A quick trip to the local fabric store is a great way to see exactly what is available. Fabric stores usually have a table laid out with pattern books from a range of designers. By flipping through books from companies such as McCall or Butterick, you can often find a bridesmaid dress pattern that fits your needs. Most of the patterns will be readily available at the store, and will provide you with a list of all the materials needed to sew the dress.
If you have something more specific in mind, you can contact a seamstress in your area and tell her what you are looking for. A skilled seamstress will be able to take you ideas and put them down on paper, to create a workable pattern that she can use to produce a dress for your bridesmaids.
Once you have a pattern in mind, you can choose material to make it. Fabric stores offer an enormous selection of materials that fit nearly any design. You can select expensive cloth, or find a less expensive alternative that still looks great. If you have the time, keep an eye open for sales where older stock is offered at discount rates to make room for newer material.
One huge advantage of using a bridesmaid dress pattern is that you can custom fit the dresses to each of your bridesmaids. If one is larger or smaller than the others, you can easily put together a dress that compliments the individual build of that bridesmaid, without loosing the symmetry of your wedding party. When you have a junior bridesmaid, or one of your bridesmaids is pregnant, this can make your life much easier.
While it is simpler to hire a seamstress to make your dresses, if you are skilled at sewing you could make your own bridesmaid dresses. Each pattern will have a rating as to the level of experience required to sew it. Be careful not to overface yourself as the added stress of a pattern that is too difficult can make the dressmaking process an unwelcome chore.
Bridesmaid dress patterns are a great way to get exactly what you want in your bridesmaid attire without having to search a multitude of shops and boutiques for what you want. You can fit the dresses for everyone in your party, and no-one needs to look out of place. Best of all, you can save a lot of money by purchasing raw materials at discounted prices and sewing the dresses yourself.
By:Bridgette Bayer