1. Home
  2. Sewing Discussions
  3. Lace for wedding dress

Lace for wedding dress

I am probably going to make my daughter's wedding dress. She found one she likes that is strapless, mermaid style, princess seams. There are 7 total panels that flare and the back extends into a train. The dress fabric I think was a satin- (that is what I would use) covered with lace. The lace was stitched with the fabric, not a separate layer. Now my problem...She is at least 5'9", and one of the laces (chantilly lace at JoAnns) I found had a scalloped border, but the lace, I would think needs to be as wide as I need length for each panel, so the scallop would be on the bottom of the flare. I plan to merge a couple of different patterns, but there is now waist seam. Am I correct in calculating how to do this and if so, does anyone know of a source for a wide lace, or how to get it work if the lace isn't wide enough. If I use the length of the lace for the panels, it can be long enough, but I lose the scallop. I hope this is clear. my daughter is skeptical, but the dress she found is rather pricey. Thanks Pam

Reply to
Pam
Loading thread data ...

There are several things to consider: Lace is usually woven in 45" widths with the scallop along each edge, which has (as you have realized) cutting implications. The dress sounds lovely, but you need also to tale into account that the hem may well be quite curved on such a style.

One of the classic ways to cut this sort of thing is to cut the scalloped edge off and treat the length of the lace like any other fabric for cutting out. then you reattach the scallop, shaping it to fit the hem curve.

There's quite a good explanation of how to cut and sew lace in 'Bridal Couture' by Susan Khalje, a nice chapter in the Vogue & Butterick 'Designer Sewing Techniques', and another useful one in 'Bridal Gowns' by Susan E Andriks. All these would be good investments before starting this lovely project.

Reply to
Kate Dicey

You don't exactly keep the seam from showing: you applique the scallop after making up the dress and fixing the hem length. You lay the scalloped edge over the lace and zigzag it in place. Because lace is so 'busy' the join really doesn't show. If you are using a heavy reembroidered, beaded, or corded lace, you might want to baste the lower

12" or so of seam, fix the hem length and then cut off the lace that will be under the scalloped edge to avoid bulk. You would finish the seams after removing the excess lace, and finish the hems before applying the scalloped edge.

For pink buttons and bands, why not use the bridesmaid dress fabric and have buttons covered. BTW, though you might like to do everything yourself, professionally covered buttons look a LOT better than home covered ones! :) And they are relatively inexpensive to get done, are made from scraps, and are a great saving on the fingers. I speak from experience!

Reply to
Kate Dicey

You cut the scallop off along the edge of the lace pattern. When you re-attach, you lay the cut-off piece over the main piece with the lower edge where you want it to be, wrong side of edge to right side of main piece, and you sew along the motif edge with a fine thread and narrow zigzag. Then you trim the excess fabric away. The stitching should look like it's part of the edge of the lace motif.

Sally

Reply to
Sally Holmes

InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.