from your wedding dress and choose a design that is achievable with the fabric on hand. If you are new to sewing, select a pattern that is labelled "easy" or "beginner". You can find various patterns online or in craft stores.
Prepare the Fabric:
Lay out the wedding dress fabric and carefully cut it according to the pattern. Pin the pattern pieces to the fabric and cut around the edges. Ensure you have all the panels needed for your jacket, including the front, back, sleeves, and any additional details you desire.
Sew the Panels:
Pin adjacent panels together, carefully aligning the edges. Using a sewing machine, sew along the pinned edges to join the panels, creating the structure of the jacket. Sew the sleeves onto the body, and then hem them according to your measurements.
Add Finishing Touches:
Finish the jacket by ironing the seams flat to give it a neat appearance. Add closures such as buttons, zippers, or hooks, depending on your preference and the style of your jacket. You can also consider adding embellishments, such as embroidery, sequins, or other decorative elements, to make your jacket unique and personalised.
Final Touches and Care:
Once you have completed the construction of your jacket, carefully trim away any loose threads to ensure a polished look. Your jacket is now ready to wear and showcase! Remember to handle it with care and consider using specialist fabric care services to maintain its condition, especially if it is made from delicate materials.
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Crafting a pillow
A wedding dress can be transformed into a pillow, prolonging the memories of the special day. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to craft a pillow using a wedding dress:
Firstly, disassemble the portion of the wedding dress you plan to use for the pillow. Gently pull apart the threads holding the seams, lacework, or beading with a sewing ripper. Cut out the section of the dress that will cover the pillow, ensuring it is free of wrinkles and lays flat.
Next, measure the pillow's width and length. This will determine how much fabric you need from the dress to cover the pillow insert. Add 2 inches to each measurement to allow for seams. For example, if your pillow measures 10 inches in length and width, adding 2 inches results in a final measurement of 12 inches by 12 inches.
Now, double the wedding dress fabric and place it on a flat surface. Pin the fabric together to prevent shifting and keep the lines straight. Place the pins approximately 1.5 to 2 inches apart.
It's now time to sew! Stitch along the edge of the pillow, following the guidelines on the plate of your sewing machine for a seamless finish. If you are sewing two pieces of fabric together, start sewing about two-thirds down one side. Leave an opening of 3 to 4 inches to insert the stuffing. If you are sewing three sides of the pillow, start at one corner and stitch along the edge. Then, turn the piece and sew about one-third along the adjacent edge. Remember to backstitch at each corner to reinforce the stitch.
Finally, add any embellishments from the wedding dress, such as lace or beading, to enhance the pillow's appearance. Sew on fabric flowers or add any other decorations of your choice.
And there you have it! A beautiful pillow crafted from your wedding dress, allowing you to cherish the memories of your special day every day.
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Designing a robe
There are several companies that offer a service to transform a wedding dress into a robe, such as Unbox the Dress, which offers a design consultation and supplemental satin options to extend or transform a dress. Alternatively, a robe can be designed and crafted at home.
To design a robe, the first step is to pick a style. This could be basic and elegant, or something more ostentatious. The chosen style will determine the cut of the cloth, which should be done carefully, preserving any intricate details like lace or embroidery. The cut pieces of fabric can then be sewn together, either by hand or with a sewing machine. If sewing is not an option, a professional seamstress or dressmaker can be enlisted to help.
To make the robe unique, details from the original dress can be incorporated, such as lace trim, buttons or other embellishments. Finishing touches such as a hem, belt or sash can then be added to complete the design.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make several accessories and household items out of your wedding dress, including baby blankets, bassinet covers, christening gowns, pillows, tablecloths, table runners, and napkins. You can also turn your dress into a family heirloom by making items such as a Christmas tree skirt, angel tree topper, or guardian angel ornaments.
If you're handy with a sewing machine, you can cut up your dress and create new items yourself. You can find endless DIY ideas and visuals on platforms like Pinterest and Etsy. Alternatively, you can use a service like Unbox the Dress, which specializes in creating one-of-a-kind accessories and heirlooms from wedding dresses.
If you're not interested in making accessories, there are several other options for repurposing your wedding dress. You can get it professionally preserved to pass on to someone else, donate it to a bride in need, or turn it into décor for your home. You can also have it framed and displayed as a piece of art, or sell it to earn back some money.
