Hi! This is the first time I am posting here, and I am a sewing beginner…thanks for your help!
I am making a dress with 8 kick pleats in the bottom. The pattern does not come with a lining, but I do want to line it since I am using a rather thin fabric. How should I line it?
1) If I put the kick pleats in the lining as well, they would bulk the skirt up.
2) If I just make a fan shaped lining, the skirt would also be bulked up by the fan since it’s not going to be open all the time.
3) If I just make a smaller fan shaped lining, I would have trouble walking.
4) If I make 8 slits in the lining, they would just kinda hanging loose and when I sit down, they might slip out of the skirt.
What should I do??? Thanks a ton!!
Kennis
Replies
Since you say your fabric is thin, consider underlining instead of lining it. This strengthens seams and also gives more body to the fabric, without really adding bulk. You cut the underlining the same as the fashion fabric, and handle each pair of corresponding pieces as one, sewing side-seams, zipper, etc. I think I would not underline the pleats, but you could do so. (I don't know what your pattern is, but I'm imagining an inset of pleated fabric.) This way the fullness of the pleated fabric still provides the room you need for walking, without the interference of a separate lining.The type of fabric used for your underlining might depend on your fashion fabric, but you might consider cotton batiste or silk organza, both of which are easy to handle and give adequate strength and body, while remaining light and cool. Underlining really improves the look of a slim skirt - it doesn't wrinkle as badly while wearing, and over time, the skirt keeps its shape better. Threads did an article on the advantages of underlining once, with photos showing the difference over time between an underlined skirt and a non-underlined one.I hope this is helpful. Good luck and let us know what works for you.
Thank you so much Josefly!!! I will underline the dress as you suggest!!! :-)
Edited 5/27/2007 11:32 pm ET by Kennis
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