How to Bussle a Wedding Dress

A bussle can create a beautiful look and a practical wedding dress.

If the wedding dress of your dreams includes a train worthy of a princess, you will want to be able to bussle it. Every bride deserves to be able to walk and dance like a princess at her wedding reception without having her train in the way. Most wedding dresses can be bussled to look beautiful and fashionable while the train is down and while it is tucked up. It just takes a little planning and sewing before the big day.

Things You'll Need

• Wedding dress
• Needle
• Thread
• Embroidery Thread
• Pins
• Lace
• Appliques
• Bridal Buttons
• Hooks and Eyes

Instructions

1. Decide where you will attach the train of the dress to create the bussle. Decorative elements like a bow at the back of the waist, a sash or the decorative waistband itself are all options.

2. Mark the places to attach the train to the waistline with sewing pins. Gather the fabric from the train in equal sections and bring it up to the waistline while the dress is lying flat.

   Note the weight of the fabric. You will be creating a structure that will need to gracefully support the weight of the train while not damaging the fabric of the dress. Longer trains and heavier fabrics will require more attachments to distribute the weight safely. Lightweight trains may need only four to six supports. Heavier trains may need as many as 20.

3. Sew bridal buttons on the waistline of the dress where you will attach the train. If you prefer a more invisible bussle, you can use hooks and eyes covered with small bits of lace hidden in the fold of the dress.

4. Create a loop with the embroidery thread to hook over each bridal button or fit onto each hook. Sew them to the train in the places where the train will meet the waistline. Be sure to measure the final train length while the bride is wearing the shoes she will wear on her wedding day to ensure that she will be able to move with grace and ease when the dress has a bussle added.

5. Attach each looped area to each corresponding bridal button or hidden hook.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan to have a bridesmaid help the bride bussle the dress on her wedding day to make sure it is attached correctly. It will be much easier than having the bride try to do it herself.

• Keep your work area clean and covered with a sheet so the dress does not incur any stains or snags.

• Keep small children and pets away from your sewing area. Sewing notions can be choking hazards and wedding dresses are delicate.

Resources

• "Bridal Gowns: How to Make the Wedding Dress of Your Dreams"; Susan E. Andriks; 2000
• "Sewing for Special Occasions: Bridal, Prom & Evening Dresses"; Singer Reference Library; 1994