Creating A Tulle Wedding Skirt: A Step-By-Step Guide

Tulle wedding skirts are a popular clothing item, but they can be expensive. One way to save money is to make your own. This can be done by purchasing tulle fabric online and following a tutorial to create the skirt. The amount of tulle needed will depend on the desired puffiness of the skirt. In addition to tulle, you will also need ribbon, elastic, a sewing machine, and other basic sewing supplies. With these materials and some basic sewing skills, you can create your own affordable and stylish tulle wedding skirt.

Tulle, ribbon, and sewing supplies

Making your own tulle wedding skirt is a fun and affordable option for your wedding. Here's a list of the tulle, ribbon, and sewing supplies you'll need to create your dream skirt:

Tulle:

• The amount of tulle you'll need depends on the desired puffiness and length of your skirt. For a full and fluffy skirt, consider purchasing 2-3 rolls of 100-yard tulle. You can find tulle rolls at various craft stores or online. Gifts International offers 40-yard bolts for $6.95, while Walmart sells 25-yard bolts for less than $25.
• When choosing the colour of your tulle, consider your wedding theme and personal preference. You can go for a traditional white or ivory, or experiment with colours like light grey, light pink, or shimmery light peach as seen in some DIY projects.
• If you want a coloured tulle skirt, be sure to coordinate the ribbon colour with the tulle for a cohesive look.

Ribbon:

• Ribbon is an essential component for tying the tulle strips together and creating a nice finish when tied in the front.
• Opt for a 2-3" width ribbon that complements the colour of your tulle. For example, if you choose a white tulle, a white or ivory ribbon will create a elegant look.
• You can find ribbons at craft stores or online. For instance, Events By Tammy on Etsy offers a satin, double-sided 2.25" ribbon sash in various colours for $12.

Sewing Supplies:

• A sewing machine is recommended for constructing your tulle wedding skirt, although some no-sew options are available. Basic sewing skills will be helpful, and you can find tutorials online or on YouTube.
• Other sewing supplies include scissors, thread, needles, and any desired embellishments like lace or bridal lace.
• If you plan to attach your tulle skirt to a bodice or an existing dress, you may need additional supplies like elastic, zippers, or twill tape.

With these supplies, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and affordable tulle wedding skirt. Happy crafting!

Cutting and layering tulle

Cutting the Tulle:

• Decide on the length of your skirt: Determine whether you want a knee-length, midi, or floor-length skirt. This will influence the cutting process.
• Measure and cut the tulle: Use a measuring tape to measure the desired length of your skirt, adding a few extra inches to allow for seams and gathering. Cut your tulle fabric accordingly. You may need multiple layers of tulle, so cut enough fabric to create four very big tubes, as mentioned in the example below.
• Stagger the seams: When creating a tulle skirt, it's important to stagger the seams to avoid thick lines running up and down the skirt. Offset the long seams of each layer to distribute the fabric evenly and create a smooth look.

Layering the Tulle:

• Gather the tulle layers: Once you have cut your tulle panels, sew the long seams together to create tubes. Gather each layer at the top and use gathering stitches to keep them in place.
• Pin the layers together: Start by pinning one side of the tulle layers to a mannequin or a dress form. Enlist help if needed, as this can be a two-person job. Carefully pin all the layers together at the top, ensuring they are aligned correctly.
• Adjust the volume: Tulle is known for its volume and fullness. If you feel your skirt is too poufy at the waist, consider staggering some of the tulle layers at the bottom or under the lining sheath to reduce the volume while maintaining a full skirt.
• Experiment with trims: Play around with different trims and embellishments to add unique touches to your skirt. You can use scraps of tulle, bridal lace, or other decorative elements to create a truly personalised skirt.

Creating a tulle wedding skirt requires time and patience, but the end result will be a stunning and affordable addition to your wedding ensemble. Remember to take measurements carefully and adjust the length and volume to achieve your desired look.

Attaching tulle to an underlayer

Attaching the tulle to an underlayer is a crucial step in creating a tulle wedding skirt. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, cut your tulle into panels of equal length – for example, 34" long panels will create a full and voluminous skirt. The number of panels you cut will depend on the desired fullness of your skirt. For a typical wedding skirt, four layers of tulle, each consisting of four panels, is a good starting point. However, feel free to add more layers for extra volume and a dramatic effect.

Once you have cut your tulle panels, sew the long seams together to create large tubes. If you want to incorporate different colours of tulle, as mentioned earlier, now is the time to stagger the layers and offset the seams to avoid thick lines running up and down the skirt. Gather all the layers together at the top and secure them with gathering stitches.

Now, you can attach the tulle to the underlayer. Place one of the seams at the opening of the bodice, usually the centre back or left side seam. If you want to stagger the tulle layers, as mentioned in the previous step, you will need to align the layers and cut a placket opening that will go on the side seam. Pin the tulle layers to the underlayer, ensuring they are evenly distributed and secured in place.

Finally, sew the gathered tulle overskirt to a piece of twill tape to keep it in place until you assemble the entire outfit. This step will ensure that you can adjust the fit as needed, even right before the wedding!

Adjusting the waistband

Firstly, decide on the type of waistband you want. You can choose between a traditional waistband, an elastic waistband, or a ribbon waistband. Each option has its own benefits and aesthetic appeal. A traditional waistband made from fabric will give you a more structured and tailored look, while an elastic waistband will provide stretch and comfort. A ribbon waistband is a simple and elegant option that can be tied in a bow or knot.

If you opt for a traditional waistband, measure your waist accurately and cut the fabric to size. Sew the waistband to the top of the skirt, ensuring that it is securely attached. You can use a sewing machine or hand-stitch it, depending on your preference and skill level. Remember to finish the raw edges of the waistband by folding and pressing them before attaching it to the skirt.

For an elastic waistband, cut a piece of elastic that is comfortable and snug around your waist. Secure one end of the elastic to the skirt with a safety pin, then stretch it as you sew it to the top of the skirt. This will create a gathered effect and ensure a snug fit. You can also add a hook-and-eye closure or a small zipper to the elastic waistband for easier dressing.

If you choose a ribbon waistband, cut a length of ribbon that is long enough to tie a bow or knot comfortably. Sew one end of the ribbon to the skirt, positioning it at the centre back or side seam. You can then tie the ribbon in a bow or knot at the front or back, depending on your preferred style. The ribbon should be wide enough to provide support and comfort while also adding a delicate touch to your tulle skirt.

When adjusting the waistband, always try it on as you work. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments for the perfect fit. You can also add embellishments to the waistband, such as beads, rhinestones, or a small sash. Remember to choose a waistband option that complements the style of your tulle skirt and the overall look you are aiming to achieve.

Styling the skirt

Once you've made your tulle wedding skirt, there are two main ways to style it:

Wear it over another dress

You can put the tulle skirt over a shorter dress to create a wedding dress. This is a fun option as you can then remove the skirt for the reception, revealing the dress underneath. This also means you get two dresses for the price of one!

Pair it with a top

You could also pair the skirt with a tank top, a corset, or a blouse. This option gives you more flexibility to create your dream wedding outfit, as you can choose the exact top you want.

Styling tips

• If you're wearing the skirt over another dress, a Short Strapless Cotton Sateen Dress from David's Bridal is a great option, as it's available in sizes 0-26 and is very affordable.
• For the top option, you could try a whimsical top like the Maison Scotch Pom Pom Tank, or a chiffon star tank top for a more subtle look.
• If you're on a budget, you can buy tulle online for a very low price, and a bolt of 40 yards is likely to be enough even for a very full skirt.
• You can also buy ready-made tulle skirts from Amazon or Etsy, which can be more affordable than buying a tulle wedding dress.

Frequently asked questions