Have you ever found the perfect tulle dress, but realized it doesn’t come with a bustle? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people have this dilemma, especially if they like to dance or move around without worrying about the hemline. The good news is that adding a bustle to a tulle dress is possible. In this post, we will discuss the process of adding a bustle to a tulle dress.
What is a Bustle?
A bustle is a series of loops or folds created in the back of a dress or skirt. The loops or folds lift the back fabric of the dress or skirt off the ground, making it easier to move around. Bustles became popular in the 19th century when women wore large skirts and dresses that made it difficult to move. Today, bustles are used to make it easier to move around and to prevent fabric from dragging on the ground.
Can Tulle be Bustled?
Yes, tulle can be bustled. Tulle is a lightweight, delicate fabric commonly used in wedding dresses and ball gowns. While some people may think that tulle is too delicate to be bustled, it can be done with care and attention to detail.
The Process of Adding a Bustle to a Tulle Dress
Adding a bustle to a tulle dress requires some sewing skills and patience. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Choose a Bustle Style
There are several types of bustles to choose from, including the ballroom bustle, French bustle, and the over bustle, to name a few. Each bustle style has its own unique look and functionality. It’s important to choose a bustle style that complements the style of the dress and your personal preference.
Step 2: Gather Your Materials
You will need a few materials to add a bustle to a tulle dress, including:
– Sewing machine
– Thread
– Scissors
– Pins
– Bustle hooks
– Buttons (optional)
Step 3: Determine the Placement of the Bustle
The placement of the bustle will vary depending on the style of the dress and the desired look. It’s important to carefully consider the placement of the bustle to ensure it’s functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Step 4: Sew on the Bustle Hooks
The bustle hooks are what hold the loops or folds of the bustle in place. Sew the hooks onto the dress according to the placement determined in step 3.
Step 5: Create the Bustle Loops or Folds
Create the loops or folds of the bustle to your desired style. It’s important to ensure that the loops or folds are even and not too bulky. Once you’ve created the desired bustle shape, secure it in place with the hooks.
Step 6: Optional – Add Buttons
If desired, you can add buttons to the dress to secure the bustle in place. This will prevent the bustle from falling down during movement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adding a bustle to a tulle dress is possible and can be a great way to make it easier to move around. Following the above steps will help you create a functional and aesthetically pleasing bustle that complements the style of the dress. Remember to take your time and be patient to ensure the best possible outcome.
FAQ
What kind of bustle for a tulle wedding dress?
A bustle is essential for a bride during her wedding day, as it allows her to move freely and enjoy the reception without tripping over her lengthy dress. In particular, tulle wedding dresses require a special kind of bustle that is not only functional but also maintains the overall shape and elegance of the gown. For tulle wedding dresses with no hem detail and a ball gown silhouette, the recommended bustle is the train-flip bustle. This type of bustle gathers and secures the tulle layers beneath the skirt to create a seamless and uniform look, while also allowing the bride to dance and move around with ease.
When considering a train-flip bustle, it is important to have someone from the bride’s entourage learn how to bustle the gown. This will ensure that the bustle is done correctly and the bride can move freely and comfortably throughout the day without having to worry about her dress. Additionally, there are different styles of bustles that can be used depending on the tulle wedding dress’s particular design and shape. It is important to consult with a professional tailor or dressmaker to determine the best type of bustle for the bride’s specific gown.
The train-flip bustle is a great option for tulle wedding dresses with a ball gown silhouette and no hem detail. It is functional, elegant, and maintains the overall beauty of the gown while allowing the bride to move and dance freely.
What is the difference between a crinoline and bustle?
During the 19th century, women’s fashion was characterized by a complex structure of undergarments that gave their clothing its distinctive shape. Two of the most iconic structures used in this era were the crinoline and the bustle.
A crinoline was a type of skirt worn under a dress, which was supported by a cage-like structure made of hoops or bones. The crinoline allowed women to wear wide, bell-shaped skirts that were fashionable during the mid-19th century. The term “crinoline” comes from the French word “crin,” which means horsehair, as the first crinolines were made using horsehair that was woven into a fabric.
In contrast, a bustle was a framework of padded or wired fabric that was worn at the back of a dress. The bustle was popular during the later part of the 19th century, when fashion shifted towards clothing that emphasized the posterior. Bustles could be worn under a dress or attached directly to the garment itself and could be made in a range of styles, from subtle padding to elaborate structures that jutted out from the backside.
While both the crinoline and bustle served similar purposes by giving volume to women’s clothing and creating distinctive silhouettes, they were quite different in terms of their design and function. The crinoline was an outwardly visible structure, with the skirt flowing out in a circular shape from the waist. On the other hand, a bustle was a more subtle structure that only added volume to the back of the dress. The bustle was often hidden beneath layers of fabric in the skirt, while the crinoline was visible.
Both the crinoline and bustle were essential components of women’s fashion during the 19th century. While they were used to achieve similar aesthetic goals, they differed in design, function, and visibility. The crinoline was a cage-like structure that supported a wide skirt, while the bustle was a padded or wired framework that added volume to the back of a dress.
