|
|
Beading a Wedding Dress
 Debbie earned her Bachelors Degree in Journalism and Education at Bradley University in Illinois She also received her RN degree from Harper School of Nursing and a certification in Veterinarian Technology from Virginia Commonwealth University She and
Beading a wedding dress not only creates a personal heirloom but also saves the bride money on the purchase of the gown. Personalizing the design, picking out the beads and the amount of beading are all benefits of creating unique beading. All the materials needed for beading can be found at the local craft store and online. Supplies needed include a wedding gown, hot glue gun, crystals, sequins, beads, pearls, needle, and thread in a gown-matching color.
Take a picture of all sides of the wedding dress and print out an 8-inch by 10-inch picture of each side. Design the beading and any other embellishments using the pictures as the template. Crystal beading and sequins will give the gown sparkle and pearls will add luster. The most popular areas for beading are the neckline, straps, sleeves, waist, hemline and the train.
Place the wedding gown on a clean, flat table and straighten out any wrinkles. Compare the photo template to the side of the dress being worked on. Thread a sewing needle with a color-matching thread. Taking hold of one layer of material, insert the needle into the back of the material where the bead will be sewn. Pull the needle through the material to the front of the layer. Slip the needle through a bead and push the bead down until it sits flush to the fabric. Then insert the needle into the material right beside the bead and pull through tightening the bead to the gown. Keep the bead from moving by tying a knot in the thread adjacent to the bead on the back side of the gown layer.
Add beads or other embellishments, making sure each one is positioned correctly. Knotting each bead separately will ensure that if a thread breaks, only one bead will fall off. If the bead is heavy or the gown fabric is thin, placing a drop of hot glue on each knot will help hold the bead in place.
Create scallops by making a thread knot and inserting the needle into the fabric where the scallop is to start. Push a few beads down onto the needle, and thread until they meet the fabric. Insert the needle into the fabric close to the starting point, so that the beads hang in a slack U shape. Once the needle has been drawn all the way through the fabric, tie a knot in the thread and if needed deposit a drop of hot glue on the knot to hold the scallop in place.
Attach sequins in the same manner as beads.
The most valuable thing to remember while beading a wedding dress is to have fun. A memory is being made and when the dress is finished, the bride will wear it with the pride of knowing that her uniqueness is there for all to see and enjoy.
| | |
|
|
|
|
.jpg)
