Reinforcing Shoulders

M

museumingabout

Registered Guest
Hello,

I will probably (have not had the chance yet to inspect haha) need to reinforce some shoulders on beaded flapper dresses that I am planning to display. Since I am not the best at sewing, I was wondering what is the best way to do this? Also it needs to be acid free, so either twill tape, muslin or netting.

Thanks!
 
Hi museumingabout - the best treatment will likely vary depending on the material and extent of the damage but if it's a sheer silk like a chiffon I would recommend backing the shoulders onto a cotton tulle of matching colour, and securing with hand stitching. Then I would darn over the top. But that's only if the damage isn't major.

If it's a heavier material, you could back it onto something heavier. I recommend natural materials, and you can use silk or cotton thread as well. I generally use the same material that was used originally.

Personally, I would be very cautious about putting a damaged '20s dress on display unless it was only for a short period because it will be hard to avoid further damage. It's perfectly fine to display them lying down in glass boxes - I recently saw the Jeanne Lanvin exhibition in Paris where there were many beaded dresses in boxes with well placed mirrors so you could see the detailing.
 
Hi Nicole,
Thanks so much for your suggestions. The dresses are all in good shape, and I want to keep them that way. I've seen so many torn shoulders that I wanted to prevent this from happening to our dresses. I will probably use some cotton tulle, as I think that will blend the best and most of the dresses are chiffon. And yes the dresses will be displayed for only about a month and a half as to prevent them for sustaining any damage. Again thanks so much for the advice!
(I'm also jealous you saw the Jeanne Lanvin exhibit! Looked beautiful. I would love cases like that but sadly not in our budget!)
 
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