Help with my wedding dress!!(threads and fringe)

Klassy Metis · 02-07-2008, 12:54 PM

Tan'si from Alberta, Canada! :o)
I am in the early stages of making my wedding dress. After alot of research, I settled on a pig hide as it is a "pure" white, not an offwhite as a deer hide can only be. So...I am on the hunt for a "polynylon wax covered thread". Apparently, using cotton won't last as the oils from the hide will eat the thread with in three months time..don't need my dress falling off me halfway through the ceremony. LOL though people would never forget the wedding!!! :o) I can't find this thread..does anyone have any suggestions for a thread??
Also, fringe cutting. My fringes are 17" and 19" in length and cutting with scissors leaves little "snag" looking marks. Are electric shears/scissors good here or longer bladed scissors?
HELP!
Hiy-Hiy!!

between2worlds · 02-07-2008, 01:11 PM

Nymo for the thread?

For the fringe how about using a strap cutter like:

Montana Leather Company: Jerry's Stripper "The Lace Maker" #3110

You could also try a rotary cutter:

Clover New Slash Rotary Cutter-28mm

OLChemist · 02-07-2008, 01:29 PM

Rotary cutters are the way to go with fringe. I find using a very clean piece of plywood works well as a cutting board. The roughness of the wood help keep the hides from slipping. It is a bit rough on the blades tho'.

Oh, and use rubbing alcohol to clean the blade and cutter before using to remove any grease which will make marks on white white hides. Dry the excess alcohol to keep the stuff from rusting.

The prefix poly unusually indicates many of the chemical unit of which a polymeric material is composed. Nylon is a trade name for a family of polyamides. I think what was meant was a waxed multi-ply nylon thread as opposed to a monofilament nylon.

Garment grade pigskin is used in clothing all the time. Any big sewing store or leather garment repairer can probably hook you up with a suitable thread.

Klassy Metis · 02-07-2008, 01:38 PM

Thanks so much for your prompt response! Holay. :o)
I lol'd when I saw the finge cutter machine. I had mentioned to my mom when we were trying different ways of cutting fringe,"Geez, someone should invent something like a pasta cutting machine for making fringe.." and there it is!!! It looks like 1/2" is the smallest width it cuts, and I'm looking for 1/4 " wide max. The rotary cutter looks pretty good, too!!!!
I do have some NYMO at home, I've been using it for beading and never thought of it for actual sewing!
Thanks again! You've been a HUGE help!

**Eagle Plumes** · 02-07-2008, 01:48 PM

yeppers used rotary cutter on all my fring so ver y awesome and sharp as I learned lol.

Klassy Metis · 02-07-2008, 04:03 PM

Well, Rotary cutter is the way, I'll be going then. EP, how do you get your fringes straight? Can you cut alongside a metal ruler or do you mark out where you will be cutting? I want my fringes no wider than 1/4 " so need a pretty steady hand and I don't trust myself to eyeball it..lol

**Eagle Plumes** · 02-07-2008, 05:08 PM

I actually borrowed a paper fringe graph a friend of mine made kinda hard to explane but with a pencil I was able to put lil dots in places and guided it with a medal ruler and had a heavy piece od scrap board under the buckskin.

Sweetsage02 · 03-06-2008, 04:51 PM

I'm glad I ran into this thread...very helpful! Thanks for the tips!! Appreciate it!

Czechy · 03-07-2008, 06:59 PM

I've made several dresses and cut all the long arm fringe with a rotary cutter and a long metal straight edge. I don't bother to mark each fringe width, I just eyeball it, laying the ruler about 1/4" from the edge of my last cut. The fringes all come out pretty even.

Rotary cutters come in a couple different sizes. Get the big one so your cutting will go faster. Fabric and craft stores carry them. And get at least one extra blade.

The straight edge I use is 48" long and gosh, its one of my most useful tools, for all kinds of stuff. Find one at Lowe's, Home Depot or a hardware store.

You can cut on plywood as ol'chemist does, or you can try a self-healing cutting mat which is what I use since I sew and cut fabric on it anyway. The mat might be easier on your blades and keep them from dulling so fast but the big size mats are not cheap. You'll find the mats near the rotary cutters. I think Walmart carries them too.

Oh yeah, congrats on your upcoming wedding!
If I hadn't gotten married in 9-yards of red silk, I would have most definitely have worn a buckskin dress I made myself. Good luck with your dress and I hope it turns out just the way you want it. I'm sure it will be awesome!

Klassy Metis · 04-18-2008, 12:58 PM

well, an update, I bought a large rotary cutter, extra blade and mat and we took 1 sample cut on a scrap piece of hide..beautiful!!! We were SO excited..my mom and I were dancing around hollering. LMAO! I went for my fitting last night and it fits beautifully..just need to start cutting the fringe now..can't wait because we know how much easier it will be with the rotary cutter. We found a great thread to use at the tannery..so all is well. BUT..I will be using eyelets up one side of the dress from the top of my hip to under the arm and will then be able to lace the dress closed instead of using a zipper. any suggestions on HOW FAR APART TO PLACE EYELETS so that there are no gaps or gathering?

Thank you again to all of you and your fabulous advice!!!

Czechy · 04-19-2008, 12:57 PM

Hmmmm....I can't help with the eyelets as I have not used those on anything. I have seen a few "biker-babe" bustier type dresses with eyelets. Don't know if that's the look you want but I suppose you could put some eyelets in and then see. You can always add more in between the ones you already made should you need to.

wyo_rose · 04-22-2008, 03:01 PM

Eyelets aren't hard to do, but they are VERY conspicuous. You could probably find some small white ones and cut some white lacing for them. BUT....I suggest just cutting small slits (similar to how you would lace up a mocassin), and then lace that.

I don't know if you're going for the biker lacing look, or a flatter, more consealed look. Myself, I would lay the two layers over each other and lace them up flat...know what I mean??

Klassy Metis · 04-23-2008, 07:29 PM

Eww..no biker anything on my wedding dress. haha we just didn't want to chance trying to put in a zipper. I did find some pretty helpful info on the net as far as placment. Yes, we do want it to lay flat. I think it'll all workout. We have these really small white eyelets and we'll use a long strip of the hide as lacing..thonging is too bulky..

Thanks so much for your help! :o)

wyo_rose · 04-25-2008, 05:29 PM

Good luck...and we want to see pictures!!!

Klassy Metis · 04-28-2008, 06:24 PM

Hey, all!!
Well, we did the eyelets and lacing this past weekend. Looks GREAT!! We used small, white eyelets and then cut long strips of hide 1 " wide and folded them in half (may use fabric glue on the "real" laces later) and threaded them through. The dress snugged up evenly and comfortably! The next project with the dress will be sitting down to start cutting the 3 layers of fringe..I'll post pictures after August 28th so I'll LOOK like a bride in the dress. :o)

Will keep you posted!

Klassy Metis · 09-04-2008, 01:34 PM

Thank you to Between 2 Worlds, OLChemist, Eagle Plumes, Czechy and Wyo Rose for all of your input to my questions regarding the making of my wedding dress. I was married a week ago and the dress was beautiful! People are still talking about it!

I'll try to post a pic or 2...

Hiy-Hiy!!

Klassy Metis

02-07-2008, 12:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
Klassy Metis Klassy Metis Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alberta Posts: 7	Help with my wedding dress!!(threads and fringe) Tan'si from Alberta, Canada! :o) I am in the early stages of making my wedding dress. After alot of research, I settled on a pig hide as it is a "pure" white, not an offwhite as a deer hide can only be. So...I am on the hunt for a "polynylon wax covered thread". Apparently, using cotton won't last as the oils from the hide will eat the thread with in three months time..don't need my dress falling off me halfway through the ceremony. LOL though people would never forget the wedding!!! :o) I can't find this thread..does anyone have any suggestions for a thread?? Also, fringe cutting. My fringes are 17" and 19" in length and cutting with scissors leaves little "snag" looking marks. Are electric shears/scissors good here or longer bladed scissors? HELP! Hiy-Hiy!!

02-07-2008, 01:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
between2worlds Patrick Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Riverdale, MD Posts: 2,739	Nymo for the thread? For the fringe how about using a strap cutter like: Montana Leather Company: Jerry's Stripper "The Lace Maker" #3110 You could also try a rotary cutter: Clover New Slash Rotary Cutter-28mm __________________ ========================================= "The cavalry didn't come riding to the rescue; the American Indians did." ~ Al Gore regarding Mother Earth/Live Earth at NMAI 7/7/2007 "You can accurately predict the future if you create it." Native Roots @ Mother Earth 2007

03-06-2008, 04:51 PM	#8 (permalink)
Sweetsage02 Powwow Up!! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: This Rez Posts: 212	I'm glad I ran into this thread...very helpful! Thanks for the tips!! Appreciate it! __________________ But Boss, I am working!!......on finding my next pow-wow that is!

04-18-2008, 12:58 PM	#10 (permalink)
Klassy Metis Klassy Metis Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alberta Posts: 7	Hiy Hiy kiyawaw!! (Thank you to you all!) well, an update, I bought a large rotary cutter, extra blade and mat and we took 1 sample cut on a scrap piece of hide..beautiful!!! We were SO excited..my mom and I were dancing around hollering. LMAO! I went for my fitting last night and it fits beautifully..just need to start cutting the fringe now..can't wait because we know how much easier it will be with the rotary cutter. We found a great thread to use at the tannery..so all is well. BUT..I will be using eyelets up one side of the dress from the top of my hip to under the arm and will then be able to lace the dress closed instead of using a zipper. any suggestions on HOW FAR APART TO PLACE EYELETS so that there are no gaps or gathering? Thank you again to all of you and your fabulous advice!!!

04-22-2008, 03:01 PM	#12 (permalink)
wyo_rose Teenah's Too Cool Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Fort Washakie Posts: 8,034 Blog Entries: 2	Eyelets aren't hard to do, but they are VERY conspicuous. You could probably find some small white ones and cut some white lacing for them. BUT....I suggest just cutting small slits (similar to how you would lace up a mocassin), and then lace that. I don't know if you're going for the biker lacing look, or a flatter, more consealed look. Myself, I would lay the two layers over each other and lace them up flat...know what I mean?? __________________ Don't take life so seriously! It's not permanent.

02-07-2008, 01:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
OLChemist Pow Wow Committee Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 743	Rotary cutters are the way to go with fringe. I find using a very clean piece of plywood works well as a cutting board. The roughness of the wood help keep the hides from slipping. It is a bit rough on the blades tho'. Oh, and use rubbing alcohol to clean the blade and cutter before using to remove any grease which will make marks on white white hides. Dry the excess alcohol to keep the stuff from rusting. The prefix poly unusually indicates many of the chemical unit of which a polymeric material is composed. Nylon is a trade name for a family of polyamides. I think what was meant was a waxed multi-ply nylon thread as opposed to a monofilament nylon. Garment grade pigskin is used in clothing all the time. Any big sewing store or leather garment repairer can probably hook you up with a suitable thread.

02-07-2008, 01:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
Klassy Metis Klassy Metis Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alberta Posts: 7	Thanks so much for your prompt response! Holay. :o) I lol'd when I saw the finge cutter machine. I had mentioned to my mom when we were trying different ways of cutting fringe,"Geez, someone should invent something like a pasta cutting machine for making fringe.." and there it is!!! It looks like 1/2" is the smallest width it cuts, and I'm looking for 1/4 " wide max. The rotary cutter looks pretty good, too!!!! I do have some NYMO at home, I've been using it for beading and never thought of it for actual sewing! Thanks again! You've been a HUGE help!

02-07-2008, 01:48 PM	#5 (permalink)
Eagle Plumes Just Bead it! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MId-West Posts: 11,491	yeppers used rotary cutter on all my fring so ver y awesome and sharp as I learned lol.

02-07-2008, 04:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
Klassy Metis Klassy Metis Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alberta Posts: 7	Well, Rotary cutter is the way, I'll be going then. EP, how do you get your fringes straight? Can you cut alongside a metal ruler or do you mark out where you will be cutting? I want my fringes no wider than 1/4 " so need a pretty steady hand and I don't trust myself to eyeball it..lol

02-07-2008, 05:08 PM	#7 (permalink)
Eagle Plumes Just Bead it! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MId-West Posts: 11,491	I actually borrowed a paper fringe graph a friend of mine made kinda hard to explane but with a pencil I was able to put lil dots in places and guided it with a medal ruler and had a heavy piece od scrap board under the buckskin.

03-07-2008, 06:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
Czechy wrapped in ribbonwork! Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Here....for now Posts: 784	I've made several dresses and cut all the long arm fringe with a rotary cutter and a long metal straight edge. I don't bother to mark each fringe width, I just eyeball it, laying the ruler about 1/4" from the edge of my last cut. The fringes all come out pretty even. Rotary cutters come in a couple different sizes. Get the big one so your cutting will go faster. Fabric and craft stores carry them. And get at least one extra blade. The straight edge I use is 48" long and gosh, its one of my most useful tools, for all kinds of stuff. Find one at Lowe's, Home Depot or a hardware store. You can cut on plywood as ol'chemist does, or you can try a self-healing cutting mat which is what I use since I sew and cut fabric on it anyway. The mat might be easier on your blades and keep them from dulling so fast but the big size mats are not cheap. You'll find the mats near the rotary cutters. I think Walmart carries them too. Oh yeah, congrats on your upcoming wedding! If I hadn't gotten married in 9-yards of red silk, I would have most definitely have worn a buckskin dress I made myself. Good luck with your dress and I hope it turns out just the way you want it. I'm sure it will be awesome!

04-19-2008, 12:57 PM	#11 (permalink)
Czechy wrapped in ribbonwork! Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Here....for now Posts: 784	Hmmmm....I can't help with the eyelets as I have not used those on anything. I have seen a few "biker-babe" bustier type dresses with eyelets. Don't know if that's the look you want but I suppose you could put some eyelets in and then see. You can always add more in between the ones you already made should you need to.

04-23-2008, 07:29 PM	#13 (permalink)
Klassy Metis Klassy Metis Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alberta Posts: 7	Eww..no biker anything on my wedding dress. haha we just didn't want to chance trying to put in a zipper. I did find some pretty helpful info on the net as far as placment. Yes, we do want it to lay flat. I think it'll all workout. We have these really small white eyelets and we'll use a long strip of the hide as lacing..thonging is too bulky.. Thanks so much for your help! :o)

04-25-2008, 05:29 PM	#14 (permalink)
wyo_rose Teenah's Too Cool Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Fort Washakie Posts: 8,034 Blog Entries: 2	Good luck...and we want to see pictures!!! __________________ Don't take life so seriously! It's not permanent.

04-28-2008, 06:24 PM	#15 (permalink)
Klassy Metis Klassy Metis Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alberta Posts: 7	The Wedding Dress Progress.... Hey, all!! Well, we did the eyelets and lacing this past weekend. Looks GREAT!! We used small, white eyelets and then cut long strips of hide 1 " wide and folded them in half (may use fabric glue on the "real" laces later) and threaded them through. The dress snugged up evenly and comfortably! The next project with the dress will be sitting down to start cutting the 3 layers of fringe..I'll post pictures after August 28th so I'll LOOK like a bride in the dress. :o) Will keep you posted!

09-04-2008, 05:41 PM	#17 (permalink)
Czechy wrapped in ribbonwork!