Ready Made Elasticized Panels for sundresses/tops

[kjh9835]

WalMart has several prints in stock for maxi dresses, 11.97/yd, also several prints for kids dresses or tops for juniors, 8.97/yd I think.

Questions: is there a rule of thumb on how much to buy?

I would like to make dresses for my 3 great nieces and can get their measurements but don't want to buy more than I need.

I measured both my teens but didn't know how to convert those measurements into strapless dresses that would stay up over their busts. They each bought a yard, I did Amanda's dress but ended up with fabric left over by the time I sewed it tight enough to stay up. She also wants straps added to hers but the fabric fades from one color to the next (green to yellow to blue to purple), the top is green where the elastic is.

If I spend the time removing the elastic threads from the leftover, will the small needle holes close up so I can make green straps for her dress?

Thanks,
Kathy

[Mom of Six]

We had a rule for buying it back in the 70s when I worked in a fabric store. I think for an adult you went 4" smaller than the largest measurement of the bust. Make sure though if the hips are larger than the bust you get enough fabric that the person can move in the dress. I saw some "hippy" people buy it & they had to come back for more & make 2 side seams instead of 1 back seam. I actually like puttingthe seam on one side it makes a neater looking back. I don't know if it will work to make the straps that way but it is worth a try. otherwise I would make the straps verigated to match the dress.

[MartySews2]

When I made some sundresses when my daughter was young, I bought her bust measurement less 4 inches so it was snug under her arms & allowed for a 1/2 inch seam allowance. I just used bias tape for straps.
Marty

[bridesmom]

This is good to know. I see the fabric at Joann's and was thinking it would make a quick and easy top for DD or DGD, but never got it cause I wasn't sure how to measure.

[SmilieFace]

I remember when I bought this type of fabric a couple years ago, there was actually a guide of what to buy on the fabric. But I think the 4" less is about what I did.

[kjh9835]

Sounds great. Next trip into Wal-Mart, I had planned to buy and sew, sew, sew. Plans change...See new post for more info.

Eventually I will do these and if not now, the info is always good to have.

Kathy