Crafting A Wedding Veil: Simple Steps For A Short Veil

Making a wedding veil is a fun and easy DIY project that can save you a lot of money. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a simple veil:

Step 1: Measure

First, decide how long you want your veil to be. Common lengths include shoulder, elbow, fingertip, floor, chapel, and cathedral. Then, measure from the top of your head to the desired length. If you want a blusher, which is a shorter veil that covers your face as you walk down the aisle, add that length to your measurement.

Step 2: Gather Supplies

You'll need tulle, a hair comb, scissors, thread, and needles. You can also add embellishments like beads, trim, or lace.

Step 3: Cut the Tulle

Cut the tulle to the desired length, rounding the corners to create a soft, curved shape. Fold the tulle in half, then cut the bottom corners to create a rounded edge. If you're making a blusher, cut the tulle to the shorter length and check that the longer piece measures the length of the second veil.

Step 4: Gather the Tulle

Gather the folded edge of the tulle using a whip stitch. Pull the thread to gather the tulle to the width of your hair comb.

Step 5: Attach the Comb

Attach the comb by sewing it to the gathered edge of the tulle. Make sure the teeth of the comb are facing the right way.

Step 6: Embellish (Optional)

You can add embellishments like beads, trim, or lace to your veil. Hand-sew any embellishments you choose.

Choosing the right length

The length of your veil is a very important consideration when making your own wedding veil. The length of your veil will determine the amount of tulle you need, how you cut it, and how you attach it to your hair.

The most common wedding veil lengths are:

• Shoulder
• Elbow
• Fingertip
• Floor
• Chapel
• Cathedral

A chapel-length veil has a small train, and a cathedral-length veil has a long train.

To determine the length of your veil, have a helper measure down from the top of your head to where you want the veil to end. If you want a blusher, which is a veil that covers your face as you walk down the aisle, you will need to add that length to your veil.

For example, if you measure from the back of your head to the top of your rear, it will measure about 32 inches or "elbow" length.

Tips for Choosing the Right Length

• If you are making a veil with a blusher, fold the tulle to the length of the shorter veil and check that the longer piece measures the length of the second veil.
• When cutting your tulle, fold it in half down the center, then fold it again from left to right. Pin the tulle together so it doesn't move when you cut it.
• When cutting the tulle, start at the bottom right corner and cut a rounded edge of a circle with a 24" radius.
• If you are gathering the folded edge of your veil, use a whip stitch.
• When attaching your veil to a comb, pay attention to which way the teeth on the comb are facing so you don't stitch the comb the wrong way.

Buying the tulle and other supplies

In addition to tulle, you will need a needle and thread, a comb or barrette to attach the veil to, and any trim you want to add. You can also use a hair comb, a barrette, or any headpiece you already have picked out. You can also use a simple French comb, a barrette, or any headpiece you already have picked out.

You can find tulle in any fabric store, but if you are looking for a specific colour or type of tulle, you may need to look online. Etsy or online sellers often have beautiful fabric options that are high quality. Make sure that your fabric is soft, that it is a coordinating colour to your gown, and that it doesn't fray when it is cut.

If you plan on designing a long cathedral-length veil, then make sure that you order a fabric that is wide enough. You can skip this tip if you plan on designing a shorter veil. For longer veils, you should try to find a fabric that is 108" in width rather than the more standard 54" width fabric. Sometimes it can be a challenge to find veil fabrics that are 108" in width, and if you absolutely cannot find a fabric that suits your needs then it is okay to make your long veil out of the narrower fabric. Just keep in mind that your long veil will be a bit more narrow if it is made out of the 54" width fabric. This style is lovely in its own way, and it gives a more minimalist look.

You can also order a DIY Veil Kit to make sure you have everything you need.

As you purchase materials, you can also begin to think about where you will be making your wedding veil. It is recommended to work on your veil away from your pets so that their sharp claws don't interfere. Most of the horror stories that are heard about veils being ruined have to do with animals.

Cutting the tulle

Measure the Tulle

Before you start cutting, you need to decide how long you want your veil to be. A typical veil would come down to your fingertips, but other popular lengths include shoulder, elbow, floor, chapel, and cathedral. Have a helper measure down from the top of your head to where you want the veil to end.

Purchase the Tulle

Look for tulle that is around 72 inches wide for a shorter veil. If you are making a really long veil, consider getting 108-inch wide tulle instead. This way, it will be more proportionate.

Cut the Tulle

Cut the bottom of your veil into a rounded rectangle, if desired. You can leave your veil rectangular, but a rounded bottom will give you a nicer shape. Lay your tulle out with the bottom edge facing you. Fold the tulle in half, then cut the bottom (loose) corners off so that they are rounded.

Your veil may look a lot wider than it is long at this point, but that is alright.

Use a rotary cutter to cut your tulle—not hand scissors. That will help eliminate the chance that the edges will appear choppy.

If you're making a blusher veil, cut it in a circle.

Fold the Tulle

Fold the tulle into fourths. When you purchase your tulle, it will come folded in half lengthwise. Spread the tulle down on the table or floor, with the original folded edge facing you. Grab the right narrow edge, and bring it towards the left narrow edge. Smooth the fabric down and make sure that everything is even.

If the tulle is too long, you can cut it down at this point.

Round the Edges

Round the top-left edge of the rectangle. Place something large and round, such as a serving platter, on the top-left corner of your fabric (the corner without any folds). Trace an arc using a marker, then cut it out.

Make sure that the arc is going towards the bottom-right corner (the one with all the folds). This way, when you unfold the fabric, you'll get a rounded rectangle.

Unfold and Refold the Tulle

Unfold the tulle, then fold it in half partway. Unfold the tulle first so that you have a rounded rectangle. Bring one of the narrow edges towards the other end. This is your second tier, so how far you fold it is up to you. You can fold it all the way over to the other edge, or leave a small gap.

Double-check the length again. If the veil is too long, cut it shorter, and adjust the layers as needed.

Your veil may look much wider than it is long at this point. Don't worry, this is how it's supposed to be! The next few steps will fix this.

Adding embellishments

Embellishment Ideas

Embellishments are a great way to play with colour and texture. You can use beads, pearls, crystals, sequins, embroidery, lace, ribbon, or a combination of these. You can add embellishments to the edge of the veil, scatter them randomly, or cover the whole veil for a bold statement.

Choosing Your Materials

You can buy beads and lace from craft shops, or recycle materials from old jewellery or a family member's wedding dress. If you're using beads, make sure you have some invisible thread, as fishing line can be too thick.

Attaching Embellishments

First, hang your veil up so that it's easier to work with. Pin your chosen embellishments in place, then sew them on by hand. If you're using lace, use a running backstitch to avoid putting the fabric under too much stress. If you're using beads, add them one at a time, tying a square knot on the back of the fabric to secure them.

Tips

• If you're adding embellishments to the comb, use invisible thread to secure them.
• If you're not confident with a needle and thread, try using glue instead.

Affixing it to a hair comb

Affixing your veil to a hair comb is a simple process. First, you'll want to gather the veil along the flat top and sew it with a simple running stitch. Try to keep the pleats alternating evenly. Next, pull it tight to match the width of your hair comb. To attach your veil to the comb, wrap a piece of tulle over the top of the comb and through the teeth. Then, secure the ends with a few stitches and sew the veil to the tulle.

Frequently asked questions