Creating A Wedding Garter With Ribbon: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making a wedding garter is a fun and easy project that can add a personal touch to a bride's special day. All you need are some basic materials like lace, ribbon, elastic, and embellishments, as well as a few simple sewing skills. The process involves measuring the thigh circumference, cutting and sewing the ribbon and lace, inserting the elastic, and adding any desired decorations. It's a quick and customizable project that can result in a beautiful and memorable garter for the wedding.

Choosing the right lace and ribbon

Type of Lace

The type of lace you choose will depend on the desired look and functionality of your wedding garter. Some popular options include:

• Stretch lace (elastic properties): This type of lace has elastic properties, which can provide a comfortable and flexible fit for the wearer.
• Non-stretch lace: Non-stretch lace does not have elastic properties, offering a more structured and stable base for the garter.
• Scalloped or decorative edge lace: Adding a decorative edge to your lace can enhance the overall design and visual appeal of the garter.

Color and Width of Ribbon

When selecting the ribbon for your wedding garter, consider the following:

• Color: Choose a ribbon color that complements the wedding theme or the bride's dress. You can opt for traditional colors like white or ivory, or add a pop of color to match the wedding color palette.
• Width: The width of the ribbon will impact the overall proportion and design of the garter. Standard widths range from 1/4" to 1" for the inner ribbon and 2" to 2 1/2" for the outer ribbon.

Texture and Pattern

The texture and pattern of your lace and ribbon can add visual interest and elegance to the garter. Consider the following options:

• Embroidered lace: Embroidered lace designs can add a touch of sophistication and dimension to your garter.
• Ruffled or straight lace: Ruffled lace creates a frilly and romantic look, while straight lace offers a sleek and streamlined appearance.
• Patterned ribbon: Opt for a patterned ribbon if you want to incorporate a unique design or motif into your garter.

Durability and Comfort

It is important to select materials that are durable and comfortable for the wearer. Consider the following:

• Fabric content: Choose natural fibers such as silk or cotton for a breathable and soft feel. Synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon can also be used for added durability and ease of care.
• Elasticity: Ensure that the lace and ribbon have some stretch or elasticity to provide a comfortable fit and easy movement for the wearer.

Remember, you can visit local craft stores to browse their selection of lace and ribbon, allowing you to feel and compare different options before making your final choice.

Measuring the ribbon and lace

Start by measuring the circumference of the leg where the garter will be worn. This is usually a little way above the knee. If you are unable to measure, you can estimate by measuring your own leg and hoping it is similar. The garter will have some elasticity and gathering, so there is some flexibility in terms of fit.

To determine the length of ribbon and lace needed, multiply the leg circumference by 1.5. This will give you enough length to have the desired amount of gathering in the garter. For example, if the leg circumference is 14", multiplying by 1.5 gives you 21", so you would cut your ribbon and lace to this length.

For the elastic, take your leg circumference measurement and subtract 3". This will ensure the garter stays in place without being too tight. For instance, if the leg circumference is 14", subtracting 3" gives you 11" for the length of the elastic.

If you are using two pieces of ribbon, as in some designs, remember to buy enough ribbon for both sides. You can also trim the ribbon to the desired length after sewing if you have excess.

Once you have measured and cut your ribbon, lace, and elastic to size, you can begin assembling your garter. Pin the two pieces of ribbon, with right sides out, onto either side of the lace. Sew straight seams along each edge of the ribbon, ensuring you leave enough space in the middle for the elastic to be threaded through.

Sewing the lace and ribbon together

Now that you have your lace and ribbon ready, it's time to sew them together.

First, lay the straight edge of the lace on the bottom edge of the ribbon, so the lace overlaps the ribbon by 1/8 inch to 1/16 inch. Pin the two pieces together. Then, sew the lace to the ribbon, keeping an even distance from the edge of the ribbon but staying as close to the edge as possible. Repeat this process to attach the other side of the lace to the top edge of the ribbon.

At this point, you should have a piece of lace with a length of ribbon sewn to each side. If you are using a wider piece of lace, you can simply sew the ribbon on top of the lace.

Now, cut your elastic piece. The general rule is to take 1 inch off the thigh measurement. Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and insert it into the channel created between the ribbon and lace. As you guide the elastic through, the lace will begin to gather. Once the elastic is all the way through, pin both ends to keep them secure.

Finally, sew up each end to hold the elastic in place. Then, turn the garter so that the right sides are together, making sure it's not twisted anywhere in the middle. Sew the two ends together and trim the seam allowance.

Adding elastic to the garter

Cutting the Elastic:

Start by measuring the circumference of the thigh, a little above the knee. For an elasticated garter, you can estimate or use your own thigh circumference as a guide. The general rule is to take 1 inch off the thigh measurement. However, you can adjust this later if needed. Cut a piece of 1/4-inch elastic to this length.

Attaching the Elastic:

Using a safety pin or bodkin, thread the elastic between the layers of ribbon and lace. You can create a casing for the elastic by sewing the ribbon and lace together, or use the ribbon as the elastic casing, sewing the elastic directly onto the ribbon.

Securing the Elastic:

Align one end of the elastic with one end of the ribbon and stitch them together. Continue pulling the elastic through, and align its other end with the opposite end of the ribbon. Stitch the elastic in place. This secures the elastic within the garter.

Sewing the Ends:

Place the wrong sides of the garter together, aligning the ends and edges. Sew a seam using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance. Fold the garter along the sewn seam, bringing the right sides together, and sew another seam, enclosing the raw edges. This creates a neat finish and ensures the elastic is securely held within the garter.

Adjusting the Length:

Before securing both ends, you can adjust the length of the elastic. Spread the gathers evenly along the length of the elastic, trying it around your leg to check the fit. If needed, trim the elastic to achieve the desired length and fit.

Final Steps:

Once the elastic is secured and the ends are sewn, turn the garter right side out. You can now decorate the garter as desired. Embellishments may include ribbons, buttons, beads, or embroidery.

Embellishing the garter

Now that you have the basic structure of your garter, it's time to make it unique. Embellishing the garter is the fun part. There are endless ways to personalise your garter, from adding a pop of colour to including the couple's initials. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Ribbons and Bows

• Cut three 6-inch pieces of 1/4-inch-wide ribbon. Keeping one side of the ribbon up, loop it and lay it on top of itself. Repeat for all three pieces, pinning the overlap in place. Then, lay all the sections on top of each other and fan the loops. Hand-sew the loops in place and sew a decoration, such as a button or bead, on top of the loop intersection.
• Create a hand-tied bow and embroider the couple's initials onto each tail of the ribbon.
• Make a simple satin bow, topped with a pearl or bead.

Flowers

• Choose your favourite flowers, colours, and gemstones to add to your garter. You can either sew or glue these on.
• Add a shocking pink chiffon flower and a bit of curly ostrich feather for a fun addition.

Lace and Fabric

• Sew or glue a piece of lace onto one edge of the ribbon.
• Use solid fabric instead of ruffled lace and embroider the couple's initials and wedding date on it.
• Use fold-over elastic as the base for your garter. It is extremely soft and offers a generous amount of stretch, giving the bride the option of choosing how formal she'd like to go.

Charms and Buttons

• Add a charm with two jump rings. Open one jump ring and clasp it around the lace.
• Sew a coloured ribbon that's less than 1-inch wide on top of the outer satin ribbon. Consider using a novelty ribbon, such as one for a sports team, for a fun touch.
• Sew on a vintage-looking button as an embellishment.

Frequently asked questions