Deborah Chan
Adding buttons to the back of a wedding dress is a popular way to enhance the look of the dress. Some people prefer functional buttons, while others opt for non-functional decorative buttons. The process of adding buttons to a wedding dress can vary depending on the desired style and the existing features of the dress. It is recommended to consult a professional seamstress or tailor who specializes in wedding gowns for major alterations. However, with some sewing skills and the right materials, it is possible to add buttons to a wedding dress at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of buttons | Functional or non-functional buttons |
| Button material | Satin, pearl, diamante |
| Button size | 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" |
| Shank length | Longer shank may cause floppy buttons |
| Button placement | On top of zipper or over zipper line |
| Button attachment | Sewn by hand or by a professional |
| Number of buttons | Depends on button size and distance between buttons |
| Button loops | Use button thread, which is thicker than regular thread |
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What You'll Learn
Sewing buttons on top of a zipper
Prepare the Buttons and Zipper:
Firstly, ensure that the buttons you have chosen match your dress and its existing zipper. You can opt for functional buttons that can be used to fasten the dress, or purely decorative, non-functional buttons. If you plan to use functional buttons, consider the size of the buttons and the length of the zipper. Smaller buttons, such as 1/4" or 3/8" buttons, are often more suitable for dresses, as larger buttons (over 1/2") may look disproportionate.
Sewing the Buttons:
Before you begin sewing, ensure the dress is unzipped. Decide on the placement of the buttons, marking their positions carefully. If you are using functional buttons, you will need to create buttonholes on one side of the zipper. You can do this by using the buttonhole function on your sewing machine to create clean and strong buttonholes. If your buttons are non-functional, you can simply sew them directly onto the dress, covering the zipper.
Types of Buttons:
There are two basic types of buttons: hole buttons and shank buttons. Hole buttons have 2 or 4 holes and are attached through these holes. Shank buttons, on the other hand, are attached by sewing through a loop on the base of the button. Shank buttons are often preferred for decorative purposes as the thread is less visible, allowing for more textured or fabric-covered buttons.
Zipper Types:
It is also important to consider the type of zipper you are working with. Coil zippers, for example, are commonly used in garments and can be easily sewn over to adjust the length of the zipper. Invisible zippers, a type of coil zipper, are often used in dresses and formalwear as they can be almost entirely covered by fabric when attached.
Finalizing the Look:
Once you have sewn the buttons securely in place, take a step back and admire your handiwork! If you have chosen decorative buttons, they will add a beautiful touch to your wedding dress. If you have opted for functional buttons, you now have the option of fastening your dress with either the zipper or the buttons, adding versatility to your design.
Remember, if you are unsure or uncomfortable with making these alterations yourself, you can always reach out to a professional seamstress or tailor who specializes in wedding gowns to ensure the perfect fit and finish.
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Using button thread
Adding buttons to the back of your wedding dress is a great way to enhance its look. When sewing buttons onto your wedding dress, it is recommended to use button thread, which is slightly thicker than regular thread. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use button thread to add buttons to the back of your wedding dress:
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
First, you will need to gather your materials. Make sure you have your wedding dress, buttons, button thread, a hand sewing needle, and a spacer. The spacer can be a toothpick or a thick needle. It is also recommended to have a marking tool to mark the placement of your buttons.
Step 2: Prepare Your Thread and Needle
Thread your hand sewing needle with double or quadruple button thread. Knot the end of the thread to make it stronger and to reduce the number of passes through the button. If you are concerned about using one continuous thread, you can use two or three separate threads for different sections of the buttons.
Step 3: Mark Button Placement
Before you start sewing, mark the placement of your buttons along the left side of the dress when wearing it. You can do this by laying the right side over the left, lining everything up, and using a marking tool to mark the inside of the loop. The marking should be about 1/4" in from the center front, creating tension on the loop for proper placement.
Step 4: Start Sewing
Enter the dress from the back at the point of your button placement marking, securing the thread with your knot at the backside. Thread your needle through both holes of the button on the right side, maintaining light tension. Then, enter back down to the backside of the dress through your marking.
Step 5: Use a Spacer
Keep the light tension as you bring the thread back up to the right side of the dress. Place the spacer (toothpick or thick needle) under the button and above the dress fabric. Ensure the spacer is threaded between the stitches on both holes of the button.
Step 6: Secure the Button
Make a few more passes from the wrong side of the dress, up through both holes of the button, and back down to the wrong side. Keep the spacer in place during this step. Remove the spacer once you have finished making passes.
Step 7: Wrap and Knot the Thread
Wrap the thread around the loose thread at the underside of the button two or three times. Then, wrap the thread loosely around the button again to create a loop. Pass the needle through this loop to secure the thread. Finally, pass the needle one last time back through the marking to the wrong side of the dress and knot the thread securely. Trim off any excess thread.
Step 8: Repeat for Remaining Buttons
Continue the above steps for the remaining buttons, sewing them securely onto the back of your wedding dress. Remember to keep a consistent distance between each button for an even look.
By following these steps and using button thread, you can successfully add buttons to the back of your wedding dress, creating a beautiful and functional detail.
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Buttons as decoration
When using buttons as decoration, it is important to consider the size and type of button. 1/4" or 3/8" buttons are generally the most size-appropriate, while 1/2" buttons may appear too large. The type of button is also important, with options including half dome pearl buttons or completely round pearl buttons. This choice often comes down to personal preference and what the bride envisions for her dress.
If the wedding dress has a zipper, there are a few ways to incorporate decorative buttons. One option is to attach the buttons over the zipper line, ensuring the dress is unzipped first. Another option is to create buttonhole loops on one side of the zipper and attach buttons to the lapped part. Using buttons with loops is generally preferred over simply placing the buttons on top of the zipper. Additionally, an invisible zipper can be used to avoid the buttons looking fake.
When sewing the buttons onto the dress, it is recommended to use button thread, which is thicker than normal thread. This process can be done by hand, stitching each button one by one up the back of the dress.
Overall, adding buttons as decoration to the back of a wedding dress is a beautiful way to incorporate tradition and create a special moment for the bride and her loved ones.
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Attaching buttons over the zipper line
If you want to keep the zipper on your wedding dress and add buttons over the zipper line, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, ensure the dress is unzipped before you start. You can attach the buttons directly to the zipper lap, and then sew loops onto the right side of the zipper. Once the zipper is shut, the loops can be closed over the buttons. Using a small crochet hook for this step is recommended, as fingers can be too clumsy. You can also add loops to completely conceal the zipper, but this will require opening up the zipper to sew them in.
If you want the buttons to be functional, you will need to add fabric to the sides of the dress to bind the thread loop tape and attach the buttons. This process can be expensive, as fabric will need to be added, and the work is intricate. You can expect to pay around $1-$2 per button, with buttons placed around 3/8" apart.
If you want the buttons to be purely decorative, you can simply sew them onto the dress, overlapping or covering the zipper. This is a more cost-effective option, as no additional fabric is required, and the buttons can be purchased cheaply online. However, be sure to use button thread, which is thicker than normal thread.
Adding buttons over a zipper line is a realistic option, and bridal shops do this all the time. It is best to reach out to seamstresses in your area who specialise in wedding gowns for specific advice and quotes.
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Practicing buttoning the dress before the wedding day
The back of a wedding dress adorned with buttons is not only beautiful but also steeped in tradition. According to custom, the bride should not button herself up. Instead, a loved one performs this task, creating a special moment for reflection, advice, and support between the bride and her chosen buttoner.
However, this can be a tricky and time-consuming process, especially if the dress has tiny buttons and loops. To ensure the buttoning process goes smoothly and efficiently on the big day, it is a good idea to practice beforehand. This will help the person buttoning the dress feel more comfortable and familiar with the process, and it will give them a sense of how long it will take.
Practicing the buttoning process will also help you identify any potential challenges or issues. For example, you may discover that a crochet hook is needed to grab onto small elastic loops and guide them over the buttons. Practicing beforehand will allow you to have all the necessary tools ready for the wedding day, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.
Additionally, practicing with the actual dress can help you perfect the fit and ensure the buttons are comfortable for the bride. This is especially important if the dress has a waist stay, a couture technique where a ribbon is added at the waist inside the dress to help keep it in place. By practicing with the waist stay, you can ensure it is hooked correctly and comfortably before the wedding day.
In conclusion, practicing buttoning the wedding dress beforehand is a worthwhile endeavor. It ensures that the buttoning process is efficient and stress-free, allowing the bride and her loved ones to fully enjoy the special moment and create lasting memories. So, take the time to practice, prepare the necessary tools, and perfect the fit—your efforts will surely pay off on the big day!
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Frequently asked questions
Adding buttons to the back of your wedding dress is possible, but it is a challenging task. You can either do it yourself by sewing them on top of the zipper or by adding buttonhole loops to one side of the zipper and buttons to the lapped part. Alternatively, you can reach out to seamstresses in your area who specialize in wedding gowns.
The type of button you use is a matter of personal preference. Popular options include half dome pearl buttons, completely round pearl buttons, and satin-covered buttons.
The number of buttons you use will depend on the size of the buttons and how far apart they are. One method is to measure the length of 10 buttons and use that to estimate how many you need for the rest of the dress.
You can buy buttons for your wedding dress online from websites like eBay or Amazon. You can also find them in craft stores or specialty bridal shops.
Yes, dress closures come in a variety of trends, including zippers, corsets, and buttons. Some people prefer zippers with fake buttons on top for decorative purposes.
