Creating A Tulle Wedding Veil: A Step-By-Step Guide

How to Make a Wedding Veil Out of Tulle

Making a wedding veil out of tulle is a great way to save money and create a unique bridal accessory. Tulle is a lightweight, soft fabric that drapes beautifully and is available in a range of colours and widths. The steps below will guide you through the process of making a classic wedding veil.

Step 1: Measure and Purchase Tulle

First, decide how long you want the veil to be. Measure from the top of your head to where you want the veil to end. Common veil lengths include shoulder, elbow, fingertip, floor, chapel, and cathedral. Next, purchase tulle fabric, which typically comes in widths of 72 or 108 inches. For shorter veils, 55-inch-wide tulle can be used.

Step 2: Cut the Tulle

Cut the bottom of the veil into a rounded rectangle or leave it rectangular. Fold the tulle in half and cut the bottom corners off so they are rounded. You can also cut the veil in a circle if you want to make a blusher veil.

Step 3: Add Trim (Optional)

Consider adding trim to the rounded edge of the veil. You can hand-sew a beaded trim or sew narrow, white satin ribbon an inch or two from the edge, then trim off the excess tulle.

Step 4: Sew the Top Edge

Sew across the top, straight edge of the veil. This can be done by hand using a running stitch or on a sewing machine using a straight stitch. Sew two rows about half an inch apart. For a full veil, sew all the way across the top edge. For a less full veil, sew only the centre portion, leaving a gap on either side.

Step 5: Gather the Tulle and Attach to a Comb

Gather your stitching and tie off the thread. Pull on the end of the stitching until the gathered area is the same width as your hair comb, about 2 to 4 inches. Tie off the thread and cut off the excess. Sew the tulle to the comb by wrapping the thread around the comb and between the teeth.

Step 6: Decorate the Comb (Optional)

Decorate the comb by sewing on pearls, silk flowers, beads, or rhinestones. You can also wrap ribbon or tulle around the comb first.

Measure the length of the veil

For a wedding veil that reaches the floor and has a dramatic effect, you'll need to carefully measure the length to ensure it is the correct size. The first step is to decide how long you want your veil to be. Traditional veils often reach the floor, but you may prefer a shorter option that falls at the waist or shoulders. If you are opting for a floor-length veil, it is important to consider the height of your wedding shoes. Put on the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day, or similar ones if you don't have them yet. Stand up straight and measure from the top of your head to the floor. This will give you the total length needed for your veil.

If you want a blusher veil, which is a shorter veil that covers your face as you walk down the aisle, you will need to add an additional 25-30 inches to your measurement. This extra length will ensure that the blusher veil reaches your chin or nose and can be easily lifted after the reveal. It is also important to consider the placement of the veil on your head. If you plan to wear it towards the back of your head, you may need to add a few inches to your measurement to account for this.

When measuring the length, it is always better to have too much fabric than too little. You can always trim the veil if it is too long, but you cannot add more fabric if it turns out too short. So, add a few extra inches to your final measurement to allow for any adjustments and to ensure the veil gracefully touches the floor. Once you have your measurements, you can cut the tulle accordingly, keeping in mind that you may want to create a layered effect with varying lengths of tulle for a more voluminous and textured veil.

If you are unsure or prefer a more relaxed approach, you can also opt for a simple method. Some brides prefer to eyeball the length, especially if they are going for a less formal or more whimsical look. In this case, you can simply cut the tulle to a length that looks right to you, allowing for some extra fabric for adjustments and any desired styling. This method may be more suitable for those who want a shorter veil that doesn't need to reach the floor with precise accuracy.

Buy the tulle and other supplies

To make a wedding veil out of tulle, you will need to buy the tulle and other supplies. Here is a list of the supplies you will need:

• Tulle: The type of tulle you buy will depend on the length of the veil you want. For a shorter veil, consider getting tulle that is around 55 inches wide. For a mid-length veil, look for tulle that is around 72 inches wide. For a long veil, consider getting 108-inch wide tulle. You can buy tulle at any craft or fabric store.
• Nylon micro-filament thread: This type of thread is strong and durable, making it ideal for sewing tulle.
• Straight pins: These will help you secure the tulle in place while you are cutting and sewing it.
• Sharp scissors: You will need sharp scissors to cut the tulle cleanly and precisely.
• Beads or trim (optional): You can add beads or trim to decorate your veil.

When buying your supplies, make sure you have enough tulle. A wedding veil is usually oval-shaped, so double-check the width of your tulle to ensure it is less than or equal to the length you measured for your veil.

Cut the tulle

Cutting the tulle is the first step in making a wedding veil. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Tulle

Before you start cutting, decide how long you want your veil to be. Measure from the top of your head to where you want the veil to end and double that length. For example, a typical fingertip-length veil will be between three and four feet long, so you'll need 6 to 8 feet (2 to 2.5 yards) of tulle.

The width of the tulle will depend on how full you want your veil to be. Tulle typically comes in widths of 72 or 108 inches. For a fuller veil, use the 108-inch wide tulle.

Once you've determined the length and width, it's time to cut the tulle. First, fold the tulle in half lengthwise, then measure and cut the tulle to the desired length. If you're using very wide fabric, you may need to fold it in half twice to ensure the length is consistent across.

After cutting the length, you'll need to even out the long edges and get rid of the selvedges (the tightly woven edges of the fabric). Keep the fabric folded as before, then fold it again widthwise so that the selvedges are stacked together. Using a long ruler or straight edge, cut off the selvedges to create a 90-degree angle along the long edge.

Step 2: Shape the Tulle

The next step is to shape the tulle. You can create a rounded rectangle, oval, or circle shape, depending on your preference. To create a rounded rectangle, unfold the tulle so that it is folded in half lengthwise. Then, fold it again crosswise, bringing the right edge towards the left edge. You can match the ends for a single-length veil or leave a few inches between the edges for a layered look.

If you're creating an oval or circle shape, you'll need to round off the corners. With the fabric still folded, pin along the edges to prevent slipping. Use a large piece of paper to mark where you want the curve to start and end. Then, freehand a curve with a pencil, adjusting until you're happy with the look. Place the paper underneath the tulle and use a fabric marker to transfer the curve. Finally, cut along the line.

Step 3: Gather and Sew the Tulle

Now it's time to gather and sew the tulle. First, decide whether you want to gather the tulle in the centre or across the entire width. Gathering in the centre will create a cascading effect, while gathering across the entire width will result in a fuller, puffier look at the top.

Use a needle and strong thread to gather the tulle. Weave the thread in and out with small stitches, then pull the thread to gather the tulle to the desired width (about 2 inches). Knot the thread securely.

Step 4: Attach the Veil to a Comb

To wear the veil, you'll need to attach it to a hair comb, barrette, or another type of hairpiece. Gather the tulle by the centre and sew it securely to the comb. If you plan to wear a tiara, you can sew the veil to a simple French comb so that you can easily remove the veil while keeping the tiara on.

Step 5: Add Embellishments (Optional)

Your veil is now ready to wear, but you may want to decorate it further. You can sew a thin satin ribbon along the edges of the veil, either by hand or using a sewing machine. You can also add beads, gemstones, or other decorative elements to personalise your veil.

Add embellishments

The beading, trim, or lace you affix onto your veil is completely up to you. Brides creating their own DIY wedding veil have chosen lace, beads, or ribbon. You’ll probably want to hand-sew any embellishments you choose. Here’s where you might want to enlist the help of your maid of honor or one of your bridesmaids!

If you're planning to add trim, use a tulle that has a stiffer feel to it.

If you are sewing ribbon onto the edge, sew it an inch or two (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) away from the edge first, then trim off the excess tulle.

If you're planning to add trim, use a tulle that has a stiffer feel to it.

If you are sewing the veil to a fancy comb, sew it just behind the embellishments so that you don't cover anything up.

If you wish to add lace or ribbon trim to your veil, consider using nylon thread. This way, it will be less visible.

You can always cut your veil longer than 9 inches (22.86 centimeters), especially if you want it to go past your chin.

If you want the veil to completely wrap around your head, measure the circumference of your head, add a couple of inches, and use that measurement for the width instead.

If you're adding a blusher veil, cut it in a circle.

You can leave your veil rectangular, but a rounded bottom will give you a nicer shape.

You can hand-sew a beaded trim for something more delicate.

You can also sew some narrow, white, satin ribbon instead.

You can leave the comb as is, and choose to cover it with a chic, vintage hat.

You can also embellish it with rhinestones, peals, feathers, or beads that match your beading dress.

You can always tuck the comb behind a tiara on your special day, or you can decorate the comb itself.

Consider adding a ribbon trim to the bottom edge of your veil. Choose some thin, satin ribbon, and pin it to the bottom tier, 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) away from the edge. Sew the ribbon on using the straight stitch on your sewing machine, then trim the excess tulle away. Repeat this step for the other tier.

Alternatively, you can hand-sew a beaded trim instead.

Attach the veil to a hair comb

Now that you've gathered your veil, it's time to attach it to a hair comb. This is a simple process that can be done by hand or with a sewing machine. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Prepare the hair comb

Before you attach the veil to the comb, you'll need to wrap the comb with tulle or ribbon. This will create a platform for you to stitch the veil onto. Cut a strip of tulle or ribbon about 1 inch wide and long enough to wrap around the comb. Starting at one end of the comb, hold the end of the strip in place with your thumb and begin to wrap the strip around the comb. Wrap it a few times at each end and in between the teeth of the comb. Secure the end of the strip with a pin and stitch it in place by hand.

Step 2: Gather the veil

If you're making a two-layer veil, fold the fabric in half widthwise. Most veils leave one layer longer than the other, so play around with the length until you're happy with it. Mark with pins where you will gather the fabric. This will determine the shape of the veil. Using a running stitch, baste along the gather line, staying within the area marked with pins. You can also use a sewing machine for this step if you prefer.

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. You may not need to pull the threads as tightly as possible, depending on the look you want to achieve. Pin the gathers into place along the top of the comb and secure the ends of the basting threads by wrapping them around a pin. Stop and check the style before sewing! This is the easiest time to change the shape of the veil if needed.

Step 4: Stitch the veil to the comb

Using a needle and thread, stitch the veil to the comb by hand, 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.

Step 5: Cover the gathered edge (optional)

This step is optional but will give your veil a more polished look. Cut a length of ribbon the size of your comb plus a few inches. If you're using a natural fiber ribbon, tuck the ends under before stitching to prevent fraying. 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 the ribbon in place along the top and bottom, wrapping the ends around the back of the comb.

Frequently asked questions