Creating A Wedding Waist Sash: A Step-By-Step Guide

A wedding waist sash is a great way to accessorise a bridal gown and transform its silhouette. Making your own sash is simple and can be done with basic craft supplies and a sewing machine. You can also sew your own sash by hand, which can be a fun project for those who enjoy crafting. The process involves measuring the required length and width, cutting the fabric, and sewing the pieces together. You can also add decorations and embellishments like sequins, crystals, and iron-on letters to make your sash unique.

Choosing the right fabric

When choosing the right fabric for your wedding waist sash, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you need to decide on the width and length of your sash. The width of your sash can vary depending on your preference, but it is important to measure the length carefully to ensure a comfortable fit. Allow for extra length if you plan to tie a bow. You can use string or ribbon to measure the desired length around your waist before finalising the fabric measurements.

The type of fabric you choose will depend on the desired look and feel of your sash. If you want a simple and elegant option, consider using a ribbon as your fabric. Ribbon is a great choice if you want to avoid too much sewing, and it comes in various colours and textures, allowing for customisation. A wider ribbon, such as 3 or 4 inches, will be a good base for adding decorations and embellishments like lettering, sequins, or lace.

If you prefer a fabric sash, choose a material with a weight that complements the outfit it will be paired with. A lightweight fabric may work well with a simple dress, while a thicker fabric can add a statement to a more structured outfit. Consider the drape and flow of the fabric and how it will sit on your body.

When selecting your fabric, it is important to keep in mind any decorations you plan to add. If you want to attach iron-on letters, opt for a thicker, matte ribbon to ensure they adhere properly. If you plan to sew on embellishments like fringe or lace, choose a fabric that can be easily sewn and will not fray.

Finally, consider the colour and pattern of your fabric. You may want to match the colour to the wedding theme or the outfit the sash will be worn with. If you are using a patterned fabric, remember that rotating and stitching the fabric together may change the direction of the pattern.

Measuring the ribbon

The first step in making a wedding waist sash is to measure the ribbon. This will ensure that the sash fits comfortably around the waist of the wearer. Here is a guide on how to measure the ribbon for a wedding waist sash:

Start by measuring the waist of the person who will be wearing the sash. This will give you the basic measurement to work with.

Next, decide how wide you want the sash to be. A good guideline is to aim for a width of around 3-4 inches (7.6-10 cm). This will allow for a comfortable fit and enough surface area for any desired decorations.

Then, consider the length of the sash. The ribbon should be long enough to wrap around the waist, from hip to opposite shoulder, and back down to the hip. It is advisable to get a little extra ribbon, as you can always trim it if it is too long. A good rule of thumb is to add 1.15 metres to the waist measurement to allow for the tie.

If you are making a bow, you will need to account for extra length. Consider tying a string or ribbon around the waist to get an idea of the desired length.

Once you have your measurements, you can cut the ribbon accordingly. It is recommended to double-check the length by wrapping the ribbon around the waist to ensure a comfortable fit before cutting.

If you are using fabric instead of ribbon, you will need to cut the fabric on the bias. This means cutting the fabric at a 45-degree angle to the fold of the fabric. This will ensure that the fabric stretches and hangs correctly when worn as a sash.

By carefully measuring and cutting the ribbon or fabric, you will create a well-fitting and elegant wedding waist sash.

Adding decorative trim

When selecting your trim, consider contrasting colours and textures to create a unique look. For example, pair a red ribbon with black fringe or a pink satin ribbon with white lace.

Once you've chosen your trim, it's time to attach it to your ribbon. First, pin the trim to the edge(s) of the ribbon, ensuring that the edges overlap by at least 0.5 inches (1.3 cm). Secure the trim by placing a pin through the ribbon and trim every 2 to 3 inches (5.1 cm to 7.6 cm).

After pinning, use your sewing machine to sew a straight stitch, approximately 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) from the edge of the trim. Make sure to sew through both the ribbon and the trim to secure them together.

By adding decorative trim to your wedding waist sash, you can create a unique and personalised accessory that complements your wedding gown or dress.

Using iron-on letters

To make a wedding waist sash using iron-on letters, you will need about 2 yards (1.8 m) of 3-inch (7.6 cm) ribbon, or wider if you prefer. Choose a thicker, matte type of ribbon to ensure the letters will adhere properly. You can adjust the length of the ribbon depending on the size of the person who will be wearing it, but it's better to have more than you need.

Next, select your iron-on letters. You can purchase these at craft supply stores or make them yourself with an inkjet printer and iron-on transfer paper. Choose letters in the style, colour, and size that fit your preferences and ribbon. If you're making the letters yourself, trim the corners so they're round to prevent peeling.

Before applying the letters, it's important to prepare your work area and the ribbon. Set up a hard, smooth, heat-resistant surface, such as a wood cutting board, and lay a sheet or pillowcase folded in half on top. Wash and dry the ribbon without using fabric softener or softener sheets, as these can interfere with the transfer glue.

Now, you can position the letters on the ribbon. Fold the ribbon in half, matching the two ends, and lay it on your prepared surface. Place the letters so that they are centred and evenly spaced, starting and ending about 3-6 inches (7.6-15 cm) from the fold and the end.

To iron the letters in place, follow the instructions specific to your chosen letters. Typically, you will need to use a hot, dry iron without steam, applying firm pressure and working from the middle of each letter to the outside edges to avoid air bubbles. Iron one letter at a time, and then go over all the letters again, paying attention to the corners and edges to ensure they adhere firmly.

Allow the ribbon to cool for at least 2-3 minutes, and then carefully remove any tissue paper or covering from the letters. Finally, wash and dry the sash as you normally would to set the dyes in the letters.

Sewing the sash together

Now that you have your measurements, fabric, and sewing supplies, it's time to start sewing your wedding waist sash! Here is a step-by-step guide to putting it all together:

Step 1: Draft the pattern

First, decide how wide and long you want your sash to be. As a guide, a 3.5 cm wide sash is a good starting point for width, and for length, measure your waist and add 1.15 metres for the tie. Once you have your measurements, draw a rectangle that is double the width of your desired sash and half the length. Don't forget to add a seam allowance of about 1 cm to all sides.

Step 2: Cut the fabric

Using your pattern, cut out the fabric pieces for your sash. If you are using a fabric that has a pattern, ensure that you cut the pieces in a way that will allow you to match the pattern when you join them together.

Step 3: Join the fabric pieces

Take your two waist sash pieces and, with right sides together, join them at the centre back with a 1 cm seam allowance. Once stitched, press the seam open. This will create one long piece of fabric for your sash.

Step 4: Fold and press

With right sides together, fold the sash in half lengthwise and press. This will create a long tube with the raw edges matched up. You can use pins to hold the fabric in place.

Step 5: Stitch the long edge

Pin along the long edge and stitch with a 1 cm seam allowance. This will enclose the raw edges inside the tube.

Step 6: Roll and press the seam

Use your fingers to roll the seam so that it sits in the centre of the tube. Press the seam allowance open. This will give your sash a neat finish.

Step 7: Turn back the short ends

Turn back both short ends of the tube by 1 cm and press. This will create a neat finish for the ends of your sash.

Step 8: Turn the tube right side out

Take a safety pin or bodkin and attach it to one side of one of the short ends of the tube. Feed the pin through the tube to turn it right side out. Press flat.

Step 9: Enclose the short ends

Enclose the short ends of the sash by stitching close to the edge. You can use a sewing machine or hand stitch with a slip stitch for an invisible finish.

Your wedding waist sash is now complete! Give it a final press, and it's ready to be worn or adorned with embellishments.

Frequently asked questions