How to... Choose special occasion fabrics
If you’re preparing for a special occasion and want to sew yourself something to make you feel amazing, we can help…
Above: Guests at the 2019 Dressmakers Ball looked stunning in a variety of evening wear fabrics including stretch velvet and printed cotton sateen.
The Dressmakers Ball this year was a blast! We're already thinking about our outfits ready for next year!
Getting ready for a special occasion can be so much fun, you can really let your creativity run wild as so many of our fabulous guests for the 2022 Dressmakers Ball did!
But it can also be stressful, you might be drawn to a fabric that you haven’t used before or is trickier to sew than fabrics you are used to. Plus special occasion garments usually have more fabric in them and the fabrics themselves are more expensive than those you use for your everyday makes.
Try not to be intimidated by occasion wear fabrics, if you choose the right fabric and pattern combo you'll find it's actually not any more difficult to work with than fabrics you're already familiar with.
Keep it simple
Sewing a simple style in an unusual or special fabric can be really fun as it gives you the chance to experiment with something completely new.
Kim is made a classic My Handmade Wardrobe Patterns Everyday Shift Dress for the 2022 ball in a fabulous sequin velvet. Combining the luxurious fabric with a style she's made many time before is an ideal way to try out a new-to-you fabric.
The small sequins on this fabric, placed close together on a stable base, make it easy to sew on a normal machine with a sharp needle.
Freya also made a fabulous sequin top for The Dressmakers Ball 2019 using the Everyday Amazing Top Pattern
Here are some other fabrics that are easier to sew than they might look...
Crepe back satin
This luxury classic is a fabric I’ve picked for so many evening wear projects including Sampling the Ready to Party Dress, making a bridesmaid dress for my sister’s wedding and my skirt for the first Dressmakers Ball in 2017. This Prada quality satin, available from Minerva is my top pick!
Triple crepe
This matt fabric is thick and heavier weight with a great swishy drape making it a great option for a more subtle eveningwear look. It’s fantastic for drapey trousers, culottes or a jumpsuit. We used it to sample the wrap version of the Ready to Party Dress.
And, Freya and I choose this fabric to make our dresses for our trip to the Brother gala in Monaco. The best thing about it is it needs no ironing so it’s perfect for traveling!
Jacquard/Brocade
Jacquard fabrics have a design woven in to them which creates an added texture in a pattern or design. Traditionally these fabrics feature florals, but modern versions include animal prints and geometric designs. Available in synthetic or silk often with lurex mixed in for an extra sprinkle of glam.
Embroidered fabrics
The key to using embroidered fabrics is to choose a simple pattern with few style lines. I love a simple kimono style jacket to wear over a plain top to let the bold fabric shine.
Kimono inspired jacket Velvetcocos on Etsy
Embroidered fabric from Crafty Sew & So
Lace
Gather layered lace over a stable woven fabric. A stretch lace can look very elegant paired with a figure hugging bodycon style. If you’re new to sewing lace, line it with a thick and stable stretch jersey or ponti Roma to add some stability and make it easier to handle. I’m also a big fan of lace used in 50s or skater style dresses too. Make use of a scalloped edge to skip hemming!
Sequins
If using large sequins you may need to remove them from seam lines before you sew your panels together so choose smaller sequins for an easier sew. Line your sequin fabrics in jersey for a comfortable finish. Take a look at this sequin Everyday Amazing Top tutorial for some great tips.
So if you’re preparing for an event or getting a head start for the festive season, remember, evening wear doesn’t have to be difficult and time consuming to make - just choose a simple style and let the fabric sing!
Find out more about tickets to the next Dressmakers Ball event here!
Chosen the fabric?
Now find out some top tips for stress-free eveningwear sewing!
