Creating Wedding Garters: A Homemade Guide

Making a wedding garter is a fun and easy DIY project that can add a personal touch to your big day. It is a time-honoured tradition for a bride to wear and toss a garter at her wedding reception. You can make your own garter in just a few simple steps, choosing your own lace, ribbon, elastic, and embellishments to match your wedding colours and theme. This project can be completed in under an hour, and you can even make an extra one to throw to your guests!

Choosing the right materials

The materials you choose for your homemade wedding garter will depend on your desired design and the time you have available. If you are short on time, consider using materials such as lace, ribbon, and elastic, which can be assembled in under an hour.

For the lace, choose a stretchy variety that measures 26 inches in length and has a decorative edge. This will ensure that the garter fits comfortably on your leg without falling down. You can also use flat lace, which should be 26 inches long for the bottom layer and 13 inches long for the top layer. If you want to add some sparkle to your garter, consider using lace ribbon with rhinestones or other embellishments.

The ribbon you choose should complement the lace and be long enough to wrap around your leg comfortably. A 52-inch length of 1-inch white satin or grosgrain ribbon will be suitable for most garters. You can also use a narrower ribbon to attach the lace pieces together.

Elastic is essential to ensure a secure fit. A 12- to 13-inch piece of 1/2-inch elastic will be sufficient. You can attach it to the ribbon using a safety pin or bodkin and then stitch it in place.

Finally, consider adding some embellishments such as rhinestones, buttons, beads, or charms. These can be sewn or glued onto the garter to add a personal touch.

Measuring the lace

The first step to making a wedding garter is to measure the lace. This will ensure that the garter fits comfortably and securely on the leg. Here is a step-by-step guide to measuring the lace for a homemade wedding garter:

• Measure the circumference of your leg: Using a flexible measuring tape, measure the distance around the area of your leg where you want to wear the garter. This measurement will be specific to each individual, so it is important to take this measurement carefully.
• Calculate the length of the lace: To ensure the perfect amount of gathering for your garter, add 7 inches to the circumference measurement of your leg. For example, if your leg circumference is 14 inches, the total length of your lace should be 21 inches.
• Cut the lace to size: Once you have calculated the desired length, cut your lace accordingly. It is important to ensure that the lace is cut straight and evenly to achieve a neat finish for your garter.
• Test the fit: Before moving on to the next steps of assembling the garter, it is a good idea to test the fit of the lace. Wrap the cut lace around your leg to ensure it is comfortable and secure. Adjust the length if necessary.
• Consider the ribbon length: Keep in mind that you will also be attaching a ribbon to the lace. The ribbon should be slightly shorter than the lace to create a neat overlap. Typically, the ribbon is about 1/8 to 1/16 inch shorter than the lace.
• Allow for gathering: Remember that the lace will gather slightly when elastic is inserted. Take this into account when calculating the final length of your lace and ribbon. You may need to adjust the length depending on the stretchiness of your lace and the desired amount of gathering.
• Repeat for a second garter: If you plan to make two garters, one for keeping and one for tossing, ensure you have enough lace to cut identical lengths for both. Having a backup garter is always a good idea!

By carefully measuring and cutting your lace, you will create a comfortable and secure fit for your homemade wedding garter. This step is crucial to ensuring the garter stays in place during your special day.

Sewing the lace to the ribbon

To sew the lace to the ribbon, start by measuring the circumference of your leg, or the area where you want to wear the garter. Add 7" to this number to get the length of your ribbon and lace. Cut your chosen lace and ribbon to this length.

Now, centre the ribbon on top of the lace and pin it in place. Sew along the edges of the ribbon, keeping your stitching as straight as possible. Once the first seam is done, sew the opposite edge of the ribbon to the lace.

At this point, you're halfway done! Now, fold the garter in half, with the right sides of the ribbon facing each other. Stitch down the side of the lace. This is the last seam of your garter. Trim the strings and the edge for a neat finish. You can also do a zig-zag stitch along the cut ends to finish.

Adding elastic to the garter

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Elastic

First, measure the circumference of your leg where you plan to wear the garter. For a secure fit, subtract 3 inches from this measurement to get the length of your elastic. For example, if your leg circumference is 14 inches, your elastic should be 11 inches long. Cut the elastic to this length.

Step 2: Attach a Safety Pin

Take a large safety pin and attach it to one end of the elastic. This safety pin will help you guide the elastic through the casing created by the ribbon and lace.

Step 3: Thread the Elastic

Place the garter with the right sides of the ribbon facing each other, and the lace facing outwards. Now, thread the safety pin and elastic between the ribbon and lace. Move the safety pin along with the elastic, gathering the lace as you go. Be careful not to lose the other end of the elastic.

Step 4: Secure the Elastic

Once you've guided the elastic all the way through, pin both ends to prevent them from slipping back inside. With the elastic fully inserted, stitch over the back seam to secure the elastic in place. You can also stitch again for extra security.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Trim away any loose threads and excess ribbon ends to give your garter a neat finish. Now, turn the garter right side out, and you're done! Your wedding garter is now complete and ready to be adorned with any additional embellishments you desire.

Decorating the garter

Ribbon

Ribbon is a versatile material that can be used in several ways to decorate your garter. Cut three 6-inch pieces of 1/4-inch-wide ribbon. Loop each piece of ribbon and lay it on top of itself, pinning the overlap in place. Then, layer all the sections on top of each other and fan out the loops. Sew the loops together by hand and add a button or bead on top of the intersection. You could also sew a coloured ribbon on top of the outer satin ribbon, or use a novelty ribbon, such as one for a sports team, for a fun touch.

Lace

Lace adds a delicate and romantic touch to your garter. When choosing lace, opt for a stretchy variety so that your garter stays comfortably in place on your leg. You can cut and sew the lace to your desired length and width, and even add a scalloped or decorative edge for a more intricate look.

Embellishments

Embellishments are a great way to add a touch of sparkle or a special meaning to your garter. Rhinestone appliqués, charms, or buttons can be sewn or ironed onto the lace or ribbon. You could also add the couple's initials and wedding date, or incorporate "something blue" with a blue ribbon or bead.

Fabric

If you prefer a simpler look, you can use solid fabric instead of ruffled lace. This provides a blank canvas for your other decorations and can be a subtle way to feature the couple's initials or wedding date.

Appliqué

An appliqué is a great way to add a unique design or pattern to your garter. You can choose from a variety of shapes, colours, and textures to find something that reflects your style or the theme of your wedding.

Frequently asked questions