Zipper to buttons?

Im not a seamtress, but im thinking it might make the dress smaller if they have to take the zipper out?? i dont really have advice i mostly just wanted to say i love button backs lol

I am thinking of making mine into a corset... I am sure it can be done, they might have to add a strip of fabric to put the button holes in.. mostly anything can be done, if you're willing to pay

I guess that's true i didn't think about that... if it's not possible, no big deal. i just love button backs too

@CKJL5410: haha, very true.

The back of my dress has fake buttons - it really zippers up! (It's fantastic 'cause it has the button look, but soooo much easier to get on/off!) I'd suggest adding fake buttons so that you get the look without the hassle.

http://www.mydress4less.com/images/D/b-170.bmp

@Sarah K.- thats a good idea! and probably WAY cheaper

@Sarah: that is a good idea! I'm just so in love with real buttons... lol

It probably can be done, I want a corset back and a lady at DB told me they can make a zipper go to corset but it costs like $200+ so I think they'll probably be able to do zipper to buttons.

My dress has a zipper AND real buttons...so it can be done! It was designed that way and the buttons close over the zipper so it's hidden. It might be pricey as an add-on by a seamstress though.

From a seamstress:

Yes, you can take the zipper out and convert the dress to buttons and loops. It is expensive, expect to pay probably at least $1 - $2 per button, and each button is placed 3/8" apart the length of the zipper. The zipper is removed, and fabric is added on each side to bind the thread loop tape on the left as you face the back of the dress, and a placket for the buttons on the right. If your dress is strapless, I do not recommend this, as the zipper provides better support. Buttons and loops can be added decoratively too. The loops can be sewn on the right side of the zipper, and the buttons sewn on the zipper lap. After the zipper is shut, the loops are closed over the buttons. It is best to do this with a small crochet hook, as fingers are usually a bit to clumsy! I'm out of touch as to current prices. Just for adding buttons alone, I used to charge $.50 each. That was 10 years ago. I am no longer altering gowns.

From my understanding 90% of the time there are buttons they are decorative and there is really a zipper underneath. I'm with you on the button look though- i love it far more then corset or plain.

Hi Elizabeth

I have a problem with my dress that is the opposite to above.

My mock dress when I had my fittings had a sheer back with a zipper closure but the design of the dress is to close up with buttons. So my final dress was based on the sizing and measurements of the zipped up back. The top of the dress is fitted to the top of my hips.

Then when I got the finished dress, the buttons with stretch loops close but because if the fitted top, the buttons and loops stretch and pull apart slightly. I'm worried that making the dress bigger will make it too big on the top around my bust line. Is it possible to add a hidden zipper under the buttons to stop them from pulling? And can you add a zipper in a way that it won't show too much through the sheer?

Thanks for your help!!