Crafting A Wedding Veil: A Guide To Making Yours

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.

Step 1: Choose your veil style and length

There are several veil styles to choose from, including blusher, elbow-length, waist-length, hip-length, fingertip, waltz, ankle, chapel, and cathedral. Decide which style you prefer and measure the desired length.

Step 2: Gather your materials

You'll need tulle or another lightweight fabric, a needle and thread, and a comb or barrette to attach the veil to your hair. You can also add decorative elements like lace, ribbon, or beads.

Step 3: Cut and prepare the fabric

Cut the fabric to the desired length, rounding the corners if desired. Iron the fabric to remove any wrinkles.

Step 4: Gather the fabric

Sew two rows of stitches across the top of the veil, then pull the bobbin threads to gather the fabric until it's the right length to attach to your comb or barrette.

Step 5: Attach the veil to the comb

Stitch the gathered fabric securely to the comb. If you're making a two-tier veil, repeat the gathering and attaching steps for the second tier.

Choosing the right fabric

The first step in making a wedding veil is to decide on the style and length of the veil. The length of the veil can vary from a blusher, which rests just below the shoulders, to a cathedral veil, which has a long train. The length of the veil will determine the amount of fabric required.

The next step is to choose the fabric. Tulle is the most common fabric used for veils, but organza or a very fine cotton or linen fabric can also be used. The fabric should be soft and available in the desired colour. It is important to ensure that the fabric is wide enough, as this will affect the "fluffiness" of the veil. For very long veils, a wider fabric is recommended to create a fuller look.

In addition to the fabric, other supplies that may be needed include a hair comb, ribbon, rolled hem foot, fabric scissors, a long ruler or meter stick, and a fabric marker.

When cutting the fabric, it is important to measure and cut the fabric to the desired length, allowing for some extra fabric for seam allowance and gathering. The corners of the fabric can be rounded off to create a softer look.

The edges of the veil can be finished with a rolled hem or a trimmed hem. A rolled hem can be created using a sewing machine's rolled hem foot, while a trimmed hem can be achieved by pinning and sewing trim to the edge of the veil.

The veil can then be gathered and attached to the hair comb. The amount of fabric gathered will depend on the desired style of the veil. The veil can be secured to the comb by hand-sewing or using a hot glue gun.

Finally, any desired decorations, such as lace, beads, or rhinestones, can be added to the veil.

Measuring and cutting the section of fabric

To make a wedding veil, you'll need to start by measuring the length of the veil. You can do this by putting your hair in the style you plan to wear it on your wedding day, then measuring from where the veil will be attached down to the point where you want the veil to end. This will be different for everyone, but common veil lengths include shoulder, elbow, waist, hip, fingertip, knee, ankle, and floor-length.

Once you have your measurements, you can cut your fabric to size. The easiest way to do this is to fold the fabric in half lengthwise, then measure the length down the folded edge and cut. If you're using very wide fabric, you may want to fold it in half twice to ensure the length is consistent.

After cutting the length, you'll need to get rid of the selvedges and even out the long edges. To do this, keep the fabric folded in half lengthwise, then fold it again widthwise so that the selvedges are all stacked together on one side. Using a long ruler or straight edge, cut off the selvedges so that the corners of the fabric are 90 degrees and even along the long edge.

Now it's time to trim the corners into shape. The photos in this tutorial show a rounded rectangle, so adjust if you prefer an oval or circular veil. With the fabric still folded into quarters, pin along the edges to prevent the layers from slipping. Because tulle is so thin, it's difficult to draw directly on it, so try using a large piece of paper to mark where you want the corner curve to start and end. Then, with the fabric not on the paper, freehand a line in pencil, adjust until you're happy with the look of the curve, then use a fabric marker to transfer the curve to the fabric. Cut along the line, and you should be left with four identical curves at the corners.

If you're using a single layer of fabric, you can skip this step, but if you're using two layers, unfold the fabric so that it's back to being folded in half lengthwise. Most veils leave one layer longer than the other, so play around with this option now. Mark with pins where you will gather the fabric. This determines the shape of the veil. For a cascading veil, gather the centre third of the fabric along the fold. For a standard veil, gather the entire width of the fabric.

Using a running stitch, baste along the gather line, staying within the area you marked with pins. It's best practice to do this twice, about 0.25 inches apart and about 0.25 inches from the fold. This will give you the most control when gathering the fabric.

Pull on the ends of the basting threads to gather the fabric to the size of the comb. 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.

Now it's time to attach the veil to the comb. By hand, stitch the veil to the comb, working the needle into the wrapped fabric. Keep your stitches small and make sure every gather is stitched down. When finished, remove the basting threads.

This next step is completely optional, but will make for a prettier comb. 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.

Sewing the fabric

If you plan on designing a long veil, then make sure that you order a fabric that is wide enough. You can skip this tip if you plan on designing a shorter veil. For longer veils, you should try to find a fabric that is 108" in width rather than the more standard 54" width fabric.

Now comes the fun part! Get those creative juices flowing because you're going to make this happen! Now is the part where you actually stitch and design your wedding veil.

Cutting the fabric

Cut the bottom of your fabric in a circular shape and hand-stitch the top straight edge of the fabric to a comb. If you need more guidance, then you can download a veil or cape pattern.

The easiest and most popular veil to design yourself is the fingertip length raw edge 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.

Pull the bobbin threads to gather the fabric. Gather both of the bobbin threads in one of your hands. Lose hold of 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.

Attach the comb. Place the comb, curved side up, on top of the gathered edge. Thread a needle. Stitch the veil to the comb by placing two to three stitches around each tooth of the comb. Cut off the needle and tie knots in the ends of the thread.

Second tier

The second tier of a two-piece veil is created in the same manner. The length is the only difference between the two veils. If you are creating a second, separate tier, repeat the process listed above.

Adding decorative elements

• Sew or glue tiny sparkling beads or gemstones onto your veil. You can do this randomly or in a pattern.
• Sew or glue lace to the edges of your veil. You can use a simple trim or a wider lace that covers more of the veil.
• Add a satin ribbon along the edges of your veil. You can sew this on with a sewing machine or by hand.
• Create a decorative clip to attach to the top of your veil. You could use flowers, wire, and nail polish to create tiny flowers, for example.
• Sew or glue artificial flowers, rhinestones, sequins, pom-poms, pearls, or bows to your veil.
• Monogram your veil by sewing or gluing on letters.
• Use a thicker ribbon or trim to create a border around the entire veil.

Attaching the veil to a comb or clip

When making a wedding veil, one of the most important considerations is how to attach it securely to the hair. Combs and clips are two of the most popular options for securing a veil. Here is a comprehensive guide on attaching a wedding veil to a comb or clip:

Choosing the Right Comb or Clip

The choice between a comb or a clip depends on various factors, such as hair type, hairstyle, and veil weight. For brides with thick hair, a 3-inch metal comb is a popular option as it provides a sturdy grip. On the other hand, those with fine hair may prefer a plastic comb with teeth closer together for extra grip. Clear plastic combs are a good choice for those with fair hair as they are less visible. For short-haired brides, alligator clips are ideal as they provide a firm grip on both sides of the hair.

Preparing the Comb or Clip

Before attaching the veil, prepare the comb or clip by wrapping it with tulle, ribbon, or fabric. This adds bulk to the comb and creates a platform for stitching the veil. Wrap the comb several times with the fabric, ensuring that the raw edges are tucked in neatly. Stitch the end of the fabric in place by hand to secure it.

Attaching the Veil

To attach the veil, start by gathering the fabric. For a standard veil, gather all the fabric width into the comb. For a cascading veil, gather only the centre third of the fabric. Use a running stitch or a basting stitch to create the gathers, and then pin the veil to the comb.

Sewing the Veil to the Comb or Clip

Once the veil is pinned in place, it's time to sew it onto the comb or clip. Use small, neat stitches to secure the veil, ensuring that every gather is stitched down. Sew along the wrapped fabric or tulle on the comb, working the needle through the folds of the fabric.

Finishing Touches

After sewing the veil, you can add a decorative touch by covering the gathered edge with a ribbon. Cut a length of ribbon that matches the length of your comb, plus a few extra inches. Pin the ribbon along the comb, covering the stitches and raw edges. Stitch the ribbon in place along the top and bottom, neatly wrapping the ends around the back of the comb.

Tips and Tricks

• It is recommended to consult a hairstylist for advice on the best veil attachment method for your hair type and hairstyle.
• When attaching the veil, hold it in place over the comb on your head and position it in different styles to find the most flattering look.
• For a seamless finish, sew the veil onto the wrong side of the comb so that when flipped over, the stitching and comb are hidden.
• If you are layering a veil with a hair accessory, such as a tiara or hair clip, consider using a hook-and-eye closure or velcro to attach them together.

Frequently asked questions