9/7/2012 *QUESTION* I am trying to think what would be the best way to embroider a dress with about 75% designs. I want to be able to wear it without it being tight. (1)Should I draw the outline of the dress on the fabric and then embroider all my desings, this way I can enlarge it if needed or (2)cut the fabric and embroider all the designs? I am really afraid to do #2 ;D TIA

Ignore the spammer, it's been reported. I'm trying to get to all these posts with same message, hugs, Marji

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by mad14kt 08 Sep 2012

I pray these spammers get so much work to do that they won't have time to come on here or bother anyone else's site ;D *2U

I would cut it slight larger - and also pre-wash the fabric. All the previous advice is excellent and I would rather go ith them. Good luck and I hope to see your dress in the future in projects.

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by mad14kt 08 Sep 2012

Thank you so much SE for your input ;D *2U

Can't wait to see what you come up with!

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by mad14kt 08 Sep 2012

Thanks Jrob :) I am still trying to find some fabric in my stash to use for the project ;D *2U

I have never done this Monica but in reading all your answers I think Martine's way is the best. that's how I would go if I were doing this/Lillian

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by mad14kt 08 Sep 2012

Thanks Lillian! I did get some great answers and as I hunt through my stash for some fabric I will be ready to be CREATIVE with this project :) I look forward to a GREAT results ;D *2U

When I made and embroidered my daughters wedding dress I used method #2. I made a muslin one first to make sure of the fit, doodled designs on it with a washable marker, unpicked the seams, basted the pattern shapes on the material, cut them with a 1" seam allowance instead of my usual 1/2" in case she'd gain weight (instead she lost a considerable amount), made sure of placing the designs right, embroidered, and went from there.

Good luck with your project!!

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by mad14kt 08 Sep 2012

Thanks Mops! I know your daughter enjoyed the beauty of her wedding dress knowing her mother had a hand in it all ;D *2U

How ever you do this, GOOD LUCK!! Definately sounds like a great project and I'm sure all Cuties are just as curious to see the finished results, I SURE AM... Please post in Projects when you've finished. Huggs Dolly

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by mad14kt 08 Sep 2012

Thanks Dolly, I plan to post pics when I finish the project ;D *2U

This sounds so exciting. Please post in projects when you have finished and congratulations on the weight loss!!! Sarah.

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by mad14kt 08 Sep 2012

Thanks Sarah...I am in my first stage of planning but pictures will indeed be posted. On my smart phone I have downloaded a weight loss program (My Diet Coach)that encourages me and reminds me off my goals. I also downloaded some pictures of someone I met years ago online that lost about 100 lbs. I am taking it slow so the weight will stay off ;D *2U

I have downloaded several of the all over designs from shristi. I sent her a message and she told me they embroidery all over the material and then cut out the pattern. (I personally would also wash the material to avoid the possibility of shrinking.) I have been afraid to try it. Let us know how yours go, and I might just put away my fear and give it a try also. Good luck. Can't wait to see your pictures when you are done.

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by mad14kt 08 Sep 2012

Thanks MH...I have so many things I want to do and sometimes TIME is not that undestanding, LOL I have one theme in mind...now to hunt for the designs I need. Also not having my desktop computer working at this time slows me down :( *2U

If you are doing an all over design the fabric takes up (shrinks) a little bit. I laid my pattern pieces out and drew around them with an disappearing marker and rough cut the pieces out larger. After doing the embroidery I placed the pattern pieces back on again for the final cut.

2 comments

by capoodle 07 Sep 2012

I agree with pre-washing the fabric. You don't want to put that much time into something that could shrink.

by mad14kt 07 Sep 2012

Yes, I am doing an all over design and that's what I was really concerned about. I got everything laid out in my head but we know how that comes up sometimes. THANKS for your info ;D *2U

I'd go with your first choice, Monica. And I'd wash the material just like you're going to care for the dress after it's made. That way you'll be sure it won't shrink any more, and if the designs kind of 'pull in' the material, you'll have enough warning to make adjustments before you cut it. And, if you aren't just perfect in placement, you can adjust for that, too. I always cut my patterns too big, I figure I can always take it in, but I can't put back fabric I've cut off, hee hee hee. Good luck, hugs, Marji

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by clawton 07 Sep 2012

I agree! It would be easier to hoop with it flat. You might want to mark darts and etc so you can afford those areas.

by mad14kt 07 Sep 2012

Thanks Marji :) I cut two dresses early this year and had to put it aside because I had gained weight and thought I was the same measurements...duh, LOL I have finally lost enough weight that I can now fit them. I am sewing one now and will do the other soon. Weight Lost through walking and changing my eating habits. I still have a lot more to go but I am happy I can get into my dress...FIESTA ;D *2U