Creating Your Dream Wedding Gown At Home

Making your own wedding dress can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to remember that it's a complicated and time-consuming process that requires skill and patience. If you're considering making your own wedding dress, it's a good idea to start by familiarising yourself with the basics of sewing and trying out some simpler projects first. This will give you a sense of whether you feel comfortable taking on the challenge of creating your own wedding gown.

The first step in making your wedding dress is choosing a pattern and fabric that suits your skill level and vision for the dress. It's important to consider the shape, style, and fabric of the dress, as well as your body type and the formality of the wedding. Once you have your pattern and fabric, you'll need to take precise measurements and create a muslin mock-up to test the fit and make any necessary alterations. This step is crucial, as it will ensure that your final dress fits you perfectly.

After finalising the pattern and making any necessary alterations, you'll carefully cut and mark your fabric before basting and sewing it together. This process can be tedious, but it's important to take your time and be precise to ensure the best results. Finally, you'll add any desired embellishments and give your dress a final once-over to ensure it's ready for your big day.

Choosing the right fabric

Consider the Location and Season of Your Wedding:

The location and season of your wedding will play a significant role in choosing the right fabric. If you're having a beach wedding, go for light and airy fabrics such as chiffon or organza. For a winter wedding, opt for warmer options like silk or satin. The climate and weather conditions will also impact your choice, as you'll want to ensure comfort and practicality.

Select a Fabric that Flatters Your Body:

Different fabrics will drape and flow differently on various body types. Consider the shape and style of your dress, and choose a fabric that complements your figure. For example, if you're going for an A-line silhouette, chiffon or tulle would be excellent choices as they add movement and volume. On the other hand, satin or silk can accentuate curves and create a sleek look.

Choose a Fabric that Matches Your Skill Level:

If you're new to sewing, it's essential to select a fabric that is beginner-friendly. Some fabrics are more forgiving of mistakes, while others may be more challenging to work with. Consider your sewing experience and choose a fabric that aligns with your skill level to ensure a smoother dressmaking process.

Opt for High-Quality and Durable Fabric:

Your wedding gown will be subject to various activities and emotions throughout the day, so choosing a durable and high-quality fabric is essential. Look for fabrics that are known for their strength and longevity, ensuring that your dress not only looks beautiful but also stands the test of time.

Sample and Test the Fabric:

Before making a final decision, be sure to feel and test the fabric. Consider ordering swatches or purchasing a small amount of the fabric to test its drape, comfort, and ease of sewing. This will give you a better idea of how the fabric will behave and help you make an informed choice.

Plan for Underlining and Lining:

Depending on the fabric you choose, consider adding underlining and lining to your gown. Underlining provides structure and support, while lining adds comfort and opacity, especially if your fabric is sheer. Consult with a fabric specialist or an experienced seamstress to determine if these additional layers are necessary for your chosen fabric.

Remember, choosing the right fabric for your wedding gown is a personal decision. Take the time to consider your preferences, the wedding setting, and your skill level to create a dress that reflects your unique style and vision for your special day.

Selecting a pattern

Step 1: Choose a Pattern Book

Start by browsing pattern books available at your local craft or fabric store. These books typically contain pictures of various dress patterns, allowing you to find one that matches your desired style. The actual patterns are usually stored in drawers, organised like a library's card catalogue. Remember that more intricate patterns may cost a little more.

Step 2: Assess Your Sewing Skills

If you are a beginner, opt for a simpler pattern. Experienced sewers can choose more complex designs but remember that significant alterations to the basic construction of the pattern, such as changing the waistline or removing sleeves, can be challenging. Assess your skills honestly to ensure you don't take on a pattern that is too difficult.

Step 3: Determine Your Size

Commercial pattern sizes differ from regular clothing sizes, so refer to the pattern's size chart and use your measurements to determine the correct size. This information will guide how much fabric you need and any additional materials required.

Step 4: Gather the Necessary Materials

Along with the pattern, you will need bridal fabric, lining, underlining, interfacing, boning, thread, a zipper, buttons, loop tape, straight pins, a seam ripper, sewing scissors, vinyl measuring tape, and muslin fabric. Additionally, consider investing in a book about sewing techniques, especially one specific to wedding dresses, to guide you through the process.

Step 5: Consider Pattern Adjustments

Before cutting your expensive bridal fabric, plan any changes you want to make to the pattern. For example, you may want to remove sleeves, adjust the neckline, or change the waistline. These adjustments should be relatively small and not alter the fundamental construction of the dress.

Step 6: Create a Muslin Mock-Up

Before cutting your bridal fabric, create a mock-up using inexpensive muslin fabric. Cut out the pattern pieces and pin them to the muslin fabric, then cut out the fabric pieces. This step allows you to make adjustments and perfect the fit without risking damage to your expensive bridal fabric. Try on the mock-up with your wedding day undergarments and shoes to ensure an accurate fit.

Step 7: Alter the Paper Pattern

Once you are happy with the fit of your muslin mock-up, carefully take it apart and transfer the alterations to the original paper pattern. This step requires skill and precision to ensure the changes are accurately reflected on the paper pattern.

Making a mock-up

Step 1: Choose a Muslin Fabric

Select a muslin fabric that is inexpensive and easily replaceable. This fabric will be used to create a test version of your wedding gown, so it doesn't need to be as high-quality as your final bridal fabric.

Step 2: Cut and Pin the Pattern Pieces

Open your sewing pattern and carefully cut out all the pieces. Then, lay them out on your muslin fabric, pinning them individually to minimise fabric waste. Pin the pieces to the fabric and cut each piece out carefully.

Step 3: Make Initial Alterations

Before sewing the muslin pieces together, decide on any initial alterations you want to make. For example, you may want to remove the sleeves or adjust the neckline. Make these changes to the muslin fabric, leaving some extra fabric for future adjustments.

Step 4: Baste the Muslin Pieces Together

Baste the muslin pieces together using long, loose stitches. This will allow you to easily take them apart if adjustments are needed.

Step 5: Try on the Muslin Mock-Up

Try on the muslin mock-up, wearing the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will give you an idea of the final fit and silhouette of your gown. It is helpful to have a second person assist you with pinning and making alterations.

Step 6: Pin and Baste Alterations

Have your helper pin the mock-up to fit your body perfectly. Make sure to consider the neckline, length, and overall comfort of the dress. Once you are happy with the fit, carefully remove the pins and baste the alterations in place.

Step 7: Finalise the Mock-Up

Try on the altered mock-up one last time to ensure it fits correctly. Make any final adjustments and trim off any excess fabric. Now you have a finished mock-up that accurately represents the final look of your wedding gown.

Creating a muslin mock-up is a crucial step in the dressmaking process. It allows you to perfect the fit and make any necessary changes before cutting into your bridal fabric. Take your time with this step and don't be afraid to make adjustments until you are completely happy with the result.

Cutting and marking the fabric

• Lay out your fabric and pattern: Spread out your fabric with the inside facing up. Carefully lay the pieces of your pattern onto the fabric, ensuring it is positioned exactly on the grain of the fabric. Pin the pattern down with straight pins.
• Cut the fabric: Using sharp fabric scissors, carefully cut out your fabric pieces along the edges of the pattern. Cut with precision, following the lines indicated on the pattern. If you plan on adding pleats or other details, remember to cut extra fabric as needed.
• Mark the fabric: Once all the pieces are cut out, remove the paper pattern. Use thread to mark the necessary points and seams on the fabric. This step will guide your sewing process.
• Baste the dress: Basting is a temporary stitching technique that will hold your fabric pieces together. Carefully baste your fabric pieces together, following the marks you made in the previous step. This step will allow you to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments before permanent stitching.
• Try on the basted dress: Put on the basted dress, along with the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day. This step will help you assess the fit and comfort of the dress. You may need assistance from a friend or family member to pin and make adjustments accurately.
• Make alterations: After trying on the dress, note any adjustments that need to be made for a perfect fit. This may include adjusting the length, neckline, or waistline. Mark these alterations on the fabric with pins.
• Alter the paper pattern: Carefully take apart the basted dress and lay the fabric pieces back onto the original paper pattern. Transfer the alterations you made to the fabric onto the paper pattern. This step ensures that you have a record of the changes and can recreate them accurately.
• Final cutting and marking: Using the altered paper pattern as a guide, cut and mark your final fabric. This step is crucial, as it will determine the final look and fit of your wedding gown. Ensure extreme precision and attention to detail during this process.
• Baste the final fabric: After cutting and marking your final fabric, baste the pieces together again. This will allow you to check the fit and make any final adjustments before permanent stitching.
• Final adjustments: Try on the basted final fabric one last time to ensure it fits perfectly. Make any necessary adjustments to the length, neckline, or waistline. This is your last chance to make changes before permanent stitching.

Remember to take your time during this process and pay attention to the details. Cutting and marking the fabric accurately will ensure a better fit and overall appearance for your dream wedding gown.

Sewing the dress

Before you begin sewing, consider creating a liner, especially if you have chosen a light fabric that might be see-through, or if you have chosen a fabric that might irritate your skin. You should also consider adding crinolines to your dress. Crinolines are the stiff fabric often present underneath wedding dresses to give their skirts more fullness. You can add these before or after sewing the dress.

Now, it's time to sew! Sew the seams by following the shape that you cut out according to your pattern. Use vertical princess seams. These seams go from the top to the bottom of the dress. It is impossible to make a one-piece dress without them. Sew all the way to the hem, even if you have extra fabric. It is much easier to take the dress in than to let it out.

Once you've sewn all of your seams, gathers, and darts, try the dress on and make any necessary adjustments. Have a friend pin these adjustments for you, then sew over the pins to make the alterations. Now is the time to add any embellishments, such as a jewelled belt, lace applique, or rhinestone beads. Finish the dress by cutting any loose strings and making any final adjustments.

Frequently asked questions