Creating A Tulle Wedding Gown: Diy Guide

Tulle skirts are one of the most searched-for clothing items, and it's no surprise that many brides-to-be are opting for tulle wedding dresses. Making your own wedding dress can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to create a unique and personalised gown for your special day. In this guide, we will explore the process of designing and crafting a tulle wedding dress, from choosing the right materials to assembling the final product. We will also discuss the challenges and benefits of taking on this DIY project, offering tips and tricks to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable journey towards your dream tulle wedding dress. So, whether you're an experienced seamstress or a beginner with a passion for creativity, get ready to dive into the world of tulle and explore the possibilities of making your own wedding dress.

Tulle skirt with rhinestones

Making a tulle skirt with rhinestones is a fun DIY project that can be completed in a few simple steps. Here is a detailed guide to help you create your own beautiful tulle skirt with rhinestones:

Materials:

First, gather the necessary materials. You will need tulle fabric, lining fabric, elastic for the waistband, rhinestones, fabric scissors, sewing supplies, and optionally, a sewing machine. Decide on the length of your skirt and whether you want a full, midi, or knee-length skirt. Purchase enough tulle fabric to create the desired number of layers for your skirt. You will also need a small amount of lining fabric that matches the colour of your tulle. Elastic will be used for the waistband, and rhinestones will add a touch of sparkle.

Cutting the Tulle:

Begin by cutting the tulle fabric into rectangles. The number of rectangles you need will depend on the desired number of layers for your skirt. For a knee-length skirt, you may need four rectangles of tulle, each measuring 118 inches wide and 23-24 inches long. If your tulle fabric is not wide enough, you can sew two pieces together to create the desired width.

Creating the Lining:

The lining will add shape and volume to your skirt. Cut the lining fabric into a circle using craft paper as a pattern. First, measure your hips at the fullest part, as the skirt needs to fit over them. Add a few inches for comfort and ease of movement. Then, using simple math equations or an online circle skirt calculator, determine the radius for your waist and the desired length of your skirt. Fold your lining fabric, place the pattern, and cut along the waistline and hemline. Unfold the fabric, and you should have a circular shape.

Assembling the Skirt:

Now, it's time to assemble your skirt. Stack the tulle layers and the lining layer together, with the lining at the bottom. You can use pins to secure the layers together. If you want to add rhinestones, this is the perfect time. Sew or attach the rhinestones to the top layer of your tulle, creating a sparkling design of your choice.

Attaching the Waistband:

Measure your waist and cut the elastic band accordingly, adding a few extra inches for comfort. Sew the ends of the elastic together to form a loop. Pin the elastic waistband to the skirt, stretching it slightly as you sew to ensure a snug fit. Sew the elastic to the skirt, and you're almost done!

Finishing Touches:

Finally, try on your skirt and admire your handiwork! You can adjust the length or add more rhinestones as desired. Tulle skirts are versatile and can be dressed up or down, paired with a casual t-shirt and a leather jacket, or a fancy blouse for a special occasion. Enjoy your one-of-a-kind creation!

Circle skirt with train

A circle skirt with a train is a different shape at the back. The train is created by the shape and length of the sides of the front and back skirt patterns. The shaping for the train starts on the front, just before the side seams.

To make a circle skirt with a train, you will need to cut the front as a semicircle on the cross-grain (i.e. the side seams will run down the selvedge) and then the back in two halves, with the centre-back running down the selvedge.

• Measure your waist and the length from your waist to the floor. Also, decide how long you want the train to be.
• Using pattern paper, draw a rectangle for the waistband. The length of the rectangle should be the size of your waist measurement with 3-4 inches added for closures, while the width should be twice the width you want the waistband to be, along with a 1.25-inch seam allowance.
• Again, using pattern paper, draw a trapezoid that narrows at the top and flares out at the bottom. The length of the trapezoid should be the same as your waist-to-floor measurement, while the width of the top, middle and bottom should be at least one-third of the waist and undergarment measurements. Allow a few extra inches for seam allowances and as much flaring as you want at the bottom.
• Carefully cut out the pattern pieces.
• Using tailor's chalk, trace the waistband pattern onto the fabric.
• Trace the outline of the trapezoid pattern onto the tulle. Using the same trapezoid pattern, draw the other two identical skirt sections.
• Carefully cut out all the traced pieces of fabric.
• If you're adding a zipper, mark where it needs to go on the two back skirt fabric pieces. Lay the skirt sections one on top of the other, keeping the zipper marks aligned.
• Sew the seam from the bottom of the skirt up to the zipper mark. Once done, machine baste the opening edges above the zipper mark and press open.
• Pin the zipper in place and stitch it permanently. Remove the pins and basting once done.
• Stitch the front section of the skirt to the back.
• With the skirt still inside out, machine baste 0.5 inches from the top of the skirt to create a "gather". Pull in the fabric so that the waist circumference matches your waist measurement.
• If you're using interfacing, baste it to the inside of the waistband. Wrap the waistband around the waist of the skirt, making sure that the opening of the waistband aligns with the zipper.
• Sew the waistband to the skirt, then turn the skirt inside out.
• Fold the waistband fabric in half and stitch in place along the seam. Sew your chosen closures in place.
• Press the skirt with a press cloth so that all the layers are smooth.
• Pin the layers together from the waist to the bottom, spacing the pins every 12 inches or so.
• Mark the hem slightly longer than you want the finished article to be, as tulle tends to spring up.
• Cut the hem using a smooth, even motion with a rotary cutter or serger blade.
• Resew the seam ends that you trimmed while cutting. Remember to backstitch at the hem edge to prevent the seams from unravelling.

You can also create a detachable train to add to your skirt. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Put on any undergarments, petticoats or slips you plan on wearing under the skirt, along with the shoes. Ask an assistant to measure the length from your waist to the floor.
• Work out how long you want the train to be and add this length to your waist-to-floor measurement.
• Decide how wide you want your train to be. Fold a piece of tulle to different widths to try out the varying looks before deciding on your preference.
• Once you've decided on the width, sew a line of long hand stitches across the width of the tulle, about 1 inch from the top. Add a second line of stitches just below the first. Pull the ends of the thread until the fabric is the desired width. Knot the edges of the thread and stitch in place.
• Measure the width of the train at the point of the gathering stitches. Double this measurement and add an extra inch. Cut a piece of ribbon to this length and hand-sew it onto the train to cover the gathering stitches.
• Sew snaps or hooks and eyes every three inches along the underside of the ribbon and at the waistline of your skirt. Match up the corresponding half of your skirt and cover the snaps with decorative buttons.

Choosing the right tulle

Tulle is a thin, sheer fabric that is often used to add volume and soft details to clothing. It is most commonly made from nylon fibres, but you can also find silk and cotton tulle. The type of tulle you choose will depend on the look and functionality you want to achieve.

Nylon Tulle

Nylon tulle is the most readily available type of tulle and can be found in most stores. It is made from synthetic nylon fibres and is usually the most affordable option. This type of tulle is versatile and can be used for various projects, such as skirts, dresses, veils, and decorations.

Silk Tulle

Silk tulle is a more luxurious and expensive option. It has a softer feel and a more delicate appearance than nylon tulle. Silk tulle is often used for high-end fashion garments, such as wedding dresses and evening gowns. It can also be used for veils and other accessories.

Cotton Tulle

Cotton tulle is another natural fabric option that is less common but can be found from specialty suppliers. It has a more matte appearance than nylon tulle and is often used for creating a vintage or rustic look. Cotton tulle is suitable for dresses, skirts, and home decor projects.

When choosing the right tulle for your project, consider the colour, weight, and texture that will best suit your needs. Tulle comes in various colours, from classic white and ivory to vibrant hues. It also varies in weight, with some types being sheer and lightweight, while others are denser and provide more structure. The texture of tulle can range from smooth and soft to stiff and crisp, depending on the fibre type and manufacturing process.

Additionally, the size of the holes in the tulle will affect the overall look and functionality. Tulle with larger holes is usually made with thicker fibres and is stiffer, making it perfect for petticoats and adding volume. On the other hand, tulle with smaller holes is often called illusion mesh or netting and is suitable for veils, outer garments, or adding subtle volume to sleeves or skirts.

Sewing tips

Making a tulle wedding dress or skirt can be a challenging but rewarding project. Here are some sewing tips to help you create a beautiful and elegant garment:

• Create a full circle skirt pattern: Measure your waist size and the desired length of the skirt. Using these measurements, create a full circle skirt pattern by folding your fabric lengthwise and widthwise. Mark the desired measurements using a ruler at a 45-degree angle and draw arcs to create the circle pattern. Cut out this pattern for both the front and back of the skirt.
• Add a train to the circle skirt: If you want to add a train to your circle skirt, you can modify the pattern by creating an insert in the middle back of the skirt. Cut two front pieces and one back piece according to the circle skirt pattern. Then, cut an additional half-circle for the back, using the desired train length. Split the back piece and insert the half-circle train, creating a seamless train extension.
• Consider the number of layers: Tulle skirts can have multiple layers to create a fuller and more opaque look. Each layer will add volume and coverage, so plan accordingly. Remember to include a lining layer using a thicker fabric to ensure the skirt is not sheer.
• Gather your materials: Tulle fabric is readily available online and in fabric stores. Consider the quantity of fabric needed for your skirt, including any desired layers or a train. Other materials such as elastic, ribbon, sewing thread, and embellishments like rhinestones can also be purchased.
• Practice and patience: Sewing a tulle wedding dress or skirt can be tedious and time-consuming. Be prepared for the amount of work and practice required. It is recommended to set aside enough time to practice on less expensive materials before working on your final garment. Take breaks to avoid exhaustion, as tulle folding and sewing can be surprisingly tiring!
• Maintain a clean workspace: Working with light-coloured tulle fabric means that it can easily attract dust and debris. Keep your workspace clean and tidy to minimise the amount of lint and dust on your fabric. Regularly sweep the area and cover sharp objects that could accidentally tear the tulle.

Styling options

Tulle is a versatile fabric that can be styled in numerous ways to create stunning outfits. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Princess-style dress: Cut the tulle into rectangular layers of the same dimensions and sew them together to create a "princess" silhouette with a lot of fullness at the waist. You can also add a ribbon border or trim to the edges for a unique touch.
• A-line skirt: Cut the tulle in an "A" shape, removing some of the fullness from the waist to the hip. This creates a more streamlined silhouette while still retaining the elegance of the tulle fabric.
• Multi-layered skirt: Play with different volumes of tulle layers, with a fuller top layer over slightly less full underlayers. This gives a beautiful, textured look to the skirt and can be used to create a unique, dimensional effect.
• Tulle accessories: Tulle is not just for skirts and dresses! You can create adorable hair accessories like bows, crowns, and veils using tulle. It can also be used to make elegant capelets or even decorative pillows for your home.
• Disney-inspired outfits: Channel your inner princess by creating Disney-inspired outfits with tulle. Wrap tulle around basic bags to transform them into princess-worthy accessories, or make a tulle cape without any sewing expertise.
• Ballerina-style tutu: Create a whimsical tutu by cutting tulle into strips and tying them to a ribbon waistband. This no-sew option is perfect for aspiring ballerinas or fun dress-up days. Don't forget to add some sparkly rhinestones for extra glamour!
• Layered tulle lamp: Add a touch of whimsy to your home decor by gluing tulle frills to the top and bottom edges of a lamp shade. This will create a soft, romantic lighting effect in your space.
• Tulle table runner: For a wedding or party, use tulle as a table runner. It will add a touch of elegance and can be easily incorporated into any theme.

Frequently asked questions