How do I make a dress lining?

Have you discovered that the lightweight fabric of your dress is allowing your curves to show in direct sunlight? Don't panic, just line it with a suitable fabric!

White dress with lining
Source:Urban Outfitters

Choose the lining for your dress

We recommend that you take the time to choose your lining carefully.

If the fabric of your dress is light and transparent,
prefer a lining in the same colour as your dress or skin.

For the choice of fabric,
turn to shiny materials (satin, polyester,...) to allow your lining to glide easily over your thighs. If your dress is straight and relatively wide, you can also choose a cotton lining, which will be more breathable for your skin.

As for the quantity, you'll need to measure the length and width of your dress and multiply the result by two. Don't forget to add 2 cm for the seam values.

Prepare your skirt and lining for sewing

To sew your lining, you'll need to untuck your dress as well as its hems. Examine the assembly of your dress by turning it inside out.

If the assembly looks too solidly put together or you're worried about unstitching everything, don't worry, you can sew your lining directly onto your dress. Choose the way that feels right for you.

For the lining pattern, you'll use either your dress or a pattern in case you have the one for your dress.

You will then trace
the outlines of your dress or pattern onto the fabric, taking care to mark any openings if there are any. Be aware that there is no need to double the sleeves.

Finally, you'll cut the lining without forgetting to add the seam values and subtract the hem value since you don't want the lining to be longer than your dress.

Long plaid dress
Source:Pinterest
Lightweight sheer mid-length dress
Source:Christy Dawn

Sew the lining to your dress

The sewing of your lining will of course depend on how you have chosen to work: have you untucked your whole dress or not?

If the former, you'll need to follow the seams of your dress to sew your lining. The aim here is to
obtain two identical dresses, one is your initial dress and the other is the one with your lining. They will then be fitted together against each other.

In the second case,
you will pin the lining to the wrong side of your dress and use the overlocking technique to sew all the way through.

It's a painstaking job that will require you to be patient.

And if this seems too complex,
don't hesitate to call on one of our Tillistes who will come directly to your home and take care of everything!

Now that you know how to line a dress, perhaps you'd like to know how to line a skirt?
Read our article on the subject and become an expert on linings!
This article was written with the best intentions for our clients thanks to Chloé

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