Fashion is principally viewed as an indicator of individual artistic freedom. For those who would like to try their hand at home produced fashion, a linen dress is one of the best starts. Some of the benefits accrued to linen include – it is light, thus wearable in all climatic conditions, it is also very durable, and it is suitable for most occasions. When you wash it, you can add your own prints and it does not only become beautiful but also artistic, giving a feeling of being an artistic wear if you were to wear a linen dress. With Taangerine Tiger, today you will learn how to sew a printed linen dress for yourself and what kind of fabric you will need, how to apply your own print and much more.
Pick the Design for Your Print
When thinking about printed linen dress alteration there is the initial step which is choosing the design. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Botanical Prints: Floral and any other prints that copy the natural world such as leaves, flowers or vines compliment the linen dress and enhance its natural appeal.
- Geometric Patterns: If you want something more experimental, then triangles, circles or any other abstract line given to your dress can also provide good structure to your dress.
- Abstract Art: Introducing abstract designs can be perfect when you want to have that daring look. Ink or spatter effects with paint brushes or squeegees do the trick to make the work less corporate and more personal.
Once you are set with a particular concept, draw a rough idea on paper or you create templates as this would help in following a neat touch while working on them.
Cutting the Fabric
Place your linen fabric on a flat surface, whether your table, the floor or the ironing board. After that decide the pattern of your dress and accordingly mark all the pieces needed to cut out from the fabric. Be careful, though, and check your measurements twice in order not to make any mistakes. For a basic floral linen, any easy pattern that has forgiving tones, loose Drape factor, and a no-seam design is perfect for even beginners.
Printing Your Linen Fabric
The first steps when working with linen fabric before actually starting the printing include: washing and ironing of the fabric. This will help eliminate sizing, which is an application made to the fabric during production, and will help your print stick better.
- Block Printing: In case you are using a stamp, first immerse the stamp in the fabric paint or ink, don’t forget to get an uniform layer. Make sure to impress the stamp firmly at a position you deem fit then pull the stamp up.
- Hand-Painting: If hand painting the design, it is done directly onto the linen by use of fabric brushes. It’s also important to consider how your paint behaves on the fabric so it is recommended that you test your paint on a small piece of the fabric.
- Stencil Method: The pattern is placed and the ink is spread by using a blade. Position your stencil on the fabrics and using a sponge or paintbrush apply paint over the sections enclosed by the stencil.
Let the fabric dry – after it dries, depending on the instructions you are given on the fabric paint or ink you use. After it has dried, turn the fabric to the other side and iron it in order to help set the paint and make it possible to wash the fabric.
Sewing the Dress
Lastly, as your printed fabric is done on getting your dress fabric printed, the next process is to sew your dress. Stitch according to your pattern instructions, halting from pinning the fabric pieces as you are sewing. Be sure to:
- Finish the Edges: Linen is very prone to traveling so it is advised that to prepare your fabric all the edges should be zigzagged or overlocked (serged).
- Press Seams as You Go: To give your work a clean look and crease-free, press your seams open or to one side as you sew.
For beginners, one thing that they should remember is that sewing doesn’t have to be rushed and should be enjoyed the most. Luckily, there are so many online tutorials available guiding you through each of the steps.
Final Touches
After sewing, ensure that your printed linen dress is pressed with the iron, the final press. Wearing it and seeing the fit in terms of size, color and texture plus altar where necessary like hemming a skirt or putting on pockets. A belt or fabric tie can also be used and they give a touch of enthusiasm to your finished linen dress.
Conclusion
To make a print linen dress at home is a fun craft activity. As a dressmaker, you get to decide on what fabric to use, what pattern to put on the dress and what print to go with it. The fabric does not need extensive dressing up as it possesses a natural appeal when combined with your imagination the resultant garment will be as comfortable as it is fashionable. To boot, it is a gratifying experience, which frees you the time to indulge yourself with the pleasures of fashion. To get your printed linen dress today, visit Taangerine Tiger!
