Franklin Dean
Adding buttons to the back of a wedding dress is a popular choice for brides. While buttons can be functional, they can also be non-functional and decorative, serving as an elegant addition to the dress. Brides often opt for buttons to cover up a zipper at the back of the dress, creating a sophisticated look. The process of adding buttons involves considerations such as button size, type, and placement, and may require the expertise of a seamstress or tailor. Practising the buttoning process beforehand can also ensure a smooth and stress-free experience on the wedding day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Button size | 1/4″ or 3/8″ buttons are size-appropriate, 1/2″ may look too big |
| Button type | Functional or non-functional, flat-backed, with small or large loops, with or without holes |
| Button material | Satin, pearl, diamante |
| Zipper | Buttons can be attached over the zipper line, with loops to conceal the zipper |
| Sewing technique | Hand-stitched, sewn with button thread |
| Button placement | Buttons can be placed on the side with fabric overlapping the zipper |
| Time | Buttons can be time-consuming to do up on the wedding day |
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What You'll Learn
Sewing buttons onto a wedding dress
Choose the Right Buttons:
Select buttons that complement the style and colour of the wedding dress. Consider the size of the buttons, ensuring they are not too big or too small for the dress. You can opt for functional buttons that serve as a closure or non-functional decorative buttons. If you want functional buttons, consider using button loop tape or small elastic loops to fasten them.
Prepare the Buttons:
Before sewing, it is essential to have all the necessary materials, including the buttons, thread, needle, and any additional tools like scissors or a sewing machine. If you are using fabric-covered buttons, carefully cut the fabric to size and secure it onto the buttons.
Mark the Button Placement:
Carefully plan where each button will go. Mark the placement of each button on the dress with tailor's chalk or a fabric pen. Ensure the marks are evenly spaced and straight. If you are adding buttons over a zipper, decide whether you want the buttons to sit directly on the zipper or on the fabric overlapping the zipper.
Sew the Buttons:
Thread your needle with button thread, which is thicker than regular thread. Start sewing the buttons onto the dress, following the marked placements. Sew each button securely, ensuring the stitches are tight and durable. If using a sewing machine, adjust the settings to accommodate the thickness of the dress fabric and the buttons.
Finalize the Details:
Once all the buttons are sewn on, carefully inspect your work. Ensure that the buttons are secure and that the stitches are neat and tidy. If needed, trim any excess thread. If desired, add a waist stay inside the dress, a ribbon at the waist that helps keep the dress in place while getting dressed, creating a couture finish.
Adding buttons to a wedding dress can be a beautiful way to enhance the design and incorporate a traditional element into the bridal experience. With careful sewing and attention to detail, the buttons will elevate the overall look and feel of the gown.
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Choosing the right button size
The size of the buttons you choose will depend on the overall look you want to achieve. Generally, smaller buttons are more subtle and elegant, while larger buttons can make a bolder statement. If you want the buttons to be more of an accent, consider choosing smaller sizes, such as 1/4" or 3/8". On the other hand, if you want the buttons to be a prominent feature, you can go for larger sizes, keeping in mind that they should be in proportion to the dress and not overwhelm the overall design.
The spacing between the buttons is another factor to consider when choosing the right size. The distance between the buttons will impact the overall appearance of the dress. Closer spacing can create a more continuous line, while wider spacing can give a more staggered effect. The spacing will also depend on the size of the buttons; smaller buttons may require closer spacing, while larger buttons will need more space between them.
The type of button closure you choose will also influence the size selection. If you opt for buttons with loops, consider the length of the shank (the loop at the back of the button). Longer shanks may result in floppy buttons, so choose buttons with shorter shanks if you want them to lie flat and straight. Additionally, consider the thickness of the fabric of your dress. Thicker fabrics may require larger buttons or more space between the buttons to avoid bunching or puckering.
Lastly, if you are adding buttons to an existing dress, take into account the size and proportions of the dress itself. The buttons should be in scale with the dress's overall design and features, such as any existing embellishments or details. It is recommended to consult a professional seamstress or tailor who specialises in wedding gowns to ensure the buttons are sized and placed correctly and that they complement the style and silhouette of your dress.
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Using loops to fasten buttons
Button loops are a great alternative to buttonholes and are often used on women's clothing, especially wedding dresses. They can be made with thread or elastic, and are usually placed on the left side of the garment.
If you are using thread loops, you can make them with your sewing machine thread or embroidery thread in the same colour as the fabric of your dress. First, bind the left and right sides of the centre back with bias binding. Then, mark the button loop placement along the edge. Make a loop with the thread and needle, repeating this process until you have the desired number of loops—the more repeats, the stronger and thicker the button loop will be. Finally, make blanket stitches over the loop repeatedly from one side to the other.
If you are using elastic loops, you can purchase these from craft stores such as Nakpunar, which offers a wide variety of button loops in different colours and styles. When using elastic loops, only button fastenings should be used.
When placing the loops on the centre back, you can expose the skin underneath or sew a separate fabric strip to the back to conceal it. To avoid exposing the skin, you can also plan the pattern so that the side with the button loops slightly overlaps the other side. Increase the centre back seam allowance to at least 1" to allow for this overlap when buttoned.
Button loops are a beautiful feature on wedding dresses and can be used to fasten buttons securely.
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Hiding a zipper with buttons
Adding buttons to the back of your wedding dress is a great way to enhance its look. You can use buttons to cover up a zipper at the back of your dress. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this:
Firstly, decide on the type of buttons you want to use. You can opt for functional buttons that serve as the actual closure of the dress, or non-functional buttons that are purely decorative. If you prefer non-functional buttons, you can use small elastic loops to fasten them, adding a secure closure to your dress.
Next, consider the size and style of the buttons. Smaller buttons tend to work better for this purpose, as larger buttons may appear bulky and obvious when placed over a zipper. You can choose buttons with raised loops, flat backs, or those with smaller and flatter holes. The style you choose will depend on your personal preference and the overall look you want to achieve.
Now, it's time to source your buttons. You can find buttons online on websites like Etsy and Amazon, or even eBay. It is recommended to use button thread, as it is thicker than regular thread and will provide a more secure hold. If you want your buttons to match your dress, consider using fabric trimmed from the hem to create custom-made buttons.
Finally, it's important to note that you should ensure the dress is unzipped before attaching the buttons. You can attach the buttons directly over the zipper line, or you can add loops to completely conceal the zipper. If you choose to add loops, you may need to open up the zipper to sew them in.
By following these steps, you can successfully hide a zipper with buttons on the back of your wedding dress, creating a beautiful and elegant look.
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Practising buttoning a wedding dress
Practising how to button up a wedding dress is an important part of wedding preparation. It is a good idea to practice once or twice before the wedding day so that whoever is responsible for buttoning the bride's dress feels comfortable and knows how long it will take. This is a time-saving trick that will allow the bride to maximise her time with friends and family on the day.
The person practising buttoning the dress should be someone special to the bride, traditionally not the bride herself. The task of buttoning the dress is an opportunity for the bride to spend time with a loved one, sharing, reflecting, advising, and supporting each other.
The person practising should be aware that buttons are not the only type of closure on a wedding dress. Dress closures come in a variety of trends, including zippers, corsets, and buttons, each of which has its own challenges. It is important to know how the dress is closed before practising. If the dress has a zipper, the buttons may be purely decorative, and the person practising should be aware of this.
If the dress has functional buttons, it is important to know how they work. Some dresses have button loop tape with elastic loops that go over the buttons. This can be tricky, especially for those with long nails or manicures. A crochet hook can be used to grab the elastic loops and help get them over the buttons. The dress should also be fitted correctly to ensure the buttons do not come undone when the bride moves around.
Practising with the actual dress may not always be possible, so it is a good idea to have some alternative methods to practise with. A crochet hook can be used to simulate the buttoning process and get a feel for how it works. It is also a good idea to have a spare crochet hook on hand on the wedding day to help the bride get out of her dress if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
1/4" or 3/8" buttons are size-appropriate, while 1/2" buttons may look too big.
You can use buttons that are the same colour as your dress, or satin-covered buttons, which are commonly used for wedding dresses. You can also use pearl buttons.
You can sew buttons onto a wedding dress yourself, or you can take it to a seamstress or tailor. If there is a zipper on the dress, you can attach the buttons over the zipper line.
You can use small elastic loops to fasten the buttons. You can also practice fastening the buttons before the wedding day to ensure that whoever is helping you is comfortable with the process.
