Creating A Wedding Shrug: Simple Steps For A Bridal Cover-Up

Wedding shrugs are a popular choice for brides and their bridesmaids, and they can be easily made at home. There are various DIY wedding shrug tutorials available online, with some patterns and materials also available for purchase. Making a wedding shrug can be a time-consuming process, but the end result is a romantic and vintage-looking garment that can be customised to the wearer's preferences.

Characteristics of a simple wedding shrug:

Choosing a base garment

The first step in making a simple wedding shrug is to choose a base garment to work with. For this project, a fitted white or ivory T-shirt with cap sleeves is recommended. You can also opt to use a jacket or shrug as your base, or even sew one yourself if you have the necessary skills. However, a T-shirt works quite well and is a good option if you're looking for a simple and cost-effective solution. It's important to try on the T-shirt first and mark just below the bust as a guide for the desired length of the shrug. Remember, it's always better to start with a longer piece and trim it down later rather than risk having it turn out too short or too small.

When choosing your T-shirt, consider the overall style and theme of your wedding. If your bridesmaids are wearing strapless dresses, for example, you could create a similar look for them with a lighter hue of the same colour. Additionally, if you want to achieve a romantic or vintage look, go for a burnout T-shirt with a frayed edge. This will add a unique and elegant touch to your final design.

Before you begin sketching and cutting, make sure to wash and dry your T-shirt to prevent any future shrinkage. It's also a good idea to choose a T-shirt that is made from a lightweight and breathable fabric, especially if you're planning to wear your shrug for an extended period. This will ensure you remain comfortable throughout your special day.

Once you have your base garment, you can move on to the next step of sketching and cutting the pattern for your wedding shrug.

Selecting the right fabric

Consider the Type of Fabric: Opt for a sheer fabric that complements the overall aesthetic of your wedding ensemble. Sheer polyester, as suggested by a DIY enthusiast, can add a touch of romance and vintage charm to your look. This fabric choice is ideal if you're aiming for a delicate and ethereal appearance.

Choose a Complementary Colour: Select a colour that either matches or contrasts tastefully with your wedding dress. White or ivory are classic choices, but you can also experiment with lighter or darker hues to create a subtle or bold statement. Ensure that the fabric colour harmonises with the overall colour palette of your wedding.

Evaluate the Fabric Weight and Drape: The weight and drape of the fabric will impact the overall look and feel of your shrug. Lighter-weight fabrics, such as sheer polyester or chiffon, will offer a soft and airy appearance, while heavier fabrics like silk or satin can provide more structure and elegance. Consider the season and your personal preference for a comfortable fit.

Check the Fabric Width: When selecting your fabric, pay attention to its width. Typically, fabric bolts come in various standard widths, such as 45 inches, 54 inches, or even 60 inches. Choose a width that allows you to cut out the necessary pattern pieces without wasting too much fabric.

Test the Fabric's Stretch: Depending on your design, consider the stretch of the fabric. If you're creating a form-fitting shrug, a fabric with some stretch or elasticity will ensure a comfortable fit. On the other hand, if you're going for a loose and flowy style, a non-stretch fabric may be more suitable.

Feel the Fabric's Texture: The texture of the fabric will determine how it feels against your skin. Opt for soft and smooth textures like silk or satin for a luxurious and sensual experience. If you prefer a more rustic or natural look, consider fabrics with a slightly coarser texture, such as linen or cotton.

By carefully considering these fabric selection tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a simple wedding shrug that is not only beautiful but also comfortable and flattering. Remember to take into account the overall style of your wedding and choose a fabric that aligns with your unique personality and taste.

Cutting the fabric

To make a simple wedding shrug, you will need a fitted white or ivory T-shirt, preferably with cap sleeves, and 4-10 yards of sheer fabric. You can use a jacket or shrug as a pattern, or sketch an outline directly onto the T-shirt. If you are sketching the outline yourself, first try on the T-shirt and mark just below the bust as a guide for the length. Draw a straight line down the centre of the shirt and a corresponding line across the back. Cut along this pattern.

Next, snip and rip your sheer fabric, starting by removing the selvage. You want to create frayed edges for a romantic/vintage look. Make strips that are about 2 inches wide, and then cut these strips into 2x2-inch squares. Fold and pinch the squares, and run a stitch or two through the bottom to create a flower-like effect.

Stitching the fabric to the base

Now that you have your base fabric cut out and ready, it's time to start stitching on your flower-like embellishments! This process will take some time, so be prepared to work on it in stages. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Prepare your squares: Using the sheer fabric, cut out strips of about 2 inches wide. From these strips, create approximately 2x2-inch squares. You can adjust the size of the squares slightly if needed, but try to keep them fairly uniform.
• Create the flower effect: Take each square and fold and pinch it to create a flower-like shape. Secure this shape by running a stitch or two through the bottom. This will hold the folds in place and give each square a three-dimensional form.
• Stitch the squares to the base: Starting at the top of the shoulders, begin stitching the flower-like squares onto your base fabric (the T-shirt). Work in rows, moving down and out from the shoulders. Make sure to place the squares close enough together so that no part of the T-shirt is visible between them. Continue until the entire T-shirt is covered with the flower-like embellishments.
• Check for any gaps: Once you've finished stitching, carefully inspect your work to ensure there are no gaps where the T-shirt is visible. If you find any areas that need more coverage, stitch in a few extra squares to fill them.
• Remove the tag: Use a seam ripper to carefully remove the tag from the T-shirt. This will give your wedding shrug a more polished and finished look.
• Inspect the underside: The underside of the shrug will look a little messy, with threads and folds visible. This is normal, and you can choose to leave it as is or line it with another fabric to hide the underside if you prefer a neater finish.

Remember, this process is time-consuming, so take your time and work on it in stages if needed. The end result will be a romantic and vintage-inspired wedding shrug that you can be proud to have made yourself!

Finishing touches

Now that you've stitched the entire shirt, it's time to add the finishing touches. Remove the tag with a seam ripper. If you have the skills, you can line the shrug to hide the underside, which will look a little like brains. You can also add a lining to hide the underside of the shirt, which will feel thicker and more like a moulded creation.

If you want to add some extra flair to your wedding shrug, consider embellishing it with beads, sequins, or other decorative elements. You can also experiment with different types of fabric and colours to create a unique look. For example, you could use a sheer fabric for a romantic or vintage vibe.

Finally, try on your wedding shrug and make sure you're happy with the fit. If it's a bit too loose, you can always stitch it closer together to create a tighter fit. If it's too tight, you may need to start again with a larger T-shirt or more fabric.

Remember, this project takes time, so don't rush it! Enjoy the process of creating your own unique wedding shrug, and you'll have a beautiful and personalised finish.

Frequently asked questions