Rhiannon Hendricks
A corset back wedding dress is a timeless choice, offering elegance and a customized fit for the bride's big day. Adding a corset back to a wedding dress can be a solution for brides who are unable to zip up their dress all the way. This alteration can be done by removing the zipper, marking the highest point where the dress can be zipped up, and then creating loops and lacing ribbons to achieve the perfect lace-up look. It is recommended to practice lacing up the corset a few times before the wedding day to ensure a stress-free experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to add a corset back | When the dress is too small or when the wearer is pregnant |
| What you need | The dress, lacing ribbons, and a helper |
| Zipper | Remove the zipper down to the spot where it can no longer be zipped up. Cut the zipper 1/2 inch above where it needs to stop, fold over and sew |
| Loops | Cut 1.5-inch-wide fabric strips on the bias. You'll need about 6-8 strips. Sew a seam 1/4 inch from the open edge the full length of the strip making a tube. Turn the tube right side out and lace up to decide on the length. Trim off any excess and turn up inside the tube 1/2 inch, then stitch across each opening to close them. |
| Modesty panel | Cut the panel to be 3 or more inches wider and longer than the gap at the top of the back opening. Sew the left edge of the panel to the inside left edge of the dress opening, overlapping by 1/2 inch. |
| Lacing | Start with the top left loop, run the tie across from right to left, inserting it into the 3rd left loop. Continue this process down the dress, left to right to left, until it is completely tied. |
Explore related products
$22.41 $24.9
$13.99 $14.99
$16.19 $17.99
What You'll Learn
Adding loops and ribbons to lace up the back
First, lay your dress flat on a table and zip it up to the highest point where it can be comfortably fastened. Mark this spot with a pin or a pen. This is where your lacing will start. Remove the zipper down to this point, cutting it about half an inch above where it needs to stop. Fold over and sew the fabric, reattaching the hook and eye at the new position.
Next, plan your loop placement. The spacing of the loops is a matter of personal preference and design, usually about 1.5 inches apart, but this can be adjusted to suit the length of your centre back opening. Mark the spacing with pins and play around with it until you're happy.
Now you're ready to cut your loops. You can use ribbon or fabric that has been sewn into a spaghetti strap. Cut the loops to about 2 inches in length, fold them in half, and pin them in place. Stitch them down, placing them between the outer fabric and the lining if your dress has one.
Finally, starting at the top, thread your ribbon through the loops, crisscrossing as you go. When you put on the dress, loosen the lacing and then gently tighten it, starting at the top and working your way down. Tie the ends of the ribbon into a firm bow or a secure knot, tucking in any excess ribbon.
Your wedding dress now has a unique, customised lace-up back!
What to Wear to a Wedding: Dress Lengths Explored
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$17.99
Determining the number of loops and their spacing
The number of loops and their spacing depend on the length of the dress opening and how close together you want the loops to be. Typically, loops are spaced about 1.5 inches apart, but this can vary depending on the amount of space for the corset back. For example, if you have 7 inches of space for the corset back, you may need 5 loops, which would be a little under 1.5 inches apart. On the other hand, if you prefer to have your loops closer together, you can space them 1 inch apart.
The number of loops will also depend on the width of the ribbon or fabric you use to create them. If you are using a wider ribbon, you may need fewer loops, while a narrower ribbon may require more loops to cover the same distance. It's important to consider the strength of the ribbon as well. A narrower ribbon may not be able to withstand a lot of stress, so you will need to be careful not to lace it up too tightly.
When determining the number of loops, it's a good idea to create a muslin mock-up of the corset back to test the placement and spacing of the loops. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments before installing the loops on the actual dress.
Additionally, consider the overall look you are trying to achieve. The number and spacing of the loops can affect the appearance of the corset back. Closer spacing may create a more intricate and detailed look, while wider spacing can result in a simpler, more open design. Ultimately, the decision on the number and spacing of the loops depends on your personal preference and the specific requirements of your wedding dress.
Tailoring the Perfect Wedding Dress: A Guide for Brides
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$24.99
Creating a modesty panel
A modesty panel is a piece of fabric sewn to one side of a corset back or front lace-up opening to cover the gap. It can be sewn in as part of the construction of the garment, or it can be attached with hooks, eyes, or even velcro as a removable piece. This panel hides exposed skin and can reduce friction caused by the laces.
If you are altering a dress, you can remove the zipper and add a lacing closure (with a modesty panel). You will be creating the grommet panel with one side having the modesty panel attached, setting it in, and reinforcing the seam.
The modesty panel should be 10 inches wider than the final gap in the gown so that the top of the panel is 15 inches across. You can use a spray basting method to adhere the fabric and sew them together. Draw your sewing line with a pen and leave a small opening at the bottom so you can turn it right side out. Trim the panel, turn it, poke out the corners with a stick, press it, and top stitch the opening closed. Then, hand stitch the panel to the left side of the gown, next to the left loop set.
The modesty panel is only sewn to one side of the dress. When worn, the other side lays across and stays in place once the corset is laced and tied.
The Perfect Way to Pack and Post your Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Practising lacing the corset
Firstly, make sure you have everything you need: the dress, the lacing ribbons, and a trusted helper. It is nearly impossible to lace a corset by yourself! When you first purchase your dress, it will likely be laced up in the package, so you can use this as a reference for how it should look when properly laced.
Next, step into the dress and adjust your bust so that the trunk of the dress conforms to your shape. Then, begin lacing up the corset, working your way down and looping the strings from the outside to the inside. Keep your laces uniform and even as you work down the back. Don't stress the fabric or fittings, and remember that it's okay for the lacing to be a little tight as it will loosen throughout the day.
Once the corset is fully laced, you can make final adjustments to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. The goal is to create a supportive fit without restricting movement or breath. Then, secure the bow by tying the ends of the ribbon into a firm bow or a secure knot, tucking any excess ribbon neatly into the gown. Practising this entire process a few times before your wedding day will ensure that you and your helper can confidently lace up your dress on the big day.
Off-White Wedding Dress: Choosing the Perfect Shoes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Adjusting the tension for comfort and security
Adjusting the tension of a wedding dress corset is key to ensuring comfort and security. Even tension distributed throughout the corset is essential for the bride to be able to sit, stand, dance, and breathe comfortably. The lacing should be snug but not uncomfortably tight.
If the wedding is fast approaching, simpler alterations such as using a zipper extender or stretching the fabric may be more time and cost-effective options. However, if there is insufficient seam allowance and the dress requires more room, adding a corset back can be an excellent solution. This method provides a flexible fit, allowing for adjustments throughout the day to accommodate weight fluctuations or changes in comfort levels.
To ensure proper comfort and security, it is recommended to work with an experienced person who can assist with lacing the corset correctly. The bridal attendant should be trained to make quick adjustments to the lacing throughout the day, providing relief without sacrificing the dress's silhouette.
Additionally, the material of the dress should be considered. Lightweight and breathable fabrics are ideal for summer weddings, while more structured fabrics may require careful handling during alterations. It is also important to evaluate the fit of the entire dress, considering the bust, waist, and hip measurements, to ensure that any alterations enhance both comfort and aesthetics.
Finally, if the dress has a zipper that feels too tight, a subtle adjustment by a tailor can sometimes provide more space. This may involve adjusting the placement of the zipper or adding fabric panels that match the dress to create additional room.
Stay Cool and Calm in Your Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
