Creating Tulle Pew Bows For Your Wedding: An Easy Guide

Pew bows are a decorative detail often used in wedding ceremonies, adding a touch of class and glamour to the side of the pews in the church that faces the aisle where the bride walks. They are usually made with ribbon, tulle, or both, and can be customised to match the wedding's colours or theme. Tulle is inexpensive and available in a wide variety of colours, making it a great option for those looking to create easy pew bows for a wedding.

Tulle and ribbon supplies

When it comes to tulle and ribbon supplies, you'll want to make sure you have enough material to create your desired number of bows. Tulle is typically sold by the roll or by the bolt, and for pew bows, it is recommended to buy tulle by the roll. Rolls of tulle usually come in 6" widths and have at least 100 yards of material. The amount of tulle you need will depend on the size of your bows. Here are some guidelines:

• 8" diameter bow: 3 yards for the bow and 1/2 yard for the tail
• 12" diameter bow: 4 yards for the bow and 1/2 yard for the tails
• 16" diameter bow: 5.5 yards for the bow and 1/2 yard for the tails

You can find tulle in a variety of colours, including white, pink, red, blue, green, and glitter options. Some retailers also offer tulle in multiple colours in one pack. In addition to the tulle, you will also need a ribbon, such as a satin ribbon, to create the base of the bow. This ribbon should complement the colour of your chosen tulle. You will also need some wire to secure the bow, which you can twist with pliers to ensure it is secure.

For supplies, you can check online retailers such as Amazon or specialty craft stores like BBCrafts and Nashville Wraps. These stores offer a variety of tulle and ribbon options in different colours, widths, and lengths to suit your needs.

Cutting and measuring tulle

The amount of tulle you'll need depends on the size of your desired bow. Here is a general guide:

• 8" diameter Bow: 3 yards for the bow and 1/2 yard for the tail
• 12" diameter Bow: 4 yards for the bow and 1/2 yard for the tails
• 16" diameter bow: 5.5 yards for the bow and 1/2 yard for the tails

Using these measurements, you can calculate how many spools of tulle you'll need. For example, if you're making 12" bows, and a spool has 65 yards, you can make approximately 14 medium-size bows.

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process for cutting and measuring:

• On a cardboard backing, mark the desired diameter of your bow. For instance, if you want a 12" bow, measure and mark this width on the cardboard.
• Tulle can be slippery, so it's best to fold it like an accordion pleat. Pin the cut end of the tulle on your first mark with two corsage pins.
• Fold the tulle back to the second mark and pin it in place with two more pins.
• Continue this process, removing each pin, repinning, and adding more layers until you have the desired number of loops on each side. For a full bow, aim for at least five loops on each side.
• Securely pin all four corners of the tulle.
• Take a 3' length of tulle and slide one end under the pinned layers. This will be used to tie the centre of the bow.
• Pull both ends of this tulle upwards, right in the centre of the layers.
• Create a square knot with the cut tulle in the centre. If you desire different coloured tails, add more lengths of tulle and tie each new tail into a square knot.

Creating loops

Step 1: Determine the Bow Size

Before you begin crafting the loops, decide on the desired size of your tulle pew bow. For instance, if you want a 12-inch bow, measure and mark this width on a piece of cardboard. This will serve as your guide for creating loops of uniform size.

Step 2: Cut the Tulle

Cut the tulle roll to the desired length, keeping in mind that you'll need approximately twice the length of your desired tail. Set this piece of tulle aside for now.

Step 3: Create the First Loop

Place one end of the tulle roll along the side of your cardboard and secure it with pins. Gently stretch the tulle to the marked line and then fold it back, creating an accordion-like pleat. Secure the corners with pins. This first loop sets the foundation for your bow.

Step 4: Form Additional Loops

Continue the process of stretching and folding the tulle, removing and replacing pins as you go, until you have at least five loops on each side. Aim for an even number of loops on both sides to maintain symmetry. Remember to remove the pins, fold a new piece of tulle, and repin to hold each loop securely in place.

Step 5: Cut and Tie the Centre

Once you've achieved the desired number of loops, cut the tulle in a straight line matching the edge of the loops. Find the midpoint of the loops with a measuring tape and lightly mark it. Take the previously cut tail piece of tulle and tie it in a simple knot around the centre of the loops, allowing the ends to hang down gracefully.

Step 6: Secure and Fluff the Loops

Remove the pins holding the loops in place. Gently fluff out the pieces of tulle with your fingers to create a full and finished bow. Tulle is delicate, so work carefully to avoid ripping or distorting the shape.

Securing the bow

Now that you have created your loops and tied your bow, it's time to secure it to the pew. Here are some methods to ensure your bow stays in place:

• Using wire: Take a 20-gauge wire and wrap it around the centre of your bow, twisting it tightly with a pair of pliers to secure it. You can then use this wire to wrap around the pew to fasten the bow.
• Using tape: Invisible tape can be used to stick the bow directly onto the pew. This is a quick and easy method, but be sure to use enough tape to ensure the bow is secure.
• Using a plastic pew clip: If you don't want to use wire or tape, you can purchase plastic pew clips. These can be attached to the back of the centre knot of your bow, and then clipped onto the pew.
• Using a pipe cleaner or wire: Similar to the plastic pew clip method, you can use a pipe cleaner or a piece of wire and attach it to the back of the centre knot. You can then twist this around the pew to secure the bow.
• Using stick-on hooks: Ensure you use hooks that are designed to be removed from furniture without causing damage.

Remember, tulle is delicate and can be easily ripped, so work carefully when securing your bow. It would be best to transport the bow to the venue already attached to its pew, as tulle can be easily creased and wrinkled and is challenging to restore to its original form.

Adding decorations

Once you have made your tulle pew bow, you can add decorations to customise it and make it even more glamorous. Tulle is available in a wide variety of colours, so you can easily match the theme and colours of the wedding.

• Flowers: Fresh or artificial flowers can be added to the centre of the bow.
• Ribbons: You can add another colour of ribbon to the centre of the bow to make it more colourful and festive.
• Rhinestones: A rhinestone embellishment can be added to the centre of the bow for extra glamour.
• Feathers: Feathers can be attached to the centre of the bow using thin wire or a dab of glue.
• Ornaments: Other ornaments can be glued or wired to the centre of the bow.

Attaching the Bow

You can attach the bow to the pew using a plastic pew clip, or by using a piece of wire or pipe cleaner attached to the back of the centre knot. You can also use invisible tape to stick the bow to the pew, or crafting wire to tie it to the pew.

Frequently asked questions