How to create a bustle on the back of a dress

create a bustle on the back of a dress

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A beautiful train on a wedding gown adds to the elegance and formality of the occasion. That same sweep of satin can be in danger of being damaged on the dance floor during the reception. By adding hooks to the back of the gown, a bride can create a bustle that safely and elegantly pins excess fabric out of harm's way.

Creating a bustle can be expensive. It is always a custom alteration since the proper placement depends on the bride's height as well as the weight of the dress and length of the train. But it is possible, with the help of a friend, for a bride to make a bustle for her dress.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Hooks or small-covered buttons
• Woven beading cord or narrow ribbon
• Tiny pearls and other embellishments to hide the hooks on the dress
• White fingernail polish

Instructions

1. • 1

     Have the bride try on the wedding dress while wearing the same shoes she will have on during the wedding.

   • 2

     Mark the placement of the bustle hooks or buttons at the back waistline. Depending on the weight and length of the train, you will need between two to four points placed evenly on both sides of the center back seam.

   • 3

     Sweep up the back of the dress to determine where the skirt will attach to the hooks. Pin the points where the train needs to fold up into the waistband that will allow the corresponding hem to be even with the front of the gown's hem.

   • 4

     Adjust the fabric until it drapes evenly across the back of the gown.

   • 5

     Unpin the skirt from the gown waist but leave the pins in place. Each of these places are what are called bustle points. For most dresses, these points will be between 12 to 20 inches below the waistband.

   • 6

     Create a thread bar at the base of the back waist by making buttonhole stitches over several strands of of looped thread or by sewing a small ribbon across the center back of the gown. The reinforced stitching will protect the fabric from the added weight when the hooks are placed on the band.

   • 7

     Sew a hook or button to each placement point on the waistband..

   • 8

     Sew small loops of thin ribbon or cord on the outside of the skirt at the bustle points.

   • 9

     To create the bustle, lift up the wedding dress train and hook the excess fabric into the thread bar. Tuck the points of the tiers from the sides in behind the bustle.

Tips &- Warnings

• Schedule a rehearsal a week ahead of time with the bridesmaids that will be in charge of bustling the dress. Practice creating the bustle until everyone involved is comfortable making the folds in the dress.

• If you are concerned about the hooks showing, paint them with white fingernail polish and allow to dry before sewing them on. Small embellishments, such as pearls or sequins, can also be sewn on the gown above the hooks to hide them.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: create bustle, back dress, back gown, bustle back, bustle back dress, bustle points, center back