Creating A Wedding Gown Belt: Embellishing The Bridal Look

A wedding gown belt is a great way to add a personalised touch to your wedding dress. It can accentuate your waistline, add sparkle, colour or texture, and is an easy way to customise your gown without breaking the bank. You can make your own bridal belt with ribbon, lace, appliques, vintage trims and buttons, and other embellishments. You can also buy a completed crystal applique from a craft store and simply glue it to a ribbon.

Choosing your materials

The materials you choose for your wedding gown belt will depend on the style and colour of your gown, as well as the theme and formality of your wedding. You can opt for a simple design or a more ornate, glamorous look.

Ribbons

Ribbons are a staple for bridal belts. For a heavier design with crystals or appliques, choose a sturdy satin ribbon, at least 1.5" wide. For a more lightweight or simple design, a sheer ribbon will work well. You can also choose the colour of the ribbon to complement your gown.

Lace

Lace is another classic choice for bridal accessories. You can buy lace fabric or lace ribbon, depending on the look you want to achieve. If you're using lace fabric for your belt, you can incorporate it into other accessories, like your veil.

Appliques

Appliques are a great way to add dimension, texture, and shine to your belt. You can find simple floral appliques or more intricate beaded options. You can even layer them for a unique design.

Vintage Trims and Buttons

Vintage trims and buttons can make your belt truly unique and special. Look for deadstock items that are no longer in production to ensure sustainability.

Crystals and Rhinestones

Crystals and rhinestones add sparkle and glamour to your belt. You can find various shapes and sizes, including round, almond-shaped, and navette crystals. You can also choose different settings and colours to match your gown.

Pearls

Pearls are a classic choice for bridal belts, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. You can use them as a simple strand or incorporate them into more intricate designs.

Other Embellishments

In addition to the materials mentioned above, you can also explore other embellishments like beads, flowers, or metallic details. You can also mix and match different elements to create a unique and personalised belt.

Cutting out your circles

The first step in making a beaded belt for a wedding dress is cutting out your circles. The pattern will consist of three circles linked together. The central circle should be 50.88mm in diameter, while the circles on either side should be 44.45mm in diameter.

To trace these circles onto your felt, you will need a pen and a circle template. First, carefully hold down your felt and place the template on top. Then, trace the largest circle in the centre. Make sure you use the 50.8mm circle on the template—accurate measurement is key to success.

Next, trace the smaller 44.45mm circle on the right and left sides of the central circle, making sure they slightly overlap the centre circle.

Now, cut out the marked area with scissors. Cut carefully along the inside of the pen line, as you will need to trace the penned pattern. This will ensure there are no pen marks left on the felt. If there are any light pen marks after cutting, you can cover them up with beads and crystals, but it is best to avoid leaving marks if possible.

Cutting and knotting the thread

Now that you've cut out the marked area, you'll need to hand-stitch all the crystals and pearls onto the felt pattern, going round and round in rows. To begin the first row, you'll need to alternate between pearls and crystals to make it appealing and colourful.

Before adding the crystals, you'll need to thread the needle. To begin, cut a piece of thread from the spool—it doesn't matter how long the thread is as you'll eventually need more. Once you've cut your thread, pass one end of the thread through the needle's eye, then fold the thread in half. To knot the thread, wrap the two ends around your pointer finger, then run your finger back and forth to ensure the thread is twisted enough. Roll the loop off your finger and hold onto the edge of the loop. Pull it down to create a tiny knot.

After you've finished knotting your thread, pass the needle through the circle's bottom and pull the thread through until the knot stops you from pulling any further.

Once you've run out of thread, you'll need to knot the end and cut it. Ensure the length of your thread doesn't get too short, or you won't be able to cut it. Position the needle behind the felt, then pass the needle through an already-placed stitch. Don't worry if it's messy, as the felt piece will be glued to the satin ribbon, so no one will see the stitches on the back of the felt.

Once you've inserted the needle underneath the stitch, pull it enough to create a loop, then slip the needle through the loop and pull the thread out tightly. Repeat the process one more time, and you should have a knot. Now, snip the thread with your scissors, ensuring your thread is fairly short.

Stitching crystals and pearls

Now that you have your materials and have cut out your circles, it's time to stitch the crystals and pearls onto the felt pattern. This will form the basis of your bridal belt.

To begin, cut a piece of thread from your spool. It doesn't matter how long the thread is as you will eventually need to cut more. Thread the needle and fold the thread in half. To knot the thread, wrap the two ends around your pointer finger and run your finger back and forth to ensure the thread is twisted enough. Roll the loop off your finger, hold onto the edge, and pull it down to create a tiny knot.

Pass the needle through the circle's bottom and pull the thread through until the knot stops you from pulling any further.

On the first row of the pattern, you will alternate between pearls and crystals. Pick up one SS19 pointed back crystal and fix the needle through two of the four holes at the bottom. String the crystal onto the thread and slide it down to the felt pattern. Poke the needle downwards into the felt to secure the bead with a hand stitch. Keep the crystals and beads tightly placed together so that the white felt won't be seen underneath. Continue until you run out of thread.

After adding your first crystal, your needle should be at the back of the felt. Poke the needle through the back of the felt and pull it tight. Now, add a pearl bead and slide it down to the felt. Poke the needle right next to the pearl, bringing it to the back of the felt to secure the pearl and complete your second stitch.

Continue alternating one crystal and one pearl all the way to the edge of your circle pattern. When you reach the end, knot the thread and cut it, ensuring the length doesn't get too short. Position the needle behind the felt and pass it through an already placed stitch. Slip the needle through the loop and pull out the thread. Repeat this process one more time to create a knot. Now, cut the thread.

Cut a new piece of thread, knot it, and pass the needle through the back of the felt. Continue adding beads until you have gone around the pattern's edge.

For the second row, you will only be using pearls. If you still have thread left over, keep using it. Add the pearls just below the first row of beads, ensuring they are close together. Continue adding the rest of the pearls around the pattern to complete the second row.

For the third row, you will be fixing crystals. Pick up the 6mm round loch rosen crystal and start adding the crystals right below the second row of pearls. Sew this bead by picking the needle through the hole at the centre. As soon as the crystal is lying down on the felt, poke the needle to the right side, immediately after the crystal. This will secure one side. Poke the needle again through to the front and through the centre of the crystal. Poke the needle into the left side, right next to the crystal, to secure both sides. Continue this process until you have added the flat crystals to each circle in the pattern. Cut your thread and start with a new thread for the next step.

Now, add the 12mm crystal to the centre of the centre circle. Sew on the crystal in the same way you did the other smaller crystals in the third row. Place the crystal in the middle of the circle to ensure its centrality. Slip the needle through the back of the felt and through a hole in the crystal. Put the needle through the front side of the felt just before the crystal. Poke the needle through the back of the felt and slip it through the crystal's second hole.

Attaching the applique to the ribbon

• Prepare the Ribbon: Start by choosing a ribbon that complements your wedding gown. Cut the ribbon to the desired length, ensuring it is long enough to tie around your waist comfortably. Consider the type of ribbon as well; a sturdy satin ribbon is ideal for heavier appliques, while a sheer ribbon works better for lightweight designs.
• Fold and Mark the Ribbon: Neatly fold the ribbon in half to determine its centre. This is where you will attach the applique. You can use a fabric marker or a small dot of fabric glue to mark the centre point.
• Apply Adhesive: There are a few methods you can use to attach the applique to the ribbon. One option is to use fabric glue specifically designed for wedding gowns, such as E6000 glue. Ensure your work area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling the glue's fumes.
• Position the Applique: With the glue applied to the back of the applique, carefully position it on the centre of the ribbon. Hold it in place for a few minutes to allow the glue to set and secure the applique.
• Finishing Touches: Once the glue has dried, check that the applique is securely attached. You can also use a needle and thread to reinforce the attachment by sewing along the edges of the applique. This extra step ensures that your applique remains in place through your wedding celebrations.
• Angling the Ribbon Ends: For a polished look, you can angle the ends of the ribbon. Use sharp fabric scissors to cut the ribbon at a diagonal or your desired shape. This step is optional but can add a touch of elegance to your wedding gown belt.

By following these steps, you will have successfully attached the applique to the ribbon for your wedding gown belt. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area when using adhesives, and always allow adequate drying time before handling the belt extensively.

Frequently asked questions