Custom "Appliques" for Dresses

L

latingal

Forum Master
Hi all....was wondering if anybody knows how they make "appliques" for latin and smooth dresses. I tried on a Designs To Shine dress and noticed that the "appliques" seem to have a rubber type backing on them for comfort and I assume non-slippage.

Does anybody know what materials are commonly used (both on the front and the back sides) and how they make them?
 
Good question... I saw some designers use lace (for e.g. necklaces), or put a pattern on net / nude colored / other colored mesh.

Designs to Shine's method is the best, even though the rubber feels weird on the designs keep their shape and tend to stay put.
 
Okay, I seem to be striking out here a bit....hopefully some of the more experienced dress makers will be along to help at some point.

Thought I'd throw this out and see if anybody has any feedback...could the coating used on the back of the appliques be a liquid rubber or latex of some sort?
 
Okay...I've been doing some research on the web and have not found anything about a rubbery type backing on appliques.

However, I have found several references to using a non-slip coating on fabrics for slippers and the like.

The product referenced the most seems to be Mold Builder, a paint on latex used for building molds. Or a hook rug backing latex.

Has anybody here on DF used this type of product? If so, what's it like? Do you think this could be my mystery applique backing?
 
I have a jar of liquid latex which is used for, um, "entertainment" purposes (body painting or whatever floats your boat). I actually bought it for use in biological research (honestly!), but I'm not using it. Stinks to high heaven though while it's curing (rancid fish / ammonia). If anyone wants to try it out, PM me.
 
and123 said:
I have a jar of liquid latex which is used for, um, "entertainment" purposes (body painting or whatever floats your boat).
Click to expand...

Have you ever felt rubber backing on appliques before? Does this liquid latex dry into a similar finish? Oh dear...."entertainment" purposes, holy mother of...just what will my husband think I've gotten into?

I can just see it now....*honest honey....it's for my latin dresses*
 
does this give you a few hints?

liquidlatex.jpg


(I have the "natural" color (think condoms))

sorry if this is TMI.

There are notes on its use on the website (liquid-latex.com). I haven't played around with it. Really, I swear!
I think I would pass out from the fumes :shock:
 
Oh dear....I think we're about to get censored....*lol* Wouldn't it be hilarious if this is actually what they're using on the Designs to Shine dresses....

Well I guess we wouldn't have to worry that it's not safe to be exposed to the skin....
 
latingal said:
Oh dear....I think we're about to get censored....*lol* Wouldn't it be hilarious if this is actually what they're using on the Designs to Shine dresses....

Well I guess we wouldn't have to worry that it's not safe to be exposed to the skin....
Click to expand...
I think that is exactly what they are using! I got my Mold Builder (liquid latex) from that web site. When I saw the beautiful dresses from Designs To Shine, I thought it was a very clever way to make appliques. Liquid latex can be used alot of ways- the ballgown makers often use it to give more body to silk flowers, paint on the hem of a skirt to give it more snap or weight, or paint a thin line on the underside top of gloves to keep in place. Undergarments often have thin strips of it painted on. You could pour out a sheet of it and cut out your designs and stone or just completely latex a cut out from fabric or section of lace used on your dress. I have Seen people paint themselves for Halloween and especially down in Key West at festivities there. Have fun kids!
 
gracie said:
I think that is exactly what they are using! I got my Mold Builder (liquid latex) from that web site. When I saw the beautiful dresses from Designs To Shine, I thought it was a very clever way to make appliques!
Click to expand...

Hi gracie! Thanks for the great input, it's the first hint that we are on the right track!?! Question for you, did you actually get Mold Builder (a brand you can buy at Michael's) or did you use the liquid latex cosmetic product from liquid-latex.com?

This is waaaay too funny....if I have to buy this stuff from the liquid-latex site, I am going to be really, really embarrassed....:shock: :D

gracie have you actually tried this stuff on appliques or in any dresses?
 
That's a brilliant way to stabilise the fabric, and stop it fraying, it's got me designing a new dress in my head with some fabric I've had lying around too long - a chiffon with satin stripes and a floral design. I'd love to cut some of the flowers out and use them in the body of the dress
 
Hey fluffy! Let me know if you try it out (and what type of product(s) you use and how you use it). It would be nice to get some detailed feedback about the best ways to use this stuff in dresses/appliques.

I think I will try to buy one of the latex products and trial a small applique pattern or arm band to see how it works.
 
I'm not sure which website I bought it from but I remember seeing it used for body painting, etc. I just googled mold builder and ordered from best price source. I have used it on some silk flowers to stiffen them up for a dress. Brush it on the under side of petals and leaves and prop up the way you want them to dry. Also on the inside edge of bras and gloves to keep in place. I do love the way Designs To Shine uses it and wish I had the inside scoop on that.
 
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