How to Bustle a Train With a Sash
Bustles gather the back of the dress, creating a puffy cascade of fabric. Its purpose is to keep the train from dragging on the floor and getting dirty or in the way during a reception or party. A bustle is a common feature in bridal gowns, but is not done until alterations are made on the dress. This is so the bustle is at the correct length for the bride's body. Today, many brides are now making their own bustles to save money. A train with a sash requires additional steps and attention to detail. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 13 pieces of ribbon, cord, or lace
- Pins
- Thread
- 1 button
- Tape measure
- Mannequin
Instructions
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1
Decide if you require cord, ribbon, or lace to bustle your train and sash. Heavier gowns require a cord, but lighter fabrics can use ribbon, lace, or buttons. Attempting to use ribbon or lace in a heavier gown may cause the ribbon or lace to come undone or even rip.
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2
Cut the material into 11 inch lengths. You will need 13 of them.
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3
Take the dress to a large, flat, clean surface. Put a covering over the surface if necessary. This is to keep the dress clean while working on the bustle. Lay the dress out so the inside of the back of the dress is showing and facing you.
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4
Mark the areas where the bustle will go. Make the first bustle mark about one inch from the bottom of the dress's clasping. This is a zipper, button, or corset lace. Make the second mark 15 inches below the first. The third 16 and half an inch below the first. The fourth 29 and half an inch below. The fifth mark thirty inches. The sixth mark is parallel to the first, and the seventh fifteen inches below the sixth. The eight mark needs to be eight inches below the seventh and the ninth is nine and half an inch below the eighth. Marks ten to thirteen are parallel to six to nine.
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5
Tie a knot on either end of the cords, ribbons, or laces. This gives additional support when the dress is bustled.
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6
Sew on the ribbon, cord, or lace in each marked area all the way to the topmost layer of the dress without piercing through the top of the dress.
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7
Hang the dress on a mannequin and tie the sash on the way it will be worn on the day of the wedding. If no mannequin is available, put on the dress and get the elicit the help of another person to mark the sash 16 inches from the sash's tie.
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Sew in a small button, preferably, the same color as the sash. Sew in a small loop one inch down from the dress's clasping -- the same area where the dress's first bustle mark is. The loop should be the same color to the dress or as close to it as possible. If the sash is wide, add additional bustle areas three to five inches parallel to the first bustle, depending on the sash's width.
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Tips & Warnings
These measurements need to be tailored for different train lengths so that the train meets the normal hemline. For longer dresses, make the distance between each bustle mark longer.
Do the opposite for shorter dresses.
When sewing, use thread the same color as the dress as a precaution.
Color-coordinate the cord, ribbon or lace if you fear you will lose track of which bustles are tied together. This is especially helpful for your bridesmaid who will help tie the bustle.
