Franklin Dean
A bustle is an important part of any wedding dress with a train. It allows the bride to move around with ease, prevents guests from stepping on the train, and safeguards the dress from damage. While creating a bustle is a complex process that should be left to professionals, it is possible to DIY a bustle on your wedding dress with the right tools and knowledge. This involves sewing hooks, ties, or buttons onto the back of the dress to create a uniform hemline. The process requires strong thread, needles, safety pins, and ribbons, as well as patience and dedication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of a bustle | Prevent the back of the dress from getting soiled, enable the bride to move around with ease, and prevent tripping |
| When to bustle the dress | Between the wedding and reception |
| Who should do it | A skilled seamstress or alterations expert, or a designated person such as a bridesmaid or family member |
| Types of bustles | Over bustle, French bustle, American bustle, underbustle |
| DIY tips | Use safety pins on seams, use ribbon to tie up fabric, sew loops, attach buttons or hooks, use lace appliqués to conceal hooks or buttons |
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What You'll Learn
Why DIY a bustle for your wedding dress
A bustle is an important part of any wedding dress with a train. It can help secure the fabric of the gown's train, giving you the freedom to move around with ease. There are several types of bustles, each looking a bit different but benefiting the wearer of the dress in the same basic way. Here are some reasons why you should consider DIY-ing a bustle for your wedding dress:
Cost-Effective
Weddings are incredibly expensive, and most couples look for ways to cut corners and save money. If you're handy with a needle and thread, you can save some money by sewing a bustle onto your wedding dress yourself.
Customization
Wedding dresses do not come with a pre-made bustle, and a bustle is usually custom-made to fit the bride and her dress perfectly. By DIY-ing your bustle, you can customize it to your liking and ensure it fits your dress and your body perfectly.
Convenience
If you're short on time or don't have access to a skilled seamstress, you may find it more convenient to DIY your bustle. This way, you can ensure it's done correctly and on time. Additionally, if you're making last-minute adjustments to your dress, it might be easier to make the alterations yourself rather than scheduling another appointment with a seamstress.
Creative Expression
For those who enjoy sewing and crafting, DIY-ing a bustle can be a fun and creative project. You can experiment with different fabrics, embellishments, and styles to create a unique and personalized bustle for your special day.
While DIY-ing a bustle can be a great option for some, it's important to note that creating a bustle is a skilled task. It requires knowledge of sewing techniques and an understanding of the different types of bustles available. If you're not confident in your sewing abilities, it's recommended to seek the help of a professional seamstress or alterations expert to ensure your bustle is secure and properly attached.
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Choosing the right bustle style for your dress
The bustle of a wedding dress is an important feature that can instantly upgrade your bridal look while serving a functional purpose. It is an alteration made to the back of a wedding dress to lift the train off the ground and secure it to the dress, allowing the bride to move around with ease.
There are several types of bustles, and the right one for you will depend on the shape and construction of your gown. The American bustle, also known as an over-bustle, is one of the most popular and versatile styles. It is created by lifting the outside of the train and securing it over the back of the gown to the waistline with hooks. This style can be adapted to suit any gown, whether it is a full ballgown or a flowy chiffon number. It can also be customised to create different looks, from low-maintenance and simplistic with a single pickup point to an ultra-dramatic look with multiple pickup points.
The French bustle, also known as an under-bustle, is another common style. It is the opposite of the American bustle, with the train of the dress being pulled up and tucked under the silhouette of the gown. This style is ideal if your gown has a natural waistline and most of the embellishments are situated near the waist, as it can obscure intricate details near the hemline. It often features ribbons at each bustle point to hide the attachments and make it appear seamless.
Another option is the ballroom bustle, which gives the illusion that the gown was always floor-length by delicately folding the fabric into itself. This style is typically the most expensive due to the increased number of bustle points that need to be sewn in.
Ultimately, the right bustle style for your dress will depend on your unique preferences and the specific characteristics of your gown. Your seamstress will be your best resource for choosing the ideal option to complement your silhouette and train style.
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Steps to sewing a loop
Sewing a loop for a wedding dress bustle is a simple process, but it requires careful attention to detail. Here are the steps to follow:
Prepare the Thread and Needle
Start by threading your needle with strong thread, doubling the thread, and inserting it into the needle. Secure the thread with a knot at the end. It is important to use strong thread to ensure the loop can bear the weight of the dress fabric.
Position the Loop
Decide on the placement of the loop. It should be halfway up the length of the bride's train, secured with a safety pin. This placement will ensure the train is lifted neatly off the floor when bustled.
Sew the Loop
Insert the needle into the underside of the dress at the marked position. Pull the thread through, making a small stitch, and then pull the thread most of the way through to create a loop. Grab the loop with your fingers and pull the remaining thread through to create a secure knot.
Reinforce the Loop
Reinforcement is crucial to ensure the loop can bear the weight of the fabric. Stitch over the loop a few times to reinforce it. You can also add a small piece of interfacing underneath the loop for added strength. This will help to prevent the loop from tearing when the dress is bustled.
Attach the Button
Once the loop is secure, you can sew on a button for the loop to fasten to. Sew the button about 1 foot above the bride's knees. Stitch it securely, going over it a few times, and make two knots to ensure it doesn't come loose.
Now you have a beautifully sewn loop and button to create a bustle for your wedding dress! This will allow you to lift the train off the floor, making it easier to move around and preventing any accidental tripping.
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$14.59
Attaching hooks, buttons, and eyes
Adding hooks, buttons, and eyes is a crucial step in creating a bustle for your wedding dress. This process requires careful planning and execution to ensure that your dress is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Here are the steps you can follow:
Planning the Placement:
Before you begin sewing, it's essential to plan the placement of your hooks, buttons, or eyes. Decide on the number of connection points you will need. This depends on the weight and length of your train fabric. For lighter and shorter trains, a single connection point may suffice, while heavier and longer trains may require multiple points. Mark these points along the waistline or seam of your dress with pins.
Sewing on the Hooks or Eyes:
Using strong thread, sew the hooks or eyes onto the dress at the marked points. Ensure that they are securely stitched to withstand the weight of the fabric. Consider attaching a small piece of interfacing under each hook or eye for additional reinforcement. Conceal the hooks or eyes as much as possible, perhaps by hiding them in seams or embellishing them with creative decorations, embroidery, or beading.
Creating Button Loops:
If you opt for buttons, you will need to create button loops. Place a small piece of interfacing on the topside of the dress's train at the marked button loop locations. Use strong thread to create the loops by inserting the needle at the pin next to the seam line and pulling it through the interfacing and train. Knot the ends of the thread together to secure the loop.
Connecting the Hooks and Eyes:
Once you have attached all the necessary hooks, eyes, or buttons, it's time to connect them. Fasten the loops to the buttons or hooks, adjusting the folds of fabric to create a voluminous and elegant bustle. Ensure that the underside of the skirt is completely off the floor. Straighten out the train, ensuring any decorative work is arranged attractively.
Concealing the Fastenings:
If you prefer a discreet look, you can conceal the exposed buttons or hooks by hand-sewing lace appliqués on top of them. This adds a delicate touch while keeping the functionality of the bustle intact. Remember to stock up on safety pins, as they can be useful for last-minute adjustments.
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Tips for bustling your dress on your wedding day
Firstly, it is important to understand the purpose of a bustle. A bustle is a key feature of any wedding dress with a train, as it allows the bride to move around with ease and prevents the train from getting soiled or damaged. The bustle lifts the back of the dress off the ground, so it doesn't drag across the floor.
When it comes to creating a bustle, it is highly recommended to seek professional help. A wedding dress is a significant investment, and an experienced seamstress will be able to create a custom bustle that fits the bride and the dress perfectly. They will be able to advise on the best type of bustle for the dress's silhouette and fabric, and they can sew hooks, ties, or buttons to create the desired look.
However, if you are handy with a needle and thread and want to attempt a DIY bustle, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, decide on the type of bustle you want. The three overarching styles are the over bustle, the under bustle, and the French bustle. The over bustle, also known as the American bustle, is the simplest type, where the train is attached to the outside of the dress, usually with a button or hook. The under bustle, or French bustle, is more complex and involves sewing loops and ribbons to the inside of the dress, which are then tied to create the bustle.
When sewing your own bustle, it is important to use strong thread and to stitch securely. You can use safety pins to mark the placement of the bustle and to hold the fabric in place while you sew. If using buttons, you can sew button loops to create a more secure connection. Practice good hygiene when working on your dress, and always wash your hands to avoid soiling the fabric.
Lastly, on your wedding day, make sure to assign someone to help you with your bustle. This is usually a bridesmaid or a family member. They should attend your final dress fittings so they can learn how to bustle your dress properly.
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