Creating A Dreamy Ball Gown For Your Wedding

Ball gowns are a classic wedding dress silhouette, often associated with princesses. They typically feature a fitted bodice and a wide, full skirt, creating a dramatic look that is both glamorous and flattering. The process of making a ball gown wedding dress involves choosing the right fabric and style, such as strapless, long-sleeved, or two-piece, and considering the desired level of volume and embellishment. With the right sewing skills and materials, it is possible to create a stunning ball gown wedding dress that makes a statement on your special day.

Choosing the right fabric

Ballgowns are typically worn at upscale formal events, so it's best to stick with muted colours, prints, and textures. Here are some tips for choosing the right fabric for your ballgown wedding dress:

• Ballgowns are typically long, flowing dresses that reach the ground, so choose a fabric that is suitable for a full-length gown.
• Consider the type of fabric you want – ballgown wedding dresses can be made from a variety of fabrics such as lace, silk, taffeta, tulle, or satin.
• If you want a more dramatic look, choose a fabric that is stiff or has body, such as tulle or crinoline. These fabrics can be used to create layers and add volume to your gown.
• If you want a softer, more romantic look, choose a fabric like chiffon or Georgette.
• Consider the weight and drape of the fabric – a heavier fabric will create a more structured look, while a lighter fabric will be more fluid and move with you as you walk down the aisle.
• Think about the colour and texture of the fabric – a smooth, glossy fabric will give your gown a more modern look, while a textured or matte fabric will create a more classic, timeless effect.
• Don't be afraid to mix and match fabrics – you can combine different fabrics to create a unique look for your ballgown wedding dress. For example, you could have a lace bodice with a tulle skirt, or a satin gown with tulle overlays.

Selecting a dress pattern

Ballgowns are typically long, flowing dresses with a tapered waist, a fitted bodice, and a full skirt. They are usually floor-length, though some may only cover the ankles. The three types of ballgowns are strapless, long-sleeve, and two-piece with a separate top and skirt.

When selecting a dress pattern, it is important to consider the type of fabric. Ballgowns are typically intended for upscale formal events, so it is best to stick with muted hues, prints, and textures. Some fabric options include velvet, chiffon, Georgette, crepe, satin, organza, and neoprene.

The amount of fabric required will depend on the style of the dress. A sheath silhouette will require 3-4 yards, while an A-line dress may need between 5 and 7 yards, depending on the length of the train, the bride's height, and other factors.

Ballgowns can be embellished with crystals, rhinestones, artificial flowers, ribbons, rosettes, and lace to create a fairy-tale princess look. They can also have different types of necklines, such as off-the-shoulder, sweetheart, or one-shoulder.

When selecting a dress pattern, it is also important to consider the level of complexity. Sewing a dress can be a big task, but choosing a simple style and easy-to-use fabric can make it more manageable. Additionally, thinking of the dress as a collection of parts, with each component having sequentially ordered steps, can make the process less overwhelming.

Cutting out the fabric

The first step in making a ball wedding gown is to choose a refined fabric. Ballgowns are typically intended to be worn at upscale formal events, so it is best to stick with muted hues, prints, and textures. Some fabric options include velvet, chiffon, Georgette, silk, crepe, satin, organza, and neoprene.

The amount of fabric you will need depends on the style of your dress. A sheath silhouette will require 3-4 yards, while an A-line dress may require 5-7 yards, depending on the length of the train, the bride's height, and other factors.

Once you have chosen your fabric and determined the required amount, you can begin cutting it out. Lay out the fabric flatly and smoothly, ensuring it is free of any wrinkles or creases. Use a fabric pencil or tailor's chalk to trace the pattern pieces onto the fabric. Cut the fabric carefully using fabric scissors, making sure to follow the lines accurately.

If your dress has multiple layers or panels, cut out each piece individually, numbering them to correspond to the pattern. This will ensure that you don't mix up the pieces during construction.

After all the pieces are cut out, you can begin assembling them according to your pattern instructions. Sew the pieces together, taking care to match the corresponding numbers or markings. This will ensure that your dress comes together smoothly and accurately.

Remember to take your time and work carefully when cutting out the fabric. This is a crucial step in creating your ball wedding gown, and accuracy is essential to achieving the desired result.

Sewing darts

Step 1: Mark the Darts

Using tailor's chalk, carefully mark the dart lines on the wrong side of the fabric. The dart lines should be drawn according to your chosen pattern. It is important to ensure that the markings are accurate, as they will guide the sewing process.

Step 2: Pin the Darts

Fold the fabric along the marked dart lines, matching the lines precisely. Secure the dart in place by inserting pins perpendicular to the fold, starting from the wide end of the dart and working towards the pointed end. Space the pins about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart to ensure the fabric is held together securely.

Step 3: Sew the Darts

Set your sewing machine to a medium-length straight stitch, such as a 2.5 or 3.0 stitch length. Begin sewing the dart from the wide end, backstitching at the beginning to secure the thread. Sew along the marked dart line, removing the pins as you go. Stop sewing about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) before the pointed end of the dart, and backstitch again to secure the thread. Do not cut the thread yet, as you will need to create a dart tail.

Step 4: Create a Dart Tail

Keeping the needle in the down position, pivot the fabric so that your needle is just off the edge of the fold. Lift the presser foot and slide the fabric backward so that there is a 1-inch (2.5 cm) thread tail extending from the end of the stitching line. Lower the presser foot and sew a few stitches in place to secure the thread tail. Cut the thread close to the fabric, leaving a small tail.

Step 5: Repeat for All Darts

Repeat steps 2 to 4 for all the remaining darts on your ball gown pattern pieces. Typically, ball gowns have darts at the waist and bust to create a fitted silhouette. Ensure you follow the markings on your pattern and sew the corresponding darts on both the front and back pieces of your gown.

Step 6: Press the Darts

Using a steam iron, carefully press the darts flat, following the direction of the dart lines. This will help to set the stitches and create a crisp, professional finish. Be sure to press from the wrong side of the fabric to avoid any shine or imprint on the right side.

Adding a zipper

Choosing the Right Zipper:

Firstly, select a zipper that is 2 inches (5.1 cm) longer than the opening you plan to create. If your gown has a form-fitting design, opt for a longer zipper to reduce stress on the fabric when donning and removing the dress. Choose a zipper that matches the colour of your gown, especially if you plan to have it visible. For a delicate, elegant look, dress zippers are usually more refined than those used in pants or handbags and come in a variety of colours and lengths.

Adjusting Zipper Length:

If the zipper is too long, you can adjust its length. Sew a zigzag stitch across the zipper teeth at the desired endpoint, and then sew another zigzag stitch about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) below for added security. Cut off the excess zipper, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the second stitch. Be cautious not to sew through the teeth, and always sew back and forth into the fabric beside the teeth. Alternatively, hand-sew across the teeth with a needle and thread, stitching 7-8 times to secure the new endpoint.

Creating the Opening:

Mark the fabric to indicate the desired length of the zipper opening. Place the zipper along the edge, aligning the top of the zipper with the top edge of the dress, and mark the bottom of the zipper on the inside of the fabric. Use a fabric marker or chalk for this step. Pin the two sides of the dress together, ensuring the right sides face each other, and insert pins perpendicular to the fabric edges to hold them together. Sew about 1 inch (2.5 cm) down the pinned edge, backstitching about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) at the start. Continue sewing to the bottom edge, backstitch again, and then cut the excess thread.

Attaching the Zipper:

Position the zipper so that its teeth align with the dress opening, peeking slightly through. Pin the zipper in place, ensuring the bottom point of the zipper matches the bottom of the opening. Backstitch 1 inch (2.5 cm) at the start of the zipper, with the needle next to the teeth, and then sew forward. A zipper foot can be used to sew along the zipper edge, but it is not necessary. Sew a straight stitch down the opening and zipper, and repeat for the opposite side.

Hemming:

After attaching the zipper, you may need to hem the top edge of the dress. Fold over the top, hiding the raw edges inside, and secure with pins. Sew a straight stitch along the pinned edges to complete the hem, and then cut the excess thread.

Frequently asked questions