It seems every little girls wants to be Elsa - the Disney Store already sold out of all the costumes! So we asked if anyone would be interested in a video tutorial and a good deal of you fans said, "YES!" We will be teaching how to sew the McCall's Elsa pattern, but you can also use the Simplicity version, as they are pretty similar.
DISCLAIMER: Patterns are just a tool! You can customize your costume as much as you want. Don't want a zipper? Use sew on snaps. Want your dress to be machine washable? Use polyester/cotton blends. Don't want to applique snowflakes? Bust out some glitter glue and draw those bad boys on. A pattern is just a starting point and you can change it as you please.
ALSO: Remember, we will be hosting a Q&A session about this pattern on September, 29th BUT you have to have a google plus account to join the discussion. If you don't know how, scroll to the bottom for links to get your started.
Let's start preparing!
First, the fabric.
Our fabric yardage is loosely based off a child 5/6 sizing. I always try to buy 1/2 yard extra, just in case.
BODICE
The pattern suggests using a sequin fabric. However, you can use which ever fabric you want. I personally don't like sewing sequin because it's a pain. So instead we've gone with a shiny blue performance lycra. It's got all the right bling, but it's super stretchy. Remember, this is a child's costume. I want her to be comfortable and be able to move freely.
Total Bought: 2 yds of 58 inch wide
Because we couldn't find the perfect color blue, we're going to mute the bright teal of the lycra fabric by sewing a layer of sparkle white tulle. Just one layer is enough to tame the bright blue. It's difficult to photograph, but this tulle has lots of sparkle.
Then, using metallic thread, we will top stitch little "squares" to resemble Elsa's bodice pattern.
Total Bought: 2yds of 58 inch wide
SKIRT
The skirt of this pattern is an A line, but Elsa's dress is more of a mermaid skirt. I need the top of the skirt to be a little form fitting to get the correct shape. Again, this is a kid's costume and they need some movement. I choose a very similar blue lycra performance fabric. Also, Elsa's dress has a tiny train, so I had to buy extra fabric.
Total Bought: 2 yds of 58 inch wide
Just as with the bodice, the skirt needs to be muted a bit. We will add a tulle layer just as we did with the bodice, but it won't be as form fitting as the lycra under layer.
Total Bought: 2 yds of 58 inch wide
CAPE
Elsa's cape is pretty awesome, but this pattern doesn't have as much length as we want. We're going for drama here! With that in mind, we bought twice as much fabric for the cape. We also went with an almost teal-blue tulle with tons of sparkle. With just the one layer, it's just enough color to stand out from the dress but still flow with the rest of the costume.
Total Bought: 3 yds of 58 inch wide
YOKE AND SLEEVES
This one was tough. In the end we found a sheer off white. When placed over our skin, it was nearly skin tone but with a nice sheen.
Total Bought: 1 yd of 58 inch wide
WEBBING
The pattern calls for 3/8 of a yd of webbing because it wants you to iron your hem in place instead of sewing it. This is really up to you. It's much faster to use the Heat and Bond webbing, but I really don't recommend using it if you're using sheer fabric or stretch fabric. On the bright side, if you are using stretch fabric, you don't have to hem at all. Muah ha ha ha!
NOTIONS
Invisible Zipper (length based on dress size) - because our dress is between a size 5/6, I grabbed a 12-14 inch visible zipper. If you aren't comfortable with an invisble zipper, you can totally stick with a standard zipper or snaps if you want.
All purpose thread
Stretch Needle (if you are sewing stretch fabric) or Universal Needle (for wovens) size 65-80 depending on your fabric weight
Decorative Trim (or beads, beading needle, and clear thread if you plan to make your own trim)
ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES
Hook and Eye closures - Wouldn't it be awesome if the cape was detachable? We think so, too. Also, you might want a little hook and eye above the zipper.
Ribbon/Thin strip of white knit/Clear elastic stabilizer - if you are using sheer fabric (we are) then you'll want to stabilize those arm holes.
Clear Stabilizer or plastic wrap or tissue paper - This will help sew the sheer fabric, as well as some starch. It's also great for top stitching.
Metallic Thread- This stuff adds a great bit of sparkle when top stitching designs.
Top Stitching Needle or Metallic Needle - A must have to prevent the thread from snagging.
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