Weddingbee boards

Hello Hive,

I'm considering buying a plain silk wedding dress with a zipper closure and removing the zipper and adding loops and ribbon to make a corsett back in its place. I just need to know if this is crazy. You should know, I am not a sewing wiz  but I have, in the past created a skirt and a halloween costume (and of course sewn several pillows and scrunchies in my day) without a pattern which gives me confidence that this is possible. I've never reconstructed a garmet before much less a gown but I always figured I would do something to customize my gown and I found the simple strapless number with a slight train that I was looking for except it has buttons down the back and a hidden zipper and I would much prefer ribbon. I am considering buying the dress one size smaller to accomodate the space the ribbon will fill and using a thin ribbon to create the loops (possibly in ana ccent color) then laceing it up with a thick satin ribbon. Thoughts? Does anyone with more sewing knowledge think this is a viable option? Thanks for your feedback!

I don't think that you should buy a size down; after removing the zipper you may need to finish the edges on each side, which will create room for the ribbon lacing. Also, ribbon for the lacing is fine, but ribbon is not strong enough to use for the loops. You should try to find thin cording to use for that application, it will be more sturdy, and easier to sew with.

If you are nervous, I would shop the idea around to some tailoring shops- it may be an inexpensive alteration!

thanks for the feedback, I didn't consider refinishing the edges just that I want to be able to have the ribbon visable, not pulled so tight it looks like a line if that makes sense.

I may consult a professional before ordering the gown anyway so I know if I'm attempting the impossible but I really want to be able to accomplish this on my own (somehow it will feel so much more personal).

Thanks again for the insight and keep it coming ladies. Has anyone ever done this or had it done by a tailor?

Thanks MissTeaberry for the suggestion, however, this all started wehn I saw that the dress I'm considering is on sale for $150 down from $600. I feel like the price will allow me to self alter and not feel so terrible if I screw it up and if it works I'll have an amazing bargain in the process. I may just keep looking and avoid the risk though, I still have about 18 months to get a dress.

empyle1, thanks for your advice. When you did this, what did you use to construct the loops? Were you able to sew it on a maschine or did each loop need to be sewn in by hand? Thanks again, your insight is exactly what I was looking for.

You may actually be able to find some pre made shaped loop tape, just as they have hook and eye tape and snap tape. I would secure the loops by hand stitching, leave those stitches in then go over it with a machine. Just as the loop material needs to be strong enough, the stitches should be reinforced so you don't have any surprises when you are wearing it.

Check out this link:

http://www.denverfabrics.com/pages/sewinginfo/hsc-sewing-hints/sewing-buttonloops.htm

Just ignore the fact that the loops are for buttons, and use the ribbon instead. :) 

I was planning on sewing by hand so this is good reassurance. I was thinking of using that satin cord stuff you can get everywhere. I don't know what it is actually called anymore but it comes in a million colors. I'm going to check out these pre-made loops now though. Thanks Taffy.

An actual corset-back design also has an fabric inlay; the dress is laced over the inlay so that you don't have a bunch of bare back showing, and so that the lacing can be wider at the top (generally laced so that there is about 3 - 4 inches of the underlay showing) - this is what allows you to really appreciate the lacing. If you think about it, it's sort of what it looks like when you lace up a shoe - you want that "tongue" there, or you don't see the lacing at all. You do want the fabric to meet at the bottom of the laces, where you tie the bow. So the actually opening is v-shaped, not at all like the space where the zipper went.

I actually sew quite a bit, and I really wouldn't try this on my own - at least not with my own wedding dress. Particularly since if you don't anchor the loops, or sew the edges correctly, it will tend to tear out if you lace it too tight. It is a common alteration though, so you ought to be able to consult a seamstress and get an estimate if you like.

Thanks Suzanno, I had considered the insert and the V shape is kind of natural becasue the dress sis smaller at the waist than the top. I still have not decided to order the dress but my mother is also suggesting I take it to a professional. I'm also considering just keeping the buttons down the back and adding a ribbon sash so I can have a bit of color w/o the potential of it breaking. I'm leaning towards ordering the dress and adssessing the possibilities to add the corset once I have the dress in my posession. Thanks all for the suggestions, I'll let you know how it turns out.