Creating A Dreamy One-Tier Wedding Veil

A one-tier wedding veil is a simple and elegant accessory for brides. It can be made at home with a few basic supplies and a little time. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a one-tier wedding veil:

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Tulle

First, decide how long you want your veil to be. Standard veil lengths include shoulder, elbow, waist, hip, fingertip, waltz, ankle, chapel, and cathedral. Measure the desired length and add a few extra inches to allow for errors. Then, cut the tulle fabric to the desired length. You can round the corners of the veil for a softer look.

Step 2: Sew the Top Edge

Next, sew two rows of stitches across the top edge of the veil, about 1 inch apart. This will create a channel for the comb to slide into. Leave long thread tails at the beginning and end of your stitching.

Step 3: Gather the Tulle

Now, pull on the bobbin threads to gather the tulle. Continue pulling until the gathered section is the same width as your comb. Knot the threads to secure the gathers.

Step 4: Attach the Comb

Finally, attach the comb to the veil by stitching it to the gathered section. Make sure the comb is secure and will not slip out. You can also add decorations like pearls, beads, or flowers to the comb for a more ornate look.

Tips and Variations:

- If you want a blusher veil, cut the tulle fabric in a circle instead of a rectangle.

- You can add trim, such as lace or ribbon, to the edge of the veil for a more decorative look.

- Tulle typically comes in widths of 54, 72, or 108. Choose a wider width for a fuller, more dramatic veil.

Choosing the right length for your veil

The length of your veil is one of the most important factors to consider when making a wedding veil. Here are some tips for choosing the right length for your veil:

• Birdcage Veil: This short, vintage-style veil typically covers just part of the face and is perfect for retro, minimalist, or modern brides. It usually measures around 9 inches (22-23 cm) in length.
• Shoulder-Length Veil: A casual and modern choice that ends around the shoulders, this veil is ideal for informal or outdoor weddings. It typically measures around 20 inches (50 cm) in length.
• Elbow-Length Veil: Falling to the elbows, this length is flattering and versatile, complementing most dress styles. It usually measures between 25-27 inches (63-68 cm) in length.
• Fingertip Veil: One of the most popular veil lengths, it grazes your fingertips and adds elegance without overwhelming the dress. It typically measures between 36-40 inches (91-101 cm) in length.
• Waltz or Ballet Veil: This veil falls between the knees and ankles and is a great option if you want a longer veil but don't want it to reach the floor. It usually measures around 60 inches (152 cm) in length.
• Floor-Length Veil: A floor-length veil just grazes the floor and matches the length of the bride's gown. It usually measures around 72 inches (183 cm) in length.
• Chapel Veil: This veil extends to the floor and slightly beyond the hem of your dress, adding a touch of formality and grace. It typically measures around 90 inches (229 cm) in length.
• Cathedral Veil: The most dramatic option, this veil trails behind you and is perfect for a grand, traditional wedding. It usually measures between 108-120 inches (274-305 cm) in length.

When choosing the length of your veil, consider the style and shape of your dress, your hairstyle, and the overall look you want to achieve. The veil should accentuate and be proportional to your dress without overpowering it. You may also want to consider the venue and weather conditions, as longer veils can be more difficult to manage in outdoor settings.

Gathering the necessary materials

Making a wedding veil is a fun and cost-effective way to add a personal touch to your big day. Here is a list of the materials you will need to create a one-tier wedding veil.

Tulle

Tulle is the most common fabric used for veils. It is available in a range of widths, typically 72 inches (182.88 centimeters) or 108 inches (274.32 centimeters). The width of the tulle will determine the fullness of your veil. If you are making a shorter veil, you can opt for a width of around 55 inches (139.7 centimeters). For a very long veil, you may need to use 108-inch (274.32-centimeter) wide tulle to achieve a proportionate look.

Hair Comb

You will need a plastic or wire comb to attach your veil. Choose a comb designed specifically for veils to facilitate the process.

Sewing Supplies

You will need a sewing machine or needle and thread to assemble your veil. If using a sewing machine, adjust the settings to the largest stitch length.

Optional Finishings

You can add a variety of finishings to your veil to make it unique. Consider adding satin ribbon, lace, pearls, jewels, or beads to the edges of your veil.

Cutting the veil

• Decide on the veil length: Before cutting the tulle, determine the desired veil length. A typical veil reaches the fingertips, but other popular lengths include shoulder, elbow, floor, chapel, and cathedral. It is essential to ensure that the veil drapes without exposing any skin at the sides of the face.
• Choose the appropriate tulle width: The width of the tulle impacts the veil's fullness. For shorter veils, 55 inches (139.7 cm) of tulle width is recommended, while 72 inches (182.88 cm) is suitable for mid-length veils. If you're crafting a long veil, such as a floor-length or chapel veil, opt for 108-inch (274.32-cm) wide tulle for a more proportionate appearance.
• Cut the tulle to the desired length: Lay the tulle flat, keeping it folded in half lengthwise as it was in the store. Measure the desired length from the top of your head down and cut the tulle accordingly. This initial cut ensures that the veil will be symmetrical.
• Round off the corners: To create a rounded veil, fold the tulle in half crosswise, bringing the right edge over to meet the left edge. This will give you four layers of tulle. Now, round off the top left corner by pinning and cutting it smoothly. You can use a large serving platter or a similar item as a guide for the curve.
• Trim the tulle to shape: After rounding the corners, unfold the tulle completely, and you'll have a single layer. If you're aiming for a rounded rectangle shape, fold the tulle in half widthwise. If you prefer an oval or circular veil, adjust the folding accordingly. Trim the edges to achieve the desired shape.
• Consider adding trim: Although optional, adding trim to the rounded edge can enhance the veil's appearance. You can hand-sew a beaded trim for a delicate touch or opt for narrow, white satin ribbon. If you choose to sew ribbon, do so an inch or two (2.54 to 5.08 cm) away from the edge, and then trim off the excess tulle.
• Use the right tools: When cutting tulle, avoid using hand scissors, as they may not provide a clean cut. Instead, opt for a rotary cutter or fabric scissors to ensure a straight and precise cut.

Sewing the veil

Next, you will need to sew across the top, straight edge of the veil. You can do this by hand or with a sewing machine. If you are using a machine, sew two rows about half an inch apart.

Now, gather your stitching. Pull on the thread until the tulle gathers to the width of your comb, which is usually about two to four inches. Tie the thread off into a secure knot, then cut off the excess.

Finally, sew the tulle to the comb. Match up the top edge of the veil with the top edge of the comb. Sew the veil to the comb, wrapping the thread around the comb and between the teeth. Tie the thread off into a tight knot, then snip off the excess.

Attaching the comb

Now that you have cut and shaped your veil, it's time to attach the comb. This is the piece that will hold your veil in your hair. You can use a plain comb or a decorative one. If you are sewing the veil to a decorative comb, sew it just behind the embellishments so that you don't cover them up.

If you want to, you can wrap the comb in ribbon or tulle before you attach the veil. This will give it a more finished look. Cut a piece of ribbon or tulle about 1 inch wide by about a yard long. Starting at one end of the comb, hold the end of the ribbon or tulle in place with your thumb. Then, begin to wrap it around the end of the comb about 3-4 times.

Wrap your way across the comb, working 2-3 wraps between each of the comb's teeth and covering the starting end of the ribbon or tulle. Adjust the number of wraps depending on how much bulk you want at the comb.

When you reach the other side, wrap 3-4 times around the end of the comb, then pull the remaining bit of the ribbon or tulle around the back of the comb towards the centre. Trim the excess and fold under the end so no raw edges are showing. Pin in place.

Stitch the end of the ribbon or tulle into place by hand. If needed, now is a good time to stitch the ends to themselves as well to prevent any slipping.

Now, place the top, gathered edge of your veil across the top edge of your comb. You want the gathers pointing towards the teeth, and the rest of the veil pointing away from the comb. This way, the veil will drape nicely. Stitch the veil directly to the ribbon or tulle. Use small stitches and make sure every gather is stitched down.

When finished, remove the basting threads from earlier.

This step is completely optional, but it makes for a prettier comb. Cut a length of ribbon the size of your comb plus a few inches. If you're using grosgrain ribbon, carefully use a flame to melt the ends of the ribbon (do not do this with natural fibres).

Pin the ribbon in place along the comb so that it covers the edges of the gathers and the stitching from attaching the veil to the comb.

Stitch into place along the top and bottom, wrapping the ends of the ribbon around the back of the comb.

For natural fibre ribbons, tuck under the ends of the ribbon before stitching into place to prevent fraying.

For veils where the comb is completely underneath the tulle, the ribbon won't wrap around. Simply tuck under the ends and keep the ribbon along the top of the comb.

Frequently asked questions