Crafting A Wedding Garter Belt: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding garters are a fun, entirely optional accessory for brides. The tradition of the garter toss originated in the Dark Ages when guests would rip at the couple's clothes as a form of encouragement, believing that having a piece of the bride's dress brought good luck. To appease the crowd, brides began to toss their garters, which were also seen as proof of consummation. Today, the garter toss is a fun activity for wedding guests, with the groom removing the garter and throwing it to a group of bachelors. This accessory can be easily made at home with lace, elastic, measuring tape, and sewing materials.

Creating a pattern

First, draw a line that measures a quarter of your waist circumference minus 0.5 cm. Then, leave a 2 cm space and draw another line of the same length as the first. The waist circumference of the pattern should be slightly smaller than your actual waist circumference as you will be adding a fastening later.

Next, draw the centre front line (left) at 10 cm and an auxiliary line of 5 cm. Draw the centre back line at 5 cm and another auxiliary line of 10 cm. These auxiliary lines will help guide you in drawing the rest of the pattern. You may want to use a marker for the main lines and a pencil for the auxiliary lines.

Now, draw the rest of the auxiliary lines as illustrated in the reference image. Draw a horizontal line at 10 cm from the top and another at the bottom. Draw vertical lines starting at the edges of the waist lines. Another vertical line will be drawn in the centre of the 2 cm space.

The distances between the garters should be fairly equal. In the example pattern, the distance between the front garters is 6.5 cm, between the front and side is 6 cm, another 6 cm between the side and back, and 6.5 cm between the back garters. Draw auxiliary lines in the centre of each of these distances. These lines will guide you in drawing arcs in the next step.

The 2 cm gap in the waist part is to give the garter a nice shape that will suit your curves. Draw the arcs as shown in the illustration.

Before you start sewing, test your pattern on a scrap piece of fabric to check if it fits and make any necessary adjustments.

Now you are ready to cut your main fabric and lining, remembering to leave a suitable seam allowance. Cut the front piece on the fold, and the back should consist of two pieces.

Choosing materials

Choosing the right materials is essential for making a comfortable and durable garter belt. Here are some key considerations for selecting the best materials:

Elastic Band

The elastic band is a crucial component of the garter belt, providing the necessary stretch and flexibility for a comfortable fit. Choose an elastic that is soft, durable, and has good elasticity. It should be wide enough to securely hold the garter in place without digging into the skin. When measuring for the elastic strip, take the thigh measurement and add about one and a half inches to get the total length. This extra allowance ensures a comfortable fit that isn't too tight.

Lace

Lace is a popular choice for garter belts, adding a delicate and elegant touch to the accessory. When selecting lace, consider the overall design and colour scheme of your wedding outfit. You can opt for a simple lace pattern or choose a more intricate design with beading, rhinestones, or other embellishments. If you plan to decorate the lace with additional crystals or pearls, choose a lace with a simpler pattern to avoid overwhelming the final look.

Fabric

The type of fabric you choose will depend on the style and desired look of your garter belt. If you want a sleek and smooth finish, consider using satin fabric. Satin provides a beautiful sheen and can be easily sewn by hand or machine. Alternatively, you can choose a fabric that matches your wedding dress, such as lace or a lightweight material that complements the overall aesthetic of your outfit.

Fastenings

Fastenings are an important consideration for garter belts, ensuring a secure and adjustable fit. You can opt for traditional garter clasps or explore other options such as bra fasteners, hook and eye tape, or even suspender clips. Choose a fastening that is easy to use and comfortable for the wearer.

Decorations and Embellishments

Decorations and embellishments can elevate the look of your garter belt, adding a touch of sparkle or sentimentality. Consider incorporating ribbons, crystals, pearls, or other decorative elements. These additions can be sewn onto the lace or attached with fabric glue. When positioning decorations, test the garter on your thigh to ensure the placement is correct and comfortable.

Remember, it is always a good idea to test your materials before starting your project. Cut a small piece of each material and sew them together to create a sample. This will allow you to assess the comfort, durability, and overall appearance of the chosen materials before committing to the full project.

Measuring the thigh

To start, use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of the bride's thigh. Wrap the tape around the thigh, holding it firmly and snugly, but not too tightly. Ensure it is held in place a few inches above the knee. This measurement will determine the length of the elastic strip that will serve as the base for the garter belt.

For the elastic strip, take the thigh measurement and add one and a half inches to determine the total length. You can also add a bit more allowance if desired. This extra length ensures the garter belt fits comfortably without being too tight.

It is important to stand up while measuring to ensure the tape is not too tight and does not dig too deeply into the skin. This step ensures the garter belt will be comfortable for the wearer, especially when sitting or walking.

When preparing the elastic strip, it is advisable to sew the ends to prevent them from curling or folding. This will make it easier to attach the lace and create a neat finish.

Additionally, when cutting the lace, add an inch of allowance to the width and ensure the length is twice the measurement of the elastic strip. This extra length and width will provide room for comfortable movement and ensure the lace lies flat against the thigh.

By following these measurement tips, you can create a wedding garter belt that fits securely and comfortably. Remember to test the belt after sewing to ensure it meets your desired fit and make any necessary adjustments.

Sewing the garter

Now that you have your pattern and materials ready, it's time to start sewing your garter belt! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Cut and Prepare the Fabric:

• Cut out your main fabric and lining according to your pattern, remembering to leave a suitable seam allowance. Cut your front piece on the fold, and the back should consist of two pieces.
• If your fabric is stretchy, you may want to strengthen it with fleece. This step is optional and only necessary for weak or stretchy fabrics.

Sew the Sides:

Stitch or pin the sides of the fabric together, then sew them. Notch the seam allowances and press them open.

Sew the Layers:

Sew both layers together at the designated places, usually marked on the pattern. Notch the seam allowances again.

Prepare the Garters:

Cut the elastic for the garters. For the front and side garters, cut 20 cm of elastic rubber, and for the rear garters, cut 23 cm. These measurements will result in relatively short garters, so you may want to cut yours a few inches longer.

Attach the Garters:

• Assemble your garters by folding and sewing the elastic.
• Attach the garters to your belt by slipping the ends of the rubber bands into the right places. You can use a safety pin to help guide them through. Sew the garters in place, leaving one side of the future fastening open so you can turn the garter belt inside out.

Turn the Garter Belt Inside Out:

Once the garters are attached, turn the garter belt inside out through the opening you left in the previous step.

Iron and Decorate:

• Iron your garter belt well to give it a neat finish.
• Decorate your garter belt as desired. You can add ribbons, crystals, pearls, or any other embellishments. Test the garter on your thigh first to determine the correct placement of the decorations.

Attach the Fastening:

Sew your fastening of choice. You can use a bra fastening, hook and eye tape, or any other suitable closure.

And that's it! You've sewn your garter belt and are now ready to wear it or gift it to someone special. Enjoy your handmade creation!

Adding decorations

First, consider the type of decorations you want to use. Popular choices include ribbons, crystals, pearls, and beads. You can also get creative and use sentimental tokens or heirlooms, such as a piece of lace from your mother's or grandmother's veil. If you're making the garter belt yourself, test it on your thigh to determine the correct placement of the decorations. This will ensure that your chosen embellishments lay flat and look their best.

When attaching decorations, sewing them on by hand or with a machine is a secure option. If you're using crystals, pearls, or beads, you can also use fabric glue or a hot glue gun for a quicker method. Just be sure to let the glue dry completely before wearing the garter belt to avoid any accidents.

In addition to the decorations themselves, you can also play around with the colour of your garter belt. Traditionally, wedding garter belts are white or blue, but there's no rule saying you have to stick to these colours. Choose a hue that complements your wedding colour palette or simply pick your favourite shade to make your garter belt unique to you.

Finally, don't be afraid to mix and match different types of decorations. For example, you could combine ribbons with crystals or pearls for a more luxurious look. You could also layer multiple ribbons for a textured, dimensional effect. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative and have fun with it!

Frequently asked questions