Creating A Wedding Dress Wrist Loop: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to make a wrist loop for wedding dress

A wrist loop is a great way to carry the train of a wedding dress. It is a romantic alternative to bustling and can be useful for picking up the dress when walking between photo locations. Wrist loops can be especially useful when eloping, as the wearer may need to manoeuvre their dress without assistance. While some dresses come with a loop, they can also be added by a seamstress or even by hand. A wrist loop can be made using a piece of silk cord or double-sided satin ribbon, sewn to the underside of the train.

How to make a wrist loop for a wedding dress:

Characteristics Values
Materials Double-sided satin ribbon, silk cord
Length of ribbon Long enough to slip onto the wrist easily
Width of ribbon 1/2" wide
Where to sew the ribbon On the center back seam on the underside of the train about 1/3 of the way from the hem to the waist
Attaching the wrist loop Make a small opening in the seam through which the loop is slipped to the outer side of the train
Where to place the wrist loop on the body Usually worn on the right wrist for the first dance, then moved to the left wrist
Notes Wrist loops are a romantic way to carry the train, but they can get heavy quickly, especially when dancing

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Wrist loops are a romantic way to carry the train

Wrist loops can be made using a variety of materials, such as silk cord, satin ribbon, or even the ribbon from the dress hanger. The loop is sewn to the centre back seam on the underside of the train, about one-third of the way up from the hem. A small opening is then made in the seam, through which the loop is slipped to the outside of the train, allowing the bride to place it on her wrist.

For dresses with a longer lace layer, the wrist loop can be attached to the underlay, about an inch back, so that when the loop is picked up, both the underlay and the lace are carried together. This method ensures that the stitches do not show and that the lace layer is not pierced.

Wrist loops can be purchased online or added to a dress by a seamstress. However, some brides choose to add them themselves, especially if they are only needed for a short time, such as during photos, and not for the entire wedding. While wrist loops are a beautiful option, it is important to consider the weight of the train, as it can become heavy on the arm over time.

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How to attach a wrist loop without piercing the top fabric layer

If you want to attach a wrist loop to your wedding dress without piercing the top fabric layer, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, you will need to decide on the type of material you want to use for the wrist loop. A nice piece of silk cord or double-sided satin ribbon about half an inch wide is a good option, as it will be comfortable to wear and strong enough to support the weight of the dress.

Next, you will need to locate the centre back seam on the underside of the train. You will want to attach the wrist loop about one inch back from the hem, being careful not to pierce through the top layer of fabric. Hand sew the silk cord or ribbon securely to this underside seam, ensuring that your stitches do not show.

Once the wrist loop is attached, you can slip it onto your wrist and arrange the train as desired. When you pick up the loop, the underlayer of the dress will be carried, and the top layer of lace will naturally follow, creating a romantic and elegant look for your wedding photos.

This method ensures that the wrist loop is securely attached without damaging or altering the top fabric layer of your wedding dress. It provides a functional and discreet way to manage your train, allowing you to move freely and gracefully on your special day.

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When to use a wrist loop instead of bustling

Wrist loops are a great alternative to bustling when you want to showcase the beauty of your train during photoshoots and ceremonies. They are also perfect for brides who want to avoid the bustle look and prefer to hold their train up while dancing.

Wrist loops are a convenient option when you need to quickly pick up your dress while walking between photo locations, getting into cars, or navigating through crowded spaces. They can also be useful for preventing the train from dragging on the ground during outdoor photoshoots or while walking to the ceremony venue.

However, it's important to consider the weight of your dress. Wrist loops may not be practical for heavy dresses as they can cause discomfort or pain in your wrist from bearing the weight of the train for an extended period. Additionally, you might want to have your hands free during the reception to interact with guests, hug people, or reach over tables.

If you're set on having a wrist loop, consider changing into a different dress for the reception or bustling your dress after the photoshoot or ceremony. That way, you can achieve the desired look for pictures without having to hold the train for the entire event.

Ultimately, the decision to use a wrist loop instead of bustling depends on your personal preference, the weight of your dress, and how long you plan to hold the train. If you're concerned about the weight, consider a lightweight material for your wrist loop, such as silk cord or satin ribbon, to reduce the strain on your wrist.

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Where to attach the wrist loop to the dress

Where to attach the wrist loop to your wedding dress depends on the style of your dress and your personal preference. Here are some options to consider:

Centre Back Seam

Attaching the wrist loop to the centre back seam of the dress is a common option. You can sew the loop about one inch back from the edge of the fabric, being careful not to pierce through the top layer. This method ensures that the stitches don't show and creates a smooth finish. It is a good option if you want to carry the train of your dress with ease and want to avoid any bunching or wrinkling of the fabric.

Underside of the Train

Another option is to attach the wrist loop to the underside of the train, about one-third of the way from the hem to the waist. This method allows you to easily slip the loop onto your wrist and carry the train of your dress. It is usually worn on the right wrist for the first dance and can be moved to the left wrist as needed. This option provides functionality and convenience while keeping the loop discreet.

Base of the Centre Back Seam

If you want to set the wrist loop lower than usual, you can attach it to the base of the centre back seam near the hem. This option may cause the back of the skirt to ride a bit higher, but it can still be a viable choice depending on the style of your dress and your desired look. It is recommended to pin a loop in this location to test the effect before sewing it permanently.

Very Back of the Train

Traditionally, wrist loops are often attached at the very back of the train. This method is suitable if your dress has a lace layer that is longer than the underlay. By attaching the loop to the underlay, you can avoid sewing through the lace, maintaining its integrity and overall appearance.

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The pros and cons of a wrist loop

A wrist loop is a romantic way to carry the train of a wedding dress. It is usually worn on the right wrist for the first dance and can be moved to the left wrist as the right gets tired. The loop can be made using a nice 1/2" wide section of double-sided satin ribbon or silk cord, sewn to the center back seam on the underside of the train.

Pros:

  • It is a romantic way to carry the train, especially when taking photographs.
  • It is a simple and elegant solution to holding up the train, without having to bustle the dress.
  • It can be easily made at home by sewing a loop of ribbon or silk cord to the underside of the train.

Cons:

  • The weight of the train on the wrist can get heavy very quickly, especially when dancing.
  • The wrist loop may not be suitable for a very long and heavy train, as it could drag the dress down.
  • It may be uncomfortable to hold the train on the wrist for an extended period, and it could cause wrist ache.
  • There is a risk of tripping over the train, especially when dancing or moving around.

Ultimately, the decision to use a wrist loop depends on personal preference and the style of the dress. Some brides may prefer the look of a wrist loop, while others may find it more convenient to bustle the dress or use other methods to manage the train.

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Frequently asked questions

A wrist loop is a great way to carry the train of your wedding dress. It is a romantic way to hold the train up while dancing or walking between photo locations.

Wrist loops and bustles are both good options for managing the train of a wedding dress. Wrist loops are more romantic, but trains can get heavy quickly, especially when dancing, so a bustle may be preferable for the evening reception.

You can buy a wrist loop for a wedding dress online from sites such as Etsy.

Yes, you can make your own wrist loop using a piece of silk cord or double-sided satin ribbon. Sew this carefully to the underside of your dress, taking care not to pierce the top layer of fabric.

A wrist loop can be attached to the back seam of your dress, about one-third of the way up from the hem.

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