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I would like to know how wide and how many layers of tulle would be needed in this type of dress-I’m using a hooped petticoat to get the desire effectThe dress has a fitted bodice and the bride wants the skirt quite full.
Annette
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Annette,
I just made one of these, today!
What you want are graduated layers of tulle. You'll divide the skirt of the petticoat into three levels. Here is how I make one from scratch, you can adapt this to your skirt:
Start with the rectangle of fabric that will be the petticoat. Mine is five yards wide and 32 inches long. Divide it into thirds and mark by pressing in a crease. Hem one long end 1/2", this is the bottom of the petticoat
On the bottom crease, make a tulle ruffle (I use that really stiff crinoline netting you can find at Walmart for $.57/yd.) that is the width of the crease to the hem (probably about 10 inches) times four times the width of the rectangle. This would make you cut a netting ruffle that is 20 yards times 10 or so inches wide. Gather it to fit the rectangle of the base fabric and apply it with a straight or zigzag stitch to the creased line.
For the second layer, you want to make it the length from the top crease to the hem, and three times the width of the piece. This would be fifteen yards times about 20 inches. Gather and apply as before, attaching to the top crease you pressed into the fabric.
On the top raw edge of the rectangle, apply two layers of netting that are exactly the same size as the base fabric.
Now make a yoke. I make mine 10 inches long x 45 inches wide. Stitch a center back seam, joining the 10 inch sides for about 2 inches. Turn under the top edge 3 inches and press; you will make two ribbon casings here so the length can be adjusted to the wearer, or you can attach this top part to a finished garment. Frankly, I prefer removable petticoats as they are easier to transport and clean.
Now gather the big ol' ruffled petticoat to fit the bottom of the yoke. Stitch right sides together and ask for someone to help you handle it while you work on it:)
The last step is to make a smooth over-layer of the bridal tulle that is used for veils. Use two to four layers of the tulle. (This is the softer net that comes 72-120 inches wide) You need two to three times the width of the yoke, and it needs to be long enough to cover all the net layers. This will probably be about 32-34 inches....gather and attach it to the yoke, BUT, when you attach it, make the seam allowance where it faces the hem of the petticoat. You will then flip the tulle down to cover the seam allowance. This keeps you from having "bumps" of ruffles when the garment is worn over the petticoat.
If this isn't full enough, put boning just above the bottom ruffle.
You're going to look at this and say "it's huge", but after you put the layers of a skirt over it, there will be some compression.
HTH
Shannon
*Do you mean you want the outer, fashion fabric of the gown skirt to be tulle?
*Hi ShannonYou were a great help.Annette
Tulle skirt
I'm also making a wedding dress (for my future daugther in law :) with a tulle skirt. As I will be stitching lace appliques at the top ot the skirt, I would like to make it without gathering at the waist. Of course I still want the fullness and depth that tulle can give me, but without the bulk on the waistline. The dress will be tea length and is very reminisent of a 40's style dress. As I've not been able to find a commercial pattern that suits the design, I've adapted an old pattern with a circle style skirt, but I'm wondering how many layers of tulle in this case I should use?
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