I’m in need of some suggestions for fitting a plus size prom dress. I am making a princess seam dress in iridescent taffeta underlined with silk organza. I have found a pattern for a misses size 6X but will have to add several inches to the waist. I don’t think the back will be a problem but my client carries her weight in her belly so her navel and bustline hang low. I have nevered worked a design in her proportions and am concerned about fit, etc…Does anyone have recommendations before I start this project? I plan on making a muslin, fitting her, and using the muslin as my final pattern. I’m usually use quite a bit of boning in a formal dress. Thanks for your help!
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Replies
It sounds like you are on the right track. just do the fitting in the muslin. Use 1/2 inch boning and you probably need a firmer underlining to support the boning and keep tension off the fashion fabric. You could use simple cotton muslin underlining for the boning, or something even firmer like coutil. I guess this depends on the style of the dress.She needs to have proper undergarments and should wear them for all fittings.
I have never used coutil and hadn't even considered using a different underlining. I'm up for trying something new...so what is coutil? Thanks for your help:)
Coutil is a very firmly woven fabric usually used in corsets. It's strong, has virtually no give so it won't stretch out of shape.Do a google, this link is from "corset making supply .com' I've used them in the past and was very pleased with the service.http://store.corsetmaking.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CMS-F-CoutN&Category_Code=F&Product_Count=11
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