Need help making a bridesmaid dress.
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 357
Need help making a bridesmaid dress.
I know this is a quilting board, but there are several of you that were accomplished seamstresses in your past life, and I need advice. It has been a long time since I have sewn garments. My niece is sewing bridesmaids dresses for her future sister in law, and in a moment of insanity I volunteered to help. I just got off the phone with her and she said the material was satin. Her sister in law had made a dress out of the same material and it was puckering at the seams. Hearing that, brought back the nightmare of the prom dress I made many years ago, and it puckering at the seams. I tried to do everything right. Someone explained it to me that the way the material is woven that when you cut it and try to sew it back together, it causes a wrippling affect at the seams. Any words of wisdom or other tips for sewing with this fabric will be apprecated. As I said it has been along time, I am hoping it is just like riding a bike. LOL
#2
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 233
Hey, Suzie, I sew a lot of garments and have found the need to change the needle on my machine often stops the puckering. Also sewing satin its important to use the right type of needle. Sometimes, I change needles until It stops puckering. It has worked for me. I like to use a 'sharp' needle to sew satin. I've also found it helps to use a top end thread.
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 357
I just got back from surfing the net for info, and they suggested 10-15 stiches per inch. I wonder if that was part of my problem before? There was not the wonderful resources at my fingertips back then. I am glad I offered, as my niece did not know about not washing it, or no steam and pinning in the seam allowence. Any input is appreciated.
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,538
Make sure the measurements are correct because satin can be taken in but not out! I always sew with extra wide seams and then serge the edges for a nice inside finish. If you don't have a serger, you might want to look up French seams. Make sure to check the fabric content if that is possible. It may look like satin but it could be something else.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Cadillac, MI
Posts: 6,487
If you don't have a serger, you can zigzag the seams, just press lightly with either serged or zigzagged seams. Size 9 needle, Guterman polyester thread, an Elna machine, seven wedding dresses, 20 prom dresses, 15 bridesmaid dresses and never a puckered seam. Sometimes it's the machine, too. I borrowed a friend's machine because mine was busy elsewhere - mistake. The borrowed machine whose brand I won't mention wouldn't sew lace or satin.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Vancouver Island, Beautiful BC
Posts: 2,090
Check out http://www.Patternreview.com. There is a section on sewing formal wear where you can get some great tips. You will have to get a free membership in order to post a question.
I found this site, through PR.
I found this site, through PR.
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