Deborah Chan
Making your own wedding garter is a fun and easy project that can be completed in under an hour. It's also a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding attire and can even be a thoughtful wedding shower gift. You can choose your own lace, ribbon, and embellishments to match your wedding colours or theme. The process involves measuring your thigh, cutting and sewing the ribbon and lace, and adding elastic to ensure a comfortable fit. You can also decorate your garter with beads, sequins, or rhinestones for a sparkly finish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Measure the circumference of your leg | The distance around the area of your leg where you want to wear the garter |
| Step 2: Cut the ribbon and lace | Cut the ribbon and lace to your specific number |
| Step 3: Sew the ribbon on top of the lace | Sew the ribbon and lace together |
| Step 4: Sew the opposite edge of the ribbon to the lace | Sew the opposite edge of the ribbon to the lace |
| Step 5: Put a large safety pin on the cut piece of elastic | Put a large safety pin on the cut piece of elastic and thread it between the ribbon and lace |
| Step 6: Thread the elastic through the ribbon and lace | Thread the elastic through the ribbon and lace until it comes out the other side |
| Step 7: Sew the ends of the elastic together | Sew the ends of the elastic together and trim the strings |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right materials
Type of Fabric
The type of fabric you choose will impact the overall look and feel of your garter. Common fabric options for wedding garters include satin, lace, and elastic. You can opt for a single type of fabric or combine multiple fabrics to create a unique design. Satin and lace fabrics are ideal for adding a delicate and elegant touch to your garter, while elastic provides stretch and ensures a snug fit.
Color and Design
When selecting the color and design of your garter fabrics, consider the theme and color palette of your wedding. You can choose fabrics that match your wedding colors or opt for traditional options like blue, which symbolizes "something blue." White or off-white lace is also a popular choice for creating a classic bridal look. If you want to add a touch of glamour, consider incorporating rhinestones, silk flowers, buttons, and other decorative elements.
Width and Length
The width and length of the fabric will depend on the size of your thigh and the desired style of the garter. For a comfortable fit, measure the circumference of your thigh where you plan to wear the garter.
For the lace and ribbon, add about 1 inch (2.5 cm) to your thigh measurement to ensure a comfortable fit. If you want a gathered effect, multiply the thigh measurement by 1.5 and then add an extra 1 inch for the seam allowance.
When cutting the elastic, remember that it should be a bit snug to hold the garter in place. Subtract about 3 inches (7.6 cm) from your thigh measurement to get the appropriate elastic length.
Embellishments
Embellishments like rhinestones, silk flowers, buttons, and other decorative elements can be glued or sewn onto your garter to give it a personalized and stylish touch. When selecting embellishments, consider the overall theme and color scheme of your wedding, as well as your own personal style.
Keep in mind that the type of embellishments you choose may also impact the sewing process, so plan accordingly. For a no-sew option, hot glue can be used to attach most embellishments to the fabric or elastic.
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Measuring your leg
To measure your leg for a wedding garter, it is recommended that you use a soft tape measure. If you don't have one, you can use a piece of string or cotton and then measure it against a ruler.
It is important to stand up when taking the measurement, as you will be standing for most of your wedding day. You can ask a friend to help you if needed. Wrap the tape measure or string around the part of your leg where you want to wear the garter. This is usually 3 to 6 inches above the knee. It is important not to pull the string or tape measure too tight. You want it to be form-fitting and secure, but not too tight that it digs into your skin or too loose that it sags.
The number you get is your measurement. You can then look at the packaging of a standard garter to see if your measurement falls within their size range. If you are having a custom garter made, you can give this measurement to the designer. If your size is at the higher end of the standard size range, it is recommended to go a size up to ensure the garter is not too tight.
If you are unsure about your size or fall in between sizes, you can contact the designer or retailer to discuss having a custom size made for you.
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Cutting the fabric
The first step in making a garter is to cut the fabric to the correct length. The length of the fabric will depend on the circumference of your leg where you want to wear the garter.
Start by measuring the circumference of your leg where you plan to wear the garter. This is usually around the centre of the thigh. Make sure the measuring tape is flat against your leg and not twisted, and that it is snug but not tight.
Once you have this measurement, you can calculate the length of fabric you will need. For the satin ribbon, multiply your leg measurement by 1.5 and then add 1 inch (2.5 cm) for the seam allowance. For the lace trim, use the same measurement as the ribbon. If you are using elastic, you will need a piece that is the same length as the circumference of your leg, or you can add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to your leg measurement to allow for some stretch.
When cutting the fabric, use sharp scissors and cut in a straight line to avoid any jagged edges.
A Quick Note on Fabric Choice
When choosing your fabric, opt for a stretchy material for the lace and elastic components. This will ensure that your garter fits snugly and comfortably around your leg. For the ribbon, you can choose a satin fabric, and for the lace, consider a decorative trim with a scalloped or decorative edge. You can also embellish your garter with beads, sequins, rhinestones, or silk flowers.
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Sewing the fabric
To sew the fabric for a wedding garter, you will need lace, ribbon, elastic, and a needle and thread. You can also add decorations such as buttons, beads, or rhinestones. First, measure the circumference of your leg where you want to wear the garter. Cut your lace, ribbon, and elastic to size. The ribbon should be about 1.5 times the length of your leg measurement, plus an extra inch for a seam allowance. The elastic should be the same length as the circumference of your leg.
Next, you will sew the lace to the ribbon. For a simple garter, take a piece of lace trim and cut it to the same length as the ribbon. Pin the lace along the edge of the ribbon, making sure the flat edge of the lace is hidden between the two pieces of ribbon. Sew a straight stitch along the edges of the ribbon and lace, staying about 0.25 inches from the raw edge.
If you want to create a gathered satin and lace garter, fold the ribbon in half and sew the ends together, leaving an opening for the elastic. Press down the fabric on the edges of the seam and sew both sides down. Fold the ribbon in half lengthwise and sew along the fold. Then, cut out a piece of lace trim to the same length as the ribbon and pin it in place. Sew along the edges of the ribbon and lace, being careful not to sew over the opening.
Now it's time to add the elastic. Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and use it to guide the elastic through the opening in the ribbon. Once the elastic is all the way through, remove the pins and sew the ends together.
Finally, you can decorate your garter as desired. You can sew on beads or sequins, or glue on rhinestones, silk flowers, or other embellishments. Your wedding garter is now ready to wear!
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Adding decorations
Embellishments
Embellishments like charms, buttons, and vintage brooches can add a unique touch to your garter. You can sew or glue on these embellishments, depending on the look you want to achieve. For example, you could sew on the initial of your soon-to-be spouse for a personalised touch.
Rhinestones, Sequins and Beads
For a sparkly and glamorous look, consider gluing or sewing on rhinestones, sequins, and beads. You can use a hot glue gun to apply rhinestones to your garter, adding a touch of sparkle. Sequins and beads can be sewn on using a needle and thread, allowing you to create intricate patterns and designs.
Fabric Choices
The fabric you choose for your garter can also be a decoration in itself. Opt for lace, satin, or stretch mesh in colours that complement your wedding theme or your personal style. You could also use novelty ribbon, such as one featuring your favourite sports team, for a fun and unexpected twist.
Embroidery
Embroidery is a beautiful way to decorate your garter and make it truly unique. You can embroider the couple's initials, wedding date, or a meaningful quote or phrase. This adds a sentimental touch to your garter and can make it a cherished keepsake.
Appliqué
Appliqué is a decorative feature created by attaching a cut-out piece of fabric to a larger piece of fabric. You can choose a fabric appliqué that complements your wedding theme or your personal style. This is a great way to add texture and visual interest to your garter.
Bows
Bows made from ribbon or fabric can be a beautiful and elegant addition to your garter. You can attach a pre-made bow or create your own by cutting and shaping a piece of ribbon. Position the bow at the front or side of the garter for a stylish and romantic touch.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need lace, ribbon, thread, elastic, and any decorative elements such as charms, buttons, or beads. You will also need a hot glue gun and a sewing kit.
Measure the circumference of your leg where you want to wear the garter. For the elastic part, subtract 3 inches from this measurement. For the lace and ribbon, add 7 inches to your measurement.
Choose a flat, 26-inch lace with one scalloped or decorative edge. You can also use a stretch lace ribbon that is 3 inches wide.
First, cut the elastic to the required length. Then, attach a safety pin to one end and use it to guide the elastic through the ribbon tube. Once it's all the way through, overlap the ends of the elastic and sew them together.
