[SugarBlueSunshine]

I have an ankle-length skirt that I desperately want to turn into a bustle skirt of some sort.

The skirt is about the size, shape, and weight of this one

What I mean by bustle is: example, example, example.

[I would have some sort of petticoat or something under it to make it bulge out, I think...]

I know they all look different, but I'm not picky, I just need some kind of adjustment instructions that would be feasible for someone with no sewing machine, please. Detailed instruction would be much appreciated.

[ladyjanewriter]

Hi! Welcome to ThreadBanger!

I'm not sure how to help you with this one, but I'm sure someone else will be along with advice. I just like to make sure to welcome new posters. :0)

[cabbagefairy]

Hiya,

If you don't have a sewing machine you probably don't wan't to get to fancy with the bustle. Bunch it up where you want the bustle (either with pins or sew in big stitches up where you want it then pull one end to gather) Then sew through the whole lot to hold it in place.

[SugarBlueSunshine]

Thanks for your replies. I was hoping for a bit more specific advice than that. Thanks!

[Penguen]

This is the easiest way to make a small bustle like those in the first and last pictures, but the middle is some kind of bunching method. I have a skirt that is like the last one just longer and not very puffie. I'm not the best and explaining things but I work in a visual way so here's my best shot. Sense you don't have a machine just make sure your stitches are clean and it will look awesome.

[Ella]

I'm not sure about all the ruffles and stuff, but I think the simplest sort of 'support structure' one could make would be a bustle pillow, which is just a crescent-shaped pillow that ties on with ribbons, then the skirt goes over-top. It's the cheap-ass version of all the complicated padding and underwireing that a real Victorian bustle would use, and works better on a shorter skirt. I've never made one, but... it's a pillow with ribbons. How hard can it be?

Example (click here to view)

[SugarBlueSunshine]

Originally Posted by Penguen

This is the easiest way to make a small bustle like those in the first and last pictures, but the middle is some kind of bunching method. I have a skirt that is like the last one just longer and not very puffie. I'm not the best and explaining things but I work in a visual way so here's my best shot. Sense you don't have a machine just make sure your stitches are clean and it will look awesome.

Thank you!

And I absolutely adore your icon!