Monday, April 13, 2009

Tip - Strengthening Spaghetti Straps

Here's an oldie but goodie. It's particularly useful now that we are into the prom/cotillion/bridal sewing season.

When making a spaghetti-strapped dress out of heavy (or even mid-weight) material, I reinforce the straps by drawing drapery cord through the finished strap tubes. The cording is 1/16" wide, so it adds strength without adding bulk. It also prevents the strap from stretching, which can be a problem if it's cut on the bias or cut from a loosely woven or elasticized material. And it eases my mind about whether there will be any 'embarrassing moments' while wearing!

Happy sewing!

7 comments:

Pamela Erny said...

Thanks for this tip Ann!

What a great idea...and one that I will use when making sundresses with bias straps for my nieces. The straps for the dresses are 1/4" wide, but cut on the bias, so this tip will work to stabilize the stretch.....fabulous!

Ann's Fashion Studio said...

Great Tip :)

Dawn said...

When I did the Recycling/Refashioning Contest over at PR, I cut up one of my spaghetti strapped tops. It had clear elastic threaded through the straps. I assume for reinforcement and stretch maybe?

gwensews said...

Thank you for the tip. Drapery cord--well now, that opens up some other possibilities. I wonder if it's flexible enough to cover and use for cording on garments?

Summerset said...

Great tip - as they always seem to be a bit flimsy. The next time I make some new pj's, I'll have to do this. One time for a formal gown for a client, I purposely left the straps a bit stretchy, but inserted that very skinny elastic cord then cut the straps a bit shorter, to create a stretchy strap that would stay put.

Julia said...

Thanks for the great tip!!

Cennetta said...

Thanks for the great tip.