Replies

1. 
   mainestitcher | Feb 08, 2008 04:05am | #1

   It's kind of odd, but I've worked in three different bridal shops, each one had a different way of doing bustles, and each one would hear nothing of trying other methods of doing it, as the way each did it was the only "right" way!

   For underbustles, I best like the carbone rings and ribbons that tie to them, or alternatively, a ribbon loop replaces the carbone ring.  I've also seen  2) two pieces of ribbon to tie together, and 3) white hooks and eyes.  I detested the hooks and eyes.  They were big-ish hooks and eyes, but it was hard to sew on securely, and I suspect the hardest to do up after a ceremony when you're under the dress looking for something that small.

   For overbustles:  Buttons (clear if they're under a lace detail, satin if they show) and loops of 1/8 inch ribbon backed by a button  are my fave.  I worked with one woman who used to string a bead on the outer part of the ribbon loop, making it easier for the points to be found.

   A second method is to use the same procedure, but use pre-crocheted button-bustling thread to make the loop.  Third: My least favorite thing to do:  anchor the thread, and hand crochet the loop  the right length, then anchor it again.  This, I thought, was most tedious and mindless.  FWIW, the loops showed more too.

   Any method I suppose, is as sturdy as the seamstress who did it is skilled.  My first choices are the ones I found easiest to do "right."

    

    

1. 
   NansiSews | Feb 08, 2008 03:13pm | #2

   I like the sound of that pre-crocheted bustle thread!  I've been using the "tedious" method.  Do you have a source to order some?  That would be great!  Thanks!

   P. S.  We consider "right" to depend on the gown and the height of the client.  Both tend to determine what kind will look best; not to mention the client's preference.  No one likes anything that makes their "butt look big"!

   Edited 2/8/2008 7:16 am ET by NansiSews

1. 
   BernaWeaves | Feb 08, 2008 04:27pm | #3

   I think the "correct" method depends on what the back of the dress looks like.  All the previous suggestions sound great.

   I only have experience with my dress, but it had a full satin skirt with a full tulle skirt  over it with narrow lace trim around the bottom, and a short train.  I had 3 crocheted loops going through both layers of the skirts somewhere around me knees, and 3 white hooks hidden under the lace trim at the waist.   It was very easy to bustle it up and it looked good.  The crocheted loops also had the advantage of keeping the two layers of skirt alligned while I walked down the aisle!

   Berna

1. 
   mainestitcher | Feb 09, 2008 05:52pm | #4

   Ahhh, by "right" I meant the particular method of fastenings, (hook and eye versus ribbons and rings, etc) not the style of the bustle.  All the bustle-ers I've worked with were good at styling and innovation.  It was the persnickedy-ness of saying, "Oh, no ribbons and loops here, dear.  We do it the right way, with hooks and eyes." *sigh*

2. 
   Flax | Feb 11, 2008 05:34pm | #6

   I wanted to thank all of you for your responses so far. The crochet loop and button was the way I was taught. But since the bride had a friend that had the crochet loop and button method break on her, I knew that I needed to find alternative. So thanks to your response mainstitcher, I used the plastic ring and ribbon method for this dress that needed an under-bustle. The bride and the owner of the Bridal shop was very pleased. So thank you for your insight, it was very valuable!Flax

2. 
   damascusannie | Feb 10, 2008 10:50pm | #5

   On my daughter's wedding dress they used stretch lace. I'd never seen this before but it worked really well. The lace ends were left about 6" long so they were easy to tie. Because it was stretch lace, they stayed secure and never came loose. And they laid nice and flat under the skirt so that you couldn't see them at all. The gal did an extremely elaborate bustle, 16 different fastening points! I would have suggested using different pastel shades on this particular dress to make it easier to figure out which ties went with which. The underskirt was heavy satin with a heavy satin train so pale colors wouldn't have shown through.