Burda Style For people who sew

In long full evening dress, sometimes you want fullness in the hem, and can be achieved with layers of petticoats or with a horsehair braid sewn into the hem. Without horsehair or petticoats, the skirt would collapse in towards the feet. Here, we show you two methods of inserting horsehair braid. The first method is easier for beginners and requires encasing the braid in a separate fabric casing, then sewing it to the skirt hem, and is a little different than the method shown in the instructions for <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/creations/show/22401"> Nora’s gown</a>. The second method folds the braid directly to the skirt, with no extra strip.

Technique Materials

horsehair braid, full skirt, needle and thread, sewing machine, pins

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2 Comments

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  Oct 9, 2009, 01.32 PMby almatinka

  I never knew about this stuff, but it sounds so helpful! I will be happy to try it in my garments. A couple of questions, though… Just how stiff is this horse braid? Will it have the same effect with cotton?

  2 Replies

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    Dec 28, 2009, 08.39 AMby Wendy C Allen

    I’ve used horsehairbraid before. It’s pretty stiff, yet still quite flexible. It’s similar to a tulle-netting but somewhat stiffer.

    I’ve never tried using it on cotton, but I’ sure it would work. Now you got me interested, I’ll have to make something out of cotton so I can try it.

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    Dec 28, 2009, 12.53 PMby almatinka

    Thank you for your answer! My next project after I finish the cushion will be a cotton dress that I thought up a design for and it’s sort of in a retro style (if there doesn’t appear a need – or an itch ;-) – to make something else while still working on the cushion ;-)). I didn’t want to make a full under skirt (to have the look of a poodle skirt), and yet I don’t know if I want it just to hang loosely. Hence, I wanted to know. I guess we’ll try… ;-)

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  Jul 1, 2009, 10.10 PMby nora

  zzz nice!