Hi, I am making an evening dress for a friend that has a backless halter stlye bodice. I have having problems with the sides of the dress. I cannot get the dress to fit correctly. She has “batwings” if that makes any sense. I would love any advice on how to get the sides to fit well so she doesn’t expose anyone at the party. Would boning help? Or perhaps my pattern calls for a more accurate curve on the side. If all else fails I do have the body tape that models and beauty contestants use to prevent accidents. However, I would like to get this right. Thanks!
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Replies
The halter pieces are cut across the bias & probably are stretching. Using the pattern, cut a stay tape to sew into the seams of the halter--both sides of each halter strap( on body's side and body's center front). When you sew, shorten the stay by 1/4" to draw it closer to the body. I use the selvage of lining for my stay tape but you could use seam tape or twill tape. Boning at the sides might help if the other doesn't solve the problem. If all that fails a "corset" made of lining underlined with firm fabric, made from the bodice pattern & sewn into the neckline of the dress would do the trick. Wide grosgrain ribbon secures the corset snuggly at the waist and keeps the dress in place.
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