Replies

1. 
   quixotesmom | Jan 19, 2008 09:41am | #1

   Fabric needs to be cut on bias. Cut a wider seam than you will want, with right sides together baste, measuring carefully as you go. Machine stitch, press flat, then press open and trim seam. Turn inside out  using a small saftey pin(easy way). Stretch and press. Keep stretching because you don"t want strap to stretch when you wear it. You might want to try small sample to see how much the strap will thin out if keeping it a 2" width.

2. 
   SAAM | Jan 19, 2008 10:03am | #2

   I agree with quixotesmom's advice. The one thing I would add is that you may want to use a loop turner for turning the straps right side out; this nifty tool makes that job a breeze.

3. 
   rekha | Jan 19, 2008 11:37am | #3

   you may want to stitch a string to the starting end of the strap and lay it in the fold of the fabric.

   The string would naturally be a couple of inches longer than the strap you are going to  make.

   When you have finished sewing the seam, just pull the string and voila you have the right sides out

4. 
   Teaf5 | Jan 22, 2008 02:35am | #4

   The other replies are good ideas; here is another possibility:  use trim rather than fabric for the straps. 

   For a prom dress with a subtle rose print, I found a lovely woven rose trim that coordinated perfectly.  I stitched it to clear elastic and attached it like a fabric strap.  It supported the gown, was comfortable, and very beautiful.

5. 
   dressed2atee | Jan 23, 2008 05:32am | #5

   I agree with cutting on the bias...I took a couture sewing techniques class with Susan Kahlje and she had us cut the strap on the bias and stretch really hard as we sewed as well as when pressing.  We used the loop turner (Dritz).  It turned out fantastic and you can make the strap really skinny.

6. 
   Tatsy | Jan 23, 2008 08:31am | #6

   If you were wearing this dress frequently, I would agree with everything that's been said so far, but for a one-night dress here's a quicker method. Cut the fabric 2 and one-half inches wide, serge the long edges, overlap the serged edges so only one serged edge shows, press flat exactly as it will appear on the prom dress. Choose a coordinating trim that will cover the serged edge (braid, ribbon, sequins, faux pearl strands, etc.) and stitch it down. This will be the right side of the strap.  It's what they call "quick and dirty" but sometimes you have to choose between sanity and perfection.

1. 
   Teaf5 | Jan 26, 2008 12:27am | #7

   I agree completely! Even without a serger, I've used a double fold for a strap, topstitching to hold it closed and topstitching along the fold to make it symmetrical and strong.

   Edited 1/25/2008 4:27 pm by Teaf5