George Boyle
Wrist loops are a popular addition to wedding dresses, particularly those with long trains. They are a convenient way to hold up the train of a wedding dress for photographs and walking between locations, and some brides prefer the look of a wrist loop to a bustle. However, many people find that the weight of the train becomes uncomfortable over time, and it can be difficult to dance with. Wrist loops can be purchased or handmade, and are usually made of ribbon or thin string. They are typically sewn to the center back seam on the underside of the train, about one-third of the way from the hem to the waist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To carry the train of a wedding dress |
| Use case | Useful for taking wedding photos, walking between locations, and dancing |
| Pros | Romantic, easier to carry the train, can be added to an existing dress |
| Cons | May need to be sewn on by a professional, could be tripped over |
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What You'll Learn
Wrist loops are a romantic way to carry the train
Wrist loops are also a practical solution for eloping brides or those who will not have assistance in manoeuvring their dress after the ceremony. With a wrist loop, the bride can easily lift the train when getting into a car or walking between photo locations. It can also be useful for the first dance, as the train can be looped or bustled up to make dancing easier.
Some brides may prefer the look of a wrist loop to a bustle, as it can be more elegant and less bulky. Additionally, a wrist loop can be a good option for heavy or long trains that are difficult to bustle. The loop can be set lower on the canter back seam to achieve a desired look.
Wrist loops can be purchased separately and added to a dress by sewing them in. They are usually placed on the right wrist for the first dance and then moved to the left wrist as the right arm may become tired. Wrist loops made from thin string or ribbon ties can be more comfortable and easier to sew on.
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Use silk cord or double-sided satin ribbon
If you're looking to add a wrist loop to your wedding dress, you can use silk cord or double-sided satin ribbon. This is what one person advised:
> Get a nice piece of silk cord or something and hand sew it on the underneath. Be careful not to pierce through the top layer of fabric (I’m assuming that underlay is lined? so you would only want to sew through the lining part so your stitches don’t show). Then when you pick up your dress by the wrist loop, you’ll be carrying the under layer and the lace will naturally be picked up with it.
If you're using double-sided satin ribbon, you can follow these steps:
- Cut the strips on the bias, preferably with a serrated blade so it doesn't ravel.
- Allow 3/8" seam, and make it longer than you think you will need.
- Before stitching, lay a length of cotton twine down the fold.
- Knot the top end of the twine, then anchor it in the seam at the top of the tube.
- Stitch the length, using a very short stitch length.
- Trim the seam, then pull the twine.
- Trim off the knotted twine end.
You can also use wool knitting yarn instead of twine to give the cord more body. Cut the yarn twice the length of the fabric, lay it along the fold, and stitch as above. Then, tug on the enclosed half of the twine to turn the fabric tube and enclose the upper half of the yarn, creating a softly filled, strong tube.
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Sew the loop to the centre back seam
To sew the loop to the centre back seam, you will need to decide on the placement of the loop. The loop should be placed at a comfortable height for your wrist, usually around the middle of the back seam. Mark this spot with a fabric pen or tailor's chalk.
Next, you will need to create a small opening in the seam at this marked spot. Carefully cut or unpick a section of the seam, ensuring that you only create a small hole, just large enough for the loop to fit through.
Now, take your chosen loop material, such as a thin string or ribbon, and feed it through the opening from the inside of the dress. You should have one end of the loop material inside the dress and the other end outside, with the loop itself sitting at your marked spot.
Securely sew one end of the loop material to the dress near the opening you created. You can do this by hand or with a sewing machine, ensuring that the stitches are tight and secure.
Finally, carefully close the opening by sewing the seam back together. Make sure that the stitches blend seamlessly with the rest of the seam, so the alteration is as inconspicuous as possible.
By following these steps, you will have successfully sewn a wrist loop to the centre back seam of your wedding dress, allowing you to easily carry and manage your train.
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Wrist loops are great for photos, not dancing
Wrist loops are a great addition to a wedding dress, especially if you want to showcase the train in your wedding photos. They are a romantic way to carry the train, and they can be easily moved from your right wrist to your left wrist as your right gets tired. Wrist loops are also perfect for elopements or small weddings where the bride has to manoeuvre her dress without any assistance.
However, wrist loops are not practical for dancing. Trains can get very heavy, very quickly, and you will tire of carrying it around. You will also run the risk of tripping over your train or tripping up other people on the dance floor.
If you are set on having a wrist loop for your wedding dress, you can easily add one yourself by sewing a nice piece of silk cord or thin string to the underneath of your dress. You can also buy a wrist loop train bracelet online.
If you want to have the option of showcasing your train for photos and bustling it for dancing, you can have both. You can use the wrist loop to help pick up the bottom of the dress when moving between locations for photos, and then bustle your dress for dancing at the reception.
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A bustle is a good alternative to a wrist loop
A bustle, on the other hand, allows you to "button back" the train of your dress, making it easier to walk, dance, and mingle with guests. While some people believe that a bustled dress doesn't look as good in photos, wedding professionals argue that bustles are an intentional design choice that can complement your wedding dress aesthetic. You can even ask your alterations person to sew a bustle underneath your dress, keeping it out of sight until needed.
Additionally, a bustle can prevent your dress from being stepped on or dragged along the ground, which can be a concern with a wrist loop. If you're considering a wrist loop because you want to be able to spread out the train of your dress for pictures, you can achieve a similar effect by setting the wrist loop lower on the canter back seam. This way, you can slip your hand out of the loop for photos and then pick it back up when you need to move around.
Ultimately, the decision between a wrist loop and a bustle comes down to personal preference. However, if you're looking for a practical solution that will allow you to move around comfortably and avoid tripping over your dress, a bustle is a good alternative to a wrist loop.
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