Creating Delicate Lace Wedding Garters: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making a lace wedding garter is a simple project that can be completed in under an hour. All you need is some lace, ribbon, elastic, and basic sewing skills. You can also add embellishments such as rhinestones, beads, or a charm with the initials of the happy couple. This project is a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding or to create a memorable gift for the bride.

Choosing materials

The materials you choose for your lace wedding garter will depend on the style you want to create and your sewing ability. If you're a beginner, opt for simple materials that are easy to work with. Here are some tips on choosing the right materials:

• Lace: Choose a lace fabric that is soft, delicate, and comfortable to wear. It should also be flexible and easy to sew or glue. You can find lace in various colours, patterns, and widths, so select one that complements your wedding dress or theme. Consider white or ivory lace for a traditional look, or go for a coloured lace like blue or pink for a unique touch.
• Ribbon: Select a ribbon that matches or complements your chosen lace. It should be wide enough to create a comfortable band and long enough to fit around your thigh comfortably. Satin or grosgrain ribbons are popular choices for wedding garters. Consider the colour and width of the ribbon to match your lace and the overall aesthetic you're aiming for.
• Elastic: Opt for a soft and stretchy elastic that will provide a comfortable and secure fit. It should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) shorter than your thigh measurement to ensure it stays in place. You can find elastic in different widths, so choose one that suits the design of your garter.
• Embellishments: Add a personal touch with embellishments like rhinestones, beads, sequins, buttons, or charms. These can be sewn or glued onto the lace or ribbon. Consider adding the couple's initials, wedding date, or a special charm for a unique detail.
• Thread: Select a thread colour that matches your ribbon and lace to create a seamless look. This will help your stitching blend in with the fabric, creating a neat and elegant finish.
• Scissors: Invest in a good pair of sharp scissors to cut your fabric and ribbon accurately. This will ensure clean cuts and help you avoid any jagged edges.
• Needle: If you plan to hand-sew any embellishments or details, choose a needle that is suitable for the fabric you are using. It should be sharp and thin enough to pass through the fabric without causing damage.
• Glue: If you prefer a no-sew option, opt for a hot glue gun and glue sticks to attach your embellishments. This method is ideal for adding rhinestones, flowers, or other decorative elements quickly and easily.

When choosing your materials, consider the overall style you want to achieve and the level of comfort for the wearer. Gather all your materials before starting your project to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience.

Measuring ribbon and lace

Next, you need to calculate the length of ribbon and lace required. A few tutorials suggest multiplying the thigh measurement by 1.5, and then adding 1 inch for a seam allowance. However, one source recommends adding 7 inches to your thigh measurement for the perfect amount of gathering, and another suggests adding 3 inches to the length of the fabric for ease.

For the elastic, take your original thigh measurement and subtract 1 or 3 inches. This will ensure that your garter fits snugly and doesn't fall down.

Once you have your measurements, cut your ribbon, lace, and elastic to size. You can now begin to assemble your garter.

Sewing the lace and ribbon together

Step 1: Prepare the Lace and Ribbon

Before you begin sewing, cut your lace and ribbon to the desired length. The length will depend on the circumference of the wearer's thigh, usually multiplied by 1.5, plus an additional inch for seam allowance. You will need two pieces of ribbon, one for each side of the lace.

Step 2: Pin the Lace and Ribbon

Place one piece of ribbon on top of the lace, ensuring that the ribbon is centred. Pin the ribbon in place to secure it to the lace. This will make it easier to sew and prevent slipping.

Step 3: Sew the First Seam

Using a thread that matches the colour of your ribbon, sew along the edges of the ribbon to attach it to the lace. Keep your stitching as straight as possible, and try to sew as close to the edge of the ribbon as you can.

Step 4: Sew the Second Seam

Now, take the second piece of ribbon and place it on the opposite side of the lace. Sew along the edges of this ribbon, just as you did with the first piece. Ensure that the ribbon is centred and secure with pins if needed.

Step 5: Fold and Sew the Back Seam

Once both pieces of ribbon are stitched in place, fold the entire piece in half, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Sew along the back seam, being careful not to stitch over the ribbon. Leave that area unstitched for now, as you will need to insert the elastic through this opening.

Step 6: Prepare the Elastic

Cut your elastic to the desired length. The elastic should be shorter than the ribbon and lace combination. A good rule of thumb is to subtract 3 inches from the thigh circumference measurement. Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic.

Step 7: Insert the Elastic

Use the safety pin to guide the elastic through the casing created between the ribbon and lace. Insert the pin into the opening you left unstitched in Step 5. As you guide the elastic through, the lace will begin to gather. Be careful not to lose the other end of the elastic.

Step 8: Secure the Elastic

Once the elastic is all the way through, pin both ends to prevent them from slipping back inside. Stitch over the back seam to secure the elastic in place, and then stitch again for extra security.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

Trim away any loose threads and excess ribbon ends. Turn the garter right side out, and your handmade lace and ribbon wedding garter is now complete!

Adding elastic

Firstly, measure the circumference of the leg where the garter will be worn. This will be the length of your elastic. Cut the elastic to fit snugly but comfortably, ensuring it won't be too tight. You can also take the thigh measurement and subtract 3 inches to get the elastic length.

Now, attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic. This will be useful for threading the elastic through the casing.

Next, insert the safety pin with the elastic attached into the casing created between the lace and ribbon. Gently guide the elastic through the tube, being careful not to lose the other end. The lace will begin to gather as you move the elastic through.

Once the elastic is fully through, pin both ends to keep them secure. Stitch over the back seam to hold the elastic in place, and then stitch again for added security.

Finally, trim away any loose threads and excess ribbon ends. Turn the garter right side out, and your handmade lace wedding garter is now complete!

Decorating the garter

Once you've assembled your garter, it's time to decorate it! Here are some ideas:

• Sew the bride and groom's initials onto the tail of a ribbon bow.
• Add a button or bead to the centre of a ribbon bow.
• Add a charm with the groom's initials.
• Sew on a vintage-looking button.
• Add a ribbon in the colour of your wedding theme.
• Sew on rhinestones, sequins, or beads.
• Use a novelty ribbon, such as one for a sports team.
• Add an appliqué.
• Use a solid fabric instead of ruffled lace, and embroider the couple's initials and wedding date.
• Add blue seam binding for your "something blue".

Frequently asked questions