VJ


Seamsters

This guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions, highlight common mistakes to avoid, and share techniques for practising on toiles. Whether you’re sewing your own dress or 'just asking for a friend', you’ll gain confidence and skills to master this essential sewing technique.

Wedding dresses often feature delicate buttons, lace, or hidden zippers to keep the look seamless and elegant. But what if the zipper itself became a striking part of the design? Exposed zips in the backs of wedding dresses add a modern, edgy touch that can transform a traditional gown into a statement piece. This post explores why exposed zips deserve a place in bridal fashion and offers practical tips on how to create one yourself.

Before buying the right size pattern you need to take your body measurements...correctly, or as correctly as possible. Here are a few tips to get your measuring 'groove on', so you can (i) measure yourself properly in order to (ii) use the correct size pattern, which (iii) specifies a specific amount of ease so that you can (iv) get the best fit for your personal style.

Ok so you know the style of dress you want. You've got the fabric swatches or perhaps have bought the fabric. You've downloaded the pattern. You've drawn new size lines on your pattern pieces if/where required. The next step is to source a cheap fabric which is as close as possible in weight and handle: drape, to that of your chosen dress fabric, so that you can make the toile.

The toile is finished - or as finished as you need it to be: you haven't bothered to include fastenings such as zips and/or buttons and buttonholes. You've sewn the major seams: side, shoulder and perhaps set in the sleeves. Wearing the appropriate underwear and shoes, try the toile on.