Insert the needle into the underside of the dress. Pull the thread all the way through. Make a small stitch and pull the thread most the way through to create a loop. Grab the loop with your fingers and pull the remaining thread through the loop to create a knot. Repeat this process until you have a loop big enough to fit your button. Secure the loop by running the needle and thread through the loop to tie it off. Insert the needle through the fabric to the other side and make two knots. Cut off any excess thread.
Attach the button to the dress using the needle and thread. Stitch the button four times to make sure it is secure. Secure the button by running the needle and thread through the fabric to the other side. Make two knots and cut off any excess thread. If you prefer, you can also sew the button onto the waist of the dress and the loop onto the train. [3] X Expert Source Margo WestProfessional Tailor Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.
The one-point overbustle is the least expensive way to bustle a dress, but it’s also the least secure. The one point overbustle is only recommended for dresses with lighter fabric. Do not try the over bustle if your dress is heavy or has a particularly long train.
Mark the place between these two distances with a pin.
Pin the train to the waistline seam. Lift the sides of the train off the floor ½” to ¾” (1. 3 – 2 cm) and fold and pin the train along each side of the back seam. To lift the remaining train off the floor, continue to fold and pin the train as necessary between the seams.
The ribbon should fall between the lining of the skirt and the dress’s train. Make sure to sew the ribbon securely into the waistline seam.
Loops should be attached ½” (1. 3 cm) below each pin mark. Repeat the same process for all other loops.
The French bustle is great for dresses with lots of train decoration centered below the waist because the bustle won’t hide the designs. [10] X Research source The French bustle is also ideal for dresses with long trains or that are made of heavier fabrics.
Mark the place between these two distances with a pin.
Attach the train to the seam using a pin.
Fold and pin the train to lift any remaining train off the floor. If the train is too long or heavy, redistribute the already existing folds into two smaller folds. When the folds are securely pinned, release the bustle and remove the pins.
Make sure to stitch securely – you don’t want the bustle coming undone. If the buttons or hooks need additional reinforcement, attach a small piece of interfacing under each one.
Insert the needle at the pin, next to the seam-line, then pull it through the interfacing and train. Make a small backstitch from the right side of the train. Pull the thread to make a loop reaching 1” – 2” (2. 5 – 5 cm). Place your fingers inside the loop and grasp the loop. Pull the thread to tighten the first loop and create a second loop. Repeat this until you have a thread loop that’s big enough to fit the button or hook. Use several back stitches to secure the thread to the underside of the dress.
If you don’t like the look of the exposed buttons or hooks, you can hand-sew lace appliqués on top of the buttons or hooks to conceal them. Be sure to stock up on safety pins. American bustles are not as strong as French bustles and there’s a chance that the bustle may break over the course of the evening.
