Rhiannon Hendricks
Corsets have been a popular feature in wedding dresses for decades, with many brides opting for a lace-up tie or ribbon at the back of the gown's bodice. Adding a corset to a wedding dress can be a great solution for brides who are unable to zip up their dress, or who are expecting a baby. It can also be a way to add a wow factor to a wedding dress, accentuating the waist and creating a romantic, ultra-feminine silhouette. This article will explore the different ways to corset a wedding dress, as well as the benefits and considerations of doing so.
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What You'll Learn
Removing the zipper
To remove a zipper from a wedding dress, you will need a seam ripper and a new zipper that matches the old one in terms of size, colour, and style. A zipper foot is optional but can be helpful for sewing zippers into place.
Begin by examining how the old zipper is positioned and sewn into the dress. Note whether the zipper material is visible or hidden and whether it peeks out from behind the raw edges of the fabric. This will help you sew the new zipper in the same way.
Next, use the seam ripper to cut the stitches holding the zipper in place. The seam ripper blade is crescent-shaped, allowing you to easily catch and cut the stitches without damaging the fabric. Gently pull on the zipper fabric as you go to loosen the threads for cutting. This will create more space between the zipper fabric and the dress fabric, making it easier to access the threads with the seam ripper.
After cutting all the threads, remove the old zipper and any stray threads left behind. Now you are ready to sew the new zipper into place, following the same stitching pattern as the original zipper. If using a sewing machine, install a matching colour thread and consider using a zipper foot to get as close as possible to the zipper without sewing into the teeth.
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Creating a modesty panel
A modesty panel is a piece of fabric sewn into a corset to cover the gap between the lacing or busk closures at the back. It can be sewn directly into the dress or attached with hooks, eyes, or velcro as a removable piece. The panel is designed to hide exposed skin and reduce friction caused by the laces.
To create a modesty panel, you will need to measure the back opening length (the length of the zipper) and the width of the gap at the neckline. This will determine the size of the panel. It is important to note that you should not add extra width and length to these measurements, as the panel should be slightly larger to allow for attachment inside the dress.
When constructing the modesty panel, you can choose from various fabrics, such as duchess satin, tulle, or chiffon. The fabric can be sewn directly to one side of the corset back or front, creating a flap of fabric behind the lacing. It is recommended to sew the modesty panel before inserting the busk, connecting it between the layers of fashion fabric.
Some people prefer to have a removable modesty panel, which can be attached with snap fasteners, hooks, eyes, or velcro. This allows for more flexibility in the design and can be a good option if you are unsure about committing to a permanent modesty panel.
Overall, the decision to include a modesty panel in a wedding dress is a personal preference. While some people feel that it adds coverage and elegance to the dress, others believe it can be removed for a more unique and daring look. Ultimately, the choice should be based on what makes the wearer feel comfortable and confident on their wedding day.
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Attaching loops and lacing
Attaching Loops:
Firstly, decide on the spacing of your loops. This will depend on the length of the corset back and your personal preference. Mark the highest point where the dress can be zipped up, ensuring the wearer can sit down comfortably. If there is a hook and eye at the top of the zipper, remove it and keep it aside to be sewn back on later. Next, remove the zipper down to the spot where it can no longer be zipped up. This is where you will attach the loops.
You can use ribbon or fabric to create the loops. If you are using ribbon, cut strips of equal length, allowing for a little extra length to enclose the raw edges neatly. Fold each strip in half and pin or clip it in place on the back of the dress. You can use wonder tape or serge the ribbon to the edge of the fabric to create a loop. For fabric loops, simply cut strips of fabric and follow the same process, enclosing the raw edges within the loop.
Lacing:
You will need a long piece of ribbon for lacing. Start by threading the ribbon through the loops, creating a staggered X pattern. Flip or turn each lace as you run them through the loops to keep them flat. Be careful not to stress the fabric or fittings, and ensure the liner is aligned correctly.
Final Adjustments:
Once you've reached the bottom, check the overall fit. Adjust the tension to ensure comfort and support without restricting movement. Leave the uppermost lace slightly looser to avoid a bulging effect. Finally, secure the ribbon by tying the ends into a bow or a secure knot, tucking any excess neatly into the gown.
Practice lacing up the dress to perfect the fit and ensure you feel confident and comfortable on your special day.
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Tying the corset
To begin tying the corset, start with the corset lace strung between the two top loops of the corset, threaded through both left and right. Ensure that the ends are even, so you have enough room on both sides to work with. Next, take your right corset tie and pull it to the left side of the corset. Then, take the tie in the top left loop and run it across from right to left, inserting it into the third left loop. Always start with the top tie on the left side, moving over and back.
Continue the above process down the dress, left to right to left, until it is completely tied. As you get about halfway down, you can pull the lace tighter to shape and smooth the form. When you've laced up most of the loops, go back to the top to tighten the laces further. Take two fingers, put them in each "row" of the corset loops, and pull out to the left and right to tighten and cinch the corset. Be sure to smooth out the panel of fabric beneath to avoid puckering.
Once you have completed the loops, clean the corset by tucking the ends into the dress's skirt. Then, pull from under the skirt to pull the slack through and tie a hidden knot. When you get to the last right loop at the bottom, create a bow with the ends and tuck them down inside the dress.
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Finishing touches
The final touches to your corset wedding dress are crucial to ensuring that it looks perfect and fits you like a dream. Here are the steps to achieve a flawless finish:
Firstly, determine how many loops you require for your corset. Typically, they are spaced about 1.5 inches apart, but you can adjust this slightly based on your preference and the amount of space available for the corset back. If you need to hem the dress, consider using the extra fabric to create the loops.
Next, cut strips of fabric or ribbon for the loops. The width of these strips will depend on the substance of your fabric. For instance, if using satin ribbon, a width of 5/8 inches is recommended to provide sufficient strength. Fold these strips in half and secure them onto the back of the dress with pins or clips.
Once your loops are in place, it's time to lace up your corset. Start by threading the right corset tie through the second loop, creating an under-over pattern from right to left. Continue this pattern, always starting with the right side, ensuring that all the laces on the right remain at the bottom and those on the left are on top. As you reach the halfway point, you can pull the lace tighter to shape and smooth the form.
After lacing up most of the loops, return to the top to tighten the laces further. Use your fingers to pull the laces out to the left and right, cinching and shaping your figure. Smooth out any puckering in the fabric beneath the corset to maintain a sleek silhouette.
Finally, finish the corset lace-up by cleaning the corset. Tuck the ends of the laces into the skirt of the dress, pull from underneath to remove any slack, and then tie a hidden knot. You can also create a bow with the ends and tuck them inside the dress if you prefer.
Your corset wedding dress is now complete and ready to wow on your special day!
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Frequently asked questions
A corset wedding dress typically features a lace-up tie or ribbon on the back of the gown’s bodice. This is known as a corset back.
A corset back allows for a self-adjusting fit, meaning the wearer can gain or lose weight without needing to worry about the dress no longer fitting. It also creates a romantic, ultra-feminine silhouette.
You will need a seam ripper, a zipper, a hook and eye, and ribbon or fabric to create the loops and lace up the back.
First, remove the zipper using the seam ripper. Cut the zipper about half an inch above where it needs to stop, fold over and sew. Attach the hook and eye where the zipper now ends. Determine how many loops you will need and cut strips of ribbon or fabric to create them. Pin or clip them in place and sew.
Start with the lace strung between the two top loops, with the ends even. Take the right lace and pull it to the left, then take the left lace and pull it to the right, threading it through the second loop. Continue this pattern, always starting with the right. As you get halfway down, pull the laces tighter and continue. Before finishing, go back to the top and tighten the laces further. Put your fingers in each row and pull them out to the left and right to tighten and cinch the corset. Finish the lace-up and clean the corset by tucking the ends into the skirt.
