How to Sew a Tulle Ball Gown

* Tulle fabric (amount will vary depending on the desired fullness of your gown)

* Satin or other lining fabric

* Thread

* Sewing machine

* Pins

* Scissors

* Measuring tape

* Seam ripper

* Iron

Instructions:

1. Measure your body. You will need to know your bust measurement, waist measurement, and hip measurement. Add 1-2 inches to each measurement for ease of movement.

2. Cut out your fabric pieces. You will need to cut out the following pieces from the tulle fabric:

* 2 bodice pieces (each should be a rectangle that is the width of your bust measurement plus 1 inch, and the length of your desired bodice length plus 1 inch)

* 2 skirt pieces (each should be a rectangle that is the width of your hip measurement plus 2 inches, and the length of your desired skirt length plus 1 inch)

* 2 bodice lining pieces (each should be the same size as the bodice pieces)

* 2 skirt lining pieces (each should be the same size as the skirt pieces)

3. Sew the bodice pieces together. Place the two bodice pieces right sides together and sew along the top edge, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Press the seam open.

4. Sew the bodice lining pieces together. Place the two bodice lining pieces right sides together and sew along the top edge, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Press the seam open.

5. Attach the bodice lining to the bodice. Place the bodice lining inside the bodice, right sides together, and sew along the bottom edge, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Press the seam open.

6. Sew the skirt pieces together. Place the two skirt pieces right sides together and sew along the top edge, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Press the seam open.

7. Sew the skirt lining pieces together. Place the two skirt lining pieces right sides together and sew along the top edge, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Press the seam open.

8. Attach the skirt lining to the skirt. Place the skirt lining inside the skirt, right sides together, and sew along the bottom edge, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Press the seam open.

9. Gather the skirt. To gather the skirt, use a basting stitch to sew a line of stitches along the top edge of the skirt, about 1/4 inch from the edge. Pull the thread to gather the skirt until it is the same width as the bodice.

10. Attach the skirt to the bodice. Place the bodice on top of the skirt, right sides together, and pin the two pieces together. Sew along the waistline, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Press the seam open.

11. Add straps or sleeves. If desired, you can add straps or sleeves to your dress. To add straps, cut two pieces of fabric that are each 1 inch wide and 18 inches long. Fold each piece of fabric in half lengthwise and press. Sew the straps to the bodice, at the desired location.

12. Hem the dress. Fold the bottom edge of the dress up 1 inch and press. Fold it up again 1 inch and press. Sew a hem in place.

13. Embellish your dress. You can embellish your dress with beads, sequins, or other decorations, as desired.

Tips:

* If you are using a very lightweight tulle fabric, you may want to use a horsehair braid or crinoline to add some body to the skirt.

* You can also add a petticoat under your dress for extra fullness.

* Be careful not to over-gather the skirt, or the dress will look too poufy.

* Have fun! Making your own ball gown is a great way to express your creativity and individuality.