Bespoke Polka Dot Summer Dress – Bias Cut & Hand-Piped Hem
This bespoke polka dot dress was created for a client, from Chipstead Village, who fell in love with one of my original design of the reversible flower of scotland dress and wanted her own version for summer — something playful, feminine, and full of movement.
Designed and made entirely from scratch in my Sutton, Surrey studio, this piece focuses not only on silhouette, but on how the dress moves and performs when worn.
The full skirt was cut to create volume and fluidity, but as with all bias-influenced garments, the construction process doesn’t end once it is sewn.
The skirt was left to hang overnight, allowing the bias to naturally drop — an essential couture step to ensure accuracy in the final hemline.
Once the fabric had fully settled, the hem was carefully relevelled by hand.
This ensures the dress hangs evenly from every angle while preserving the natural movement of the fabric.
To elevate the finish, I introduced a piped hem — a design decision made during the process to enhance both structure and visual definition.
The piping was created from approximately 10 metres of bias-cut strips, made from white cotton fabric and constructed with a corded core.
This detail gives the hem strength, allowing it to hold its shape while adding a subtle bounce when the skirt moves — something that transforms the entire feel of the dress when worn.
Every element of this dress was developed from scratch — from pattern cutting through to final finishing — ensuring the garment fits perfectly while maintaining balance, proportion and movement.
Expert Bridal Alterations in Sutton & Cheam with Couture-Level Precision & Finish
Based in Sutton, Surrey, I specialise in both bespoke dressmaking and complex bridal alterations.
I regularly work with clients across Croydon, Wallington, Carshalton, Crystal Palace and surrounding areas, creating custom garments from scratch as well as restructuring and refining existing dresses to couture level.
- → Two Wedding Looks in One Dress – A 50-Point Bustle Transformation
- → Beaded Lace Hem Reconstruction for a Martina Liana gown
- → Bespoke Silk Dress Inspired by Alberta Ferretti
Interested in a bespoke silk piece or a private Silk Atelier Session?
Alongside my bridal and couture work in Sutton, Surrey, I also offer private Silk Atelier Sessions — a more creative extension of my practice exploring design and painting on silk.
For bridal alterations or a bespoke design in SuttonSurrey, I would be delighted to hear from you.
Serving Cheam, Wimbledon, Wallington, Crystal Palace, Croydon & South London
Private bridal fittings by appointment