How to Reduce the Bust Curve, Apex, Bust Angle of a Gown, Small Bust Adjustment

[@tammiemurray9963]

I have been a seamstress for 30 years. The last 15 have been almost singlehandedly bridal. This video is by far the best tutorial I've seen on how to take in a bust curve. Now I know how a bride feels when I start cutting into her dress. My heart started beating faster when I saw you cut into that lace, and I do it all the time! Don't even get me started on the razor blade. I can't wait to see the rest of your videos! Thanks for your professionalism. I would have paid money for this video alone.

[@BridalSewing]

Thank you so much! ❤❤❤

[@Lovemusic856]

Tammie Murray Ha ha! I felt the same way when cutting the lace! 😱😄

[@kuleilani]

Thank you so much I can't sleep at night thinking how to resize a bust of my dress, exactly what I'm looking for

[@imavictorian]

I just took a bridal alterations job that they needed 5 years experience, but I only have one. They took a chance on me and now I'm brushing up on all the techniques with your videos. Thank you so much for making a difference, your work is appreciated!

[@sandrarice5575]

I can not imagine why anyone would thumbs down these video’s . Thank you so much. I’ve sewn all my life, I’m 58, and was unsure of altering my daughter’s wedding dress for her. I have confidence thanks to your video’s

[@jenfiveten]

incredible! I had no idea this is how it's done - I never thought you could do a seam like that with lace!! Cheers!!

[@juliefranck8510]

Thanks so much I just refreshed my skills with your great video! I have to take in the apex of a gown tomorrow.

[@Ellaodi]

I'm feeling so much more confident about doing my own alterations now

[@BridalSewing]

Yay!!

[@kathythompson5800]

I had a formal wear consignment store and did all the alterations for the store. I wish I had known about your channel back then, but it may not have even been out there. I needed to know quite a few of these alteration methods. I had to turn one bride away because the alterations were too extensive for my self-taught talents. I appreciate your taking the time to make these videos, and impart your knowledge to others.

[@marionbartley214]

Great alterations of this wedding dress

[@barbarazuazua3927]

Holy wow. Great fix! Awesome producing too. I am loving your videos!

[@BridalSewing]

Thank you!

[@angiep1360]

Once again a HUGE save!! I am quickly becoming one of the best in my area...THANKS TO YOU!!

[@BridalSewing]

AllSewn Up That means so much to me. Thank you.

[@Ksndr26]

I watched this video a few times while my own wedding dress is under going this process just because I find it so interesting. And because it helped me feel better about the unknown. 🥰

[@debradyson617]

You are amazing. Only just started on my journey of bridal alterations and finding your videos more than helpful. This is my first wedding dress and i have taken your tips and tricks on board. Using a razor blades is a game changer for me. Love seeing you work and you describe everything beautiful.

[@ivyhernandez2526]

Thanks for sharing with your sewing knowledge with us. I appreciate the hours and hours you have taken to produce these videos.

[@BridalSewing]

Ivy Hernandez awww thanks for noticin' ;)

[@samaperera4275]

😍😍

[@mommaria1968]

Where have these video's been? lol I'm a professional seamstress and can tell you this is the best alterations video out there. First, you have the perfect voice/diction to do tutorials. Second, your artistry in working with the lace - perfect analogy about altering lace and thinking of it as holding hands/interwoven fingers. And I admire the integrity of keeping / splinting the boning - I've never thought of splinting boning - I just take it out all together. lol Also, question: are you using a Consew Machine? And, I wonder what you think about using Exacto blades for ripping seams (?)

[@BridalSewing]

mommaria1968 wow! What a tremendously high compliment. Thank you ((Blushes.)) I am using a juki 5550N. There's a long vid on my channel about it. I prefer razors personally, but you gotta go with whatever frees your fine motor skills up to do their thing in the best way possible.

[@urp6733]

Thank you for speeding up the video

[@andreamurphy6854]

Brilliant! This is JUST what I need right now 😄 thank you Brenda for replying to my email so quickly - I knew I’d seen this content, just couldn’t locate it when I searched (late at night, in a bit of a panic thinking of the project I needed to fix). Now I’m more confident to get the job done...

[@BridalSewing]

Yay!! Thank you for watching, & please spread the word!

[@archerpren]

I clearly am working my way through all Your videos. I am self taught and guessed pretty close on how to do most of these techniques but you’re teaching me how to finesse it. I’m learning so much thank you! Also I think it’s time to go to a thrift store and get me a really cheap practice dress. CHANGE ALLLLL THE THINGS!!!!

[@BridalSewing]

That's awesome! Welcome to the community. 😍 Most of my BST Besties do the same binge-watching thing when they start out! Have fun!

[@lorraineholmes3783]

Thank you, your instructions are so helpful and easy to follow. My granddaughters wedding gown was a great success, thanks to you.

[@pamelaoverstreet28]

You are an AWESOME seamstress and quite gracious to share your God given gift with others like myself. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Keep them coming.

[@ChelseyMoon]

Omg thank youuuu. I’m getting a breast reduction 3 weeks before my friends wedding but I’ve never played with boning before. I think this video is perfect for how I need to alter my dress

[@dubmissions5667]

Brilliant video. Thank you for your wonderful techniques!

[@BridalSewing]

Thank you for watching. ❤

[@iheartbridalcouture5989]

Great job. I have done alterations for years and have had so many brides tell me " Well they said at the bridal shop you could just take in the bust " which is not always possible if you want to maintain the integrity of the gown on an important day. I have found if you can remove some boning and then just pull the front in at the side (but not the side back) it will achieve much the same effect. But you have to really do it very close to their measurements. So nice to see good work. I fix so many nightmare alterations for brides who think their dresses are ruined. But it was a pleasure to watch you work :)

[@BridalSewing]

Rita Stogdill McVey I glad you enjoy the vids! I do have a vid on here of that very alteration. I forget the title but it's something about how to fix a gown that stands out in the front. You'll have to watch it, but I think it's what you are describing.

[@iheartbridalcouture5989]

Bridal Sewing Techniques I'll have to look it up!!

[@BridalSewing]

Rita Stogdill McVey here it is! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3-bn6WLm9OEhck

[@MariaDumitrescu-fo7pt]

Great job! Congratulation! You are very talented!

[@moiraging3927]

Thanks Brenda. Your videos always give me so much confidence. Superbly tutored with options explained where applicable. We seamstresses learn that no two dresses are alike but many fall into similar categories. Therefore with the basic principles you show it's a case of adapting for what is right for the bride and the dress. Thanks again.. sterling work!

[@aarisknoelle]

Great technique hunny!

[@ahmedlulaa4889]

I love all ur work and I learned a lot from you

[@BridalSewing]

Thank you for watching!

[@julesrobertsyoursocialpa4364]

This is really helpful, I tend to angst and perfectionism over this alteration but I can see where you are cutting acceptable corners for a great finish! Thank you!

[@Cozygirliecorner]

Thank you! You’re great at explaining!!

[@TheFabricTeapot1]

You are nothing short of amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your talent. The only thing I don't understand is why the thumbs down????? Did I subscribe? I sure did!!!

[@BridalSewing]

Aww thank you! Yes, it is quite funny, the mix of comments I get! Some people are so thankful and tell me all sorts of nice things, others basically just tell me to eat dirt and die! Lol It's crazy. Nobody is forcing them to watch my videos.

[@delphydelphy534]

Did you reduce the curve around the apex ? Thanks for the video

[@michellecothrun1048]

Will be tackling this alteration today. I'll let you know how it goes! 😁

[@terryjanisch905]

Morning Brenda. I just use this technique on a prom dress. The bodice was so so snug. I used a heavy duty ok n eye. I removed boning to just below bust. Inserted DDD bust cups now are too big. So I took in side seams from just bust kept back where it was. Final fitting today. Prom tomorrow

[@terryjanisch905]

Her last fitting was yesterday afternoon. The fit was perfection. I layer in bed for two nights figuring out how to do this final fitting. This prom dress was highly structured just like a wedding gown. I remembered this technique and realized it was very well fitted in bodice but now apex was too loose and now unstructured. I opened side bodice seams removed boning and took in only front bodice. Three layers heavily beaded and many glued on stones. Tapered to waist line. Only took in front about 1 1/2” from front. Reassembled and it was perfect. Thank you so much Brenda

[@nanastrippin2006]

Really good technique, I've learned a lot thanks.... Normally I've taken a diff approach, by creating a gathered stich along the inside of the upper edge under the arm using a thick embroidery thread to pull it taught together, then adding bra cup inserts to fill in the beast, but I really like the way you've done this, it's cleaner and appears more finished... good video 👍

[@evelynsalyuk7324]

I love watching your videos! Thank you for sharing so much important information with us, most people wouldn’t share such great secrets. Thank you!! 😊

[@BridalSewing]

Thanks for noticin' lol ;)

[@katyb2793]

Wow this was incredibly helpful and clear! Thank you!

[@jessiek6228]

Wow!! Thankyou so much for sharing this very informative video! Fully appreciate how long it took you to create and your easy step by step guide, explaining everything that you were doing. Absolutely loved how you were able to see around the pattern of the lace and overlap all of it to fit over the new size. Thankyou! Very talented xx

[@beybslifeintheus494]

Great video my friend huge save

[@betheubanks4580]

Thank you so so SEW much!!! I am altering a strapless sweetheart bust designed for a B cup, and my bride did not realize she was a G cup until I measured her bust, sigh....another unfortunate extreme mis-sizing issue....I have let out, darted, take in only the top 3" of the front bodice at the side seams 3 times, taken in the waist 1" total, ease stitches,tried multiple styles of bras, adhesive bras, bra cups, and re-altered the bodice and have had 5 fittings with her, whew......the bodice has an extremely delicate open lace overlay with beaded appliques, and the waist seams attach to 3 tulle layers, interfaced satin, smooth satin and the crinoline perfectly smoothly without any gathers......I really believe this video has my answer. Guess I just needed to vent to my fellow seamstresses/ers since my friends and husband do not realize the difficulty level and how frustrating this mis-sizing issue is becoming with a few local "off the rack, no return policy" bridal salons. I would greatly appreciate any advice you can offer on how to politely address this issue to these salons who I greatly appreciate sending their "almost impossible" alterations brides and other brides to me. I do not want to offend anyone, but this is unfair to me and the bride. Do you have any advice on how to develop a relationship with your brides before they purchase their off the rack gown with no other option than for me to somehow make it work? I so wish I could measure, meet, and give kind, gentle advice on the importance of considering silhouette, venue, budget,and SIZE. Sorry for the long rant. This is becoming way to common. I would like to set up a paid Skype or call if possible, no rush. Thank you so so much!

[@BridalSewing]

Ohhhh, I have so many thoughts on this! I'll try to get back on here and address some of this. :)

[@betheubanks4580]

@@BridalSewing You are such an amazing woman to take your time to help your colleagues. I really do not see how you have the time. I just want to say again how much I greatly appreciate all of your hard work and taking so much time to create these videos for our community! I am so inspired by you that I am paying it forward and have begun teaching bridal basics to a local lady whose hobby is monogramming. I NEVER would have done this before, but now I am seeing our small community not as "the competition" but embracing your philosophy of preserving the craft. I am around the same age as you, and I see that we are losing so much knowledge as our previous generations skills are not being passed along. I am eager to help make our small community kinder, less snarky, and not so ego driven. I will admit I have been guilty of some/all of this bad behavior in the past.....not proud of that and so glad you have the courage to address this in your videos. Thank you for keeping me sane and smiling during this gratefully busiest bridal season of my career. I no longer feel so isolated. I appreciate you so much!!!

[@BridalSewing]

Wow!!!!!

[@lindalilly5086]

It's hard for me to see what you're doing and I have to fix my granddaughter's wedding dress and it's just too big in the cups. I cant afford somebody to fix so i need to do this.

[@saeedh24]

THIS WAS SO HELPFUL THANK YOU! you're the best how did I just find you now?!

[@kathydomen9570]

When you are sewing the lace-to-lace back together, are you sewing into the tulle as well?

[@Grace_x68]

Wow, thank you for sharing.

[@ktbrunner1862]

fantastic! Amazing help

[@BridalSewing]

Thank you for watching!! 🤗

[@ktbrunner1862]

My daughter is getting married and she has a few alterations needed for her dress. I feel intimated but I think I can do it now with help from your videos!

[@rosejacks8662]

Thank you for your wonderful techniques!

[@pinkmarshmallow352]

Brilliant, so interesting and helpful! Thank you.

[@1314paulinha1]

Thanks great tutorial learning a lot from you. Not sewing any bridal dress yet, only casual and prom dress and gown. Hoping one day have this opportunity 😊

[@BridalSewing]

paula pirao you can do it!!! Please let me know if you need specific tuts. I am doing a series on hem types next!

[@1314paulinha1]

Bridal Sewing Techniques Will be great, a series on hem. Especially diferent fabrics with appropriate hem. For chiffon and organza I had only do the roll hem on overlock. Thanks

[@erjusik]

What if the bonie (not sure how to spell that) is sewn in-between the layers of fabric and the seam from it is the one you see on the outside of the dress? Like, there isn't a layer of lace on the top as shown in the video. Do you think it's possible to reduce the bust and put it back together so the seams look neat? Thanks!

[@BridalSewing]

Yes, just be very neat & careful.

[@MandyWildman]

Wonderfully helpful!

[@wendynicholss6886]

Respect!!

[@vivianmorris897]

That looks great!!

[@daden82]

You saved my bacon, subscribed x

[@BridalSewing]

Lol. Awesome

[@katyb2793]

Do you use a different kind of boning for the bust? Or just normal? And does the boning go along the princess neckline too?

[@marlisilvana3310]

eu amei esse vídeo estou aprendendo a costurar. Tenho um pouco de medo ainda. Se puder ensine como fechar um vestido de noiva na lateral....obrigada

[@yolas123]

DO YOU, HAVE ONE MAKING CUP SIZE BIGGER? THANKS

[@ahmedlulaa4889]

Thank you so much

[@jessicab1954]

Thank you so much for sharing all your professional knowledge of altering bridal wear, it's making me feel somewhat less intimidated about my project to alter my sisters wedding dress. I have a question though, if you'd be willing to share any ideas :) I need to take the dress in both at the side and at the bust seam. It has a bodice similar to the one in this video, but with the difference that it also has an illusion/lace yoke in the front with shoulder straps. How would you deal with that when taking in the bust seam? I'm not sure that keeping the seam as it is at the top edge of the bodice, and just taper it in to how much the bust needs to be taken in, will be enough. It might make it just stand out. The bride has a very slim straight shape.

[@BridalSewing]

I've actually never had to take it in where the top of the bodice meets the illusion, and I've done some pretty drastic alterations. Usually, the small bust adjustment, taking in the sides, taking up the shoulder seams, perhaps adding small darts to the neckline, and even changing the shape of the armhole (swinging it in so it doesn't cut into the arms) is enough for even the worst case scenarios.

[@amykinley]

How do you take in a side seam where the front is angled higher than the back?

[@Falco90thebest2]

😍😍😍😍😍thanks thanks thanksssssss💯❤🔝

[@ana296366]

thank you for your Great videos!! how much will be charged for that alteration. is no easy.

[@BridalSewing]

I can't really give exact numbers because my audience here is worldwide. But, this alteration would cost as much as hemming a lace gown. It is significant.

[@ana296366]

Thank you for your quickly asnwer😍. Happy Thanksgiving

[@BridalSewing]

You too! 😘❤

[@designerhotcuotour1750]

thank you it's vary beautiful from Iraq

[@mariarojas9917]

Thanks am learning a lot can u show how to put zipper on wedding dress bustier and dress

[@Lovemusic856]

Did you do like a top stitch to close the lining? I am guessing... Also, how much the price would be for such an adjustment?

[@BridalSewing]

Usually a hidden stitch or a slip stitch. :) This is a pretty expensive one, as you can imagine.

[@rayoftxsunshine]

Wow.

[@hollygray3685]

Can u remove them out all together, and ad sleeves?

[@BridalSewing]

What do you mean by "them"?

[@stayshiny4775]

Super helpful!! But how did you get the measurement for how far to take the bust in?

[@BridalSewing]

Kaylee Aul I don't often use a measurement, per se, but rather just pinch the curve to see how it needs to be changed. But, in this situation, where the dress is quite thick, I just had to visualize the difference that she needed and adjust that way, trying it on her to make sure the curve looked natural. To make sure both sides are changed equally, you can even make a template of the seam change as you work.

[@stayshiny4775]

Bridal Sewing Techniques Thank you! That's incredibly helpful!

[@miltownusa]

I work for a lady who is a master at bridal alterations and is teaching me and my co-worker her tricks of the trade. Do you ever alter the bust "unevenly?" My boss will pinch what is needed to be taken in, but also looks at thw princess seam and the apex curve. Sometimes the feont is too pointy and needs to be flattened more, but not the side front. The curve might be ok. So we have to match seams that wont be equal innthe end, just to get a good style line over the bust. Also, when you overlap the lace make up for what was taken in....we do it on a dress form for the curves instead of flat, or cupping with our hand. That way it forms to the shape of the body for sure on the dress form. (Sometimes she is re-shaping a pleated bust and does it over her knee for the curve, lol) Keep up the great teaching!! I am blessed to be taught by someone who is a master at the craft of sewing. Even with my former experience, a person can Never know all about sewing. 😀💖😃💖

[@BridalSewing]

Yes, the more sources we are exposed to, the more we learn. Sometimes, my method is slightly different for the video's sake. I would normally do the lace contouring as the bride stands in the dress. That would be unnerving for a customer of mine to be video recorded like that, though. Most seamstresses do the overlay in the back room, so it isn't "wrong" to do it that way. Per usual, it is a preference issue. I usually do not alter apexes (that's prob not a word! Lol) to be different. To account for uneven cup sizes, I usually adjust the padding assymetrically to even up the swell. Or, I will often dart assymetrically if needed. I personally like bust angles to be as even as possible. I do have a video coming up on this! :)

[@worthwatching4465]

I looked through your list of videos, but not sure I see one that addresses a busty bride that spills out over the bodice. Any fixes?!!

[@BridalSewing]

I just had this question! I need to do a vid on this. 👍

[@worthwatching4465]

@@BridalSewing awesome, I hope you do!!!

[@pinaylifeinusa5780]

I wish I can make my own wedding gown. Pls guide me

[@3whitehens]

Oh wise goddess of bridal alterations, I desperately need your help on this issue. But for those slinky, modern, crepe/knit drapey type princess seamed gowns that don't have any interlining, so if the lining (always stretch jersey) doesn't match up exactly after you take it in, it shows, and everything shows, because it's so thin and unforgiving, no lace of course, just that stark modern plain style. HOW do you a) get the apex right in the first place (somehow, even though I pin it on her - making the transition from pinned to sewn doesn't always fit perfect) b) make the left side and right side the same, because even 1/4 of an inch difference shows up c) match up the flimsy floppy lining on the inside to what you did on the shell fabric? I have done/doing two like this. The first one...came out okay, it wasn't PERFECT, the apex I think was a bit flat because it had a bit of a roll under her bust. Fortunately they were an unpicky party and didn't seem unhappy about it. But I am unhappy because I know it wasn't exactly perfect and these stupid dresses have to be perfect. The second, I'm working on right now. It's a halter dress and doesn't even have any boning, just a soft little princess seam crepe shell, and a lining consisting of two layers of flimsy soft jersey sewn together - so on each side, I have to get THREE seams to match up perfectly, or they show through. Well, I mean they show through anyway because this kind of dress, the seam allowance shows. Which means it has to be PERFECTLY MATCHED. please please help me, I just don't even know how to begin and surely sew/look at it/make an adjustment/look at it/make another adjustment/look at it/make another adjustment/all according to eyeball and not particularly effective attempts at awkward comparison measuring, can't be the best way.

[@BridalSewing]

It is super critical that you start a job on one of these gowns with a conversation about money. When I have a bride in this style gown, I tell her at the first meeting that her gown is *deceptively* simple. I educate them to the fact that the gowns that show every seam can take longer to sew than lace gowns. You'll feel your stress levels deflate as you spend more time with the gowns, knowing that your are making money, no losing it, as your pour in the extra time. There's no simple fix, you often have to match the sewing perfectly, 8 times or more. You could try making a paper template for the new seam shape and reusing that for each seam, but it will still require some trial & error.

[@worthwatching4465]

Quite often I find this can be a frustrating alteration because, say I have to take a good inch or more out of the apex. When I do that in a princess seam the pieces won't always match and the side piece winds up too short. I hope this makes sense. Sometimes it's so short that when I reshape the top of the bodice at the seam, there isn't enough coverage. :(

[@BridalSewing]

Yes, this is one of the more troublesome alterations, that's for sure. I try to avoid it when it can be fixed another way.

[@Purpleshuggar]

thanks!

[@AmandaGarrettOfficial]

So do you not open up the top seam and take that in?

[@BridalSewing]

Def read the description on this one. ;) Actually, my description often has important caveats in them.

[@AmandaGarrettOfficial]

@@BridalSewing okay well I only ask because I have this issue with a gown. But when I pinned the part the needs to be taken in, that upper seam was part of it. I see at the end of you video that it looks as though it still takes all that gaping away. So should I be opening all the seams or just what I see you doing in the video?

[@BridalSewing]

Is it lace overlay?

[@AmandaGarrettOfficial]

@@BridalSewing yes it has a yoke bodice lace overlay

[@BridalSewing]

Okay, typically, you do dart each layer equally & independently, & then sew it all back together. :) This dress was just a budget job, but it allowed for a super clear video on darting. More clear than when we cover our tracks by altering the layers separately. :)

[@isabelsmith1555]

Me and my grandmother are sewing my wedding dress. The dress fits pretty good, except that the darts of the bust are running from under my breast to about the middle of my bust. Where it stops it looks like nipples are poking out. How can we fix that?

[@sheilacheatwood5894]

okay, so Im the female that commented on your video about darting a bust on a one shoulder prom dress. Now that I darted the bust the curvature actually fits her breast correctly and looks amazing BUT made the other breast needing reduced and made us realize the peak of the curvature was wayyy off from the other breast. (shoulder side with boning going more up the shoulder) very pointy and just looks horrible. now since it has one shoulder I cannot do a simple reduction because there's too much fabric and will cause fabric to overlap and bunch up. I'm thinking I undo hem but which side do I pull from? The chest area or under the arm? OR do i come from both pieces equally? Im leaning more to the chest area lol maybe i should have just emailed you 🤣🤣 Thank you so much for the fast reply last time btw! Your amazing! ❤

[@BridalSewing]

Yes, email me pics, plz. :) [e-mail]

[@vicki21rph]

I noticed you left out the bust pads. Was that bride’s preference? I love your videos. I’m working my first bridal alteration after word got around I made my daughter’s bridal gown.

[@BridalSewing]

It is pretty much always up to the bride & what makes her comfortable. :)

[@gettingrealwithautoimmunea5860]

Ugh, the person who altered my gown FAILED to do this and it bugs me in the photos ever since! The manager just told me to wear a "wonder bra" !

[@sanjaymaurya9613]

Please Hindi mai video Banaye kya aap Hindi mai video nahi bana sakte English mujhe samajh mein nahi aa raha hai

[@BridalSewing]

Sanjay maurya I hope to soon. :)

[@showell7990]

Razor blade scared the heck out of me...method is correct...but DONT use a razor blade!!!

[@BridalSewing]

Ha! Came to late to tell me! 😂 I use it full time & it saves me hours of work. I'm a firm believer in "to each his own." You do what works best for you.

[@showell7990]

@@BridalSewing absolutely.....Happy Sewing!@

[@valeriemccoy4269]

Thank you so much.

[@pinaylifeinusa5780]

I wish I can make my own wedding gown. Pls guide me