Creating Tulle Bows For Wedding Pews

Tulle pew bows are a popular choice for wedding décor, adding a touch of glamour to the ceremony. They are usually made with ribbon, tulle, or both, and can be customised to match the wedding's colour scheme or theme. Tulle is an inexpensive and versatile material, available in a wide range of colours. Making tulle bows for wedding pews is a simple process that only requires a few basic supplies, such as tulle, cardboard, and optional decorations like flowers, ribbons, or feathers. The size of the bow and the length of the tail can be adjusted to fit the desired look.

Choosing the right tulle

Tulle is a lightweight, extra-fine netting that is often made from silk, rayon, or nylon. It is known for its soft texture and flowy drape, making it a popular choice for creating elegant and romantic looks. When choosing the right tulle for your wedding pew bows, there are several factors to consider:

Color

Tulle comes in a wide range of colors, allowing you to easily match your wedding theme or color palette. Whether you prefer traditional white bows or want to add a pop of color, you can find tulle in various shades to suit your needs.

Type of Tulle

There are different types of tulle available, each offering a unique look and feel. Plain tulle, for example, has a delicate and ethereal appearance, making it a popular choice for weddings. Glitter tulle, on the other hand, adds a touch of sparkle and glamour to your decor. Other types of tulle include stretch tulle, ombre tulle, beaded tulle, and polka dot tulle. Choose the type of tulle that best suits your wedding theme and style.

Quality

The quality of tulle can vary, and it's important to select a high-quality option for your wedding pew bows. Look for tulle that is soft, sheer, and lightweight. Avoid tulle that feels stiff or rough, as it may be more difficult to work with and may not create the desired elegant look.

Amount

When determining the amount of tulle needed, consider the size and number of bows you plan to make. Tulle is typically sold by the roll or bolt, and the amount you need will depend on the desired size of your bows. A larger bow will require more tulle, while a smaller bow will use less. It's always a good idea to buy a little extra tulle to account for any mistakes or last-minute adjustments.

Source

Consider purchasing your tulle from a specialty fabric store or a reputable online retailer. This will ensure that you are getting high-quality tulle and that you have access to a wide variety of options. Some sources may also offer custom or embellished tulle, allowing you to further personalize your wedding pew bows.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right tulle for your wedding pew bows and create beautiful, elegant decorations that complement your special day.

Creating loops

Place one end of the tulle roll along the edge of the cardboard and pin it down. Stretch the tulle to the other side of the cardboard, fold it back, and pin it again. Continue this process, creating an "accordion" fold, until you have at least five loops on each side. Remember to remove and replace the pins each time to hold the tulle in place as you work. You can create more loops for a fuller bow if you wish.

Once you are happy with the number of loops, cut the tulle along the bottom, following the line of the loops. Then, find the midpoint of the loops and tie your pre-cut tail piece in a knot around the centre. This will create the two hanging ends of your bow.

Adding tails

Planning the Tail Length:

Before you start creating the tails, decide on the desired length. The tails are the pieces that will hang down at the bottom of the bow, so consider the overall look you want to achieve. Cut a section of tulle that is twice the length of your desired tail. This extra length is important to ensure that your finished bow looks elegant and proportional. Set this piece aside for now.

Creating the Bow Loops:

To make the bow loops, you can follow the previous steps of folding and pinning the tulle to create a layered, accordion-like structure. Decide on the size of your bow and mark this measurement on a piece of cardboard. This will be your guide for folding the tulle. Continue the folding and pinning process until you have an even number of loops on each side, preferably at least five loops for a full bow.

Attaching the Tails:

Once you have created the desired number of loops on both sides, it's time to attach the tails. Cut the tulle in a straight line, matching the edge of the loops. Find the midpoint of the loops with a measuring tape and mark it lightly. Take the pre-cut tail piece and tie it in a tight knot around the marked centre. Ensure that the two ends of the tail piece are hanging down, evenly. You can adjust the length of the tails as needed to achieve symmetry.

Finishing Touches:

Remove the pins holding the loops in place and gently fluff out the pieces of tulle to create a beautiful, full bow. Tulle is a delicate fabric, so work carefully to avoid ripping or creasing it. You can add additional decorations to the centre of the bow, such as flowers, ribbons, or other ornaments, securing them with thin wire or a small amount of glue.

Remember, tulle is easily misshapen, so it's best to hang your finished bows by their tails when storing or transporting them. Now you have elegant tulle pew bows with tails, ready to be displayed at your wedding!

Securing the bow

Firstly, decide on the placement of your bow. If you wish to hang your bow from the pews, you will need to use a plastic pew clip, or alternatively, you can attach a piece of wire or a pipe cleaner to the back of the centre knot. This will provide a discreet and effective way of securing the bow to the pew, ensuring it remains in place.

When creating the centre knot of your bow, use a length of tulle to tie a square knot. This will help to secure the loops of your bow in place. You can also add more lengths of tulle in the centre with square knots if you desire different coloured tails or simply want to add more volume.

For added security, especially if you are concerned about the weight of your bow or the durability of the tulle, you can use a 20-gauge wire to reinforce the centre of the bow. Twist the wire with a pair of pliers to ensure it is tightly secured. This will provide extra support and peace of mind.

If you are using additional decorations such as flowers, ribbons, or feathers, you can attach them to the centre of the bow using thin wire or a small amount of glue. This will further enhance the visual appeal of your pew decorations while also ensuring that the bow remains firmly in place.

Finally, when transporting your tulle bows, it is important to handle them with care. Tulle is delicate and can be easily misshapen. Avoid placing the bows in bags, boxes, or containers, as this can cause creases and flatten the bows. Instead, hang the bows by their tails and transport them with caution.

Customising the bow

Customising your tulle bow is a great way to make it unique and special for your wedding. Tulle is available in a wide variety of colours, so you can easily match your wedding theme. You can also customise the bow with additional decorations, such as flowers, ribbons, feathers or other ornaments.

To add decorations to the centre of your bow, attach them with thin wire or a small amount of glue. You could also add fresh or artificial flowers to the centre of the bow. If you want to hang your bow from a pew, chair or bench, you can purchase a pew clip or use a piece of wire or pipe cleaner attached to the back of the centre knot.

If you want to add more colour to your bow, you can create a second layer with a different coloured tulle or ribbon. Cut the ribbon in half and create a series of loops of increasing size, following the same method as before. You can then secure this layer with wire, along with any streamers you want to add.

Finally, consider the length of your streamers and cut them to your desired size. You can also add more streamers in different colours or materials to create a fuller, more colourful effect.

Frequently asked questions