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Petticoat Layers
Petticoat Layers
Each petticoat had 2 layers of net - an upper tulle one & a lower nylon one (both visible in image left & worn over the short dress). They were stitched together at the waistline & were elasticated. Again I found that safety pins were ideal for pinning each layer into position - both at fitting stages & marking final placements for stitching.
Initially, a 3-tier nylon petticoat was made up for the first fitting with a tulle 2-tier overlay pinned into position at the fitting stage. The first layer obtained a general skirt circumference measurement & the tulle layer provided the basic 'silhouette' shape.
Both nylon & tulle nets were used for supporting the skirt shape (ie. as a stiffening) & only for the eldest bridesmaid were they ultimately 'tacked together' to ensure they remained in position when the skirt was worn to ensure the nets remained "in place". This latter decision was taken while the tulle netting was being worked on - it had a slight tendency to 'ride up' & remain in this position rather than fall back into place! As the 3 younger bridesmaids' petticoats were tiered shorter, this was not as apparent when worn.
Only 2 net layers were used (above) - the tulle would enhance the skirt's "fluffiness' & the nylon would provide a 'support' for both skirt & tulle sections.
a) 3-tier white nylon net under-layer
a) 3-tier white nylon net under-layer
The upper 2 net tiers were cut as shaped partial circles - the lower tier was cut straight & a single thickness. Each tier was automatically gathered on the sewing machine & stitched to the adjoining tier. The hemline edge was edge was narrowly turned under twice (to wrong side) then stitched along the edge (see right) with a narrow zigzag to enhance its rigidity.
b) 2-tier ivory tulle top-layer
b) 2-tier ivory tulle top-layer
The upper tier was again a sectional circular shape with the lower tier cut straight (single thickness) & gathered along the raw edge. Again the hem edge was folded & zigzag stitched (as image right).
Fastenings
Fastenings
The 3 smaller petticoats were open entirely along the back - this enabled the younger girls to dress quicker & if necessary, remove the petticoats simply & with ease. Both opening edges of the nylon net were edged with a double-voile facing.
The upper edge of this net layer had buttonholes made along it & it was then turned back on itself once stitched (see image above left).
This enabled the buttons to be fastened but not be visible through the tulle layer over it. Small 2-hole buttons were stitched to the under facing (see above).
The tulle layer had a narrow edge folded over & stitched with a row of small plastic studs stitched intermittently along its length. This ensured this top layer remained free of the lower nylon one.
The largest petticoat (for the eldest bridesmaid) only had an opening to align with the zip - it was not open all the way down. This open edge was fastened with just small plastic press-studs (see left).
Waistline Casing & Fastening
Waistline Casing & Fastening
Each net petticoat was gathered along the upper edge & then joined in its respective 'pair' of nylon & tulle net. A narrow jersey casing (see right) was made to cover this edge & elastic partially inserted along its length. This was to ensure the petticoats remained fitting & comfortable throughout the entire time of making & wearing.
Each net petticoat was fastened with 2 large hooks & eyes. The image also shows the buttonhole voile facing laying just short of the upper tulle layer. This ensured the 2 open edges did not lay directly on top of one another.
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