Creating A Sparkling Rhinestone Wedding Sash

Rhinestone wedding sashes are a popular accessory for brides, adding glamour and elegance to their wedding gowns. Making your own rhinestone wedding sash can be a fun and creative project, but it requires time and patience. The process involves carefully measuring the required length of ribbon and rhinestones, gathering the necessary materials, and then gluing or sewing the rhinestones onto the ribbon. You can also add other embellishments, such as beads, pearls, or fabric flowers, to make your sash even more exquisite. Creating a rhinestone wedding sash is a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding attire and save money compared to purchasing a ready-made sash.

Choosing the right materials

Ribbon or Fabric:

The base of your sash can be made from ribbon or fabric. A satin ribbon in a complementary colour to the wedding gown is a popular choice. However, it is important to select a high-quality ribbon to prevent puckering and ensure a neat appearance. Alternatively, you can opt for a fabric sash made from satin, silk, silk charmeuse, Duchess satin, or tulle. These fabrics offer a more luxurious look and feel. The length of the ribbon or fabric should be around 2 meters or longer, depending on the desired style and the wearer's body shape.

Rhinestones and Other Embellishments:

Rhinestones are the key component of your sash, adding sparkle and glamour. Measure the length of the rhinestone trim carefully, as it can be pricey. You can also mix and match rhinestones with other embellishments like beads, crystals, pearls, or fabric flowers. Choose a variety of styles, textures, and sizes within the same colour family to create an interesting and cohesive design.

Glue or Thread:

If you prefer a no-sew option, use E600 glue to attach your rhinestones and embellishments. This glue is an absolute must, as it ensures that your gems stay put. It takes up to 24 hours to dry, so be patient and work in small sections. Alternatively, you can hand sew each rhinestone or trim onto the ribbon using invisible thread and a needle.

Fastenings:

For a fitted sash, you will need a fastening at the back. You can use a bra hook and eye, velcro, snaps, or even buttons. If you opt for a hook and eye fastening, leave about 1 inch of ribbon on each end of the sash, fold it under, and stitch for a clean finish before attaching the hook and eye.

Tools:

Some optional tools that can be helpful during the process include small pliers or tweezers, a toothpick, a silicone glue stick, and waxed paper to protect your work surface.

Measuring the ribbon and rhinestone area

Before you begin, it is important to decide on the length of your sash and the area you want to cover with rhinestones. A typical sash length is around 80 inches, but this can vary depending on your preference and body shape. Keep in mind that if you plan to tie your sash in a bow, you will need to add extra length to accommodate this. Measure your waist and add some extra length to ensure the sash is comfortable and can be adjusted as needed.

When measuring the rhinestone area, consider the overall design and layout of the rhinestones. You will want to ensure that the rhinestones are centred on the sash and cover the desired area. Measure your waist circumference and mark this length on the centre of the sash. This will be the main area where you will attach the rhinestones. It is recommended to leave about 1 inch of ribbon on each end of the sash for a clean finish when sewing on a closure, such as a hook and eye or a ribbon tie.

To ensure you have enough rhinestones to cover the desired area, carefully measure the length and width of the rhinestone trim. Rhinestone trims can be expensive, so precise measurement is essential to avoid waste. You can lay out the trim along the marked area on the sash to get an idea of the coverage. This will help you visualise the final look and make any necessary adjustments.

When measuring and cutting the ribbon for your sash, it is important to add a little extra length to account for seam allowances. Typically, you will need to add about 1.5 inches to your waist measurement to get the desired length for the ribbon. This will ensure that the sash fits comfortably and can be adjusted as needed.

In summary, take your time to carefully measure and plan the ribbon length and rhinestone area. Consider the overall design, your body shape, and the type of closure you plan to use. Precise measurements will ensure a well-fitted and aesthetically pleasing rhinestone wedding sash.

Gluing rhinestones and beads

The first step is to decide on the length of your sash and the area you want to cover in rhinestones. This will help you determine the amount of ribbon, rhinestones, and beads you need. Once you have your materials, lay out your beads and decide on a design. Choose at least 5 different styles of beads, all within the same colour family, for a cohesive look.

Next, you will want to work on a flat surface, using waxed paper to protect your work area. Place your ribbon on top of the waxed paper and begin gluing your rhinestones and beads. Work in small 2-3" sections at a time to ensure the glue dries evenly and you don't accidentally smudge your work. Use a silicone glue stick to spread the glue evenly on the ribbon, then carefully place your beads and rhinestones on top, pressing them firmly into the glue.

For larger beads, add glue to the bead itself and then to the ribbon. To fill in areas with smaller rhinestones, add glue directly to the ribbon and then place the rhinestones on top. You can use a toothpick to turn smaller beads with holes in them to ensure the holes don't show.

Let each section dry for a few hours before removing the ribbon from the wax paper and placing it on a clean section. Moving the sash around while it's drying can help rid the back of the ribbon of excess glue and speed up drying time.

Once you've finished gluing all your rhinestones and beads, let the sash dry completely. Then, pick it up and move it around to ensure all the rhinestones and beads are securely glued in place. If any pop off, simply glue them back on.

Sewing the sash

There are several ways to approach sewing a rhinestone wedding sash. You can either sew the rhinestones directly onto a length of ribbon, or you can sew a strip of rhinestone trim onto a ribbon.

If you are sewing individual rhinestones, you will need to decide on the colour, design, texture and overall theme. Choose at least five different styles of beads, all within the same colour family. Measure your desired sash length before you start, and cut your ribbon to size. You will then need to carefully lay out your beads in your chosen design and glue them in place.

If you are using a strip of rhinestone trim, you will need to carefully measure how much trim you will need. Rhinestone trim can be expensive, so it is important to get this right. You will also need to gather your other materials: double-sided satin ribbon, invisible thread and a needle, and scissors.

Once you have cut your ribbon to size, leave about one inch of ribbon on each end of the sash. You will be folding this under and stitching it for a clean finish before sewing on your chosen fastening.

Now, you can start sewing. If you are using individual rhinestones, carefully sew each one onto the ribbon. If you are using a strip of rhinestone trim, sew this onto the ribbon.

Finally, you will need to attach a fastening to the ends of the sash. You could use a bra hook and eye, or cut the ribbon long enough to tie into a bow.

Attaching hooks and eyes

When it comes to attaching hooks and eyes to your rhinestone wedding sash, there are a few methods you can use. Here is a detailed guide:

Preparing the Sash Ends

Before attaching the hooks and eyes, you need to prepare the ends of your sash. Cut your chosen fabric or ribbon to the desired length, leaving about 1 inch of ribbon on each end. Fold this 1-inch portion under, creating a clean finish. You can stitch or glue this fold, ensuring it stays in place. This step provides a neat and secure base for attaching the hooks and eyes.

Choosing the Right Hooks and Eyes

You can opt for a bra hook and eye, trimming it down to a single row if needed. This type of hook and eye is strong and designed to be discreet, making it ideal for bridal sashes. Alternatively, you might choose a different type of fastening, such as velcro, snaps, or buttons, depending on your preference and the overall design of your sash.

Attaching the Hooks and Eyes

Once you have prepared the ends of your sash and selected the appropriate hooks and eyes, it's time for attachment. If you are using a needle and thread, carefully sew the hook to one end of the sash and the eye to the other. Ensure that they are aligned properly along the edge to prevent gaps when the sash is connected.

If you prefer, you can use fabric glue to attach the hooks and eyes. Apply a suitable amount of glue to the back of the hook and eye, then firmly press them onto the designated spots on the sash ends. Allow the glue to dry completely before testing the fastening.

Testing and Adjusting

After you've attached the hooks and eyes, test the fastening by connecting the hook and eye. Ensure that they align properly and that there are no gaps or spaces between them. If any adjustments are needed, carefully detach the hook and eye and make the necessary modifications. You may need to trim any excess fabric or ribbon to achieve the perfect fit.

By following these steps, you will be able to securely attach hooks and eyes to your rhinestone wedding sash, creating a beautiful and functional accessory for your special day.

Frequently asked questions