Franklin Dean
Tulle is a popular choice for wedding decorations, with many brides and grooms choosing to use tulle bows to add a touch of class and glamour to their special day. They are often used to decorate pews, chairs, or benches and can be easily customised to match the wedding colours or theme. Tulle is also a popular choice for wedding decorations as it is inexpensive and available in a wide variety of colours. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make your own tulle bows for your wedding, including how to determine the size of your bow, the supplies you will need, and the assembly process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tulle width | 6" |
| Tulle colour | Any colour, or multiple colours |
| Other materials | Floral wire, satin ribbon, scissors, cardboard, glue, wire or pipe cleaner |
| Tulle bow size | 12 inches in diameter |
| Tulle bow tail length | Customisable |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right tulle
Tulle is a lightweight, sheer fabric that is often made from nylon or silk. It is known for its soft texture and flowy drape, making it a popular choice for wedding decorations and bridal wear. When choosing the right tulle for your wedding bows, there are several factors to consider:
Colour
Tulle is available in a wide range of colours, so you can easily find one that matches your wedding colour palette. You can also mix and match different colours of tulle to create a unique look.
Type of Tulle
There are several types of tulle to choose from, each offering a different effect:
- Plain tulle: This type of tulle has a delicate, ethereal appearance. Its sheer, gauzy texture gives it a romantic and elegant look, making it perfect for weddings.
- Glitter tulle: This type of tulle has a sparkling, glamorous finish, adding a touch of sparkle to your wedding bows.
- Ombre tulle: Ombre tulle features a gradient effect, with the colour fading from one shade to another, creating a stunning, ethereal look.
- Beaded tulle: Beaded tulle adds a touch of glamour and sparkle to your bows, with beads, sequins or pearls attached to the fabric.
- Polka dot tulle: This type of tulle has small circles of different colours added to the fabric, creating a playful and whimsical effect.
- Printed tulle: Printed tulle can be printed with intricate designs, patterns and even photographs, allowing you to create truly unique wedding bows.
Amount of Tulle
Tulle is typically sold by the yard or in rolls, and it is important to buy enough to create the desired number of bows. For each bow, you will need approximately 4-5 yards of tulle, depending on the size and fullness you want to achieve.
Width of Tulle
Tulle comes in various widths, and the right width depends on the size of the bows you want to create. For wedding bows, a width of 6" is commonly used, but you can adjust this based on your preferences.
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Deciding on bow size
Before you start making your tulle bow, you must decide how large you want it to be. This will depend on where you plan to place the bow and the overall look you are going for. For example, if you are making a bow for a gift, you will want it to be smaller than a bow used to decorate a pew or chair at a wedding.
If you are making a bow for a specific object, like a gift or a wreath, you will need to measure that object to determine the appropriate size for your bow. For instance, if you are making a bow for a gift, you should measure out enough tulle so that you can tie a bow with a little bit of leftover tulle on each side. You will probably want around 8 inches of tulle past the edges of your gift on each side.
On the other hand, if you are making a large bow for a pew or chair at a wedding, you might want to aim for a bow that is around 12 inches in diameter. You can also add a tail to your bow—the pieces that hang down at the bottom—by cutting a section of tulle that is twice the length of your desired tail.
The size of your bow will also depend on how many strands of tulle you use to make the knot and the length of the extra tulle that will make your shoelace knot. The longer the tulle, the bigger the bow; the more strands, the fluffier the bow. For a gift, 4-5 strands should be enough, but for a wedding, you might want to use more strands to create a fuller, more impressive bow.
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Creating loops
- Start by deciding on the size of your tulle bow. For a consistent size, you can use a large piece of cardboard as a guide. Place one end of the tulle roll along the edge of the cardboard and pin it down.
- Gently stretch the tulle and create your first loop by folding the tulle back towards the opposite side, similar to creating an accordion fold. Pin this first loop in place.
- Continue making loops by folding the tulle back and forth, ensuring each loop is pinned securely. Aim for an even number of loops on each side, with at least four to five loops per side.
- Once you have the desired number of loops, cut the tulle in a straight line, matching the edge of the loops.
- To create a centre for your bow, measure and mark the midpoint of the loops lightly with a pencil.
- Take a separate piece of tulle, cut to your desired tail length, and tie it in a knot around the centre of the loops. The tails of the bow are the pieces of tulle that hang down.
- Remove the pins holding the loops in place, and gently fluff out the loops to give your bow a full and finished look.
Remember, tulle is delicate and can be easily ripped, so work carefully and avoid excessive stretching. The loops you create will form the base of your bow, so ensure they are evenly sized and securely tied before moving on to the next steps of decorating your wedding venue or creating beautiful pew bows.
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Adding decorations
If you want to hang your tulle bows from pews, chairs, or benches, you can purchase pew clips or use a piece of wire or pipe cleaner attached to the back of the centre knot. Tulle bows can also be used as hair accessories, with tulle shoelace knots wrapped around a headband. They can also be used as door wreaths, using a wider variation of tulle ribbon.
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Transporting the bows
Tulle is a delicate fabric that requires careful handling, especially when transporting your wedding bows. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your tulle bows remain in perfect condition while being moved:
Hang the Bows:
When transporting your tulle bows, it is best to hang them by their tails. Tulle is prone to wrinkling and creasing, so avoid placing them in bags, boxes, or containers. Hanging the bows will help maintain their shape and structure.
Protect from Wrinkles:
Tulle is extremely sensitive to wrinkling and creasing. Once it becomes misshapen, it is nearly impossible to restore it to its original form. Therefore, take extra care to prevent your bows from being crushed or squished during transportation. Avoid stacking items on top of them, and ensure they have sufficient space to remain undisturbed.
Handle with Care:
Tulle is a delicate fabric, so it is important to handle your bows with care. When transporting them, consider laying them flat in a vehicle or carrying them by hand if possible. If you must place them in a container, use a spacious box or container and place them gently inside, ensuring nothing rests on top of the bows.
Consider Transportation Method:
When moving your tulle bows, consider the mode of transportation. If possible, transport them in a vehicle where they can hang freely, such as a car or van. If you need to transport them in a box, choose a vehicle with a smooth ride to minimise the risk of bumps and vibrations that could disturb the bows.
Secure the Bows:
When hanging the tulle bows for transportation, ensure they are securely attached to a hanger or hanging structure. You don't want them to slip off or become detached during transport. Use additional string or thin wire to fasten the bows if necessary.
By following these careful transportation tips, you can ensure your tulle wedding bows arrive at their destination in pristine condition, ready to add a touch of elegance to your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
To make a basic tulle bow, you will need a roll of tulle and a large piece of cardboard. You can also use a plastic pew clip or wire/pipe cleaner if you want to attach the bow to a pew, chair, or bench. First, decide on the size of your bow and cut the tulle accordingly. Then, create loops on each side of the cardboard and secure them with pins. Cut the loops, find the midpoint, and tie a separate piece of tulle around the centre to create the tail of the bow. Remove the pins and fluff out the loops to finish the bow.
To make a tulle pew bow, you will need tulle, satin ribbon, and 20-gauge wire. Cut the satin ribbon in half and create a series of loops of increasing size, twisting each one in the back. Secure the loops to create the first layer of the bow. Repeat this process with the tulle to create the second layer. Then, use the full width of the satin ribbon to create a third layer of loops. Cut the length of the streamers to your desired size and secure the bow and streamers with the wire.
To make a multi-coloured tulle bow, gather three different colours of tulle and create eight loops of equal length, with four on each side. Cut the tulle and wrap a piece of floral wire around the middle to secure the loops. Create a streamer by cutting a long length of each colour, folding it in half, and attaching it to the back of the bow with the wire.
