Creating A Wedding Veil: One Tier, Many Ways

A one-tier wedding veil is a simple yet elegant accessory for brides who want to add a traditional touch to their wedding day look. Making your own veil is a great way to save money and create a custom piece that complements your unique gown. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a one-tier wedding veil:

Step 1: Determine the Length

Decide how long you want your veil to be. Common lengths include shoulder, elbow, waist, hip, fingertip, waltz, ankle, chapel, and cathedral. Measure the desired length by placing a measuring tape at the point where you will attach the veil (usually at the top of your head) and running it down to the desired length.

Step 2: Purchase Tulle

Buy tulle fabric that is slightly longer than your desired veil length. The width of the tulle will depend on how full you want your veil to be. For a less full veil, 55 inches (139.7 cm) of width is sufficient, while a very long veil may require up to 108 inches (274.32 cm).

Step 3: Cut the Tulle

Cut the tulle to the desired length. If you want a rounded veil, fold the tulle in half and cut the bottom corners to create a rounded edge.

Step 4: Sew the Top Edge

Sew two rows of stitches across the top edge of the veil, approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm) apart. Leave long bobbin threads at the end.

Step 5: Gather the Tulle

Pull the bobbin threads to gather the fabric until it reaches the desired width, which should be similar to the width of your comb. Knot the threads to secure the gathers.

Step 6: Attach the Comb

Place the comb, curved side up, on the gathered edge of the veil. Stitch the veil to the comb by sewing through the teeth of the comb.

Step 7: Decorate the Comb (Optional)

Embellish the comb with pearls, beads, rhinestones, or other decorations that match your wedding dress. Use fabric glue or a needle and thread to secure the decorations.

With these simple steps, you can create a beautiful one-tier wedding veil that will make you feel like a princess on your special day!

Choosing the right fabric

The fabric you choose for your wedding veil will depend on the style you are going for. The most common fabric used for veils is tulle, which is a fine netting that is usually made from silk, nylon, or polyester. Tulle is available in different widths and colours, and the width you choose will depend on how full you want your veil to be. If you are making a shorter veil, a width of around 55 inches (139.7 centimetres) should be sufficient, whereas a width of 72 inches (182.88 centimetres) or 108 inches (274.32 centimetres) is more suitable for longer veils. Tulle is also available in different qualities, so be sure to choose a better-quality tulle for a better veil.

If you are looking for an alternative to tulle, you could consider using organza or a very fine cotton or linen fabric. Just be sure that the fabric you choose is sheer enough for the bride to see where she is walking!

If you want to add some trim to the edge of your veil, you will need to choose a fabric that has a stiffer feel to it. Popular trim fabrics include satin ribbon, lace, and netting. You can also decorate your veil with pearls, silk flowers, beads, or rhinestones.

Cutting the veil to size

• Blusher: 22 inches
• Elbow length veil: 25 inches
• Waist length veil: 30 inches
• Mid-hip length veil: 33 inches
• Hip length veil: 36 inches
• Fingertip veil: 45 inches
• Waltz veil: 54 inches
• Ankle veil: 70 inches
• Chapel veil: 90 inches
• Cathedral veil: 108 inches

The width of the veil depends on the fullness you want. The wider the veil, the fuller it will be. Tulle, the fabric typically used for veils, usually comes in widths of 72 or 108 inches.

Once you have determined the length and width of your veil, cut the fabric to size. If you are making a two-tier veil, you will need to cut the fabric to the length of the longer veil plus the length of the blusher.

If you are making a single-tier veil, cut the fabric to the desired length. You can round the bottom corners of the veil if you want a softer look.

If you are making a full veil, which is made from a single piece of fabric, cut the fabric to the total length of the longer veil plus the blusher. Then, fold the fabric into quarters and round off the corners.

For a drop veil, which is also made from a single piece of fabric, cut the fabric to the total length of the longer veil plus the blusher, and fold the fabric into quarters.

It is important to use a rotary cutter instead of hand scissors when cutting tulle to avoid choppy edges.

Sewing the veil

Step 1: Cut the Veil Fabric

First, decide on the length and style of your veil. Common lengths include shoulder, elbow, waist, hip, fingertip, waltz, ankle, chapel, and cathedral. Cut the veil fabric to the desired length, using fabric scissors or a rotary cutter. If you want a rounded veil, round off the bottom corners.

Step 2: Sew the Top Edge

Set your sewing machine to the largest stitch length and sew a straight line of stitches across the top of the veil, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the edge. Sew a second row of stitches about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) below the first row, leaving a long bobbin thread.

Step 3: Gather the Fabric

Pull on the bobbin threads to gather the fabric. Continue gathering until the fabric is the same width as your comb, usually around 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm). Knot the threads securely and trim any excess fabric and thread above the stitches.

Step 4: Attach the Comb

Place the gathered edge of the veil on top of the comb, making sure the right side of the fabric is facing up. Stitch the veil to the comb by hand, sewing through the teeth of the comb. Secure the veil with a few stitches around each tooth.

Step 5: Add Embellishments (Optional)

You can decorate the comb with pearls, beads, rhinestones, or silk flowers. Sew or glue these embellishments onto the comb, making sure they match your wedding dress. If using glue, opt for fabric glue instead of hot glue, as it can melt on a hot day.

Adding a second tier

Decide on the length and style of your veil:

• A two-tier veil typically consists of a shorter "blusher" layer that covers the bride's face until the wedding ceremony and a longer "proper" layer that flows over the hair and back.
• The blusher layer is usually around 72 cm in length but can be customised to your desired length.
• The proper layer can vary in length from fingertip length to cathedral length, depending on your preference and the style of your wedding dress.

Purchase the tulle:

• For a two-tier veil, you will need twice as much tulle as the desired length of your veil.
• Look for tulle that is between 72 and 108 inches (182.88 and 274.32 cm) wide. The wider the tulle, the fuller your veil will be.

Cut and shape the tulle:

• Fold the tulle into fourths. Spread the tulle on a table with the original folded edge facing you, then grab the right narrow edge and bring it towards the left narrow edge.
• Round off the top-left edge of the rectangle by placing a large, round object like a serving platter on the top-left corner and tracing an arc. Cut along this arc.
• Unfold the tulle and fold it in half partway. You can match the ends for a single-length veil or leave a small gap for a layered look.

Sew and gather the tulle:

• Sew across the folded, straight edge using a running stitch by hand or a straight stitch on a sewing machine. Sew two rows about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) apart if using a machine.
• Gather your stitching by gently tugging on the end of the thread until the tulle gathers to the desired width, usually about 2 to 4 inches (5.08 to 10.16 cm).
• Tie off the thread securely and cut off any excess.

Attach the tulle to a hair comb:

• Align the top edge of the veil with the top edge of the comb and sew the tulle to the comb, looping the thread around the comb and between the teeth.
• You can wrap the comb with ribbon or fabric first if desired.

Decorate the comb:

• You can decorate the comb with pearls, silk flowers, beads, rhinestones, or other embellishments that match your wedding dress.
• Sew on the embellishments using a needle and thread, or use fabric glue for a more secure hold.

Add a ribbon trim:

• Consider adding a thin satin ribbon trim to the bottom edge of each tier of your veil.
• Pin the ribbon about 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 cm) away from the edge and sew it in place using a straight stitch on your sewing machine.
• Trim off any excess tulle.

Your two-tier wedding veil is now complete! Feel free to customise it further with beaded trim, lace edging, or other embellishments to make it truly unique. Enjoy your special day!

Decorating the veil

If you want to add some sparkle to your veil, you could opt for a veil with rhinestones or glitter. Etsy offers a range of veils with these embellishments, including a Glitter Wedding Veil with Pearls and a Rhinestone Bridal Veil.

If you're looking for a more delicate touch, you could add a beaded trim or sew on some narrow, white, satin ribbon. You could also add lace to the edge of your veil for a romantic touch.

For a unique touch, you could add some colour to your veil with ribbon. Choose a ribbon colour that matches your wedding colour palette or go for a classic black-and-white combo for an elegant and timeless look.

Remember to choose embellishments that match your wedding dress and the overall style and theme of your wedding.

Frequently asked questions