A cocktail or short semi-formal dress, which is traditionally worn at cocktail parties, is one of the main things that every woman should have in her closet. However, it can be difficult for many women to find the perfect outfit in stores, especially if you have a limited budget or standard sizes are not suitable for you. Creating your own cocktail dress according to the patterns, you can choose the style and style that you have always been looking for, as well as fully control the cost of clothes.
The importance of dresses in the wardrobe
For many centuries, it was believed that wearing dresses was exclusively a female prerogative, but also in history there were times when loose-fitting clothing began to be called a dress, which men could equally wear. Form, cut, materials have repeatedly changed with the passage of time. From a simple cloak or Greek tunic, models became more complex, down to lush baroque crinolines and to the most extraordinary modern models.
In the women's wardrobe, evening and cocktail dresses are undoubtedly the most important components. When creating their collections, world-famous designers focus on women's dresses and most often on evening looks. Indeed, in such luxurious dresses, every woman becomes incomparably beautiful. Elegant maxi dresses or sexy mini dresses are an important part of not only social events and the carpet, but also various corporate parties, important dates and holidays.
An outfit for a special occasion does not have to have a sky-high price, because the decisive role is still played by the style and presentation, which can emphasize the figure. Attention should be paid to accessories that can completely transform the outfit, making the image unforgettable. Properly selected jewelry will give the dress spectacular and harmonious.
Optimal solution
The more cocktail dresses a woman has in closets, 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, it will be an ideal solution to sew by yourself. And it is not as difficult as it seems, but even exciting. In addition, when the model is selected independently, taking into account the individual characteristics of the figure, the result will look much better. Sewing cocktail dresses according to patterns is a complex and serious matter, therefore, the process of work must be approached with all responsibility.
Before you start creating a cocktail dress pattern, you need to decide on a 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 many different patterns of cocktail dresses with photos. In addition, remember that many models of evening dresses and sundresses can be changed to fit the look of the cocktail dress, 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 your chosen cocktail dress model, 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’s easier to take the finished one and edit it for yourself. Ready-made patterns of cocktail dresses do not always fit perfectly in the figure, you should always adjust them a little to your own parameters. It is necessary to carry out the measurements of the figure correctly, without tightening the tape too tight, it is better to leave a few centimeters in reserve. With your own hands, patterns for cocktail dresses are not difficult, but still this requires experience.
Fabric Features
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 out along its contours.
Dress cut to the floor has a large number of vertical folds. To create them, pieces of fabric at the seam are folded and sewn so that excess tissue is formed. The number and size of folds are largely dependent 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 done only on light, flying hem (tulle, taffeta, chiffon).
Paper patterns and patterns
Many patterns of cocktail dresses have options for printing, having printed and cut out a paper template, it will be much easier to work. Lay the appropriate pieces of fabric with the wrong side up on top of the paper drawing. Then along the edges they should be fastened with pins.
Connection parts
The most important part of the work is the union of finished parts, when parts of the dress are sewn together according to the finished patterns. Make sure that you have thought out all the details for a skirt, bodice, sleeves and smaller items such as belts and collars.
The bodice is most often sewn separately from the skirt. Each of these details must first be carefully worked out. Sleeves and a collar are sewn to the bodice, all the 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, stitching clothes in two parts is much easier, and less likely to do so unevenly. Attaching a zipper at the seam will not be difficult, but for an inexperienced person, it is likely to get a lot of trouble. In a dress with shoulder straps, it is recommended to sew a zipper not from the back, but from the side. However, the lateral lightning for the first time may turn out to be uneven.
Sleeve Options
It is rare to find really beautiful patterns for a cocktail dress with a long sleeve. However, the combination of a short skirt and closed hands looks intriguing. The most suitable option for a narrow dress made of dense material would be sleeves with a length of . For dresses of midi or maxi length, lighter material should be selected. For example, a fluffy taffeta skirt can be complemented by a flared style of sleeves from the same fabric.
Lastly, the seams are carefully processed so that the outfit sits neatly and does not look homemade. After the outfit is completely ready, it is necessary to try on it to eliminate small irregularities or inconsistencies.
The final part of creating the dress
Then comes the most enjoyable part when you can add all the details to a cocktail dress. Lace and other details are sewn by hand in the last turn. Attach flounces to the bottom of the skirt or to the sleeves and complete the collar of the dress. Complete your detailing with beads, embroidery or ribbon. It is important to ensure that when flashing thin parts, the thread is not visible from the outside.
Making a cocktail dress with your own hands according to the pattern is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. Having come to taste, you will certainly want to continue the "fashionable" activities, creating your own elegant wardrobe with your own hands. A unique combination of colors and styles, a choice of materials, patterns for cocktail dresses. You can add a variety of details, decorations, decor to achieve the desired.