How do you flare dresses?

Question

I want to make a dress (not a normal one, but more like for a costume party) that is about knee-length. It needs to be very flared but not bunched up close together. If you click this link (http://www.lelola.net/ccs/ss/openingI/o39.jpg) , it will give you a very exaggerated flare but I want mine like this but a little less... poofy. I also want to put in a crinoline but I'm not sure whether to just go up to the material shop staff and ask them for crinoline material or something more specific... Please help me. Thanks for any help you can give.

http://www.lelola.net/ccs/ss/openingI/o39.jpg
The other link doesn't work.

Answer 1

Is the skirt you are going to make going to be pleated? If not, the best bet to make a wide skirt is to cut the fabric on the bias (diagonally).

You'd be very uncomfortable in a traditional crinoline, they weigh a ton. If you need a hoop, like in the old crinolines, you should look for plastic at the store to make that, but if you just want volume without looking like a lampshade, you just buy net fabric, and make several "skirts" made out of it, one slightly larger than the other, of course. 6 or 7 should give you plenty of volume while still allowing you to move and sit.