Wedding Gown Sewing Styles

What are 'finished seams'?

Finished seams are the seams inside the wedding gown where they are bound or properly finished as opposed to being left as row edges which may fray and also show through the dress.

What is a 'built-in crinoline'?

A built-in crinoline is the tool or the petticoat that goes underneath the gown. A true crinoline has boning in it to hold the gown out to the fullest extent.

What is a 'true-crinoline'?

A true-crinoline is a petticoat that is boned with hoops that hold the petticoat, and therefore the gown, out to the fullest extent. True-crinolines are not used so much in wedding gowns today, although they are still popular for the fullest romantic ball gowns and conciliaric gowns.

What is a 'built-in petticoat'?

A built-in petticoat can vary enormously in size. It will either hold the gown out a little bit at the hem if it's a mermaid, or it will hold it out more if it's a fuller A-line or ball gown.

What is 'applique'?

Applique is the beadwork or pattern on your gown that is literally applied to the main fabric. Appliques are very useful because not only are they beautiful on the gown, but they can be taken off or moved or added to if you want a more or less elaborate design on your gown.