Question about sewing (a dance dress/costume)

emanuela

New Member
So, I bought this Simplicity sewing pattern, because I decided I want to learn to sew by trial and error (I sewn my daughter's Halloween costume -- an A line dress -- with no previous experience, and I thought I did a fairly good job even though not perfect). My question is: my bust, hips and waist measurements don't match a single size; does it mean that I'm in big trouble or is there a way out?

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The good thing about sewing is that you can taylor it to fit you.
Look at the pattern measurement chart found on the pattern flap, in the pattern book or on the instructions of the pattern. Hopefully you've bought the pattern closest to your measurements, right?

Tell me what area you need to make adjustments in?
-in other words give me the chart measurements for the size pattern you've bought and list your measurements next to them.

Do you need that area to be smaller or larger in the dress by looking at the measurements?
I can direct you better if I know that.
Also what kind of material are you using? Is it a two way stretch?
Feel free to PM me if you'd rather.
 
You only really need to worry about he bodice as that's the only fitted part and that's in stretch fabric so it doesn't need to be as precisely fitted as tailoring. If it were a tailored dress you'd need more than a forum post to tell you how to cut the pattern to fit! Just pick the size that best approximates your measurements. If you're between two sizes go for the larger size as you can then take the bodice in where necessary after the first fitting and before finishing and hemming.

Once you get down and doing it it, it's easier than you think! If you're apprehensive, why don't you try a "dry run" on the bodice with a cheap piece of fabric with about the right stretch. Most fabric shops sell ends of fabric rolls cheaply and you should find one big enough! If you're not used to sewing stretch fabric a bit of practice would probably be helpful anyway.

What are you planning to make it up in?
 
Most patterns sold in the US are multi-sized. In fact, I've never seen a Simplicity pattern that wasn't multi-sized. When you open it up, take a look. Are there multiple sets of cuttings lines for each piece? If so, you're in luck! Here's what you do: examine the pattern and figure out where the waist line is on each piece. It's usually marked, at least on the center back. Extend that waist line all the way out to the edges of the pattern piece.

Now, look at the measurements on the back of the pattern. Compare your waist measurement to the chart. That is the size for your waist. Now look at your bust measurement and figure out our size. Now here's the interesting part: you can use a dressmaker's curve or French curve to join one size's lines to another. For example, if you're a 10 at the waist and a 12 at the bust, start at the waist and merge the 10 cutting line into the 12 cutting line above the waist.

You can do the same thing for the hips: for instance, if you're a 10 at the waist and an 8 at the hips, use the cruve to merge the 10 cutting line into the 8 cutting line below the waist.

For pattern pieces that are entirely below the waist (like the skirts on this pattern), cut whatever size your hip measurement told you to cut. For pattern pieces that are entirely above the waist (like the shoulder ruffle on this pattern), cut whatever size your bust measurement told you to cut.
 
Just curious--I used this pattern to make a dress for competition/performance and had a lot of trouble with it--pattern pieces marked wrong and directions incorrect/hard to understand. I've been sewing for 35+ years, have been making costumes for the past 4 years and even making my own patterns, and I've never had so much trouble. I call it my dress from hell! I like it now that it's done, but I hope you don't have as many problems as I did!
 
SuzieQ said:
Just curious--I used this pattern to make a dress for competition/performance and had a lot of trouble with it--pattern pieces marked wrong and directions incorrect/hard to understand. I've been sewing for 35+ years, have been making costumes for the past 4 years and even making my own patterns, and I've never had so much trouble. I call it my dress from hell! I like it now that it's done, but I hope you don't have as many problems as I did!
Oh no!!! ... My daughter's Halloween costume was a Simplicity pattern as well and I found it hard to understand, but of course it was my very first sewing experience. Maybe I should find another pattern, maybe a skirt. What in your opinion are the easiest patterns to understand?
 
Me too. The instructions are reasonable, although they're not always easy, especially if you're inexperienced. The overall quality of the patterns is good. The fit is good. The way the garments hang is good (if you did a good job with the sewing. :wink: :lol: )
 
I'm a big fan of Kwik Sew. You can find their patterns at www.sewingpatterns.com I like to use 3108 as the basis for a practice skirt. I like to use 2514 as the basis for princess-seamed gowns. I've also used 3064, 2931 and 2601 as the basis for dresses (yes, these are bathing suit and leotard patterns).

I can't use the patterns exactly as drawn, I have to lengthen the skirts and widen the flare at the hem. However, I've written some notes on how to do this, and sew ballgowns in general, at my web site at www.dancesportimage.com
 
That's a good point. kwik-sew has quite a few nice skating costume and other patterns for two-way stretch material. I know Joann's carries kwik-sew patterns, too. 8)
 
Ms_Sunlight said:
You only really need to worry about he bodice as that's the only fitted part and that's in stretch fabric so it doesn't need to be as precisely fitted as tailoring. If it were a tailored dress you'd need more than a forum post to tell you how to cut the pattern to fit! Just pick the size that best approximates your measurements. If you're between two sizes go for the larger size as you can then take the bodice in where necessary after the first fitting and before finishing and hemming.
What are you planning to make it up in?

I just used the word taylor because I don't know if she is very petite or not in which case she'd be swimming in the bodice....but yes it doesn't need to be precisely fitted as tailoring. and yeah you said it better than I did, pick the pattern closest to your measurements, larger if you're in between and adjust. As you can see, Emanuela and I agree it's not easy to give instructions for sewing on a venue such as this.
 
I don't care for them. Comparatively speaking, I find the diagrams to be not as easy to understand. Not bad enough to stop me from buying a pattern I like, of course. :wink: :lol:
 

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