Crafting A Wedding Veil: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making your own wedding veil is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your big day. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a simple veil.

Materials

- Tulle (a.k.a. netting) in 72 or 108 width, depending on how full you want your veil to be.

- Needle and thread

- Comb or barrette to attach the veil to your hair

- Any trim you want to add, such as ribbon, lace, or beads

Steps

1. Measure from the top of your head to where you want the veil to end and double that length. This will give you the total length of fabric you need. For example, a fingertip-length veil will be between three and four feet long, so you'll need 6 to 8 feet of tulle.

2. Cut the tulle to the desired length, keeping it folded in half lengthwise.

3. Round off the top corners of the fabric to create a quarter-circle shape.

4. Refold the tule crosswise so that the folded edge is at the top. You can match the ends for a single-length veil or leave a few inches between the edges for a layered look.

5. Gather the centre of the tulle with a needle and strong thread, pulling it together so that it's about 2 inches wide. Knot the thread securely.

6. Attach the gathered tulle to your comb or barrette by sewing it securely in place.

7. (Optional) Decorate your veil by sewing on a thin satin ribbon along the edges, or adding beads, gemstones, or other decorative elements.

Choosing the right fabric

When making a wedding veil, choosing the right fabric is essential. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the material for your veil:

Fabric Type

The most popular fabric for wedding veils is tulle, a lightweight and soft fabric that drapes beautifully. Tulle is available in different widths, with 54'' and 108'' being the most common. For a fuller, more voluminous veil, wider fabric is recommended. If you're creating a long veil, such as a cathedral-length veil, consider using a wider fabric to avoid seams.

Other fabric options include organza, a stiff and structured fabric that provides an air of mystery due to its opacity, and silk, which is the ultimate in luxury and known for its high quality. However, silk can be more difficult to care for and prone to snagging and tearing.

Colour

When choosing the colour of your veil fabric, consider whether you want it to match your wedding gown or be one shade lighter for a traditional bridal look. The most common veil colours are white, off-white or diamond white, light ivory, ivory, blush, and nude. If you're looking for a wider range of colour options, bridal illusion tulle is a good choice.

Texture and Weight

The texture and weight of the fabric will impact the overall look and feel of your veil. If you're creating a draped veil or cape, choose a heavier and weightier fabric such as English net, which is super-soft and perfect for achieving a graceful drape. On the other hand, if you want a puffy veil, opt for a lighter fabric like bridal illusion tulle.

Fray Resistance

If you're planning to cut your fabric, select a material that is fray-resistant to prevent the edges from unraveling. Some fabrics, such as organza, require special finishing techniques like hemming or trimming to prevent fraying.

Comfort

Since you'll be wearing your veil for several hours, choose a soft fabric that won't irritate your skin. Bridal illusion tulle is a good option as it is softer than traditional tulle and whisper-light on the head.

Cutting the veil

Step 1: Measure and cut the fabric

First, measure the length of the veil. Place and hold one end of the measuring tape where you intend to insert the clip or comb. Run the measuring tape down your back until it reaches the appropriate length. Write down the measurement.

Next, cut your veil. Measure and mark the length of the veil. Carefully cut the fabric to the desired length. If you wish, you may round the bottom corners of the veil.

Step 2: Fold the fabric

Fold the material into quarters. Lay the material on a flat, clean surface. Fold the material in half lengthwise. Then, fold the material in half widthwise.

Step 3: Round off the corners

Locate the corner of the material where all four layers are separate. Use a pair of fabric scissors to round off the corners. You may measure this curve or choose to eyeball it. To achieve a smooth curve, carefully trim off the rough edges.

Step 4: Fold down the blusher

Unfold the material and lay it out flat once again. Fold the top edge of the veil down so that it lays on top of the bottom layer of material. Adjust the length of the top layer until it is as long as the blusher measurement.

Step 5: Stitch the veil

Sew two rows of stitches across the top of the veil. Set your sewing machine to the largest stitch length. Sew a straight line of stitches across the top of the veil (widthwise) approximately 1 inch from the top edge. Do not backstitch or cut the bobbin thread short, but leave a long tail. Sew a second straight row of stitches approximately 1.5 inches down from the first row. Leave a long bobbin thread.

Step 6: Gather the fabric

Pull the bobbin threads to gather the fabric. Gather both of the bobbin threads in one of your hands. Lose hold onto the veil at the stitch lines in your other hand. Pull on the bobbin threads as you gently push the fabric together. Stop gathering the fabric once it has reached the length of your comb. Tie each of the bobbin threads in knots. Trim the excess thread and fabric above the top row of stitches.

Sewing the veil

Step 1: Gathering the Materials

Before you start sewing, you will need to gather the following materials:

• Veil fabric (tulle, organza, or fine cotton/linen)
• Hair comb
• Ribbon (optional)
• Rolled hem foot
• Fabric scissors or rotary cutter and cutting mat
• Long ruler or meter stick or straight edge
• Fabric marker
• Thimble (optional)

Step 2: Cutting the Fabric

Determine the desired length and style of your veil. The standard veil lengths include blusher, elbow, waist, mid-hip, hip, fingertip, waltz, ankle, chapel, and cathedral. Mark the fabric with a fabric marker and cut it to the desired length. If you want a two-tier veil, you will need to cut the fabric twice as long.

Step 3: Hemming the Edges (Optional)

There are two ways to finish the edges of the veil: a rolled hem or a trimmed hem. For a rolled hem, use a rolled hem foot and sew along the edge of the fabric. For a trimmed hem, pin a trim (such as satin or grosgrain ribbon) to the edge of the veil and sew it in place.

Step 4: Gathering the Fabric

Fold the fabric in half widthwise and mark the center point. Using a needle and thread, create a running stitch along the center fold. Pull the ends of the thread to gather the fabric to the desired width.

Step 5: Attaching the Comb

Place the comb on top of the gathered fabric and pin it in place. Stitch the veil to the comb by hand, making sure to secure each gather. Remove the basting thread from the previous step.

Step 6: Adding a Ribbon (Optional)

Cut a length of ribbon that is slightly longer than the width of the comb. Pin the ribbon along the top of the comb, covering the gathered fabric and stitching. Stitch the ribbon in place along the top and bottom, wrapping the ends around the back of the comb.

Attaching the comb

Step 1: Prepare the comb

Using the scraps from cutting your veil, wrap the comb. You can also use ribbon or even garment tape. The goal here is to make a platform to stitch the veil to later.

You'll need a piece of tulle about 1 inch wide by about a yard long.

Starting at one end of the comb, hold the end of the tulle strip in place with your thumb. Then, begin to wrap the tulle around the end of the comb about 3-4 times.

Wrap your way across the comb, working 2-3 wraps between each of the comb's teeth and covering the starting end of the strip. Adjust the number of wraps depending on how much bulk you want at the comb.

When you reach the other side, wrap 3-4 times around the end of the comb, then pull the remaining bit of the strip around the back of the comb towards the centre. Trim the excess strip and fold under the end so no raw edges are showing. Pin in place.

Stitch the end of the strip into place by hand. If needed, now is a good time to stitch the ends to themselves as well to prevent any slipping.

Step 2: Gather the veil

For most veils, you will have two layers of fabric. If you want a blusher, the comb will go on the underside (wrong side) of the veil and you will not need to fold the fabric in half first. If you want a mantilla-style veil, skip this step entirely – no gathers are needed.

To get started gathering, fold the fabric in half widthwise. Most veils leave one layer a bit longer than the other – now is the time to play around with that option.

If you don't want a blusher but only want one layer of fabric, skip the folding.

Mark with pins where you will gather the fabric. This determines the shape of the veil. For a cascading veil, gather the centre 1/3 of the fabric along the fold. For a standard veil, gather all the way along the width of the fabric.

Using a running stitch, baste along the gather line, staying within the area you marked with pins (use a sewing machine on the longest stitch size to do this in a hurry).

Best practice when gathering is to do this twice about 1/4 inch apart and about 1/4 inch from the fold. This will give you the most control when gathering the fabric.

Step 3: Pin the veil to the comb

Pull on the ends of the basting threads to gather the fabric to the size of the comb. For most veils, this will not mean pulling as tightly as possible.

Pin the gathers into place along the top of the comb. Hold the ends of the basting threads in place by wrapping them tightly around a pin and pinning to the veil.

For non-gathered veils, lay out your veil fabric and decide where you want the comb to be. Then, pin to the comb.

STOP and check the style before sewing! This is the only time when it will be easy to change the shape of the veil. If you're stitching solo, you can use the timer on your camera to get a photo while you model the veil.

Step 4: Stitch the veil to the comb

By hand, stitch the veil to the comb, working the needle into the wrapped fabric from before.

Keep your stitches small and make sure every gather is stitched down.

When finished, remove the basting threads from earlier.

Step 5: Cover the gathered edge

This step is completely optional, but makes for a prettier comb. Skip if you're pressed for time.

Cut a length of ribbon the size of your comb plus a few inches. If you're using grosgrain ribbon, carefully use a flame to melt the ends of the ribbon (do not do this with natural fibres).

Pin the ribbon in place along the comb so that it covers the edges of the gathers and the stitching from attaching the veil to the comb.

Stitch into place along the top and bottom, wrapping the ends of the ribbon around the back of the comb.

For natural fibre ribbons, tuck under the ends of the ribbon before stitching into place to prevent fraying.

For veils where the comb is completely underneath the tulle, the ribbon won't wrap around. Simply tuck under the ends and keep the ribbon along the top of the comb.

Adding decorations

There are many ways to add decorations to a wedding veil. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Adding Trim

A simple way to decorate a veil is to add trim to the edges. You can hand-sew beaded trim for a delicate look or sew narrow, white, satin ribbon an inch or two away from the edge. If you plan on adding trim, use a stiffer tulle.

Sewing on Decorations

You can also sew on decorations, such as pearls, silk flowers, beads, or rhinestones, to the comb of the veil. Be sure to choose decorations that match the wedding dress. If you must glue something on, use fabric glue as hot glue tends to get messy and can melt on a hot day.

Using Ribbon

Ribbon is an easy way to add a decorative touch to your veil. You can cut a length of ribbon to the size of your comb, plus a few extra inches, and pin it in place so that it covers the edge of the gathers and the stitching from attaching the veil to the comb. Then, stitch the ribbon into place along the top and bottom, wrapping the ends around the back of the comb. For natural fiber ribbons, tuck under the ends before stitching to prevent fraying.

Creating a Tiered Effect

For a tiered veil, you can create a second tier by folding the tulle and rounding the top-left edge of the rectangle. This will give you a rounded rectangle shape when you unfold the fabric. You can adjust the length of the second tier to your preference. Sew across the folded, straight edge, gather your stitching, and attach the veil to a hair comb as described in the previous sections.

Making a Birdcage Veil

A birdcage veil is made from stiffer lace that goes across the face. To make one, cut a piece of veil or millinery netting to size (typically 9 inches high and 16-18 inches wide) and fold it in half widthwise. Cut the top-left corner off at an angle so that when you unfold the veil, you have a trapezoid shape. Sew across the top and angled edges, gather your stitching, and attach the veil to a comb. You can decorate the comb or leave it plain and cover it with a chic, vintage hat.

Frequently asked questions