Tips and Tools- Expand the Back of an Evening Dress

There are many scenarios or reasons
 for wanting to expand the back of a dress.

Perhaps you found a great dress that was a little too small
 but you had to have it

or you have a dress in your closet that needs a little spark.

What ever the reason,
it is possible to expand the back of a dress
 and you can do it yourself.

I will start with a beautiful white strapless evening dress.
I would like to dress up the back of this dress and expand the back of it.
All the while keeping the dress elegant.

For this project you will need:

Ribbon that matches your dress

Fray Check

Stitch Witchery

Needle and Thread

Scissors

Measuring Tape

Iron and Ironing board

Hand Towel

 We are going to cover the zipper with  ribbon.

Measure the back of your dress from the top of the zipper
 to the place that you would like your zipper to stop.  

Cut two pieces of ribbon one half inch larger than your measurement.

Cut four pieces of Stitch Witchery the same size.

Put Fray Cheek on the ends of your ribbon.

While the Fray Cheek is drying heat your iron

 as per Stitch Witchery instructions.

Place your towel on the back of the dress.

 You do not want the heat to touch anything but the ribbon.

Fold your ribbon in half. Place the Stitch Witchery along the inside

 of the dress zipper. Put half of your ribbon on top of the Stitch Witchery.

Very carefully place your towel on top of your ribbon.

Place your iron on top of your towel and heat.

Heat only as long as the manufacturer of Stitch Witchery says.

(This is a gentle movement do not move your iron back and forth.)

Do this on the opposite side.

Fold the top of your ribbon over the top of your dress 

put a small amount of Stitch Witchery under your ribbon.

 Place a towel on top of your ribbon and heat.

Do the same thing on the opposite side of your dress.

Fold the bottom of your ribbon under, place a small amount of 

Stitch Witchery under your ribbon. 

Put your  towel on top of your ribbon and heat.

Place Stitch Witchery along the outside of the zipper,
fold the remaining ribbon on top. Put your towel on top of the ribbon.
Press with your iron.
Do this on both sides of your dress.

For this dress I wanted six loops.

 To make your loops you will need to
cut six pieces of ribbon four inches long.

Then put Fray Cheek on the ends of your ribbon

 and let the Fray Cheek dry.

Once the Fray Cheek is dry fold your ribbon pieces in half,
place a small amount of Stitch Witchery between the layers.
Now place your towel on top of the ribbon
and heat the ribbon with your iron.
Do this to all of your loops.

Now bring the bottom corners of your ribbon to the middle.
Place a small amount of stitch Witchery underneath the conners.
Place your towel on top of your ribbon and heat.
Do this to all six loops.

Your loops are now ready to be sewn onto your dress.
Space your loops evenly and pen them on the inside of your dress.

Start sewing your ribbon down starting from one side
 to the other making a u shape.

Fold your ribbon down and sew across.
Do this to all six loops.

Now its time to cut your ribbon for your lacing and bow.

The amount of ribbon you need will vary depending
on the size of your dress.
Too long is always better than too short.
You can always trim your ribbon if it is too long.
Once you have cut your ribbon to your desired length place some
Fray Cheek on the ends of your ribbon.
let the Fray Cheek dry.
Now its time to lace up your dress.

Beautiful!!!