Creating A Lace Wedding Garter: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making a wedding garter is a fun and easy project that can be completed in under an hour. All you need is some lace, ribbon, elastic, and basic sewing skills. First, measure the circumference of your leg where you want to wear the garter. Cut your ribbon and lace to this length, adding a few extra inches to allow for gathering. Sew the ribbon and lace together, then attach the elastic by threading it between the layers. Stitch the elastic in place, and you're done! You can also add embellishments like rhinestones, beads, or a charm with the couple's initials.

Choosing your lace and ribbon

Choosing the right lace and ribbon is essential to making a wedding garter. The lace and ribbon you choose will determine the overall look and feel of the garter, so it's important to select materials that complement each other and fit the desired style or theme.

When choosing lace, consider the thickness and shape of the material. Thick lace will be more visible through the ribbon, while thinner lace may be more delicate and subtle. If you want the lace to be visible on both sides of the ribbon, look for lace with shaped edges on both sides. You can also choose between non-stretch and stretch lace, depending on the desired effect and how easy you want the sewing process to be. For a rustic or vintage-style wedding, consider using a lace ribbon instead of a flat lace fabric.

For the ribbon, choose a colour that complements the wedding colour theme or the wedding dress. You can also opt for a novelty ribbon, such as one that represents a sports team, for a fun touch. The ribbon should be wide enough to accommodate the lace and any desired embellishments. Consider using satin or grosgrain ribbon for a smooth and elegant finish.

Once you've selected your lace and ribbon, you'll need to cut them to the appropriate length. Measure the circumference of the leg where the garter will be worn and use this measurement as a guide to cut the materials. Remember to add a little extra length to allow for seams and gathering.

With the right lace and ribbon combination, you can create a beautiful and personalised wedding garter.

Measuring the ribbon and lace

• Measure the circumference of your leg: Use a flexible measuring tape to measure the distance around the area of your leg where you plan to wear the garter. This is typically a little above the knee. Ensure the tape is snug but not too tight, and lies flat without twisting.
• Calculate the length of ribbon and lace: Different tutorials suggest different methods. One method is to multiply the thigh measurement by 1.5 and then add 1 inch for the seam allowance. Another method is to add 7 inches to your thigh measurement for the desired amount of gathering. So, if your thigh circumference is 20 inches, the ribbon and lace length could be anywhere between 31 inches (using the first method) and 27 inches (using the second method).
• Cut the ribbon and lace: Using sharp scissors, cut the ribbon and lace to the desired length. Ensure straight cuts to avoid jagged edges.
• Prepare the ribbon: For a two-sided ribbon, fold the ribbon in half lengthwise and sew along the fold to secure it. If you are using a one-sided ribbon, you can skip this step.
• Prepare the lace: Cut the lace to the same length as the ribbon. If your lace has a specific pattern or design, ensure that you cut it straight and align the edges correctly.

Now that you have measured and cut your ribbon and lace, you are ready to start assembling your wedding garter!

Sewing the lace and ribbon together

To sew the lace and ribbon together, you will need lace, ribbon, thread, scissors, a needle, and a sewing machine.

First, cut your lace and ribbon to the desired length. The length will depend on the circumference of the wearer's leg, which you should measure beforehand. A general rule of thumb is to multiply the leg measurement by 1.5 and then add 1 inch for the seam allowance.

Next, centre the ribbon on top of the lace and pin it in place. You can then start stitching, sewing along the two edges of the ribbon. Keep your stitching as straight as possible.

Once the ribbon is stitched in place, fold the garter in half with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Stitch along the back seam, being careful not to stitch across the ribbon. Leave that area unstitched for now.

At this point, you can insert the elastic through the casing created between the ribbon and lace. Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and guide it through. The lace will begin to gather as you do this. Stitch over the back seam to secure the elastic, and then stitch again for extra security.

Finally, trim away any loose threads and ribbon ends, and turn the garter right side out.

Adding elastic

Cutting the Elastic:

First, you will need to cut the elastic to the appropriate length. The general rule is to take your thigh circumference measurement and subtract 1 to 3 inches to get the length of the elastic. This will ensure the garter fits comfortably without being too loose.

Attaching the Elastic:

Now, take a safety pin and attach it to one end of the elastic. This safety pin will be your guide as you insert the elastic into the casing created between the ribbon and lace layers. Carefully push the safety pin through the tube, gathering the lace as you go. It's important to maintain control of the other end of the elastic to prevent it from slipping into the casing.

Securing the Elastic:

Once the elastic is fully inserted, pin both ends to keep them in place. You will then sew over the back seam to secure the elastic. Stitch it a second time for added security. This process will ensure that the elastic stays in place and doesn't slip out.

Final Steps:

After securing the elastic, trim away any loose threads and ribbon ends for a neat finish. Finally, turn the garter right side out, and your handmade wedding garter is now complete!

This process of adding elastic provides the necessary stretch and comfort for the wearer, ensuring the garter stays in place throughout the wedding festivities.

Decorating the garter

Now that you have the basic structure of your garter, it's time to decorate it and make it your own! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Embellishments

Embellishments are a great way to add a personal touch to your garter. You can use a variety of items such as:

• Buttons
• Rhinestones
• Beads
• Sequins
• Ribbons
• Fabric appliqués

Adding Colour

If you want to add a pop of colour to your garter, consider using a coloured ribbon or fabric for the base of the garter. You can also use coloured thread when sewing to add subtle hints of colour.

Embroidery

Embroidery is a wonderful way to customise your garter and make it truly unique. You can embroider the couple's initials, wedding date, or a special message onto the garter.

Combining Materials

Don't be afraid to mix and match different materials such as lace, satin, and tulle. Combining different textures and patterns can create a beautiful and intricate design.

Keep it Simple

Sometimes less is more. If you're going for a minimalist look, a simple ribbon and lace garter can be elegant and classic. You can also use a solid fabric instead of ruffled lace for a sleek and modern design.

Frequently asked questions