Crafting An Angel Cut Wedding Veil: A Guide

An angel cut veil is a type of wedding veil that has side folds, with the length of the fabric tapering softly in the back. This style is also referred to as a waterfall veil, as it cascades gracefully around the wearer.

To make an angel cut veil, you will need tulle, a comb or barrette, a needle and thread, and any trim you want to add. First, cut the tulle to the desired length, rounding off the top left edge of the fabric. Then, refold the tulle into veil layers. Gather the centre of the tulle, securing it with a needle and thread, and attach it to the comb or barrette. Finally, add any desired trim to the veil's edges.

How to cut the tulle

Cutting the tulle is the first step in making an angel cut wedding veil. The process is simple and straightforward.

To begin, lay the tulle out on a large table or clean floor, keeping it folded in half lengthwise as it was in the store. This will give you two layers of tulle to work with. Then, grab the rightmost edge and fold it over so that it touches the leftmost edge, creating four layers of tulle.

At this point, you can measure and cut the tulle to the desired length. Keep in mind that the length of fabric needed will depend on your preferred veil length. A typical fingertip-length veil, for example, will be between three and four feet long, so you'll need 6 to 8 feet (2 to 2.5 yards) of tulle.

Once you've determined the desired length, cut the tulle straight across, keeping it folded. You now have a large rectangle of tulle with four layers.

The next step is to round off the top left edge of the fabric. This will create a soft curve that gives the angel cut veil its distinctive shape. You can use a large serving platter or another curved object as a guide, pinning and then cutting in a smooth motion. The goal is to end up with a quarter-circle shape.

After rounding the edge, unfold the tulle completely so that you have a single layer again. You can now refold the tulle crosswise, this time from right to left, to create the desired number of layers for your veil. For a single-length veil, match the ends, or leave a few inches between the edges for a layered look. If you plan to use the shorter layer as a blusher, ensure you leave enough length.

Finally, turn the veil 90 degrees counter-clockwise so that the folded edge is at the top and the open rounded edges are closest to you. Your tulle is now ready for the next steps of gathering the center and attaching it to a clip or comb.

How to gather the tulle

Gathering the tulle is a crucial step in making a wedding veil. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to gather the tulle for an angel cut wedding veil:

Step 1: Cut the Tulle to Length

Firstly, lay the tulle out on a large table or a clean floor. Keep it folded in half lengthwise, which is how it was at the store. Put the folded edge nearest to you, resulting in two layers of tulle. Then, fold the tulle in half crosswise by grabbing the rightmost edge and folding it over so that it touches the leftmost edge. At this point, you should have four layers of tulle.

Now, measure again how long you want the tulle to be, from the top of your head down, and cut the tulle to that length if needed.

Step 2: Round Out the Corners of the Tulle

Round off the top left edge of the fabric by pinning to mark it and then cutting in a smooth motion. If you need a guide, try using a large serving platter. You want to be left with a quarter-circle shape.

Step 3: Refold the Tulle into Veil Layers

Unfold the tulle completely, resulting in one layer of tulle. Now, fold the tulle crosswise from right to left, but you don't need to bring it all the way over. You can match the ends up for a single-length veil or leave a few inches between the edges for a nice layered look. If you keep a shorter layer, it can be used as a blusher.

At this point, verify that the length is exactly what you want, and if it's too long, cut one of the rounded ends shorter, as needed.

Step 4: Gather the Center of the Tulle

Now, decide whether you want the side edges of your veil's two layers to come all the way up to the top. If you choose to have the edges come up to the top, the top of your veil will be fuller and puffier. This decision is particularly noticeable if you plan to put a ribbon trim on the edges, as the ribbon will clearly be only at the bottom or will go up to your head, depending on your choice.

Step 5: Gather the Tulle

Once you choose from these two styles, you will be ready to gather the top of your veil. Depending on your choice, you will either gather up only the center portion of your tulle (diagram on the left) or gather the entire width of the tulle (diagram on the right).

To gather the tulle, use a needle and strong thread, weaving in and out with small stitches. Pull the thread to gather the stitched tulle so that it is only about 2 inches wide. Knot the thread securely.

Step 6: Attach the Veil to a Clip or Comb

To be able to wear the veil in your hair, you'll need to attach it to something. You can use a simple French comb, a barrette, or any headpiece you already have picked out.

Take the gathered portion of tulle at the top center and sew it securely to your clip.

If you are planning to wear a fancy tiara and want to be able to remove the veil for the reception but still keep the tiara on, just sew the veil to a simple French comb, and you can wear both pieces at once, then easily take just the veil off later.

How to attach the veil to a comb or clip

Now that you've cut and gathered your veil, it's time to attach it to a comb or clip so you can wear it! Here are some tips for how to do that.

Choosing a comb or clip

There are a few different options for attaching your veil to your hair. You can use a comb, clip, or hairpins. Here are some pros and cons of each:

• Metal comb: This is the most popular option and works well for brides with thick hair. It's lightweight, durable, and versatile. It also comes in a variety of colors, including silver, gold, rose gold, and black.
• Clear plastic comb: This option is best for brides with fine hair because the teeth are closer together, providing extra grip. It's also less visible, especially for fair-haired brides. However, it can be more difficult to secure with extra bobby pins if needed.
• Extra-long comb: A longer comb (4-5 inches) can help to secure a long or heavy veil and keep it spread out around your shoulders.
• Unwrapped slim comb: If you want a minimalist look, you can request an unwrapped slim metal comb. Choose a comb that matches your hair color—gold for blondes and black for brunettes.
• Barrette or alligator clip: Clips are a good option for short-haired brides because they provide a firm grip on both sides of the hair. They are also a good choice if you plan to put the veil in your hair yourself.
• Hairpins: Hairpins are ideal for drop veils and mantilla veils, and they can also be used to secure a long or heavy veil. They are a good choice if you want a sleek look without any gathering.

Attaching the veil

• If you're using a comb, sew it to the gathered portion of tulle at the top center of the veil.
• If you plan to wear a tiara, you can sew the veil to a simple comb that can be easily removed while keeping the tiara in place.
• If you want to be able to remove the veil but keep a headpiece in place, you can attach the veil to the headpiece using velcro.
• If you're using hairpins, criss-cross them over the metal prongs of the comb to secure it in place.
• If you're using a clip, you can sew the veil directly to the clip, or use a hook-and-eye closure or velcro.

How to add a ribbon trim

Adding a ribbon trim to your veil is a great way to finish it off and make it look polished. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Cut the ribbon to size

First, you'll need to cut your ribbon to the right length. Measure the perimeter of your veil and cut the ribbon to that length, adding a few extra inches to be safe. If you're using a wide ribbon, you may want to cut it on the bias (diagonally) so that it curves more easily around the veil.

Step 2: Pin the ribbon in place

Lay your veil flat on a table and pin the ribbon in place along the edge, starting at one corner. If you're using a wide ribbon, you may need to clip it in place with fabric clips or wonder clips instead of pins to avoid puckering the fabric. Overlap the ends of the ribbon by a few inches and trim away any excess.

Step 3: Sew the ribbon in place

Using a sewing machine or by hand, sew the ribbon in place along the edge of the veil. If you're using a sewing machine, use a straight stitch and sew close to the edge of the ribbon. If you're sewing by hand, use a small, neat stitch like a slip stitch or a whipstitch.

Step 4: Trim the excess tulle

Once the ribbon is sewn in place, use sharp fabric scissors to trim away the excess tulle right next to the ribbon. Don't worry about cutting it perfectly - the tulle is so sheer that any imperfections won't be noticeable.

And that's it! Your veil is now finished and ready to be worn. Enjoy your beautiful creation!

How to add decorative elements

Adding decorative elements to your veil is a great way to make it unique and special. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sew or glue tiny sparkling beads or gemstones randomly on your veil.
• Create a decorative clip at the top of your veil using wire and nail polish.
• Sew a thin satin ribbon along the edges of the veil.
• Sew a wide lace all around the veil.
• Add a strand of tiny pearls all the way around the veil.
• Attach a blusher to the veil using a gathered piece of tulle.
• Embellish the veil with crystals, pearls, or rhinestones.
• Add a scalloped-lace edge to the veil.

Frequently asked questions