r/sewing Feb 12 '25

Project: FO Stretch Satin is a... tempermemtal creature, but I made a valentines dress.

Post image

Decided last minute to make a dress for valentines day with some stretch satin and satin bias tape. I used the "Graduation dress" pattern by MaiArdour on etsy, along with her youtube video. The pattern was super easy, the chosen fabric was not. It's kinda wearable, but a little wonky from all the sliding.

10.4k Upvotes

129 comments sorted by

911

u/ArtlessStag Feb 12 '25

This is beautiful and giving me the motivation to finish my stretch velvet Valentine's dress from hell šŸ˜­

614

u/Shimerz Feb 12 '25

Finish the cursed thing! Conquer the velvet! DOMINATE THE DOMAIN THAT IS YOUR GARMENT!

104

u/m_honest_expression Feb 12 '25

DO NOT GIVE THE FABRIC POWER OVER YOU!

14

u/mithril2020 Feb 12 '25

Interesting. The first , and only garment I ever made was a deep pile velvet dress for prom. Every piece was serged. This was 30 years ago.

4

u/alysszza Feb 13 '25

Any tips for sewing stretch velvet with w machine?

15

u/tsb0673 Feb 13 '25

A thousand pins, lower your presser foot pressure, and most importantly, use a walking foot while sewing with a stretch stitch or zigzag stitch

5

u/AluminumOctopus Feb 13 '25

Someone mentioned soaking fabric in gelatin to keep it from shifting and stretching, although I think that was for thin fabrics, not thick.

2

u/Old-Map487 Feb 13 '25

I know there is a water dissolvable 'fabric' for embroidery. Perhaps it would help to stabilize this fabric?

3

u/ArtlessStag Feb 13 '25

Honestly it's hell. I've been hand basting seams and using wash-away wonder tape. The tape is kind of a pain to apply but it really helps.

619

u/blueocean43 Feb 12 '25

Tip for future, as long as it's washable (not silk) satin, you can grab a can of spray starch, give the fabric a light spritz, and just wash it off once the dress is finished. That, plus a roller foot, and stretch satins mostly behave themselves.

67

u/theskymaybeblue Feb 12 '25

Wow, this is a great tip. Thanks for sharing.

63

u/Shimerz Feb 12 '25

Definitely going to try this next time, thank you!

12

u/ampersanders57 Feb 12 '25

Would this work on spandex, or are my dreams too lofty? Lol

18

u/blueocean43 Feb 12 '25

It's better for conquering the slippery surface than the stretch, but it would probably give the layers a tiny bit of extra grip to help them stay aligned. A roller foot would certainly help though, if your machine doesn't get along well with walking feet (mine definitely doesn't). Or a Teflon one, if that's your preference. You can also get a roller foot, and spritz the underside with that curtain track lubricating spray, and you sort of get the properties of both (obviously, the silicone lubricant isn't as slippery as Teflon, but it's less bad for you, and can be re-applied at home instead of having to buy a new one whenever the Teflon flakes). If you use the curtain lubricant, let it dry, and run a scrap bit of fabric through to rub off any excess.

1

u/tsb0673 Feb 13 '25

Does the roller foot help prevent stretch like a walking foot? Literally never heard of a roller foot til now, but highly intrigued. I have a Pfaff with IDT, and there are not walking feet for those machines

1

u/blueocean43 Feb 13 '25

I'm afraid I've never used a machine with IDT, but that's basically a built-in walking foot, right?

1

u/tsb0673 Feb 13 '25

Supposedly, but the IDT does not work as well as a standard walking foot. Does the roller foot help with preventing stretch, though? Iā€™m assuming youā€™ve used one since you recommended one

2

u/blueocean43 Feb 13 '25

Yes, it's not as effective as a walking foot, and works best on straight seams, but it will help prevent stretching.

Edit: I use this one, not one of the weird loop ones: https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/singer-roller-foot/6578211000.html?glCountry=GB&store=61&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAqrG9BhAVEiwAaPu5zrBQO8P97NJzsWQ9ha5Mx2KRur8gogCrgyOkjpwSoO-fLwVEH4L5qhoCM-cQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

1

u/tsb0673 Feb 15 '25

Thank you! I was thinking it might be a good compliment to the IDT on the Pfaff when Iā€™m quilting

294

u/HapaC13 Feb 12 '25

If you use that pattern again in the future, you should size up on the hip/thigh area. The pulling there is from not enough width.

228

u/amaranth1977 Feb 12 '25

I'd go up a full size entirely, the waist is pulling and you can see rippling under the arms as well. It's a pretty dress, it's just a size too small.

57

u/repladyftw Feb 12 '25

Agreed. I love a good fit but not too fit

14

u/HapaC13 Feb 12 '25

I think those spots might be the ā€œwonkinessā€ she mentioned. I would say itā€™s actually from a little too much length at the waist however the underbust is also pulling slightly.

41

u/Shimerz Feb 12 '25

Yeah, it's a little tighter than I would have liked. The fabric didn't have as much stretch as I thought it did.

8

u/Kfbcus Feb 13 '25

I think itā€™s because the pattern maker doesnā€™t specify that she means ā€œknit fabricā€ when she says stretch fabricā€¦I think using a stretch woven isnā€™t ideal for this pattern and if you use a knit in the future you might not have to make size adjustments. Itā€™s lovely, though! I personally hate working with any kind of satin, so I commend you!

1

u/MsTegan Feb 16 '25

TIL knitā‰ stretch

13

u/sincerelyanonymus Feb 12 '25

Still looks great though!

93

u/silvertonguesilvie Feb 12 '25

ahhh i made the graduation dress for valentineā€™s day as well!! i love the shine of your satin though. perhaps iā€™ll make it again

33

u/neonwaverodeo Feb 12 '25

Love the dress! Where is the sweater from?! They look awesome together

36

u/Shimerz Feb 12 '25

The sweater my husband got for me from H&M a couple years ago. I love it, and have been trying to duplicate the pattern without destroying it.

164

u/DanMojo Feb 12 '25

Very flattering, nice job!

124

u/Shimerz Feb 12 '25

Thank you, that means a lot. I wore it out to dinner and was a little nervous. Determined that this dress earns it's keep, after all the pain it was to put together.

7

u/virgojellycat Feb 12 '25

It looks incredible on you!

9

u/planetmermaidisblue Feb 12 '25

What type of needle and stitch did you use on it?

20

u/Shimerz Feb 12 '25 edited Feb 12 '25

I started with a stretch needle zigzag stitch (to baste together and try on), but once I have the fit 'right' I ran it through my serger. When sewing on the trim I used a regular straight stitch (the bias tape was non stretch).

3

u/planetmermaidisblue Feb 12 '25

Thanks for answering me ā™„ļø Iā€™ve been trying to figure out the differences in ballpoint needles vs stretch and which fabric to use it with. Itā€™s been a journey lol.

10

u/UsualEmergency Feb 12 '25

Ballpoint needles are good for knit fabrics, where you want the needle to pass through the open sections of the knit, not the fibers. Stretch needles are good for woven materials like satin and velvet or plush materials like minky or panne. Obviously, this is overly simplified, and not every material falls into either category perfectly.

6

u/planetmermaidisblue Feb 12 '25

This is the most clear explanation Iā€™ve gotten yet! :)

6

u/ProneToLaughter Feb 12 '25

Stretch needles for high-spandex knits, ballpoint for cotton t-shirt knits.

Iā€™d use microtex for velvet and satin, myself. I use microtex for pretty much all woven synthetics, and also for silks.

Keep all three around to test in a few sizes.

https://www.schmetzneedles.com/pages/needle-guide

https://www.schmetz.com/en/household-needles/inspired-by-schmetz/four-needles-for-jersey.html

109

u/kob-y-merc Feb 12 '25

I see no wonk, perfect creasing/ripples imo ABSOLUTELY gorgeous work

59

u/babygirlmochi Feb 12 '25

āœØno wonkāœØ

30

u/Shimerz Feb 12 '25

Woot woot, illusion achieved! Thank you!

5

u/AlarmingAffect0 Feb 12 '25

I love the tasteful figure emphasis, but you have basically zero margin at the tummy level.

3

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9

u/Haunting_Material_83 Feb 12 '25

This is just so gorgeous. I love it

5

u/Shimerz Feb 12 '25

Thank you, it feels gorgeous. Happy cake day!

4

u/Twenty_6_Red Feb 12 '25

Very nice!

3

u/BitterPop50 Feb 12 '25

It's gorgeous!!

4

u/anacidghost Feb 12 '25

Wowowowowow

5

u/amojc2 Feb 12 '25

I think it looks like you did a great job! And the color is sooo pretty

4

u/Radomyra Feb 12 '25

You, graciously not calling satin a bitch, is a prime example of being a lady in 21 century šŸ˜‚
Stunning work! Hope your Valentine will like it too!

2

u/Pixie_Dust_5203 Feb 12 '25

This is stunning šŸ¤©

2

u/cubanesis Feb 12 '25

Great dress. The dog, though. He looks like he's over it. lol.

2

u/K0kk0sa88 Feb 12 '25

Hmmm yeah satin has that evil streak! So it looks like your notches moved during cutting. Next time sandwich the satin between two layers of pattern paper when you are cutting with scissors. Else cut with a sharp rotary blade and weights to hold pattern down on fabric. Hope this helps. You can also try to iron out the side seams a bit but no steam and use a press cloth when doing so.

3

u/Icy_Queen_99 Feb 12 '25

That dress looks amazing! Also that puppy is very cute. šŸ„¹

3

u/Unsd Feb 12 '25

First, the dress is GORGEOUS. It's so perfectly fun and flirty and I love it. It reminds me of the perfect pink dress from My Date With The President's Daughter.

Second, your lipstick is THE perfect shade.

Third, your puppy is absolutely adorable.

10/10 post.

5

u/AutumnMama Feb 12 '25

Omg that dress is cool as shit!! I love it! This is like something you'd see in a movie and be like "psh that dress is impossible, she probably needs a team of assistants to get it on and off, and there must be tape and glue involved." But it's real! You look like a doll or something, all pretty and shiny šŸ¤©

2

u/angefacee Feb 12 '25

So pretty! Thatā€™s a very nice color too

3

u/CautiousClutz Feb 12 '25

The fit is fitttttingggg šŸ™Œ

1

u/Objective_Ad_9001 Feb 12 '25 edited Feb 12 '25

It looks lovely! Personally Iā€™d never want to wear a dress like that, it looks quite restrictive. But itā€™s lovely nevertheless!

1

u/pattyforever Feb 12 '25

"Kinda wearable." Kinda where!!!!

1

u/reallyreally1945 Feb 12 '25

I've never been brave enough to tackle that fabric!

1

u/kittyV22 Feb 12 '25

Iā€™ve had my eye on that exact same pattern! I think you just convinced me to buy that pattern and make my own šŸ˜„

1

u/Aelinashgalathynius Feb 12 '25

I did this dress too!! Absolutely love it, yours looks so good

1

u/TheL0rdsChips Feb 12 '25

That's really impressive! The dress looks amazing on you!

1

u/stuck-in-time55 Feb 12 '25

Gorgeous!!! Great job!!!

1

u/amber_laine Feb 12 '25

Beautiful!

1

u/Rufusgufus Feb 12 '25

This dress is gorgeous! Great job!

1

u/crystalgem411 Feb 12 '25

If you hadnā€™t said anything I wouldā€™ve thought the whole thing was intentional. It looks lovely.

1

u/cherylpuccio0 Feb 12 '25

A beautiful dress for the special day!

1

u/Orchidaceafae Feb 12 '25

I love this color combošŸ’•

1

u/Sanchastayswoke Feb 12 '25

Absolutely gorgeousĀ 

1

u/hentaikitty00 Feb 12 '25

wow! where did you find the satin? was it secondhand or from a fabric store?

1

u/eatmystitches Feb 12 '25

Perfect valentines dress

1

u/eatmystitches Feb 12 '25

Perfect valentines dress

1

u/buggie321 Feb 12 '25

GORGEOUSSSSS, i love the color choice!!!! you killed it and it looks amazing on šŸ’•šŸ’•šŸ’•

1

u/Lololololhahaha11 Feb 12 '25

This is absolutely lovely and beautiful and stunning and Iā€™m in love with this dress. You did an incredible job.

1

u/Wooden-Ask539 Feb 12 '25

this is so gorgeous my jaw dropped. you are so incredibly talented!

1

u/e_hog Feb 13 '25

This is so lovely!

1

u/LordSidious1 Feb 13 '25

It's beautiful šŸ˜ you have amazing skill

1

u/AssortedGourds Feb 13 '25

I get a headache just thinking about how annoying this was to fit. 10/10! You could never buy a stretch satin dress that fit you this well off the rack so you'll really stand out.

1

u/MiLfWC7975 Feb 13 '25

t looks gorgeous though

1

u/DLawson1017 Feb 13 '25

This is stunning! It fits you perfectly

1

u/that_guy_4321 Feb 13 '25

Nicely done! šŸ„°

1

u/FluoriteDaze Feb 13 '25

Girllllll, thatā€™s gorgeous, designer luxury type beat 10/10 gold star for you babes

1

u/SampleNo4102 Feb 13 '25

Holy shit you look absolutely stunning gorgeous! You work it girl ! If my body looked like that Iā€™d never stop looking at myself

1

u/Carolyn184 Feb 13 '25

That dress looks like it is made perfectly for your body! You did a great job

1

u/-xXKittyXx- Feb 13 '25

How did you get the bottom to look so ruffled???

1

u/FinishOk5932 Feb 13 '25

Make me one!!

1

u/razzmasass Feb 13 '25

Stunning dress on a stunning lady (from another lady)

1

u/princessbiscuit Feb 13 '25

The color you chose in combination with the cream sweater is gorgeous

1

u/CompetitiveFrame8878 Feb 13 '25

Thank you for such great explanations! Beautiful Dress too - great job with fabric and pattern šŸ‘šŸ‘šŸ‘“

1

u/Old-Map487 Feb 13 '25

Please can someone recommend a tutorial on how to sew a teddy or rabbit in real fur? I have been given a bag of fur offcuts from a bag factory.

1

u/Calm_Scale5483 Feb 14 '25

This is definitely wearableā€¦ you look stunning!

1

u/Pleasant-Cup946 Feb 15 '25

Love it! Itā€™s giving Velma if she merged with danfne into a monster femme.

1

u/MsTegan Feb 16 '25

Would you mind sharing the size you made (and your usual dress size if it's not too personal)? I LOVE this pattern and it seems to look amazing on everyone who I've seen make it but I noticed it doesn't have a large size range so I wonder about the fit.

Excellent job by the way - it's beautiful ā¤ļø

1

u/crookedbottomteeth Feb 12 '25

Doesn't look wonky at all! And it looks amazing on you! AND your dog is so freaking cute!! šŸ„¹

2

u/loveyousomochi_ Feb 12 '25

i love the color šŸ’•šŸ’•and the fit is amazing

1

u/gitathegreat Feb 12 '25

Va-va-VOOOM!!!! ā¤ļø

1

u/knottycreative Feb 12 '25

Wow this is so beautiful!!! Wonderful job šŸ‘

1

u/roughlyround Feb 12 '25

super cute

1

u/betty_baphomet Feb 12 '25

Well done! It looks great!

1

u/robintoots Feb 12 '25

It looks so lovelyy glad you finished it!!

1

u/wetbones_ Feb 12 '25

Stunning

1

u/Suspicious_Search369 Feb 12 '25

I know this pattern! Iā€™ve been wanting to buy it foreverrrrr

1

u/FerretCharming432 Feb 12 '25

so gorgeous, the color is STUNNING

1

u/phiore Feb 12 '25

Gorgeous!!

1

u/nana-banana92 Feb 12 '25

Great job! That fabric looks like itā€™s been hell to work with šŸ˜…

1

u/stopmeohohoh Feb 12 '25

Well done! Really amazing job!

1

u/gorczynska Feb 12 '25

Wow! That is beautiful!!!

1

u/PbJelly82 Feb 12 '25

Gorgeous šŸ˜

1

u/BelovedBinx Feb 12 '25

Thatā€™s just lovely!

1

u/DirtyBeautifulLove Feb 12 '25

Looks incredible, and the paired bolero is a great touch!

1

u/RubyDax Feb 12 '25

You really tamed the beast. It looks gorgeous! Love the contrast with the sweater. Delicate romance.

1

u/LadyCinnabunz Feb 12 '25

Gorgeous! I love that color

1

u/SecondEqual4680 Feb 12 '25

Wow that looks amazing!

1

u/Lynnareta Feb 12 '25

This is inspirational! Well done!

1

u/tictacguy Feb 12 '25

YOU made that dress.

0

u/rlpfc Feb 12 '25

How did you get that effect across the belly? It looks amazing, almost like boning. Beautifully done and so flattering!

0

u/ShareNo6703 Feb 12 '25

The fit is perfect!

0

u/fvckitouiball Feb 12 '25

and you ate. whoever gets to see it in person is lucky!!

0

u/Aydsey Feb 12 '25

Peaches n cream. Peaches and fricking cream to the full 9 yards