Creating A Barbie Bridal Veil: A Step-By-Step Guide

Barbie dolls have been a favourite toy for generations, and their popularity has spawned a huge market for accessories and customisations. One popular customisation is a wedding outfit, including a veil. You can buy these veils from sites like Etsy, or you can make them yourself. Making a Barbie wedding veil is a simple craft project that requires very little sewing, and you can make a super-fancy veil for Barbie's big day with just a few items.

Choosing the right fabric

When making a wedding veil for Barbie, choosing the right fabric is essential. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the material:

Fabric Type

The most popular fabric for wedding veils is tulle, a fine netting with tiny holes that give it a soft and fluffy appearance. Tulle is available in different widths, typically ranging from 72 inches to 108 inches, which will impact the "fluffiness" of the veil. For a Barbie veil, a narrower width, such as 72 inches, should be sufficient. You can also consider using organza, chiffon, or a very fine cotton or linen fabric. Organza is a stiff fabric that creates a transparent and fluffy veil, while chiffon is a thin, woven fabric that hangs straight down and is slightly opaque.

Fabric Colour

Traditionally, wedding veils are white, symbolizing purity and virginity. However, most modern veils are ivory, a softer off-white hue. When choosing the fabric colour for your Barbie veil, consider the overall colour scheme of the wedding outfit and the Barbie's hair colour to ensure the veil complements the entire look.

Fabric Width

The width of the fabric will determine the volume and "fluffiness" of the veil. If you choose a wider fabric, such as 108 inches, you will have more material to work with, creating a fuller and more voluminous veil. However, for a Barbie veil, a narrower width, such as 72 inches, should be sufficient to create a delicate and proportional look.

Fabric Length

The length of the veil will depend on the style you want to create. Standard veil lengths include fingertip length, shoulder length, elbow length, and ankle length. For a Barbie veil, you can opt for a shorter length, such as fingertip length, to maintain proportions. Don't forget to account for any layers in the veil, as most veils have two layers. You will need to multiply the desired length by the number of layers when purchasing your fabric.

Fabric Finish

There are two common ways to finish the edges of a veil: a rolled hem or a trimmed hem. A rolled hem is created using a machine's rolled hem foot and results in a minimal visual impact. A trimmed hem, on the other hand, involves using trim or ribbon to cover the edges of the veil. A trimmed hem can add a decorative element to the veil and is often done with grosgrain or satin ribbon.

Measuring the veil

Before you start making your Barbie wedding veil, it's important to measure and plan the length and style of the veil. This will help you determine the amount of fabric you need and how to cut and shape it. Here's a step-by-step guide to measuring the veil:

• Put Barbie's hair in the approximate style and location it will be in for the wedding. This will be your starting point for measuring the veil's length.
• Decide on the desired length of the veil. For example, a fingertip veil like the one shown in the Barbie photo would be 6 inches long.
• Consider the number of layers for the veil. Most veils have two layers, so you'll need to multiply the desired length by the number of layers. For example, for a 6-inch fingertip veil, you would need 12 inches of fabric.
• Add a little extra fabric for seam allowance and to wrap the comb. For instance, if you need 12 inches of fabric, you might want to get 24 inches to be safe.
• Choose the width of the fabric. The width will affect the "fluffiness" of the veil. For most veils, a width of 72 inches (6 feet or ~2 meters) is fine. However, if you want a very full and voluminous veil, you can opt for a wider fabric, such as 108 inches.
• Decide on the shape of the veil. Common shapes include an oval, circle, or rounded rectangle. The shape will impact how you cut the fabric and the overall look of the veil.
• Plan any additional details. If you want to add lace, beads, or other embellishments, take that into account when measuring the fabric. You may need extra length or width to accommodate these details.
• Prepare a paper pattern. Draw the shape and size of the veil on a piece of paper, including any curves or rounded corners. This will be your template for cutting the fabric.
• Cut the fabric to size. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and use your paper pattern to mark the length and shape. Cut the fabric along the marked lines, ensuring it is even and consistent.
• Remove the selvedges and even out the long edges. Fold the fabric again widthwise so that the selvedges are stacked together, then cut off the selvedges to create even 90-degree corners.
• Shape the corners. If you're making a rounded rectangle veil, you can skip this step. For an oval or circular veil, mark the desired curve on the paper pattern and transfer it to the fabric using a fabric marker. Cut along the marked line to create the curved shape.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Barbie wedding veil is measured and cut accurately, setting the foundation for a beautiful and well-fitting veil.

Cutting the fabric

To cut the fabric for your Barbie wedding veil, you will need a few tools: fabric scissors or a rotary cutter and cutting mat, a long ruler or metre stick, and a fabric marker.

First, you need to determine the veil's length and shape. A fingertip veil like Barbie's in the photo will be about 6 inches long, so you will need 12 inches of fabric for a two-layered veil. Cut the fabric to the required length, folding it in half lengthwise and using a long ruler to square off and cut the edge with your scissors or rotary cutter.

If you are using very wide fabric, you may want to fold it in half twice to ensure the length is consistent. Once the length is cut, you will need to even out the long edges by removing the selvedges. Keep the fabric folded in half lengthwise, then fold it again widthwise so that the selvedges are stacked together and fit on your cutting space. Using your 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 your desired shape. The following steps are for a rounded rectangle shape, so adjust if you prefer an oval or circular veil. With the fabric still folded into quarters, the corners should all be stacked together. Pin along the edges or weigh them down to prevent slipping. As tulle is very thin and difficult to draw on, you can place a large piece of paper underneath and use a pencil to freehand the curve you want. Then, remove the paper and use a fabric marker to dot along the line and transfer the curve to the fabric. Cut along this line, and you should have four identical curves at the corners. For an oval shape, the curve will start and end at the folds, and for a circle, you will need to measure from the innermost corner to find the radius and mark this distance as you rotate the ruler slowly to form the curve.

Hemming the veil

Prepare the Fabric:

Before starting the hemming process, it is important to prepare the fabric. Gently press the fabric with a low heat iron to remove any wrinkles or creases. Check the fabric for any stains or loose threads and remove them. This will ensure that your veil looks neat and tidy.

Determine the Veil's Length and Shape:

Decide on the desired length of the veil. For a fingertip veil, like the one shown in the Barbie photo, the length should be about 6 inches. If you want a longer veil, measure the desired length and add a few inches for seam allowance and gathers. Also, consider the shape of the veil. Common veil shapes include rounded rectangles, ovals, or circles.The shape you choose will impact the overall look of the veil, so choose one that complements your Barbie's wedding dress and hairstyle.

Trim the Fabric:

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, and then fold it in half again widthwise. This will help ensure consistent cuts. Trim the edges to create even, 90-degree corners. If you want a curved shape for your veil, mark the desired curve on a piece of paper and then transfer it to the fabric using a fabric marker. Cut along the marked line to create a smooth curve.

Sew the Hem:

There are two popular methods for hemming a Barbie wedding veil: the rolled hem and the trimmed hem. For a rolled hem, use a rolled hem foot on your sewing machine, or sew it by hand. Start sewing along one side of the veil with the wrong side up, and guide the fabric slowly, especially around curves. Work your way around the entire veil, overlapping the hem just a little bit at the end. Alternatively, you can create a trimmed hem by pinning and sewing trim or ribbon along the edge of the veil. This method adds a decorative element to the veil.

Press the Hem:

Once you have finished sewing the hem, use a low iron to press the veil again. This step will help to set the hem in place and prevent any waves or uneven edges. Be careful not to apply too much heat, as it can damage the delicate fabric.

Adding decorations

Now that you have the basic veil ready, it's time to decorate it! This is a fun part of the process where you can let your creativity flow and add your personal touch. Here are some ideas and instructions to help you get started:

Lace and Beads:

If you want to add lace and beads to your Barbie's wedding veil, you can sew or glue them on. Gather your materials, including lace fabric with a finished edge and beads in your desired colour and size. Cut the lace to the desired length and width, making sure it complements the veil's shape and length. You can attach it to the veil by hand-stitching or using a fabric glue. Similarly, beads can be sewn on or glued in a pattern or scattered design.

Ribbons and Bows:

Ribbons are a great way to add colour and texture to the veil. You can use a 1/4 inch ribbon or any other width that suits your design. Consider wrapping the ribbon around the comb of the veil, covering the gathered edge for a neat finish. You can also create bows or ribbon flowers and attach them to the veil for a whimsical touch.

Embellishments:

Depending on your preference, you can add various embellishments to the veil. Small silk flowers, pearls, rhinestones, or even glitter can be used to decorate the veil. Use a strong fabric glue to attach these embellishments securely. Remember to consider the overall weight of the veil when adding heavier decorations.

Personalised Details:

Make the veil extra special by incorporating personalised details. You can embroider the initials or name of the Barbie and her partner, or even the wedding date, onto the veil. You can also add small charms or pendants that hold a special meaning for the occasion.

Remember to take your time and plan the placement of your decorations before permanently attaching them. It's a good idea to sketch out your design or lay out the decorations on the veil before finalising them. Have fun creating a unique and beautiful veil for your Barbie's wedding!

Frequently asked questions