dressmaking

[treenybean]

I'm making a strapless dress from a satin type material, it needs to be close fitting to stay up but how do I stop the zip at the back from bulging out at the small of my back?  Should I take it in more when I put the zip in, I can't put a smaller zip in as I wouldn't be able to get the dress on.

[mrs.pudding]

Where the zip is to be fitted, the material needs to have been cut with a slight inward curve to it (if you see what I mean) rather than straight.  Then, if the zip follows the curve of the material it will mould to the small of your back rather than bulging out.  It's fiddly I know, but it might be worth you first making the dress out of some cheap material and you can then adjust as necessary before making the real thing.  Good luck!