Dress Project: Vionnet

5 hrs 13 mins

Difficulty:

LESSONS

Introduction

Vionnet Dress Project PDF
Lesson 1
Vionnet Dress Project PDF
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Review of the Design & Taping Your Dressform
Lesson 2
Review of the Design & Taping Your Dressform
In this course, I'll teach how to drape a bias-cut dress inspired by the iconic designer Madeleine Vionnet. The dress features intricate diagonal seams and diamond shapes, creating a sculptural silhouette. I demonstrated the process of taping guidelines directly on the dress form to design the dress pattern.
14 mins

Draping

Draping the Vionnet Dress Torso on Bias
Lesson 3
Draping the Vionnet Dress Torso on Bias
How to drape the bias-cut Vionnet dress torso on the dress form. I prepare the muslin pieces with bias lines marked, then start draping the center front section on the bias grain.
44 mins
First Muslin Fitting & Correcting
Lesson 4
First Muslin Fitting & Correcting
How to assemble the draped muslin pieces and fit them on the dress form. I explain the importance of properly basting or sewing the pieces together for an accurate fit, rather than just pinning them. The muslin allows me to assess the overall look and make any necessary adjustments before creating the final pattern.
12 mins
Draping Vionnet Skirt - Part 1
Lesson 5
Draping Vionnet Skirt - Part 1
In this session, I demonstrate how to drape the skirt for a Vionnet-style dress. The key is letting the fabric drape naturally with minimal control to achieve the signature Vionnet look.
20 mins
Draping Vionnet Skirt - Part 2
Lesson 6
Draping Vionnet Skirt - Part 2
I teach how to create a controlled flare skirt with a flat center front and more flare towards the back. The front will be flat, while the draping and flare start from the sides and increase towards the back.
20 mins

Patternmaking

Vionnet Dress Torso Patternmaking
Lesson 7
Vionnet Dress Torso Patternmaking
How to transfer the draped muslin pieces onto paper to create the pattern for the Vionnet dress bodice. I demonstrate pinning the fabric carefully without stretching, separating the pieces, transferring markings, adding seam allowances, and creating facings for the neckline and armholes.
31 mins
Vionnet Dress Controlled Flare Skirt Patternmaking
Lesson 8
Vionnet Dress Controlled Flare Skirt Patternmaking
In this session, I demonstrate how to turn the controlled flare skirt into a pattern. I explain the crucial measurements needed, like the center front length, side lengths, and show how to draft the pattern pieces on paper.
50 mins
Adjusting and Draping Half-Circle or Full-Circle Skirt on Vionnet Dress
Lesson 9
Adjusting and Draping Half-Circle or Full-Circle Skirt on Vionnet Dress
In this lesson, I demonstrate an alternative way to create a skirt with less flare, suitable for heavier fabrics, petite frames, or when you want a more fitted silhouette. Instead of using one and a half circles for the skirt, I show how to use just a single circle cut slightly below the waist.
19 mins

Cutting & Sewing

Cutting Vionnet Bodice on Bias of Fabric
Lesson 10
Cutting Vionnet Bodice on Bias of Fabric
I demonstrate how to cut the fabric pieces for a Vionnet bodice on the bias grain. I use a heavy satin fabric with a matte back, ensuring both sides could be utilized. I carefully lay out the pattern pieces on the bias grain, pinning them in place before cutting.
13 mins
Sewing Vionnet Bodice and Facing
Lesson 11
Sewing Vionnet Bodice and Facing
In this session, I teach how to sew the Vionnet bodice and facing. I demonstrate the proper order of attaching the pattern pieces, matching notches, and handling the satin fabric carefully. I also show how to attach the facing around the neckline and armholes.
34 mins
Sewing Vionnet Skirt
Lesson 12
Sewing Vionnet Skirt
How to sew the half-circle skirt for the Vionnet dress. I explain that it's crucial to attach the center skirt panel first before proceeding to the sides to ensure proper alignment and prevent stretching.
6 mins
Sewing Vionnet Zipper and Hem
Lesson 13
Sewing Vionnet Zipper and Hem
In this session, I demonstrate how to sew the zipper and hem for the Vionnet-inspired dress. I show the process of attaching the zipper, ensuring the corners matched perfectly, and closing the back seam with a hook and eye closure.
14 mins
Vionnet Dress Lining Construction
Lesson 14
Vionnet Dress Lining Construction
How to line the back of the Vionnet dress while maintaining a clean finish and allowing for stretch. I explain different lining options like using decorative stitches, attaching the lining separately, or using a stretchy mesh fabric.
33 mins

Finishing

Vionnet Dress Lining Final Look
Lesson 15
Vionnet Dress Lining Final Look
In this session, I attach and sew the lining to the dress, which helps conceal the seams, prevents fraying, and allows the fabric to stretch without any issues. I demonstrate a quick method for attaching the lining, although it can be done more neatly.
2 mins
Vionnet Dress Final Look
Lesson 16
Vionnet Dress Final Look
In this session, I showcase the completed Vionnet dress design. The intricate seams and angles came together beautifully, resulting in one of my favorite creations to date. I hope that the you & our community enjoyed working on this challenging yet rewarding project!
1 min

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