Creating A Wedding Garter With Elastic: A Simple Guide

Making a wedding garter is a fun and easy DIY project. You can make a wedding garter with elastic by following these simple steps:

First, measure the circumference of your leg, or the area where you want to wear the garter. Cut your elastic to be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) longer than this measurement. You can also subtract 3 inches (7.6 cm) from your leg measurement to ensure a snug fit.

Next, you can decorate your elastic by gluing on rhinestones, silk flowers, or other embellishments. If you're feeling extra crafty, you can sew on beads, sequins, or lace.

Finally, join the ends of the elastic together by overlapping them and gluing or sewing them securely. And that's it! You now have a beautiful, custom wedding garter.

Choosing the right elastic

When choosing the right elastic for your wedding garter, there are a few things to consider.

First, measure the circumference of your leg where you plan to wear the garter. This will be the basis for determining the length of your elastic. A good rule of thumb is to subtract 3 inches from your leg measurement to ensure the garter fits snugly and doesn't fall down.

Next, decide on the type of elastic you want. You can find elastic in a variety of colours and designs at your local craft store or online. Choose an elastic that is about 1 to 2 inches wide. A flat, non-gathered elastic is typically used for wedding garters, and you'll want to make sure it is stretchy.

When you have your elastic, cut it to the desired length. It should be snug but not too tight, with a little extra length, about half an inch to an inch, for hemming. You can use a hot glue gun to secure the ends of the elastic together, forming a circle.

Now you have the base for your wedding garter, and you can begin to decorate it as you like!

Measuring the elastic

Measure Your Leg:

Begin by measuring the circumference of your leg where you plan to wear the garter. Wrap a measuring tape around your leg, ensuring it lays flat and isn't twisted. The tape should be snug but not too tight. This measurement will be your reference for the rest of the process.

Cut the Elastic:

The length of your elastic will depend on your leg measurement. Most sources recommend subtracting 2-3 inches from your leg measurement to ensure the garter stays in place without being too tight. For example, if your leg circumference is 14 inches, you'd cut your elastic to be 11-12 inches long. This will ensure your garter is snug and doesn't slide down.

Test the Fit:

Before finalising the elastic length, test the fit. Stretch the elastic around your leg where you want to wear the garter. Pull it snug, but ensure it remains comfortable. You don't want it to be too tight on your wedding day.

Add a Little Extra:

When cutting the elastic, it's a good idea to leave a little extra, about half an inch to an inch, from the length you want to wear it. This extra bit will be used to attach the ends of the elastic together, ensuring a secure fit.

Overlapping the Ends:

Now, you'll join the ends of the elastic. Overlap the ends by about half an inch (1.3 cm) and cut the elastic at this point. You can use a hot glue gun or sew the ends together. If gluing, apply a generous amount of glue to one end, then press and hold the other end into it until it's secure. If sewing, simply stitch the ends together, ensuring a comfortable fit.

Your elastic is now ready to be inserted into the garter casing, creating a comfortable and secure wedding garter!

Cutting the elastic

The first step in making a wedding garter is to measure the circumference of your leg, or the distance around the area of your leg where you want to wear the garter. This will be the length of your elastic. It is important to ensure that the measuring tape lays flat and is not twisted when taking this measurement.

Once you have the circumference measurement, you can cut your elastic to size. A good rule of thumb is to subtract 3 inches from your leg measurement to ensure that the garter fits snugly and doesn't fall off. For example, if your leg circumference is 14 inches, you would cut your elastic to be 11 inches long.

When cutting the elastic, use sharp scissors and cut straight across to avoid any jagged edges. You want to end up with a smooth, clean cut. It is also a good idea to cut the elastic with just a little bit extra, about an inch, to account for any shrinkage or stretching that may occur.

Now that you have your elastic cut to the correct length, you can move on to the next step of assembling your wedding garter!

Tips for Cutting the Elastic:

• Use sharp scissors for a clean cut.
• Cut the elastic with a little extra length to account for any stretching.
• Subtract 3 inches from your leg circumference to get the correct elastic length.

Attaching the elastic

Step 1: Cut the Elastic:

Cut the elastic to the desired length. The standard method is to measure the circumference of your thigh, or wherever you plan to wear the garter. Ensure the elastic is snug but not too tight, and then add about an inch to that measurement for comfort and ease.

Step 2: Prepare the Elastic:

Before attaching the elastic, decide if you want to decorate it. If you do, this is the best time to do it. You can use a hot glue gun to attach rhinestones, silk flowers, or other embellishments of your choice. Get creative and make your garter unique!

Step 3: Attach the Elastic:

Now it's time to attach the elastic to the garter. Using a safety pin, attach the elastic to one end of the garter. If your garter has a casing (a tunnel between the layers of fabric), insert the safety pin and elastic into the casing. Gently guide the elastic through, and it will start gathering the fabric as you go.

Step 4: Secure the Elastic:

Once you've guided the elastic through, it's essential to secure both ends. Stitch over the back seam to keep the elastic in place. You can also stitch again for added security. Make sure to trim away any loose threads for a neat finish.

Step 5: Final Touches:

Turn the garter right side out, and you're almost done! Check that the elastic is secure and fits comfortably. If needed, you can add more decorations or embellishments to the garter at this stage.

Your wedding garter is now complete and ready to be worn or gifted! This process might seem lengthy, but it's worth the effort to have a beautiful, custom-made garter for your special day.

Decorating the garter

If you want to add some colour, sew a coloured ribbon on top of the outer satin ribbon. You could also use a novelty ribbon, such as one for a sports team. Alternatively, use a solid fabric instead of the ruffled lace and embroider the couple's initials and wedding date.

You can also add other embellishments such as rhinestones, turquoise, or other stones—great for a Western-themed wedding. You can use a glue gun for these additions, but sewing them on is recommended if you plan to sell your garters.

If you want to make a "throwing" garter, you can use a simpler design or buy some satin ribbon and attach it to the tulle in the same way as the scrap of satin.

Frequently asked questions