Junior Rasmussen
A wedding dress is a once-in-a-lifetime outfit, and many brides dream of a gown that is fit for a princess with a dramatic, voluminous skirt. There are several ways to make a wedding dress puffy, from adding an underskirt, petticoat, or slip, to using stiff fabrics such as tulle, netting, or crinoline. Crinolines are a stiff net-like fabric that adds volume to the skirt and improves the overall silhouette. Tulle is a net fabric with small hexagonal holes that gives a fluffy look, while netting is lightweight and adds volume without weighing down the dress. For those who prefer a softer look, adding multiple layers of fabric can create a dreamy princess gown, and box pleats can create the illusion of volume without adding fabric.
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What You'll Learn
Add an underskirt or petticoat
Adding an underskirt or petticoat is a great way to make your wedding dress puffy and add volume to the skirt. An underskirt is an extra layer under your wedding dress that gives it a puffy look and makes it easier to move around in your dress.
Underskirts and petticoats come in various styles and fabrics, so you can choose the one that best suits your dress and preferences. For example, if you want a lightweight option that adds volume without weighing down your dress, you can choose an underskirt made of netting fabric. Netting fabric has a natural stiffness and is very lightweight, giving your dress a voluminous shape. Nylon or polyester filament net fabric is an excellent choice for creating a fluffy and soft look with multiple layers.
Tulle is another type of net fabric with small hexagonal holes that give it a fine and soft texture. It is commonly used in wedding gowns, veils, and headdresses, adding a dreamy and ethereal touch to your look. If you're looking for a more structured and dramatic puffy effect, you can opt for stiffer fabrics like horsehair braids, organdy, or organza. These fabrics can be added as layers to create a voluminous silhouette.
Additionally, you can find underskirts and petticoats in different colours and styles, such as sparkly or layered designs, to add a unique touch to your wedding dress. Whether you prefer a subtle puff or a dramatic ball gown effect, choosing the right underskirt or petticoat can help you achieve the desired look for your special day.
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Sew in crinoline
A crinoline, also known as a petticoat, pettiskirt, or slip, is a type of undergarment that can be worn under a wedding dress to make it more puffy. It is a common item for brides who want to add volume to their skirts. Sewing a crinoline to the underneath layers of a wedding dress can be a simple process for those with sewing experience. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sew a crinoline to create a puffy effect for your wedding dress:
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
You will need fabric, netting, and other supplies such as thread, scissors, and any additional decorative elements you may want to add to your crinoline. The amount of fabric and netting required will depend on the desired length and fullness of your crinoline.
Step 2: Create the Waistband
Start by creating an elastic waistband that will serve as the base of your crinoline. Cut the elastic to fit your waist comfortably, and attach it to a piece of lining fabric. This fabric should be gathered against the elastic to create a ruffled effect. The width of this first tier can be around seven inches, which will be the standard width for each tier if you're aiming for a 21-inch-long crinoline.
Step 3: Add the Netting Tiers
Attach the first tier of ruffled netting to the waistband. This netting should be several yards long, depending on the desired fullness. For a more dramatic puff, use more netting and ruffle it generously. You can decide how many tiers of netting you want, with each successive tier adding more volume. The second tier can be around 12-16 yards, and the third tier can be even fuller at 16-20 yards.
Step 4: Sew the Tiers Together
Once you have created each tier, sew them together to form the completed crinoline. You can follow a basic slip or crinoline pattern or tutorial for this step, ensuring that the waistband fits comfortably and that the overall length is as desired.
Step 5: Attach to the Wedding Dress
Finally, sew the crinoline into the underneath layers of your wedding dress. This process will depend on the design of your dress, but a seamstress can easily perform this step for you if you are unsure.
By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and puffy effect for your wedding dress, adding volume and drama to your special day.
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Use stiff fabrics
To make your wedding dress puffy, you can use stiff fabrics as underlayers or overlayers. Here are some options for stiff fabrics to consider:
Crinoline
Crinoline is a stiff fabric that can be used as an underlayer to make your wedding dress puffy. It is a net-like material with a stiff hand due to the fabric finishes applied to it. It is ideal for ballgown wedding dresses, adding volume to the skirt and shape to the waist. However, because of its stiffness, crinoline can sometimes be uncomfortable against the skin, so you may need to wear an underskirt between the crinoline and your skin.
Netting
Netting fabrics are great at adding fullness to clothes as they have a natural stiffness and voluminous shape. Nylon or polyester filament net fabric is often used to make underskirts, and tulle is a type of net fabric with a fluffy look and soft hand that is commonly used in wedding gowns. Netting is also very lightweight, so it adds volume without weighing down the dress.
Horse Canvas
Horse canvas is a very stiff synthetic fabric (nylon) used inside garments to create a bouffant look. It is hard and scratchy, so it may need a facing. Horsehair braids made from this fabric are often used on hems to add volume.
Organdy and Organza
Organdy and organza are sheer fabrics with a stiff and crisp hand that can be used to add volume to a wedding dress. These fabrics can be added in multiple layers, either outside or inside the dress, to create a voluminous silhouette.
Taffeta
Taffeta is a crisp fabric with a ribbed weave that is often used to make full-silhouette skirts and evening wear. Nylon/polyester taffeta is stiffer than regular taffeta, and paper taffeta is a very stiff variety with a lacquer finish.
Heavyweight Fabrics
If you want to avoid adding multiple layers of fabric, you can sew your dress with heavyweight fabrics such as velveteen, denim, corduroy, or wool tweed to create a puffy look without the need for additional stiff underlayers.
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Add box pleats
Box pleats are a classic way to add structure and volume to a skirt, and they can easily be used to make your wedding dress more puffy. This technique is especially effective if you want to create a dramatic, full silhouette. Here's how you can add box pleats to your wedding dress:
First, you'll need to decide where you want the pleats to be placed. A popular option is to add them to the back of the skirt, creating a beautiful, voluminous train. You could also add box pleats to the sides or even all around the hem for a truly dramatic effect. Mark the placement of the pleats with pins or tailor's chalk. If you're working with a ready-made dress, you may want to carefully remove the skirt from the bodice for easier manipulation of the fabric.
Next, you will create the box pleats. Decide on the depth of the pleats you want—deeper pleats will create a more dramatic, puffy effect. A good range is between 2 and 4 inches deep, but you can go deeper if you're looking for a very full skirt. Fold the fabric under at your marked placement, creating a sharp crease, then bring the folded fabric back on itself to meet the crease, forming a box shape. Secure the pleat in place with pins. Repeat this process to create a series of box pleats along the marked areas of your skirt.
Once you're happy with the placement and look of your pleats, it's time to sew them in place. Carefully stitch along the top and bottom edges of each pleat, backstitching at the beginning and end to secure the thread. You can hand sew this for more precision and control, or use a sewing machine if you're confident in your ability to maneuver the fabric. Ensure that your thread matches the color of your dress, and use small, neat stitches to keep the pleats secure and discreet.
Finally, press the pleats with an iron to set them in place and create a crisp, clean finish. Place a damp cloth over the pleats and apply the iron on an appropriate heat setting for your fabric. This will help to set the pleats and ensure they hold their shape. Now you've successfully added box pleats to your wedding dress, creating a beautifully puffy and elegant silhouette!
Remember, if you're unsure or hesitant about altering your wedding dress, it's always a good idea to consult a professional seamstress or tailor for assistance. They can help ensure that your vision is executed flawlessly and that your dress fits perfectly on your special day.
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Alter the waistband
Altering the waistband of your wedding dress is one way to make it puffier. This method involves making adjustments to the waistband to add more width to the skirt, giving it a fuller and puffier appearance. Here are some tips and techniques to achieve this:
Altering the Waistband:
- Fabric Addition: If time permits, consider adding more fabric to the waistband area. Consult with your designer or seamstress about incorporating additional fabric layers or ruffles to increase the volume of the skirt. This technique is especially effective if you desire a dramatic and noticeable puffy effect.
- Box Pleats: For a more subtle approach, creating box pleats on the skirt can provide the illusion of added volume without actually attaching extra fabric. Box pleats are folds that create a structured and puffy appearance without the need for fabric additions.
- Tulle Fabric: Tulle fabric is a lightweight and voluminous option to enhance the puffiness of your wedding dress. It can be used to craft the skirt itself or serve as a lining or separate petticoat to be worn underneath the dress. Tulle's fine and soft texture adds a delicate puffy effect to the overall look.
- Elastic Waistband: Consider incorporating an elastic waistband into your wedding dress design. This adjustable feature not only ensures a comfortable fit but also allows for flexibility in creating a puffy silhouette. An elastic waistband can be easily gathered or tightened to add fullness to the skirt.
- Interlining: Interlining is an additional layer inserted between the outer fabric and the inner lining of the dress. It provides support and structure, helping to enhance the puffy appearance of the skirt. Interlining can be strategically applied to the waistband area to create a more defined and voluminous shape.
Remember to consult with a professional seamstress or designer before making any alterations to your wedding dress. They can advise you on the best techniques to achieve the desired puffy effect while ensuring the dress fits you perfectly and flatters your figure.
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Frequently asked questions
You can add volume to your wedding dress by wearing an underskirt or petticoat underneath. You can also add a crinoline, a stiff net-like material, underneath your dress to make it puffier.
You can tighten the waist of your dress with a belt to add volume to the skirt. You can also add width to the waistband or create box pleats on the skirt to create the illusion of more volume.
Netting fabrics such as nylon or polyester net fabric are great at adding fullness to clothes as they are naturally stiff and voluminous. Horsehair braids can also be used on the hem of skirts to create a puffy look.
You can add layers of tulle fabric to the waist and skirt of your dress to add volume. You can also add a slip or fit and flare shapewear underneath your dress for a puffy effect.
