Creating A Wedding Veil: Attaching A Comb

Making your own wedding veil is a great way to save money and create a unique, custom veil to complement your wedding dress. It can be done in just a few hours, or even in an afternoon, and is a fun project to do with a friend or family member.

To make a wedding veil, you will need a hair comb, tulle, scissors, a needle and thread, and any embellishments you want to add, such as lace, ribbon, or beads. You will also need to decide on the length and style of your veil. Common veil lengths include shoulder, elbow, fingertip, floor, chapel, and cathedral, while styles include single-tier, double-tier, full, and drop veils.

Once you have your supplies and design ready, you can begin by cutting your tulle to the desired length and shape. You may want to round the corners of your veil to create a softer look. Then, sew your veil to the comb, either by hand or using a sewing machine. Finally, add any embellishments you have chosen to decorate your veil. And that's it! You now have a beautiful, custom wedding veil.

Choosing the right fabric

The fabric you choose for your wedding veil is important, as it will determine how well your veil drapes and falls. Here are some tips for choosing the right fabric:

• Tulle is the most common fabric used for wedding veils. It is available in different widths, typically ranging from 55 inches to 108 inches (139.7 centimetres to 274.32 centimetres). The wider the tulle, the fuller and poofier your veil will be.
• If you are making a shorter veil, such as a shoulder-length or elbow-length veil, consider using tulle that is around 55 inches (139.7 centimetres) wide. For a mid-length veil, 72 inches (182.88 centimetres) is a good width.
• For a very long veil, such as a floor-length, chapel-length, or cathedral-length veil, you may want to use 108-inch (274.32-centimetre) wide tulle to create a more proportionate look.
• In addition to the width, consider the length of your veil. The standard veil lengths include shoulder, elbow, fingertip, floor, chapel, and cathedral. Customise the length to match your body proportions.
• If you are creating a two-tier veil, you will need to measure and add the lengths of both tiers to determine the total fabric length needed.
• When purchasing tulle, look for nylon or silk varieties. You can also use other lightweight fabrics such as organza or fine cotton/linen, ensuring the bride can see through the fabric easily.
• If you want a stiffer veil with more structure, choose a tulle that has a stiffer feel to it, especially if you plan to add trim or embellishments.
• For a birdcage-style veil, consider using veil or millinery netting instead of tulle. This type of netting is stiffer and has bigger, diamond-shaped openings. Russian and French netting are popular choices, with synthetic netting providing more structure and silk netting offering a softer feel.
• When cutting your fabric, use a rotary cutter instead of hand scissors to achieve a cleaner, less choppy finish.
• If you want to add trim or embellishments to your veil, such as lace, beads, or ribbon, choose a fabric that will complement these additions. Hand-sewing is often the best method for attaching these details.
• Keep in mind that your veil fabric should be easy to work with and complement the style of your wedding dress. It is also important to ensure that the fabric is comfortable and breathable, especially if your wedding will be held outdoors or in a warm climate.

Cutting the veil

Preparing the Fabric:

First, determine the desired length and shape of your veil. The standard veil lengths include shoulder, elbow, fingertip, floor, chapel, and cathedral. Cut the fabric to the required length, using a rotary cutter for a cleaner finish. If you want a rounded veil, fold the fabric in half lengthwise and widthwise, then cut the bottom corners to create a rounded rectangle. For an oval or circular veil, adjust the folding and cutting technique accordingly.

Trimming and Hemming:

To create a more elegant shape, trim the corners of the fabric. For an oval veil, fold the fabric into quarters and cut the corners accordingly. You can also use a large piece of paper to mark the desired curve before transferring it to the fabric. After cutting, consider adding a trim to the edge, such as beaded trim or narrow satin ribbon. Sew the trim an inch or two away from the edge, then trim off any excess tulle.

Sewing the Veil:

Sew across the top straight edge of the veil, either by hand or using a sewing machine. If sewing by hand, use a running stitch, and if using a machine, opt for a straight stitch. Sew two rows about half an inch apart. For a full veil, sew across the entire top edge, and for a less full veil, sew only the centre part, leaving gaps on the sides.

Gathering the Fabric:

Gently tug on the bobbin threads or the end of your stitching to gather the fabric. Continue gathering until the width of the gathered area matches the width of your comb, typically 2-4 inches. Secure the thread with a knot and trim off any excess.

Now you have everything you need to attach the veil to the comb and proceed to the next steps of making your wedding veil!

Adding embellishments

If you want to add trim to the rounded edge of your veil, you can hand-sew a beaded trim for something more delicate or sew a narrow white satin ribbon. If you are planning to add trim, use a tulle that has a stiffer feel to it.

You can also decorate the comb itself with a needle and thread by sewing on some pearls, silk flowers, beads, or rhinestones. Be sure to choose something that matches your dress.

If you want to add a second tier to your veil, you can follow a similar process as above but make the second tier shorter than the first. You can also add a ribbon trim to the bottom edge of your veil. Choose a thin satin ribbon and pin it to the bottom tier, 1 to 2 inches away from the edge. Sew the ribbon on using a straight stitch on your sewing machine, then trim the excess tulle away.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to adding embellishments to your veil, so get creative and have fun with it!

Attaching the veil to a comb

Preparing the Comb:

Firstly, wrap the comb with a thin layer of fabric or ribbon. This will provide a base for attaching the veil and ensure a neat finish. Cut a strip of tulle or ribbon about 1 inch wide and long enough to wrap around the comb. Starting at one end, hold the end of the strip in place and wrap it around the comb a few times. Continue wrapping, covering the teeth of the comb, and finish by securing the end with a stitch or a knot.

Attaching the Veil:

Now it's time to attach the veil to the wrapped comb. Place the top edge of the veil along the top edge of the comb. You can use pins to hold it in place temporarily. Using a needle and thread, stitch the veil securely to the comb. Make sure to stitch through the wrapped fabric or ribbon and go around the teeth of the comb to ensure a strong hold.

Securing the Veil:

Once the veil is attached, you can further secure it by stitching along the top edge of the veil, close to the comb. This will help keep the veil in place and prevent it from slipping off the comb. You can also add a few stitches through the veil and the comb at different points to ensure a sturdy attachment.

Embellishing the Comb:

If desired, you can embellish the comb by sewing or gluing decorations onto it. You can use pearls, beads, rhinestones, or silk flowers that match your wedding dress. This step is optional but can add a beautiful, personalised touch to your veil.

Finalising the Veil:

Finally, check that the veil is securely attached to the comb. Try it on and adjust the veil as needed to ensure it falls gracefully. You can trim the veil to shape it and remove any excess fabric. If you wish, you can also add a ribbon or trim to the edge of the veil for an extra touch of elegance.

Decorating the comb

You can use a needle and thread to sew on some pearls, silk flowers, beads, or rhinestones onto the comb. Be sure to choose something that matches your dress. If you must glue something on, use fabric glue as hot glue tends to get messy and can melt on a hot day.

You can also wrap the comb with ribbon or extra tulle. Cut a length of ribbon to 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.

If you are making a two-tier veil, consider adding a ribbon trim to the bottom edge of your veil. Choose a thin, satin ribbon and pin it to the bottom tier, 1 to 2 inches away from the edge. Sew the ribbon on using a 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.

Frequently asked questions