Lyla Dejesus
Button loops are a charming addition to any wedding dress, but they can be a little fiddly to make. They are a great alternative to buttonholes and are often used to fasten a single button at the back of a dress. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to make button loops, from fabric to hand-sewn and elastic options, and provide a step-by-step guide to creating your own. We will also explore the process of attaching the loops to the dress, ensuring a seamless finish. With careful planning and execution, you can add a beautiful, tailored touch to your wedding dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Fabric, thread, elastic, loop tape, buttons |
| Tools | Sewing machine, loop turner, large-eyed needle, sewing bodkin, hairband |
| Techniques | Sewing, staystitching, hand stitching, basting |
| Considerations | Size of button loops, seam allowance, fabric weight, button placement |
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What You'll Learn
Using fabric loops
Creating fabric loops for your wedding dress is a detailed process, but it's worth the effort for a tailored look. Here's a step-by-step guide to making fabric loops:
Cutting the Fabric:
Cut your chosen fabric on a 45-degree angle, also known as cutting on the bias. This technique gives the fabric stretch, making it easier to go over the buttons. Cut strips that are 1 3/4 inches (4.5 cm) wide and at least 4 inches (10 cm) long. If you need to create multiple loops, consider cutting one long strip and then cutting it into the required sizes. This ensures uniformity and saves time.
Folding and Sewing:
Fold the bias strips right sides together lengthwise, ready for sewing. Pin the fabric in place, being careful not to pull or stretch the fabric too much, as this can cause unwanted ripples or wrinkles. Sew the strips with a seam allowance of 15mm or 5/8 inch. You can adjust this width based on the fabric type and desired style of the button loop. Leave a long thread at the end of the seam to facilitate the pull-through process.
Trimming and Turning:
Trim the seam before pulling the fabric through, or leave it untrimmed for a chunkier loop. Use a large-eyed needle, a sewing bodkin, or a loop turner to turn the fabric right side out. Pull the fabric through from the top of the loop, exiting at the end. This process will encase the edge from the seam within the loop.
Setting the Bias:
Spray the sewn strip with plain water until it is damp. Pull the short edges of the strip to stretch and lengthen it, and then cover it with a press cloth. Press the stretched strip until it is dry. This process sets the bias, making the strip narrow and neat.
Finalizing the Loops:
Trim the ends of the dried strip to the desired size. Form the loop by folding the fabric, following the pattern instructions. Secure the loops to the wedding dress according to your design, ensuring they correspond to the button placement.
Fabric loops are a beautiful and tailored way to finish off a wedding dress, adding a unique touch to your special day.
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Hand-sewing loops
Prepare the Fabric
Cut bias fabric strips on a 45-degree angle, either in matching fabric or a contrasting colour if desired. Cutting on the bias gives the loop stretch to easily go over the buttons. Cut the strips 1 3/4 inches (4.5 cm) wide and at least 4 inches (10 cm) long. If making multiple loops, it is more practical to cut one long strip that can be cut into the desired number of loops.
Fold and Secure the Fabric
Fold the bias strips right sides together lengthwise, ready for sewing. Pin the fabric, being careful not to pull too tightly, as this can cause a rippled effect. You can also tack a little stitch to hold the loop secure.
Sew the Loops
Using the correct stitch width, sew the garment, loops and facing all in one seam. Remove any pins or temporary stitching. Press open and fold under the facing. The loops will now be exposed at the edge of the facing. If you have many loops, keep them in one length and sew in a snake-like formation, with some of the tube showing over the edge to form the loop and some resting in between.
Secure the Loops
To secure the loops in place, mark the area that will have looped buttonholes. Measure the size of the loop in conjunction with the button it will loop over, and then measure the space to set the loops along the opening edge.
Stitching the Buttons
Hand stitch the buttons individually to the opposite edge. Ensure you have 1-1.5 cm extra fabric on the button side that will sit under the loops. The buttons should sit nicely in the loops when secured.
Creating hand-sewn button loops for a wedding dress requires patience and precision, but the end result will be a beautiful, tailored finish to the gown.
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Elastic loops
To make elastic button loops for a wedding dress, you will need elastic button loop band, elastic trim, or elastic thread. This is a slow process, but it is not as painstakingly slow as using fabric loops.
First, cut your elastic trim or button loop band to the required length. You will need enough to go all the way down the back of the dress, plus some extra fabric to allow for the pull-through process. The seam allowance is typically 15mm or ⅝ inch, but you can adjust this according to the fabric and style of the loop.
Next, sandwich the elastic loops between the right sides of the dress fabric and a facing, with the loops pointing away from the opening. Sew through all the layers, and then flip the facing back, leaving the loops sticking out from the edge.
Finally, hand-stitch the buttons to the opposite edge. Make sure you have 1-1.5cm of extra fabric on the button side that will sit under the loops. Sew the buttons so that they sit nicely in the loops.
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Planning and marking
Planning
Before you begin sewing, it is essential to plan the placement and size of your button loops. First, decide where you want the button loops to be located on the wedding dress. They can be placed on the back neckline, down the front, or even on the cuffs or collar. Next, determine the size of the loops. The size will depend on the size of the buttons you plan to use. Cut a piece of bias fabric for each loop, allowing for seam allowances at both ends. The fabric should be cut on the bias (diagonal) to give the loops some stretch. As a general guideline, cut the fabric strips approximately 1 3/4 inches (4.5 cm) wide and at least 4 inches (10 cm) long for each loop. If you are making multiple loops, consider cutting one long strip and then cutting it into individual loops later.
Marking
Once you have planned the placement and size of your button loops, it's time to mark the fabric for sewing. Fold each bias strip right-sides together lengthwise, ready for sewing. You can pin the fabric to secure it, but be careful not to pull or stretch the fabric too much, as this can cause unwanted ripples. Mark the placement of each loop on the wedding dress fabric, ensuring they align with the button placement. You can use pins or make small tack stitches to hold the loops securely in place before sewing.
Remember to consider the seam allowance when marking the fabric. The seam allowance can vary depending on the fabric type and style of button loop but is typically around 15mm (5/8 inch). Adjust your sewing machine settings accordingly, and always start sewing with a longer thread at the end of the seam to allow for the pull-through process.
By following these planning and marking steps, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful button loops for a wedding dress.
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Using loop tape
To use loop tape, start by measuring the length of the opening on the back of the wedding dress. Cut the loop tape to the appropriate length, ensuring that it is long enough to go around the buttons with some extra for seam allowances. If you are using elastic loop tape, it is important to consider the stretch of the material when cutting the tape to size.
Next, place the loop tape along one side of the opening, with the loops facing inward. Secure the tape in place by pinning it horizontally or tacking a small stitch to hold it securely. If desired, you can add a few metal hooks along the tape to help with dressing and to prevent the loops from stretching too much.
Once the tape is secured, place the prepared facing on top of the loops, with the right side facing down. Stitch along the correct stitch width to sew the garment, loops, and facing all in one seam. Remove any pins or temporary stitching, and press open the seam, being careful not to apply heat directly to any elastic components.
Finally, fold under the facing. The loops will now be exposed and ready to loop over their corresponding buttons. Line up the buttons on the opposite side of the opening, and your button loops are complete!
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Frequently asked questions
Button loops for a wedding dress can be made using fabric, thread, or elastic. Fabric loops can be made by cutting bias fabric strips at a 45-degree angle, sewing them together lengthwise, and attaching them to the dress. Thread loops can be made using a sewing machine or embroidery thread. Elastic loops are also an option and are commonly used in ready-made wedding dresses.
The length of the fabric depends on the size of the button and the number of loops you want to make. For a single loop, about 3 inches of fabric is good, with adjustments made for larger or smaller buttons. If making multiple loops, it is recommended to cut one long strip of fabric and adjust the length accordingly.
Lightweight fabrics such as cotton voile or silk are ideal for making button loops as they are easier to turn into loops. Avoid heavier fabrics as they may be too thick to work with.
To attach the button loops, place the loops with the looped edge facing inwards on the right side of the fabric. Secure them with pins or a small stitch. Stitch the garment, loops, and facing together in one seam. Remove any pins and press open the facing, leaving the loops exposed at the edge, ready to loop over the buttons.
