How and where to find patterns for wedding dresses.

Making a wedding dress is a big task, but some people choose to do it. It’s cheaper than buying a dress, and it allows the dress to be designed more for the individual. However, some have no idea where to begin to find patterns for their wedding dresses.

First of all, go online and start checking out wedding dress sites, to figure out what kind of design you like the best. It’s even a good idea to go to bridal shops and try some dresses on, to get an idea of what looks best on you. One downside of making a wedding dress is that you have to choose a pattern without knowing how it will look on you when it’s done. Figure out what style of dress looks best on you, and this problem is all but eliminated.
Simple wedding gowns 200×300 How to choose sewing patterns for wedding dresses

How to choose sewing patterns for wedding dresses

Then, head to Joann.com. Many cities have a sewing store named Joann Fabrics. Look on their website to see what patterns they have available. You can also head to Butterick.com, Simplicity.com, or McCall.com. All three of these are major pattern manufacturers. There are also some patterns from Vogue and other smaller companies, but they may be more difficult to find at a store, or take longer to order online.
Each website should have a wedding/bridal section. Look at the different dresses and see if one appeals to you. Keep in mind that many patterns have more than one “look” you can get from it, and that trim is optional and can be left off entirely, or changed to suit your style. Don’t make a decision based on accessories, including trim, veil, or gloves. These items can be purchased or made separately, or altered to suit your tastes.

If you have a sewing store in your area (like Joann Fabrics), go there to see more dresses. At the back of the store, there will be a table with many pattern books from major companies on it. Choose a book and flip to their bridal section. This will usually have bigger pictures and more information than websites will. Though all wedding dresses are usually difficult, because they are so elaborate, some companies will be easier than others. Butterick generally produces more difficult patterns, McCall’s are in the middle, and Simplicity tends to be easier. However – it depends on the particular pattern you choose. Other companies will vary as well.

In addition to looking at the bridal section, check out evening wear and costumes. Some companies also have a vintage dress section. Any of the fancier dresses in these sections can be made as a wedding dress, too. Often times they are pictured in rich, bright colors, but you can choose whatever fabric you like. Some people even get wedding dress patterns and make Victorian costumes out of them by omitting the train and using different colors. You are not limited ONLY to the bridal section.