Creating A Stretch Lace Wedding Garter

Making a wedding garter with stretch lace is a simple DIY project that can be completed in under an hour. The materials you will need include stretch lace, ribbon, elastic, and optional decorations such as rhinestones, beads, or a charm. First, measure the circumference of your leg where you want to wear the garter and cut your lace and ribbon accordingly, adding a few extra inches to allow for gathering. Sew the ribbon on top of the lace, then sew the opposite edge of the ribbon to the lace. Pin a safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread it between the ribbon and lace. Gather the elastic as you go, making sure it is shorter than the ribbon and lace. Once the elastic is all the way through, sew down the side of the lace, trim the strings, and turn the garter right side out. You can now add any desired decorations to your custom wedding garter!

Choosing the right stretch lace

When choosing the right stretch lace for your wedding garter, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to make sure the lace is stretchy enough to fit comfortably around your leg without falling down. It's important to measure the circumference of your leg at the desired wear point and then cut the lace accordingly, usually allowing for some overlap with the ribbon. You can also measure for a headband if you'd like a dual-purpose garter.

The type of lace you choose is also important. You can opt for a simple band of lace, or get creative with unique handmade options like rose gold vines or Swarovski-studded tulle. Consider the overall theme and style of your wedding and choose a lace that complements your dress and any other accessories. For example, a vintage-style dress might pair well with a garter made from bow-inspired guipure lace appliqués in a nude beige hue.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some embellishments to your garter. This could include sewing on a charm, button, or even the initial of your partner. You can also add some sparkle with rhinestones or opt for a pop of colour like pink or blue. Remember, the garter is a fun and personal touch, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Measuring and cutting the lace

The first step to making a wedding garter is to measure the lace before cutting it. The final product can also be worn as a headband, so measure accordingly. The lace should be cut to the same length as the ribbon.

For a simple lace garter, cut a piece of stretch lace ribbon that is about 3 inches wide. You will need enough lace to wrap around the thickest part of your thigh with about 1 inch of overlap, so make sure to measure your thigh before purchasing the ribbon. Cut a piece of lace ribbon that is 1 inch wider than your thigh measurement. Wrap the ribbon around your thigh and overlap the ends by 1 inch, then cut the ribbon at this point.

For a gathered satin and lace garter, measure around the area where you want to wear the garter, usually the centre of your thigh. Cut a piece of satin ribbon that is 1.5 times your thigh measurement, plus 1 inch for the seam allowance.

If you are making a garter with two types of lace, you will need a 26-inch piece of flat (not gathered) 2- to 2.5-inch lace with one scalloped or decorative edge, and a 26-inch piece of 1/4- to 1/2-inch flat lace with one decorative edge for the top edge of the garter.

Adding decorations (e.g. rhinestones, sequins, beads)

Adding decorations to your wedding garter can give it a unique, personalised touch. You can use rhinestones, sequins, beads, or other embellishments to make your garter stand out. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with the process:

Planning the Design

Before you start sewing, it's important to plan the design and placement of your decorations. You can arrange the rhinestones, sequins, or beads in a pattern or shape that is meaningful to you. For example, you could create the initials of your name or your partner's name. You can also add other embellishments like buttons, pearls, or charms. If you're using rhinestones, you can finalise your design and set them in place with an iron or a rhinestone setter.

Sewing the Decorations

Once you're happy with the design, it's time to sew the decorations onto the garter. Use a needle and thread to carefully attach each rhinestone, sequin, or bead to the lace or ribbon. You can also use fabric glue for a more secure finish, especially if you're working with delicate materials. Remember to keep your stitching straight and even, and try to sew as close to the edges of the decorations as possible.

Combining with Other Elements

You can combine the decorations with other elements to make your garter even more special. For example, you can add a coloured ribbon, less than 1-inch wide, on top of the outer satin ribbon. You could also use a novelty ribbon, such as one that represents your favourite sports team, for a fun and unique touch. If you want to include your "something blue", you can sew a blue ribbon or attach a small blue charm to your garter.

Final Adjustments

After you've added all the decorations, try on your garter to ensure it still fits comfortably. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure it sits snugly without being too tight. You may need to loosen or tighten the elastic band slightly. Finally, check that all the decorations are securely attached and make any necessary adjustments to their placement.

By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and personalised wedding garter with stretch lace. Adding decorations allows you to incorporate your own style and creativity into this special accessory. Enjoy crafting your unique wedding garter!

Sewing the lace and decorations together

Once you've cut your lace to size, it's time to start sewing on your decorations. This is your chance to get creative and make your garter unique. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sequins and beads: Thread a needle with 18 inches of thread that matches your lace ribbon. Tie a knot in the ends of the thread, then insert the needle through the ribbon where you want to attach a bead or sequin. Bring the needle back through to the other side of the lace. Repeat this process as many times as you like to attach more beads and sequins.
• Rhinestones: Apply a dot of hot glue to the back of a rhinestone and press it onto the lace ribbon. Hold it in place for a few seconds to ensure it bonds with the fabric. Repeat as many times as desired.
• Buttons: Sew on buttons in random spots for a fun, crafty look.
• Ribbon: 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, then sew a decoration such as a button or bead on top of the loop intersection.
• Embroidery: Use coloured ribbon, embroidery thread or fabric pens to embroider the couple's initials, the wedding date, or a design of your choice onto the lace.
• Appliqué: Sew or iron on an appliqué in a design of your choice.

Once you've finished adding your decorations, it's time to sew the ends of the lace together. Place the ends together, with the decorated side facing in, and sew a straight stitch about 0.5 inches from the raw edge. Then, turn your garter right side out, and you're done!

Adding elastic to ensure a comfortable fit

Adding elastic to your wedding garter is essential to ensure a comfortable fit. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this:

Cutting the Elastic:

Start by measuring the circumference of your leg where you plan to wear the garter. For a snug fit, subtract 3 inches from this measurement to get the length of your elastic. Cut the elastic to this length.

Attaching the Elastic:

Before attaching the elastic, it's important to keep in mind that the elastic is shorter than the ribbon and lace. Begin by attaching a large safety pin to one end of the elastic. Then, insert the elastic between the layers of ribbon and lace, using the safety pin to guide it through. This will cause the lace to start gathering. Be careful not to lose the other end of the elastic as you work.

Securing the Elastic:

Once you've guided the elastic all the way through, pin both ends to ensure they don't slip back inside. Now, stitch the ends of the elastic to the corresponding ends of the ribbon. You can stitch back and forth a few times for added security. This will ensure that your garter stays securely on your leg.

Finishing Touches:

Trim away any loose threads and ribbon ends for a neat finish. You can also do a zig-zag stitch along the cut ends to add further reinforcement and prevent fraying. Now, turn your garter right side out, and it's ready to wear!

By following these steps, you'll have a wedding garter that not only looks beautiful but also fits comfortably and securely.

Frequently asked questions