inside belt in formal gown for extra support

I think this is called a waist stay. I'm not sure how to do it, but it might help in your google search.

Nancy

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It is indeed! Well remembered. :)

You usually make them out of soft grossgrain ribbon, with hooks and eyes to close them like a bra strap. They tend to be fixed to the side seam allowances of a gown, and come through slits in the lining seams. They do go all the way round the waist.

Possibly Susan Khalje's sewing show, Sew Much More? She definitely puts waist stays in skirts and dresses: Search SMM-302F at diynetwork.com or check her bridal book, or Shaeffer's Couture Sewing Techniques

I second the recommendation for Susan Khalje's bridal book; my dear friend is making my wedding dress (yes still in the process - almost done!), and she has really appreciated Susan's recommendations - both from the book and from on online sewing class taught by Susan Khalje at

I'll ask her if she has any specific recommendations about learning more about the waist stay. I know that the dress pattern for my wedding dress does *not* call for it, but that she got lots of encouragement to do it from others at the patternreview (PR) website.

If you are a member of PR let me know and I'll send you links to the discussion threads about the waist stay; unfortunately the site requires a log in to read the message boards.

Good luck! :> -Susan