Create A Beautiful Floral Wedding Sash: A Step-By-Step Guide

A floral wedding sash is a beautiful accessory that can elevate a wedding outfit. Whether you're looking to add a touch of glamour to a simple silk gown or create a unique look for your bridesmaids, making your own floral sash is a fun and creative project. You can use fresh flowers or create floral patterns with fabric and embellishments. In this guide, we will explore different ways to make a floral wedding sash, from choosing the right materials to adding the perfect finishing touches.

Choosing the right fabric for your sash

Type of Fabric

The type of fabric you choose for your sash can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of your wedding ensemble. Satin and silk fabrics are popular choices for bridal sashes as they offer a luxurious and elegant look. Satin ribbons are commonly used, but it's important to select high-quality satin to prevent puckering and ensure a neat finish. Silk charmeuse, duchess satin, and tulle are also favoured fabrics for bridal sashes, providing a sophisticated and refined appearance.

Colour

When selecting the colour of your sash fabric, consider the overall colour palette of your wedding and choose a shade that complements your gown and the floral design. Rose gold, ivory, and white are classic and popular choices for wedding sashes, offering a subtle and elegant touch. However, you can also opt for bolder colours or shades that match your wedding theme.

Width and Length

The width and length of your sash fabric will depend on your personal preferences and body shape. Most sashes tied around the waist range from 1.5 to 3 inches in width, but wider sashes can also be chosen. The length of a sash typically varies between 80 and 160 inches, ensuring it can be comfortably tied in a bow or knot. Consider your measurements and desired look when selecting the width and length of your sash fabric.

Embellishments

When creating a floral wedding sash, you can enhance it with various embellishments. Rhinestones, pearls, glass beads, and crystals are popular choices to add a touch of glamour and sparkle to your sash. You can also incorporate fresh flowers or floral fabric accents to create a unique and whimsical look. Hand-stitched embellishments like rhinestones, sequins, or bead embroidery can further elevate the design of your sash.

Creating a fitted sash

To make a fitted floral wedding sash, you will need to take a few measurements. First, measure around your waist and add 1.5 inches to this number—this will be the length of your fabric. The width of the fabric piece should be 6.5 inches for a 3-inch-wide sash; for a 1.5-inch sash, take a 3.5-inch-wide piece. If possible, cut the fabric on the bias.

Keep the piece folded in half, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other on the inside. Stitch the long edges together, creating a tube. Turn the tube inside out through one of the short edges. Finish the ends with bias-binding strips of fabric. Take the seam to the back and press in place so that the front of the belt has no seam line. Attach a small piece of fabric, 1 inch wide and 1 inch longer than the width of the sash, to bind the edge. Fold the top of the piece and stitch the edges, then turn it to the other side and stitch again. Repeat this process for the other side.

Finally, attach the fastening of your choice at the back—this could be hooks and eyes, velcro, snaps, or even buttons.

Making a bow-tying sash

A bow-tying sash is a versatile accessory that can be used to accentuate a wedding dress, add a touch of elegance to a gift, or simply elevate your everyday style. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a beautiful and functional bow-tying sash:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Fabric

Select a fabric that complements your dress or outfit. Satin, silk, or a similar material with a good drape will give your sash a luxurious feel. The length of the fabric depends on your preference for bow size and tail length. For a decent bow and tails, about 2.25 meters of fabric is recommended.

Step 2: Cutting the Fabric

Fold an 84-inch long fabric piece that is about 6 inches wide. First, fold it in half horizontally, and then fold it in half vertically. You can mark the fabric with a pen or use a piece of long paper to cut the desired shape.

Step 3: Stitching the Fabric

Keep the fabric piece with right sides facing each other. Stitch along the edges, leaving a gap of about 2 inches in the middle. This gap will be used to turn the fabric inside out. Use a sharp tool to push out the corners for a crisp finish. Close the gap with a slip stitch.

Step 4: Creating the Bow

Now, it's time to tie the perfect bow! Adjust the sash so that you have an equal length of fabric on both sides. Cross one side over the other, creating an "X." Bring the left side under the right and pull it through, forming a basic knot. Create a loop with the right side and turn it to the right. Place the unlooped side over the looped side and bring the left side under and through the gap. Pull on the looped ends to form a beautiful bow.

Step 5: Adjusting and Finishing

Adjust the size of the loops and arrange the sash to your liking. You can also add embellishments like rhinestones, crystals, or flowers to your sash for a more decorative look. And there you have it—a perfectly tied bow-tying sash!

Embellishing your sash

There are several ways to decorate and embellish your sash. You can go bold or simple – some prefer sparkle, some flowers, and some plain and simple. The right kind of sash can totally change the look of the wedding gown or the dress you will be wearing for an occasion. Here are some ideas:

• Sash with ready-made trims: This is the easiest sash to make. Simply buy a trim with rhinestones, crystals, or beads from your nearest sewing store and attach it to the middle of your ribbon sash with glue. Measure your waist and mark this from the centre of the sash so that the bulk of the trim sits around your waist, leaving the tails plain for tying.
• Fitted sash with fabric flowers: Fabric flowers are beautiful and easy to make. Cut three or more satin fabric circles in different sizes. Use a candle or lighter to carefully singe the edges of the circles, giving them a hard edge and preventing fraying. Stack the circles on top of each other and stitch them together. Add beads in the centre and stitch in place. Stitch the flowers to the sides or centre of your sash. You can also add beads, sequins, or other trims near the flowers for added embellishment.
• Sash with a big bow: Decorate your sash with a big bow, either at the back of a fitted sash or attached to the front of a ribbon sash. You can also add bead edging to the edges of the sash belt, ensuring that the beading does not extend beyond the waistline.
• Lace edging: Cut out lace to the measure of half your waist round and stitch it to the edges of your ribbon or fabric sash.
• Hand stitching: Hand stitch embellishments onto your sash, such as rhinestones, sequins, or simple bead embroidery.

Attaching flowers to your sash

There are several ways to attach flowers to your wedding sash. Here are some methods to consider:

Using Iron-On Adhesive:

• Cut a piece of iron-on adhesive paper to the same width and length as your chosen flower applique.
• Place the applique on the adhesive paper and trace around it with a washable marking pen.
• Cut just inside the traced lines on the adhesive paper.
• Set your iron to medium heat with no steam. Place the adhesive paper, shiny side down, on the wrong side of the applique, and iron until it adheres.
• Peel off the backing from the adhesive.
• Place the right side of your sash ribbon onto the sticky side of the applique, centering it.
• Use a pressing cloth (a scrap of fabric or a towel) to protect the ribbon from direct contact with the iron.
• Iron the ribbon and applique together until attached.
• Optionally, add a few hand stitches to the center and ends of the applique for extra security.

Using Fabric Flowers:

• Cut 3-5 satin fabric circles in gradually decreasing sizes.
• Use a candle or lighter to carefully singe the edges of the circles, giving them a hard edge and preventing fraying.
• Stack the circles on top of each other, with the smallest on top.
• Stitch small beads in the center to hold the layers together.
• Stitch the fabric flowers onto your sash, either on the sides or in the center.
• Optionally, add beads, sequins, or other trims near the flowers for added embellishment.

Using Fresh Flowers:

If you're feeling crafty and want to incorporate fresh flowers into your wedding sash, consider signing up for a wearable flower workshop, or follow these simple steps:

• Choose a variety of fresh flowers that complement your wedding colour palette.
• Cut the stems of the flowers, leaving a small portion attached to the flower head.
• Carefully glue or paste the flower heads onto your sash, creating a beautiful floral arrangement.
• Let the glue dry completely before wearing your sash.

Remember, when attaching flowers to your sash, it's important to consider the weight and bulk of the flowers, ensuring they don't overwhelm the sash or make it uncomfortable to wear.

Frequently asked questions