I’m finishing up Butterick 4315 for #3 son’s g/f and it calls for a hook and eye closure on the bodice. The contrast that it is sewn to is an irridescent silk taffeta and shows every pin mark so I have to get it right the first time. What i’m worried about is it coming unhooked as she moves around so was wondering if the hooks and eyes should alternate? Also how far in from the edge should the hooks be to have the center fronts meet and not gap? The pattern is a “costume” so the instructions aren’t as detailed as regular patterns (very frustrating as I had to make, then measure the skirt hem to order the right size hoop skirt petticoat).
I’d also like to know the best way to hem the skirt? 220″ on the straight of grain. I was thinking about applying horsehair to the right side and turning it up and using a blind hem.
Thanks for any input
Mireagaich
Thank you all so much for the help….Prom was last night, she felt like a princess and wore the dress (as opposed to the dress wearing her if I’m being clear)! As a precaution I did put some safty pins on the inside of the hoop skirt, “just in case”.
#3 son wore the tux and tails with wool felt tophat (a la Interview with a Vampire) and they looked wonderful.
I posted a pic to the Photo Gallery.
Edited 4/29/2007 3:23 pm ET by Mireagaich
Edited 4/29/2007 3:23 pm ET by Mireagaich
Edited 4/29/2007 9:44 pm ET by Mireagaich
Replies
That's a gorgeous dress!
If I understand the pattern description on the Butterick site, the hooks and eyes are sewn on the inside so that they are not visible from the front. You wouldn't have to penetrate the surface of the costume to attach the hooks/eyes, and you don't need to use pins.
On previous costumes, I have not had any problems with hook/eye closures coming unhooked, perhaps because I sewed the hook part backwards, so that the flat part is against my body and the hook is against the fabric. I don't tack the end of the hook down so that I can slip the eye over it, and the pressure of the fashion fabric against the hook keeps the eye from slipping out. (Oh, dear, it's hard to explain this in words!)
To align hooks/eyes, I place the two edges of fabric together and then use a sharp pencil to note the spots where I'll attach each piece.
If you don't have to be authentic but want a similar-looking closure, an invisible zipper application would be perfect here; you could even disguise the zipper pull with a cameo or jewel.
I love the idea of the hook sewn backwards. Very smart.Marcy
Reversed hooks are smoother and flatter and much more comfortable, too! (I learned this from a very painful experience with some very large hooks...)
Please be sure that alternating hooks and eyes does not make a pattern that shows through to right side. Also, this is going to gap a little no matter what you do (it has contrast under it, right?) and I think having the contrast show is part of the authenticity of the design. You are a great Mom and your son should clean your bathroom for two years, at least! God bless you, Galey
That is truly a gorgeous dress pattern. Have you considered switching from the hook and eye closure to a button and loop closure? It is quite a fetching technique, and more "period correct" than the hook and eye.
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