Rhiannon Hendricks
Transforming a wedding dress into a christening gown is a creative and sentimental project. It is a popular way to create a family heirloom, with many people choosing to design and sew the gown themselves, while others opt for professional services. The process involves careful planning, deconstructing the wedding dress, and customising the christening gown design to utilise the available fabric. The result is a unique and meaningful outfit for a child's christening or baptism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Project type | Sentimental, special, DIY |
| Materials | Wedding dress, sewing materials (scissors, measuring tape, etc.), sewing machine, serger, fabric samples, embellishments |
| Preparation | Plan the design, deconstruct the wedding dress, clean the fabric |
| Sewing tips | Use small pins, avoid sewing over them, sew gathered side on top, sew sample swatches, cut each piece in a single layer, allow extra length for overlay |
| Customization | Reuse natural hems, add trims, bows, buttons, flowers, broaches, lace, ribbon, pleats, embroidery, ornamental elements |
| Professional services | Unbox the Dress, Fairygodmothercreations, Susan Young Sewing |
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What You'll Learn
Deconstructing the wedding dress
When deconstructing the dress, it is helpful to line up the cuts with the natural hem on the bottom of the skirt and the ends of the sleeves, if there are any. This avoids the need to hem the christening gown, which can be tricky due to the delicate fabric, beading, or slipperiness of the material. It is also a good idea to use smaller pins and only pin in the area of the seam allowance to avoid damaging the fabric. If there is a specific design element on the fabric, be sure to centre the pattern pieces accordingly.
The skirt portion of the christening gown is highly customisable. It can be cut into a rectangle, A-line, half circle, high-low, or any other desired shape. The top of the skirt can be used for the bodice, and the width can be adjusted to create a full skirt. If using multiple layers for the skirt, cut the overlay fabric about 2 inches longer than the lining to allow for hemming and gathering at the waist.
Once the wedding dress has been deconstructed and the fabric has been cut, it is a good idea to sew sample swatches to check the stitch details before sewing the actual christening gown. This helps to avoid simple mistakes and allows for any necessary adjustments to stitch length and tension. When attaching gathered sections to flat pieces, such as setting the sleeves or attaching the skirt, sew with the gathered side on top to prevent the fabric from jamming. It is also recommended to avoid sewing over pins when stitching the gathered elements.
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Cleaning the fabric
Before you begin deconstructing your wedding dress, it's important to assess the fabric and its condition. If the dress hasn't been cleaned previously, it may be soiled, especially along the hem. Slight discolourations and yellowing of the fabric are common in older wedding dresses.
If the dress appears to be soiled, it is recommended to have it professionally dry-cleaned before proceeding with the deconstruction. This will ensure that the fabric is in the best possible condition and will also make it easier to work with. However, dry cleaning can be expensive, so consider the extent of the soiling before making a decision.
If the dress has been stored for a long time, it may also be infested with insects. In this case, dry cleaning is essential to eliminate the insects and sanitise the fabric before proceeding with the project.
Once you've determined whether cleaning is necessary, you can carefully clip fabric samples from inconspicuous areas of the dress. These samples will help you choose the right cleaning method and test how the fabric responds to different treatments.
When cleaning the fabric, always refer to the care instructions provided on the original dress. If the fabric is delicate, hand washing may be the best option to avoid damage. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Submerge the dress and gently agitate the water with your hands, taking care not to scrub or twist the fabric. Rinse the dress thoroughly under running water to remove any soap residue and gently squeeze out excess water.
For more robust fabrics, machine washing may be suitable. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Place the dress in a laundry bag or duvet cover to provide extra protection during the wash. Avoid using the dryer, as the heat can damage the fabric. Instead, lay the dress flat on a clean towel and allow it to air dry.
Remember, each wedding dress is unique, and the cleaning process may vary depending on the fabric and embellishments. Always test on a small area first and proceed with caution to avoid damaging the dress.
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Creating a pattern and cutting the fabric
The first step in turning a wedding dress into a christening gown is to carefully deconstruct the wedding dress. This can be a daunting task, so it is important to take the time to plan and make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. If the wedding dress is old and has any discolouration or soiling, it may be a good idea to have it professionally dry-cleaned before beginning the project. This can improve the final product and prevent discolouration from spreading to other fabrics.
Once the wedding dress has been deconstructed, it is time to create a pattern for the christening gown. This will involve measuring and cutting the fabric to create the desired shape. It is important to use high-quality materials and to be as precise as possible during this step to ensure a professional-looking finish. Take time to consider the placement of any design elements, such as lace or beading, and centre your pattern pieces accordingly. If you are including multiple layers, such as a lining with a tulle overlay, cut the overlay fabric about 2 inches longer than the lining to allow for hemming and gathering.
When cutting the fabric, use smaller pins if you have them, and try to pin only in the seam allowance area to avoid damaging the fabric. If you are worried about making a mistake, you can cut each piece in a single layer rather than doubling the fabric, to ensure everything is lined up correctly. Remember that you can always cut the pattern over specific elements and re-hem them if needed. Hemming can be particularly challenging with delicate fabrics, beading, or slippery materials, so it is important to plan carefully.
After the pattern pieces have been cut, it is a good idea to sew sample swatches to test your stitch details and ensure they are suitable for the fabric. Each fabric is unique and may require adjustments to stitch length and tension. When attaching gathered sections to flat pieces, such as setting the sleeves or attaching the skirt, sew with the gathered side on top to prevent the fabric from jamming. Avoid sewing over pins when working with gathered elements, and always go slowly to avoid broken needles.
Finally, don't forget to add any desired embellishments or decorative elements from the wedding dress, such as buttons, bows, or lace. These can be added during or after construction, depending on the design.
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Sewing the christening gown
Sewing a christening gown from a wedding dress is a delicate project that requires careful planning and execution. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Fabric Preparation:
Before cutting into the wedding dress, it is essential to assess the fabric's condition. If the dress is older, it may have slight discolourations or yellowing. Consider having it professionally dry-cleaned to improve the final product's overall appearance. Additionally, if there are any specific design elements or embellishments on the wedding dress that you want to incorporate into the christening gown, identify those areas to plan your cuts accordingly.
Pattern and Cutting:
Choose a basic pattern for the christening gown that can be easily customised. You can find free patterns online or create your own. When placing the pattern pieces on the wedding dress, ensure you centre them according to any specific design elements you want to include. Cut each piece in a single layer to ensure precise alignment. For the skirt, you can cut a rectangle and gather it, or get creative with an A-line, half-circle, or high-low skirt. If the wedding dress has sleeves, consider reusing the hems to save time and achieve a more professional look.
Sewing Techniques:
Use smaller pins to avoid damaging the fabric, and pin only in the seam allowance area. When attaching gathered sections, such as sleeves or the skirt, sew with the gathered side on top to prevent fabric jamming. Avoid sewing over pins, especially when working with gathered elements. Sewing sample swatches beforehand can help you perfect your stitch details and tension before sewing the actual gown.
Embellishments and Customisation:
Add bows, trim, buttons, or flowers from the wedding dress to embellish the christening gown. You can place them on the front centre, waistline, or along the bottom hem. If you have extra fabric, consider adding satin trim at the waist or for sleeve binding. You can also add an embroidered cross or incorporate ribbon, lace, or pleats for further customisation.
Final Steps:
Complete any final touches, including hand-stitching, hemming, sewing on buttons, or adding any remaining embellishments. If you have fabric left over, consider creating matching accessories, such as a bonnet or "lovey" blankets. Remember to go slowly and enjoy the process of transforming your wedding dress into a cherished christening gown.
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Adding embellishments
Plan the placement of embellishments: Before you start sewing, decide where you want to place the embellishments. The front centre of the gown is a great place for buttons or bows, while the waistline is perfect for flowers or brooches. You can also add trim along the bottom hem or use lace and trim from the original wedding dress.
Incorporate unique details: If the wedding dress has any unique details, such as bows, trim, buttons, brooches, or lace, consider incorporating them into the christening gown. These details can add a sentimental touch and make the gown one-of-a-kind.
Customise the skirt: The skirt portion of the christening gown offers a lot of room for creativity. You can cut out different skirt styles, such as an A-line, half circle, or high-low skirt, and add embellishments like buttons, snaps, or a zipper. If you're using a fabric with a specific design element, be sure to centre your pattern pieces accordingly.
Add personal touches: Think about adding personal touches that reflect the personality and style of the child. For example, you can embroider the child's initials or add a decorative element that holds sentimental value.
Consider the type of embellishments: Choose embellishments that complement the style and colour of the christening gown. Ribbons, lace, pleats, buttons, and unusual bindings can add texture and visual interest. You can also mix and match different types of embellishments to create a unique look.
Keep functionality in mind: While embellishments enhance the aesthetic of the gown, ensure they do not hinder the child's comfort or movement. Choose embellishments that are soft, lightweight, and non-irritating, especially if the child has sensitive skin.
By adding embellishments thoughtfully and creatively, you can transform a wedding dress into a christening gown that is not only visually appealing but also holds sentimental value for your family.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to start by sitting down and looking at your wedding dress to make a solid plan. You can then order a secure DressBox to your address, place your dress inside, and send it for a design consultation.
If your wedding dress is soiled, you can get it professionally dry-cleaned. However, this can be expensive. Alternatively, you can deconstruct the wedding gown first and have the christening gown dry-cleaned at the end of the project.
You will need basic sewing tools such as buttons, snaps, a zipper, sewing pins, scissors, and a measuring tape.
A full christening gown requires a lot of fabric. If you want the entire gown to be made from your wedding dress, it needs to be a full-length wedding dress.
