The success in making a gypsy dress will depend above all on the chosen fabric, both in terms of the fabric and the colors. But in addition, the physical characteristics and personality of the person who will wear the flamenco dress must be taken into account... and of course the type of event in which the dress will be worn.
WHICH FABRICS TO CHOOSE FOR A FLAMENCO DRESS?
The fabrics most used today for flamenco dresses are synthetic crepes, bi-elastic fabrics, cotton mixed with viscose and poplin from knitted fabric manufacturers. For the most category suits, natural silks, printed viscose and organdy are used. As for the ornaments, satin ribbons, lace and embroidered strips are used, although current trends are committed to not overloading the auctions or even eliminating them.
If you want to know more about cancan and organdy fabrics, don't miss this article: CANCAN
FLAMENCO DRESS PATTERN
To make a flamenco dress or a gypsy dress, we must make two types of patterns, the one on the body and the one on the ruffles, both on the sleeves and on the skirt. The body of the flamenco dress is whole (fair or tail costumes) or two pieces (pilgrimage costumes). Of the entire suit, the easiest pattern is the one that is cut at the hip.
THE BODY OF THE FLAMENCO DRESS
The entire body has six pieces: one on the front, one on the back (which is cut to put the zipper) and four on the sides (two in front and two in the back). The darts are marked on the two front side pieces so that the dress does not wrinkle on the chest. The most complicated thing when making the pattern is to lengthen the six initial pieces of the body to the bottom of the skirt (which has volume) respecting the narrowing of the waist and the widening of the hips. If we line the body, it will always be well adjusted.
THE SKIRT OF THE FLAMENCO DRESS
The skirts are characterized by the flare, which is obtained by making trapezoidal pieces, called nejas, cut to the thread (in the direction of the weft). Six pieces must be prepared, which when joined adjust, above, to the contour of the user's hip and, below, to the edge of the skirt where the ruffles will be placed. To find the width of each piece, divide the hip measurement by six to calculate the upper part of the trapezoid and also by six to calculate the lower part. The height of the neja will vary according to the height of the user.
The ruffles, those on the sleeves and those on the skirt, should be cut with full-layer ruffle patterns, those that are disc-shaped.
Ruffles on sleeves and skirts
ASSEMBLY OF THE PARTS
Once all the patterns are finished, they are spread out on the fabric and we proceed to cut it. Next, the entire suit is basted in order to leave it ready for the first test, which is used to make the adjustments and cut the neckline. The ruffles are put on before doing the second test. All that remains is to sew the dress by machine and place the decorations on it.
If you want to know more about flamenco dresses, we recommend this article on flamenco clothing.
If you are looking for flamenco fabrics, get inspired in our online fabric store!
Ribes y Casals fabric store in the center of the cities of Madrid, Malaga, Barcelona, Seville and Palma de Mallorca. Discover our online fabric store.
