Franklin Dean
A wrist strap is a great way to hold up the train of a wedding dress, especially for the first dance. It can be made using a piece of silk cord or double-sided satin ribbon, sewn to the centre back seam on the underside of the train. This allows the bride to hold the train up with ease, creating a romantic look for photos. However, some brides have reported that the weight of the train can be heavy on the wrist, so it may not be suitable for all-night wear. Additionally, some brides opt for a bustle or a shorter reception dress for the dancing portion of the evening.
How to Make a Wrist Strap for a Wedding Dress
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Ribbon, silk cord, thread |
| Tools | Needle, scissors |
| Steps | 1. Measure the length of your wrist and cut the ribbon accordingly. 2. Sew one end of the ribbon to the underside of the train, about 1/3 of the way from the hem to the waist. 3. Make a small opening in the seam and slip the ribbon through to the outside. 4. Sew the other end of the ribbon to form a loop that fits comfortably on your wrist. |
| Tips | 1. Use double-sided satin ribbon for a nicer finish. 2. Attach the wrist loop about an inch back if your dress has a longer lace layer. 3. Consider the weight of your dress; a wrist strap may become heavy and tiresome during a long event. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a silk cord or double-sided satin ribbon
If you want to make a wrist strap for your wedding dress, you can use a silk cord or double-sided satin ribbon. This is a good option if you don't want to bustle your dress but still want to be able to move around and dance freely.
To make a wrist strap using a silk cord or double-sided satin ribbon, start by measuring and cutting the ribbon or cord to the desired length. It should be long enough to slip easily onto your wrist. You can sew the ribbon or cord to the centre back seam of the dress, underneath the train. Make sure to sew it securely, but be careful not to pierce through the top layer of fabric if your dress has multiple layers.
The next step is to create a small opening in the seam, through which the loop can be slipped to the outer side of the train. This will allow you to place your wrist through the loop and hold up your train. You can position the wrist loop lower on the centre back seam if you prefer, especially if you have a longer train.
Some brides choose to sew fabric flowers or other decorative elements onto the wrist strap to make it prettier and more elegant. This is a simple way to add a personal touch to your wedding dress.
Keep in mind that while a wrist loop can be very useful for your first dance, the weight of the train on your arm can get heavy over time. You may want to consider moving the loop between wrists or holding the train with your hands during more energetic parts of the celebration.
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Sew it to the centre back seam
Sewing a wrist strap to the centre back seam of a wedding dress can be a convenient way to manoeuvre your dress without assistance. This is especially useful if you plan to dance at your wedding and want to be able to move around freely.
To sew a wrist strap to the centre back seam, you will need to follow these steps:
Prepare the Wrist Strap
First, decide on the type of wrist strap you want. You can use a nice 1/2" wide section of double-sided satin ribbon that is long enough to slip easily onto your wrist. Alternatively, you can use a piece of silk cord or any other material that complements your wedding dress.
Measure and Cut the Fabric
Measure the length of the wrist strap, adding a few extra inches for seam allowance and adjustments. Cut the fabric to the desired length, using scissors or a rotary cutter for a more precise cut.
Sew the Wrist Strap to the Centre Back Seam
Pin the wrist strap to the underside of the centre back seam, about one-third of the way up from the hem to the waist. You can adjust the position of the wrist strap higher or lower on the seam, depending on your preference. Hand sew the wrist strap securely in place, being careful not to pierce through the top layer of fabric.
Create an Opening for the Wrist Strap
Make a small opening in the seam, just above where the wrist strap is attached. This opening will allow you to slip the wrist strap through to the outside of the train, so you can easily place it on your wrist.
Finishing Touches
Check that the wrist strap is securely attached and adjust the length as needed. You can also add some interfacing or elastic to the wrist strap to make it more comfortable and sturdy.
By following these steps, you can create a functional and elegant wrist strap for your wedding dress, allowing you to dance and move with ease on your special day.
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Make a small opening in the seam for the loop
To make a small opening in the seam for the loop, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, decide how long you want the back opening to be. For example, you could opt for a 5-inch straight line. Add a seam allowance on each side, plus some additional length. Create a rounded shape based on these measurements. Cut one piece of fabric and one of fusible interfacing, adding a seam allowance to the upper edge. Fuse the two pieces together with an iron.
Next, mark out a small rectangle on the bias of your fabric, at a 45-degree angle to the grainline. Cut it out and fold the bias strips right sides together lengthwise, ready to sew. Pin the fabric, being careful not to pull too much and stretch the fabric, which will cause a rippled effect. Adjust the stitch length on your machine and start sewing about half an inch from the end to avoid the fabric being pulled into the machine. The seam allowance can be adjusted according to the fabric type and style of the button loop.
Watch the folded side of the loop as you feed it through the machine, ensuring no unwanted wrinkles or ripples form. Leave a long thread at the end of the seam to allow for the pull-through process. Now, you can make a cut in the middle and clip to, but not through, the stitched line. Press the facing away from the garment to open the seam. Turn the facing to the wrong side and press to create a flat fold. Pin in place.
Finally, edgestitch a certain distance from the fold and press again. You can now set the loops in place, marking the area that will have looped buttonholes. Measure the size of the loop, as well as the space to set the loops along the opening edge. Place the ready-made loops with the looped edge facing inwards on the opening on the right side of the fabric. Pin with pins facing horizontally outwards, or tack a small stitch to secure the loop.
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Attach the loop about an inch back to avoid piercing the top fabric layer
When adding a wrist loop to your wedding dress, it is important to consider the placement of the loop to avoid piercing the top fabric layer. If your wedding dress has a lace overlay that is longer than the underlay, a recommended solution is to attach the wrist loop about an inch back, onto the underlay.
To do this, you will need a piece of silk cord or a similar material, and a needle and thread for hand sewing. Firstly, decide on the placement of the loop, ensuring it is about an inch back from the edge of the underlay. This will prevent you from accidentally piercing the top fabric layer. Hand sew the silk cord securely onto the underlay, being careful not to pierce through to the top layer of fabric.
By attaching the wrist loop to the underlay, you can easily carry the entire dress, as the lace overlay will naturally be picked up along with the underlayer when you lift the dress by the wrist loop. This method is especially useful if your lace layer is much longer than the underlay, and you want to avoid sewing through the lace.
Wrist loops are a popular alternative to traditional dress bustles, allowing you to carry the train of your dress on your wrist. They can add a romantic touch to your first dance and are useful for arranging the train of your dress during photoshoots. However, some brides have noted that the weight of the train on the arm can become tiresome, so it may be beneficial to consider a combination of a wrist loop and a bustle for your dress.
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Wrist straps are better than bustles for dancing
Wrist straps are a great alternative to bustles for wedding dresses, especially if you plan on dancing. While bustles can be convenient, they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option. Many brides have expressed that they do not like the look of bustles, and they can detract from the beauty of the dress, especially during the ceremony. Wrist straps, on the other hand, can add a romantic touch to your wedding look, and they are perfect for the first dance. They can be made from pretty ribbons or silk cords, sewn into the underside of the train, allowing you to elegantly spread out the train for pictures.
Additionally, wrist straps provide more flexibility for movement and dancing. With a wrist strap, you can easily manoeuvre your dress without assistance, which is ideal if you're eloping or having an intimate wedding without a large bridal party. Wrist straps give you the freedom to walk down the aisle and dance without worrying about stepping on your dress or the train getting in the way. They are also a good option if you want to showcase the beauty of your train during the ceremony and then remove it for the reception, allowing you to dance and move around more freely.
While some brides have expressed concerns about the weight of the train on their wrist, this can be mitigated by switching the wrist strap between your right and left wrists as one gets tired. Additionally, you can consider the weight and length of your train when deciding between a wrist strap and a bustle. If your dress has a heavy and long train, a bustle might be a more practical option to avoid putting strain on your wrist. However, some brides have found creative ways to manage the weight, such as adding a second wrist strap or having safety pins as a backup.
Ultimately, the decision between a wrist strap and a bustle depends on your personal preference and the style of your dress. Wrist straps offer a romantic and elegant solution for managing your train, especially if you want to showcase it during your ceremony and first dance. They provide flexibility and freedom of movement, making them ideal for dancing and intimate weddings. However, consider the weight and length of your train to ensure it doesn't cause discomfort over time. For very heavy and long trains, a bustle might be a more practical choice, but wrist straps can still work with proper planning and preparation.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a nice 1/2" wide section of double-sided satin ribbon long enough to slip on your wrist easily. You can also use silk cord or something similar.
Pin a loop to the base of the centre back seam near the hem of your wedding dress to see if you like the effect. If you are happy with it, sew the ribbon to the centre back seam on the underside of the train about 1/3 of the way from the hem to the waist. Then, make a small opening in the seam and slip the loop to the outer side of the train.
A wrist strap can be a good alternative to a bustle if there is no good location or method for adding one to your dress. It can also be more comfortable and convenient than a bustle, especially for dancing.
