Let’s talk about non-traditional bridal patterns, shall we? I’ve compiled a list of bridal sewing patterns which span the decades and in one way or another screamed “wedding” but also seemed more non-traditional or more avant garde than most. That includes suit patterns, blazer patterns and patterns with more fancy frills. These patterns couldn’t clearly be added to one of the other categories – plus size, modern, vintage or 80s-90s – so adding them to their own category seemed fitting.
Don’t be afraid to length a hew, add sleeves, embellish or add an underskirt to these sewing makes if you feel so inclined. Adding fullness to a skirt or adding length and a train can completely change a look, as can lining your dress in a bright emerald green or fiery red. Also, many of the blazer patterns here could be altered with lace sleeves, slanted welt pockets or changing the collar lapels to a monochrome satin fabric. The possibilities are endless as the cliché goes, but honestly, use your imagination or inspiration from places like Pinterest to get you going.
Most of these patterns are timeless (and many from the 1990s of all eras – but sue me, I am a child of the 1990s) and out of print. I’ve linked to the ones I could find on eBay but Etsy is also a good place to look for out of print patterns. You might also ask around in the Sewing in Norway group on Facebook to see if fellow members may have your desired bridal sewing pattern for sale.
A few words about fabric – it matters significantly and can change up a design as much as changing the style lines on a project. Manufacturers are usually pretty good about recommending as wide a range of suggested fabrics for each pattern as possible but feel free to be creative and step outside of the recommended fabrics. This will certainly change the way your make drapes and fits your frame. It could also enable you to sew one of those special, one of the kind wedding dresses which makes the entire sewing process worth it in the end.
Other bridal sewing patterns not shown below are tje Chantilly from Seamwork Patterns, Prudence Dress from Colette Patterns, Aava Tailored Blazer from Naked Clothing, Joni Jumpsuit from Friday Pattern Company, 1930s Last Resort Beach PJs from Decades of Style and the Betty Jean Catsuit from Sew La Di Da Vinatge.
Before you embark on sewing your own wedding dress, be sure to check out my series The Complete Guide to Sewing Your Own Wedding Gown.
Pattern Producer and Pattern Number: Vogue 1863
Manufacturer’s Size Range: 6-16
Print Status (as of Dec. 2018): Out of print
Pattern Producer and Pattern Number: Vogue 7925
Manufacturer’s Size Range: S-XL
Print Status (as of Dec. 2018): Out of print
Pattern Producer and Pattern Number: Vogue 1158
Manufacturer’s Size Range: Unknown
Print Status (as of Dec. 2018): Out of print
Pattern Producer and Pattern Number: Vogue 1426
Manufacturer’s Size Range: 6-22
Print Status (as of Dec. 2018): In print
Pattern Producer and Pattern Number: Vogue 1495
Manufacturer’s Size Range: 6-22
Print Status (as of Dec. 2018): In print
Pattern Producer and Pattern Number: Vogue 2498
Manufacturer’s Size Range:
Print Status (as of Dec. 2018): In print
Pattern Producer and Pattern Number: Vogue 2979
Manufacturer’s Size Range: 6-22
Print Status (as of Dec. 2018): In print
Pattern Producer and Pattern Number: Vogue 7211
Manufacturer’s Size Range: 6-20
Print Status (as of Dec. 2018): Out of print
Pattern Producer and Pattern Number: Vogue 7281
Manufacturer’s Size Range: 6-22
Print Status (as of Dec. 2018): Out of print
Pattern Producer and Pattern Number: McCalls 3507
Manufacturer’s Size Range: 26W-32W
Print Status (as of Dec. 2018): Out of print
Pattern Producer and Pattern Number: McCalls 6701
Manufacturer’s Size Range: 6-22
Print Status (as of Dec. 2018): Out of print
Pattern Producer and Pattern Number: McCalls 7910
Manufacturer’s Size Range: 6-22
Print Status (as of Dec. 2018): In print
Pattern Producer and Pattern Number: Butterick 4715
Manufacturer’s Size Range: 6-22
Print Status (as of Dec. 2018): Out of print
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