How to Lace a Corset Back Dress

Corset backed dresses are commonly found for weddings, proms and special occasions. A corset dress is a very nice embellishment detail that provides a unique look and an excellent fit. Corsets come in different styles such as open back or covered with a panel for a more modest look. These corset dresses can sometimes prove to be a little tricky to lace.

1. Determine if you will need to buy a cord for lacing your corset. Often time’s corset dresses come with a string, other times you will need to purchase one. There is a satin cord that is commonly used to lace corsets called a cat’s tail. You can purchase the desired length of cord that is needed for the size of the dress that you are lacing.


2. Insert the cord through the bottom two openings and position evenly so that the right and left side have equal amounts of cord. You can do this by laying out the dress front-side down on a flat surface, or you can have a friend put the dress on, this will make your job easier.


3. Lace the dress in a back and forth pattern bringing the left side to the right sides opening, and then the right side of the cord through the left sides opening. During this process pay careful attention that the cord is not twisting and is laying properly. 


4. Repeat this back and forth process until the corset is completely laced to the top. Check for any twisting in the cord and flatten it out. Also you will want to ensure that the right and left sides of the corset string have not shifted during lacing. If they have and one side is a little longer than the other adjust accordingly to even out the strings.


5. Place a bead on each end of the corset strings where the lacing stops on the back of the dress; tie a knot to prevent the cord from skipping through the lacing holes and loosening the dress. This will help to ensure a proper fit for the entire length of wear. 


6. Tie the two sides of the corset string and tie in a bow with a double knot to ensure that the satin material does not allow the knot to work its way out causing your corset to loosen or undo.