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How to Sew Bridesmaids Dresses

Bridesmaids’ dresses come in a wide variety of styles and colors. The bride may choose to have all the bridesmaids wear exactly the same type of dress, or wear slightly different styles all in the same color, or even different shades, so that each bridesmaid can choose a style that she likes and that most flatters her figure. (And if a bridesmaid gets a dress she likes, she may be more likely to wear it again.) The bride may want to have the bridesmaids dresses sewn if she wants a particular color, or style, that she can’t easily find in stores, or if she wants to do costume-style bridesmaids’ dresses, such as for a Renaissance themed wedding. Make sure to start the bridesmaids’ dresses well before the wedding, so that you’ll have time to complete them in plenty of time for a final fitting.

Things You'll Need

soft measuring tape
dress pattern
fabric
matching thread
zipper
scissors
straight pins
iron
ironing board
sewing machine

Instructions

- 1
  Meet with the bride (and the bridesmaids, if possible) to determine how many bridesmaids’ dresses there will be. Choose a style (or styles) and color for the dresses, and find out if the bride or bridesmaids plan to help pick out patterns and materials. Set a budget for the dresses and a deadline for the final fitting.
- 2
  Take the measurements for each bridesmaid (or have them take their own and send them to you), measuring around the fullest part of the bust, waist and hips. You’ll need this information for choosing a pattern and making the dresses, since pattern companies often use different sizes from the dress sizes found in stores.
- 3
  Choose a dress pattern or patterns that matches the bride’s expectations and the style of the wedding. If the bridesmaids want different styles, you may be able to save money by buying one pattern that has several options for necklines and sleeves. Some dress patterns are easier to sew than others, so make sure to choose a pattern that matches your skill level.
- 4
  Select fabric for the dresses. If you want to make all the dresses in the same fabric, make sure the store has enough of that fabric available, or can order it for you in time. Follow the guidelines on the pattern envelope for recommended types of fabric and to find out how much material you need for each dress.
- 5
  Pick out good quality thread that matches the fabric, zippers and any other notions or accessories you need, such as fusible interfacing. Buy any trim or decorations at the same time as the fabric, if possible, to make sure they match.
- 6
  Cut out the pattern pieces. If you’re using the same pattern to make dresses in several sizes, cut out the patterns using the lines for the largest size first, then cut the patterns in the smaller sizes after you’ve finished cutting the fabric for the larger size. Smooth out any wrinkles in the pattern pieces, using a low-temperature iron if needed.
- 7
  Follow the pattern directions to cut out the dress pieces and sew them together. Have the bridesmaids try on the dresses, if possible, before hemming the skirt and the sleeves. If the bridesmaids are not available, make sure to have them give you their height and sleeve measurements.
- 8
  Give the dresses to the bridesmaids as soon as possible, so that you still have time to make minor alterations if needed.

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