Crafting A Tulle Maxi Wedding Gown: A Step-By-Step Guide

Tulle skirts are ethereal, romantic, and elegant, making them a popular choice for wedding dresses. Tulle is a light, super-fine netting usually made from polyester, giving wedding dresses a dreamy, delicate feel. Making your own tulle wedding dress can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to create a unique and personalised gown. It is also a cost-effective option, as tulle fabric can be purchased online at a relatively low price. However, it is important to consider the cost of materials and the tediousness of the work when undertaking this project.

To make a tulle maxi wedding dress, you will need to purchase the necessary materials, including tulle fabric, ribbon, elastic, and sewing supplies. You will also need to take measurements to ensure a proper fit, allowing for any bulky undergarments and the height of your wedding shoes. Using these measurements, you can create a pattern for the dress, including a waistband and a trapezoid-shaped skirt that flares out at the bottom.

Constructing the dress will involve cutting and sewing the fabric pieces together, adding any desired details such as a zipper, and finally, attaching the waistband. It is important to take your time and work carefully, as tulle can be challenging to work with.

With careful planning and execution, you can create a beautiful and satisfying tulle maxi wedding dress, adding a touch of fairy-tale magic to your special day.

Choosing the right fabric

Fabric Type

Tulle is a lightweight, fine netting fabric typically made from polyester. It is often used in wedding dresses and dance costumes due to its ethereal and elegant appearance. When choosing the fabric for your tulle skirt, select a soft and fine netting that will create a delicate and dreamy look. Avoid stiff or coarse tulle, as it may not drape as gracefully and can be uncomfortable to wear.

Fabric Width

The width of the tulle fabric is an important consideration. Most tulle fabric comes in widths ranging from 55 to 118 inches (or 300 cm). Wider fabric will require fewer pieces to be sewn together, resulting in less bulk and a smoother finish. If you are using a pattern that requires a significant amount of fabric, such as a full-length maxi skirt, aim for a wider width to simplify the construction process and create a more polished final product.

Fabric Amount

Determine the amount of fabric needed based on the style and length of your skirt. For a full and fluffy skirt, a higher ratio of fabric to waist size is required. A good rule of thumb is to use a 1:8 ratio, where the tulle fabric is eight times the waist size. This will ensure that your skirt has ample volume and fullness. Additionally, consider the length of your skirt. A maxi skirt will require more fabric than a midi or knee-length skirt. As a general guideline, 4-5 yards of tulle should be sufficient for most maxi skirt projects.

Lining Fabric

Selecting an appropriate lining fabric is crucial for the overall structure and appearance of your tulle skirt. Satin or lightweight taffeta are excellent options for the lining, as they add shape and volume without bulk. Taffeta, in particular, can provide a crisper look and give more volume to your skirt. Ensure that the colour of your lining complements the tulle. If you prefer a simpler approach, you can also opt for a no-sew lining, although this may require adjustments to ensure opacity.

Fabric Quality

When purchasing tulle fabric, it is essential to consider the quality. While online options may offer a wide range of choices, it is challenging to assess the fabric's quality without feeling it in person. Opt for reputable sellers and read reviews to ensure you are getting good-quality tulle. Higher-quality tulle will drape more gracefully and create a more luxurious final product.

Fabric Care

Keep in mind the care instructions for the fabric you choose. Tulle skirts can be hand-washed, machine-washed on a gentle cycle, or dry-cleaned, depending on the fabric's care instructions. To prevent wrinkles, it is best to store your tulle skirt on a hanger. When ironing, use the lowest heat setting and avoid direct contact with the hot iron to prevent melting the fabric.

Cutting the fabric

Cutting the Tulle:

First, decide on the desired length for your skirt. For a maxi skirt, you will want the fabric to flow elegantly to the floor. Add 1 inch to your desired length to allow for a hem. This will be the length of each of your tulle pieces. You will need four rectangles of tulle fabric, each with a width of 118 inches (300 cm).

If you are working with 118-inch wide tulle, fold it three times until it is about 14.7 inches wide. This will make cutting more manageable. Use a rotary cutter, ruler, and self-healing mat to ensure a straight edge. If your fabric has wrinkles, give it a quick press with a low heat setting before cutting.

Cutting the Lining:

Start by measuring your hips, adding 2 inches for ease of movement and ensuring the skirt can be pulled over them. If you plan to wear bulky undergarments, consider measuring over them as well. For my skirt, I added 2 inches to my hip measurement, resulting in a total of 37 inches.

Next, divide this number by 3.14 to find the radius for your waist. Using a circle skirt calculator, I determined that the radius for my waist was 11 ¼ inches for a half-circle skirt.

For the lining length, add 1 inch to the length of your tulle pieces to allow for the hem. Remember, you don't need to hem the tulle, but the lining fabric may fray, so it's important to finish that edge.

Cutting the Waistband:

Using pattern paper, create a rectangle for the waistband. The length should be your waist measurement plus 3-4 inches for closures. The width should be twice the desired width of the waistband, plus a 1.25-inch seam allowance.

Cutting the Train (Optional):

If you want to add a train to your tulle skirt, you can create a detachable train using the same principles as the skirt. Measure the length from your waist to the floor, taking into account any undergarments and shoes you will be wearing. Decide on the desired length and width of the train.

Final Thoughts:

Sewing the seams

Sewing the Tulle Layers:

• Cut the tulle fabric: First, decide on the desired length for your skirt and add 1 inch to determine the length of each tulle piece. You will need four rectangles, each with a width of 118 inches (300 cm).
• Fold the tulle fabric: If you are working with 118-inch wide tulle, fold it three times until it is approximately 14.7 inches wide. This makes cutting easier and ensures straight edges. Use a rotary cutter, ruler, and self-healing mat for precise cutting.
• Cut and smooth out any wrinkles: If there are wrinkles in the fabric, give it a quick press using a low heat setting before cutting. For a 23-inch-long skirt, cut four pieces, each measuring 118 x 24 inches.

Sewing the Side Seams:

• Layer two pieces of tulle: Take two layers of tulle fabric and place them on top of each other, aligning all the edges.
• Sew the side seams: Stitch the side seams together, backstitching at both ends for added reinforcement. Repeat this process with the remaining two tulle layers.
• Use the appropriate needle and speed: To avoid puckering, it is recommended to use a new ballpoint or jersey needle (size 70/10) and a short straight stitch. Slow down your sewing speed to ensure precise stitching.

Basting the Tulle Layers:

• Turn the tulle pieces into tubes: In the previous step, you created four large fabric tubes by stitching the tulle pieces together. Now, align the side seams of these tubes, placing them right sides together.
• Baste through both layers: Set your stitch length to the longest setting and sew two parallel lines of basting stitches. Leave long thread tails at each end, and avoid backstitching. This step helps create an even gather along the waistline.

Gathering the Tulle:

• Create the gathers: Hold the top threads together with one hand and gently push the tulle fabric with the other hand. Continue gathering until the tulle length matches the top of the skirt lining.
• Secure the gathers: Once the tulle length matches the skirt lining, tie the threads in a knot to secure the gathers.

Attaching the Tulle and Lining:

• Place the skirt lining inside the tulle: Position the skirt lining inside the gathered tulle, with the right side of the satin facing the wrong side of the tulle.
• Pin and stitch the layers: Pin the layers together to hold them in place, and then stitch along the gathering line. Align the back seam of the lining with the middle of the tulle side seams for a neat finish.

By following these steps, you will have successfully sewn the seams of your tulle maxi wedding skirt, creating a beautiful and elegant addition to your wedding attire.

Attaching the waistband

Step 1: Prepare the elastic waistband

Firstly, cut the elastic band to fit comfortably around your waist when stretched, adding a 0.5-inch allowance for the seam. Sew the ends of the elastic together.

Step 2: Divide the waistband and skirt into four equal segments

Mark the tulle waistband and elastic into four equal segments: centre back, centre front, and halfway points on each side. This will ensure that you attach the waistband evenly to the skirt.

Step 3: Pin the waistband to the skirt

Match the pins and sew the elastic to the skirt, with the elastic's wrong side facing the skirt's right side. Stretch the elastic gently as you sew, pulling from the front and back until the fabric gap straightens. Sew slowly, stopping to remove each pin, and keep the needle down when you pause.

Step 4: Sew the waistband to the skirt

Continue sewing the waistband to the skirt, stretching the elastic and fabric straight and sewing until you reach the starting point. Take your time and ensure that the waistband is attached securely.

Step 5: Finish the waistband (optional)

If you want a more polished look, you can finish the waistband by serging or using a zig-zag stitch to attach the waistband and skirt together. This step will give your skirt a more professional appearance.

Step 6: Remove pins and finish

Remove the pins from the waistband and any remaining basting stitches or hand stitches in the tulle layers. Your tulle maxi wedding skirt is now complete and ready to be worn!

Hemming the skirt

Cutting the Tulle and Lining Fabric:

• Decide on your desired skirt length, then add 1 inch to determine the length of each tulle piece. You will need four rectangles of tulle fabric, each measuring 118 inches wide.
• For the lining fabric, start by measuring your hips since the skirt needs to fit over them comfortably. Add 2 inches to this measurement to allow for ease of movement.
• Next, divide this number by 3.14 to get the waist radius for your pattern. Use a circle skirt calculator to ensure accuracy.
• For the lining length, add 1 inch to the length of your tulle pieces to allow for a hem. Remember that tulle doesn't require hemming, but the lining fabric may fray, so it's essential to finish that edge.

Sewing the Tulle and Lining:

• Layer two pieces of tulle on top of each other, aligning all the edges, and sew the side seams. Repeat this process for the remaining two tulle layers.
• Baste the tulle layers around the waistline. You will now have two large fabric tubes. Align the side seams of both tubes, placing them right sides together, and baste through both layers.
• Gather the tulle by holding the top threads and gently pushing the fabric until the gathers are even and match the top of the skirt lining.
• Place the skirt lining inside the tulle, pinning them together, and stitch along the gathering line. You can use a serger to finish the waist seam for a neat finish.

Hemming the Lining:

• Carefully trim any excess fabric, ensuring you don't cut the tulle.
• Create a narrow rolled hem on your serger, or finish the edge with a regular hem if you don't have a serger.
• The lining should be slightly shorter than the tulle to create a beautiful, layered effect.

Your tulle maxi wedding skirt is now complete! This project requires time and patience, but the result will be a stunning, professional-looking skirt.

Frequently asked questions