Bridal Gown Lace-up Back Conversion
I love Lace-up Backs!
hey are so pretty and solve several fitting issues. Converting a gown that has a zipper into a Lace-up can be tricky. I've done several of those for varying situations and designs of gowns and there are many options and issues to consider.
Below are a few pictures of Lace-up Back Conversions we ahev done.
.jpg "Lace-up back before & after")
.jpg "Lace-up back")
Our Visitors' Questions
Grommets Instead of Eyelets Request
March 2008
Hi Leanna, I am currently making a grad dress for a girl and she is requesting some alterations to the design of the pattern. I have read about the lace up back on your site (very helpful!) but have a few more questions.
She is requesting a lace up back from the waist up with eyelets (or grommets) instead of loops. I am concerned about the strength of the fabric so the eyelets aren't creating pulls in the fabric itself (or puckers). Oh yes - the dress is taffeta. I have tried out some grommets on scrap and it seems I will require the fabric, interlining, interfacing and lining to have enough strength for this. That seems excessive. Should I run some boning along the grommets to keep them from pulling instead, or perhaps using all layers in the back panels only?
She really has her heart set on these grommets. Should I try to dissuade her? I'm worried if I do it wrong the stress of wearing it all day will cause them to tear out. Thanks for the time you take to help all of us!
Priscilla
You need to tell her your concerns clearly and so that she understands the risk she is taking. She will not want to listen and will ask you to do this anyway, but you need to make sure she understands the situation she is creating. When she says to do it anyway, charge her any extra you need to and make it clear that she has asked for this extra charge.
I would add boning to both the inside and outside areas of the grommets and interline the taffeta. This is what you are charging extra for - AND make sure she knows this will NOT guarantee that the taffeta will not tear. It most likely will no matter what you do. She will tie this dress way too tight and the act of dancing will make a mess of it. This is not your fault. She is asking for something really silly, but she is a teen that doesn't know any better.
~Lea
Can I do a Lace-up conversion on my wedding gown?
September 2010
Hi Leanna,
I am so happy that i stumbled across your site. I bought my dress back in Jan on a whim because I loved it and the price was right. At the time it could zip up and I could breathe kinda :) however it is now Sept and it no longer zips up. Now my wedding is not till May but unfortunately, I know my body and I know it doesn't like diets. I'm at a comfortable weight and I'm happy. So, I've looked at the seams on the dress and there seems to be an inch on each side, however the top is a corset with boning. Can a top still be let out is it has boning all in it? Also, I'm looking to convert it to a lace-up to give me more room for my ladies. They don't fit comfortably at all. Do you think a lace-up will look good. Also, the dress is too long for me I'm 5'7 which isn't short and I'm totally tripping on it. My worry is that when I get it hemmed, I'm gonna lose one thing that I love about it and that's the bottom, is there anyway a seamstress can save the look of the bottom and take the fabric out of somewhere else? And last the train is way tooo long and way tooo heavy. Have you ever known anyone to shorten a train? I'm hoping it can be done and doesn't change to look of the back of the dress. Do you think the dress would look good with beading along the bottom? I'm a plain kind of girl but I think it may need a bit more to it, but not sure if it would look good. Thank you so much for your time and thank you for making a wonderful and informative website. Erin :)
Hi Erin,
When letting seams out you need to leave enough in the seam for its stability. You can't sew right on the edge, or the seam will bust when the wearer goes to hug a friend or family member, or even take a deep breath. If there is an inch in the seam, then it can be let out 1/2 inch at the most. Most gown seams have enough in them that each seam can be let out an inch. Boning can be removed and sewn back on a seam, but it's more work, so expect a higher charge.
I generally think any gown can look great converted to lace-up and yours is no exception. It is a classic style that often comes with lacings. You will have to lose the buttons or add another string on the right side of the back opening for balance.
When hemming a pick-up skirt as yours is, I add more pick-up to the tuffs at the bottom until the skirt is the correct length. Nothing gets cut and the gown generally looks the same, only shorter.
Trains can be shortened. I have done it on occasion. But it can be very costly. Bustling is easier and much less expensive. I have done bustles to shorten the train just a little for the ceremony and then all the way up for the reception.
Adding beading is another very expensive change. The beads are usually not bad, but I charge $20 a half hour for beading. I think the gown is fine the way it is and you did say your style is not flashy, so why add beading? I like to caution brides to not let the gown wear them. You want your guests to remember how stunning you looked in the gown, not how great the gown looked on you.
I hope this helps~Lea
Hi Leanna,
I am so happy that i stumbled across your site. I bought my dress back in Jan on a whim because I loved it and the price was right. At the time it could zip up and I could breathe kinda :) however it is now Sept and it no longer zips up. Now my wedding is not till May but unfortunately, I know my body and I know it doesn't like diets. I'm at a comfortable weight and I'm happy. So, I've looked at the seams on the dress and there seems to be an inch on each side, however the top is a corset with boning. Can a top still be let out is it has boning all in it? Also, I'm looking to convert it to a lace-up to give me more room for my ladies. They don't fit comfortably at all. Do you think a lace-up will look good. Also, the dress is too long for me I'm 5'7 which isn't short and I'm totally tripping on it. My worry is that when I get it hemmed, I'm gonna lose one thing that I love about it and that's the bottom, is there anyway a seamstress can save the look of the bottom and take the fabric out of somewhere else? And last the train is way tooo long and way tooo heavy. Have you ever known anyone to shorten a train? I'm hoping it can be done and doesn't change to look of the back of the dress. Do you think the dress would look good with beading along the bottom? I'm a plain kind of girl but I think it may need a bit more to it, but not sure if it would look good. Thank you so much for your time and thank you for making a wonderful and informative website. Erin :)
Hi Erin,
When letting seams out you need to leave enough in the seam for its stability. You can't sew right on the edge, or the seam will bust when the wearer goes to hug a friend or family member, or even take a deep breath. If there is an inch in the seam, then it can be let out 1/2 inch at the most. Most gown seams have enough in them that each seam can be let out an inch. Boning can be removed and sewn back on a seam, but it's more work, so expect a higher charge.
I generally think any gown can look great converted to lace-up and yours is no exception. It is a classic style that often comes with lacings. You will have to lose the buttons or add another string on the right side of the back opening for balance.
When hemming a pick-up skirt as yours is, I add more pick-up to the tuffs at the bottom until the skirt is the correct length. Nothing gets cut and the gown generally looks the same, only shorter.
Trains can be shortened. I have done it on occasion. But it can be very costly. Bustling is easier and much less expensive. I have done bustles to shorten the train just a little for the ceremony and then all the way up for the reception.
Adding beading is another very expensive change. The beads are usually not bad, but I charge $20 a half hour for beading. I think the gown is fine the way it is and you did say your style is not flashy, so why add beading? I like to caution brides to not let the gown wear them. You want your guests to remember how stunning you looked in the gown, not how great the gown looked on you.
I hope this helps~Lea
Bridal Lace-up back conversion with spaghetti straps
January 2005
Hello..I found your wonderful site, thanks it has been very interesting indeed. MY question is this, I have bought the dress of my dreams (of course) I bought it on eBay and got it for a song, it has the tags still on it of $950 US I got it with shipping for $300 Can ! It is in perfect condition...it is a size12 Mon Cheri with detachable train, pearls and a champagne color...I love it..ok..dress is in fine shape...lol..I am not! I am about a size 14/15 street cloth size the dress fits me in the waist area but not in the bust area...zipper will not go up..alright I have 6 1/2 month to the wedding I can lose the weight right??? ;) Now, my question is this...is it possible to remove the zipper in the back and make it into a corset lace-up back? The dress has spaghetti straps...Just in case there is still some reason the dress will not zip up ..The dress came with a matching wrap that could be used for material if need be (a thought) Is this idea to far fetched or could it be done do you think??
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Tammy
Yes, what you have suggested can be done and might even end up looking really nice, but it will take a skilled sewist to do it well. But you have lots of time and it might only take 10 pounds of weight loss to get that zipper to zip. I'm not usually for drastic alterations if it can be avoided. It often hurts the structural integrity of the gown.
If you do decide to use the wrap to piece the zipper area do it obviously. By this I mean you can't hide a piecing so be very obvious about it. Add pleats or some other decoration that is in keeping with the rest of the style of the gown. Don't just stick a piece of fabric smack in the middle of your back where everyone will be staring at it during the ceremony. Piecing is usually done at the side seams to be less obvious. I like the idea of removing the zipper and converting the back into a lace-up corset better.~Lea
Hello..I found your wonderful site, thanks it has been very interesting indeed. MY question is this, I have bought the dress of my dreams (of course) I bought it on eBay and got it for a song, it has the tags still on it of $950 US I got it with shipping for $300 Can ! It is in perfect condition...it is a size12 Mon Cheri with detachable train, pearls and a champagne color...I love it..ok..dress is in fine shape...lol..I am not! I am about a size 14/15 street cloth size the dress fits me in the waist area but not in the bust area...zipper will not go up..alright I have 6 1/2 month to the wedding I can lose the weight right??? ;) Now, my question is this...is it possible to remove the zipper in the back and make it into a corset lace-up back? The dress has spaghetti straps...Just in case there is still some reason the dress will not zip up ..The dress came with a matching wrap that could be used for material if need be (a thought) Is this idea to far fetched or could it be done do you think??
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Tammy
Yes, what you have suggested can be done and might even end up looking really nice, but it will take a skilled sewist to do it well. But you have lots of time and it might only take 10 pounds of weight loss to get that zipper to zip. I'm not usually for drastic alterations if it can be avoided. It often hurts the structural integrity of the gown.
If you do decide to use the wrap to piece the zipper area do it obviously. By this I mean you can't hide a piecing so be very obvious about it. Add pleats or some other decoration that is in keeping with the rest of the style of the gown. Don't just stick a piece of fabric smack in the middle of your back where everyone will be staring at it during the ceremony. Piecing is usually done at the side seams to be less obvious. I like the idea of removing the zipper and converting the back into a lace-up corset better.~Lea
Will my bridal gown look okay with a lace up back?
February 2010
I bought a dress months ago and it zips, it's just utterly uncomfortable. I can barely breathe and I'm afraid I'll pop a seam when trying.
http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=-49978998¤tIdx=9&subCategory=-49999486|-49998984|-49978998&catentryId=6096960&sort=
This is the dress. It's too tight around the bust. I was thinking maybe that I could have a lace up back put into it with a modesty panel. Or maybe just have pieces of fabric put in the sides up by the bust so that way it will fit. But I'm leaning more towards the lace up back because my weight tends to go all over the place.
Will it look okay with a lace up back?
Hi Tori,
I tried looking at the pictures for the link you sent. I can't tell for sure (even with magnifying the picture), but if the beaded pattern continues into the side seams, it is possible they can be let out a small amount. It might be enough to make you comfortable. I have often gotten up to an inch more room in a side seam. If the beading does not go into the seams than adding space in the sides either by letting out the existing seam or adding fabric will be costly because of the hand beading that will be necessary. Lace-up conversion is a great way to add room and looks good on most any gown. I have seen gowns like yours with lace-up backs and I think they look just fine. I cannot say if you will like the result or not. The full skirt might tend to cover up the bottom portion of the laces.
~Lea
I bought a dress months ago and it zips, it's just utterly uncomfortable. I can barely breathe and I'm afraid I'll pop a seam when trying.
http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=-49978998¤tIdx=9&subCategory=-49999486|-49998984|-49978998&catentryId=6096960&sort=
This is the dress. It's too tight around the bust. I was thinking maybe that I could have a lace up back put into it with a modesty panel. Or maybe just have pieces of fabric put in the sides up by the bust so that way it will fit. But I'm leaning more towards the lace up back because my weight tends to go all over the place.
Will it look okay with a lace up back?
Hi Tori,
I tried looking at the pictures for the link you sent. I can't tell for sure (even with magnifying the picture), but if the beaded pattern continues into the side seams, it is possible they can be let out a small amount. It might be enough to make you comfortable. I have often gotten up to an inch more room in a side seam. If the beading does not go into the seams than adding space in the sides either by letting out the existing seam or adding fabric will be costly because of the hand beading that will be necessary. Lace-up conversion is a great way to add room and looks good on most any gown. I have seen gowns like yours with lace-up backs and I think they look just fine. I cannot say if you will like the result or not. The full skirt might tend to cover up the bottom portion of the laces.
~Lea
I'd love a Tie-up Corset Conversion
February 2007
Hi,
I was wondering if it is difficult to get a seamstress to alter the back of my wedding dress to a tie-up corset style because I love the dress, but I have always dreamed of one that has a corset back which is currently not the situation.
Thanks, Katherine
It's not ultra difficult, but there are some things you need to think about.
Does the gown bodice fit you well now? - I usually do this type of alteration for ladies whose gowns are much too small. It's better than trying to sew inserts into the seams to make the dress larger. So, if your gown fit fine you will be needing to make room for the lacing area. If there is much decoration in the back, making space in the zipper area might mean losing some of it. You might be able to take in the side seams to make the space without destroying any design elements.
If you want one, you will need to have fabric for the modesty panel. Some brides have a full panel under the whole area, and some have it just for the waist down, so skin shows between the lacings on the back. It depends on if you have to wear a bra or if you can go without one.~Lea
Hi,
I was wondering if it is difficult to get a seamstress to alter the back of my wedding dress to a tie-up corset style because I love the dress, but I have always dreamed of one that has a corset back which is currently not the situation.
Thanks, Katherine
It's not ultra difficult, but there are some things you need to think about.
Does the gown bodice fit you well now? - I usually do this type of alteration for ladies whose gowns are much too small. It's better than trying to sew inserts into the seams to make the dress larger. So, if your gown fit fine you will be needing to make room for the lacing area. If there is much decoration in the back, making space in the zipper area might mean losing some of it. You might be able to take in the side seams to make the space without destroying any design elements.
If you want one, you will need to have fabric for the modesty panel. Some brides have a full panel under the whole area, and some have it just for the waist down, so skin shows between the lacings on the back. It depends on if you have to wear a bra or if you can go without one.~Lea
I want to Change my Lacing Strings and Add a Modesty Panel
October 2007
Hi Leanna,
Thank you for your informative website! I have a quick question about changing corset lacing. I have a Maggie Sottero dress with a corset back. The lacing that came with the dress is about 3/8" or so, but I have seen some Sottero dresses with thicker lacing (3/4" maybe?) and I like that look better. My dress also does not have a modesty panel, and I would prefer the thicker lacing to show less skin.
Here's a photo of the type of lacing I would like:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y208/bengc1/bride12/lot204_3093i.jpg
I contemplated buying ribbon from the craft store but worry it won't be stiff enough and that it might bunch up and not lay flat. Any suggestions?Thanks, Jen
Any lacing will bunch if you don't take the time to thread it carefully. I have used ribbon often. It's not as stiff as fabric, but it can look just like the picture you sent if you thread it carefully. You can also make a modesty panel. They aren't part of the dress back anyway. They are just tacked on one side.
~Lea
Hi Leanna,
Thank you for your informative website! I have a quick question about changing corset lacing. I have a Maggie Sottero dress with a corset back. The lacing that came with the dress is about 3/8" or so, but I have seen some Sottero dresses with thicker lacing (3/4" maybe?) and I like that look better. My dress also does not have a modesty panel, and I would prefer the thicker lacing to show less skin.
Here's a photo of the type of lacing I would like:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y208/bengc1/bride12/lot204_3093i.jpg
I contemplated buying ribbon from the craft store but worry it won't be stiff enough and that it might bunch up and not lay flat. Any suggestions?Thanks, Jen
Any lacing will bunch if you don't take the time to thread it carefully. I have used ribbon often. It's not as stiff as fabric, but it can look just like the picture you sent if you thread it carefully. You can also make a modesty panel. They aren't part of the dress back anyway. They are just tacked on one side.
~Lea
Lace-up Conversion for an Already Fitted Wedding Gown
September 2007
Hello,
Thanks for all the great tips on your site. I have found several lovely dresses that I am deciding between, but these are all zip-back dresses and I had hoped to find a lace-up/corset back dress as I am worried about having a perfect fit on the day. I do not diet (and I love the advice you give about that), but I have always had fluctuating weight/body fat and I am worried that with a zip-up back, then unless I have the final fitting the day before I would not be sure of having a perfect fit for my dress. I may have a destination wedding so it is not really an option for me to have a fitting right before the wedding, to say nothing of the additional stress that would cause everyone.
I've seen your photos of too-small gowns that have been converted to make them fit, but do you find it is possible to convert a gown that already fits perfectly into a lace-up back in order to secure a great fit on the day? Or do you find that altering a gown in this way doesn't necessarily improve the fit? I'm wondering whether if the gown already fits perfectly, it might compromise the structure of the gown to make such a change.
Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks, Nicole
To have the lacings you need to make room for them. So, if a gown already fits well, some space needs to be removed from the back to accommodate the lacings. If there is decoration right up next to the zipper some of it will be lost. You may not like the lose of lace flowers and beading and the pattern might be interrupted in a funny way.
I have worked with brides who have trouble with weight fluctuations, but I have never had one with a one-day flux problem. The lacings do give you more flexibility in the fit and they are pretty too. It makes perfect sense to me that you are thinking this way. It would be so much easier if you keep looking for a gown that is already designed for lacings. Keep in mind the elements of the gowns you have found and keep looking. I am sure you will find one.
~Lea
Hello,
Thanks for all the great tips on your site. I have found several lovely dresses that I am deciding between, but these are all zip-back dresses and I had hoped to find a lace-up/corset back dress as I am worried about having a perfect fit on the day. I do not diet (and I love the advice you give about that), but I have always had fluctuating weight/body fat and I am worried that with a zip-up back, then unless I have the final fitting the day before I would not be sure of having a perfect fit for my dress. I may have a destination wedding so it is not really an option for me to have a fitting right before the wedding, to say nothing of the additional stress that would cause everyone.
I've seen your photos of too-small gowns that have been converted to make them fit, but do you find it is possible to convert a gown that already fits perfectly into a lace-up back in order to secure a great fit on the day? Or do you find that altering a gown in this way doesn't necessarily improve the fit? I'm wondering whether if the gown already fits perfectly, it might compromise the structure of the gown to make such a change.
Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks, Nicole
To have the lacings you need to make room for them. So, if a gown already fits well, some space needs to be removed from the back to accommodate the lacings. If there is decoration right up next to the zipper some of it will be lost. You may not like the lose of lace flowers and beading and the pattern might be interrupted in a funny way.
I have worked with brides who have trouble with weight fluctuations, but I have never had one with a one-day flux problem. The lacings do give you more flexibility in the fit and they are pretty too. It makes perfect sense to me that you are thinking this way. It would be so much easier if you keep looking for a gown that is already designed for lacings. Keep in mind the elements of the gowns you have found and keep looking. I am sure you will find one.
~Lea
Can I do a Corset Back Because I Hate Sewing Zippers?
July 2007
Leanna,
I really love your site and the corset information has been a big help to me.
I made my own gown. Now my sewing skills are not fabulous, but they are apparently good enough (GO ME!). I was very nervous to attempt this without my mom here to help (she was a fabulous seamstress) but I know she was here guiding my hands.
I am nearing 80% completion and finishing fast. My question is this, I am attaching a picture of my gown. I suck at zippers! I was considering a corset style back because it would help eliminate some of the smaller alterations I might have to make. Will it work on this gown? I made some changes to the gown. I did not add the lace panel at the waist, instead I am adding a ribbon in my wedding colour (navy blue) which will form a V from the front to the back, attaching just under the bust in the front down to the bottom of where the butt bouquet is in the back (this is where I would have the corset stop).
Thank you, April
Most corset backs have been in strapless gowns but I see no reason why you can't do one here. I think it will look very pretty.
~Lea
