Cocktail or short semi-formal dress traditionally worn at cocktail parties is one of the essential pieces that every woman should have in her closet. However, many women may find it difficult to find the perfect outfit in stores, especially if you're on a budget or standard sizes don't fit you. By creating your own cocktail dress from patterns, you will be able to choose the cut and style you have always been looking for, as well as completely control the cost of clothing.
The importance of a dress in the wardrobe
For many centuries it was believed that wearing dresses was exclusively a female prerogative, but there were also times in history when loose-fitting clothes that men could equally wear were called dresses. The shape, cut, materials have repeatedly changed with the passage of time. From simplecloak or Greek tunic, the models became more complicated up to the magnificent baroque crinolines and to the most extraordinary modern models.
In a women's wardrobe, evening and cocktail dresses are undoubtedly the most important components. When creating their collections, world-famous designers focus on women's outfits and most often on evening looks. Indeed, in such luxurious dresses, every woman becomes incomparably beautiful. Elegant maxi or sexy mini dresses are an important part of not only social events and the red carpet, but also various corporate parties, important dates and holidays.
A dress for a special occasion does not have to have an exorbitant price at all, because the style and presentation that can emphasize the figure still play a decisive role. Attention should also be paid to accessories that can completely transform the outfit, making the image unforgettable. Properly selected jewelry will add showiness and harmony to the dress.
Optimal solution
The more cocktail dresses a woman has in her closet, the more luxurious she feels. But in most cases, buying or ordering in an atelier or studio is not cheap. Of course, to create a beautiful and unique wardrobe to your taste, while spending a minimum of money, the ideal solution would be to sew it yourself. And it's not as difficult as it seems, and even exciting. In addition, when the model is chosen independently, taking into account the individual characteristics of the figure, the result will look much better. Sewing cocktail dresses according to patterns is a difficult and serious business, so the work process must be approached with all responsibility.
Before you start creating a cocktail dress pattern, you need to decide on the model. You can choose a suitable dress model in any fashion magazine, or by watching a couple of shows by famous designers. On the Internet you can find a wide variety of cocktail dress patterns with photos. Also, remember that many evening gowns and sundresses can be modified to match the look of a cocktail dress by shortening the skirt or adding more elegant details.
Where to start?
So, to create an evening dress with your own hands, you need to go through several stages. First of all, you need to measure the body with a measuring tape at the waist, chest, hips and determine the length of the skirt. Depending on the style of the cocktail dress you have chosen, you may also need to take measurements for the neckline, armhole, shoulder, sleeve length, center front and center back.
Based on this, patterns are made. However, it is easier to take the finished one and edit it for yourself. Ready-made patterns of cocktail dresses do not always fit perfectly on the figure, you should always customize them a little to fit your own parameters. It is required to measure the figure correctly, without tightening the centimeter tape too tight, it is better to leave a few centimeters in stock. DIY patterns forCocktail dresses are not difficult, but still require experience.
Features of fabrics
The next step will be the choice of material and color. Here you can experiment with fabric and color to achieve the desired result. After purchasing the necessary materials, on the basis of the finished drawing, the elements of the product are cut along its contours.
The cut of the floor-length dress is distinguished by a large number of vertical folds. To create them, pieces of fabric at the seam are folded and sewn so that an excess of fabric is formed. The number and size of folds largely depend on the fabric. The denser the material (velvet, satin, brocade), the larger they should be, and, therefore, the smaller they should be. A large number of folds are usually made only on light, flying hems (tulle, taffeta, chiffon).
Paper patterns and templates
Many cocktail dress patterns have printable options, by printing and cutting out a paper template, it will be much easier to work. On top of the paper drawing, place the corresponding pieces of fabric with the wrong side up. Then, along the edges, they should be fastened with pins.
Connecting parts
The most critical part of the work is the integration of finished parts, when the parts of the dress are sewn together according to the finished patterns. Make sure you have all the details for the skirt, bodice, sleeves and smaller items like belts and collars.
The bodice is most often sewn separately from the skirt. Each of these details must firstwork out carefully. Sleeves and a collar are sewn to the bodice, all seams in the dress are made on the sides. The exception is options with a single seam on the back, turning into a zipper. However, sewing two-piece garments is much easier and less likely to be uneven. Attaching a zipper along the seam will not be difficult, but for an inexperienced person, there is a high probability of getting a lot of trouble. In a dress with shoulder straps, it is recommended to sew a zipper not at the back, but at the side. However, the side zipper may be uneven at first.
Sleeve options
It is rare to find really beautiful patterns for a long sleeve cocktail dress. However, the combination of a short skirt and closed arms looks intriguing. The most suitable option for a narrow dress made of dense material will be ¾-length cuffed sleeves. For midi or maxi length dresses, lighter material should be selected. For example, a puffy taffeta skirt can be complemented by flared sleeves in the same fabric.
Last of all, the seams are carefully processed so that the outfit sits neatly and does not look homemade. After the outfit is completely ready, you need to try it on to eliminate small irregularities or inconsistencies.
Final part of making the dress
Next comes the fun part when you can add all the details to your cocktail dress. Lace and other details are sewn by hand in the very last turn. Pin the flounces to the bottom of the skirt or to the sleeves and complete the collar of the dress. Completedetailing with beads, embroidery or ribbon. It is important to ensure that when sewing thin parts, the thread is not visible from the outside.
It is not as difficult to sew a cocktail dress with your own hands according to a pattern as it seems at first glance. Once you get the taste, you will certainly want to continue your "fashionable" activity, creating your own elegant wardrobe with your own hands. Unique combination of colors and styles, choice of materials, patterns for cocktail dresses. You can add a variety of details, decorations, decor to achieve what you want.
