Creating A Tulle Wedding Skirt: A Step-By-Step Guide

Tulle wedding skirts are a popular clothing item, with many people opting to make their own due to the high cost of purchasing one. Making your own tulle wedding skirt is a more affordable option for brides on a budget, and can be achieved with some basic sewing skills and/or practice. The amount of tulle you will need depends on how puffy you want the skirt to be, and you will also need ribbon, elastic or both, as well as a sewing machine and some other sewing supplies.

Tulle, ribbon, and sewing supplies

To make a tulle wedding skirt, you will need to purchase tulle fabric, ribbon, elastic, and other sewing supplies.

Tulle fabric can be purchased online or at big-box stores. The amount of fabric required will depend on the desired length and fullness of the skirt. As a general guideline, 4-5 yards of tulle should be sufficient for a full-length skirt. When purchasing tulle, consider the colour, quality, and price. Some popular online retailers for tulle fabric include Gifts International, Walmart, and Amazon.

Ribbon is another essential material for making a tulle wedding skirt. It is used for decorative purposes and to cover gathering stitches. Choose a ribbon that complements the colour of the tulle fabric.

Elastic is needed for the waistband of the skirt. It helps to create a comfortable and adjustable fit.

In terms of sewing supplies, you will need a sewing machine, thread in a matching colour, needles, scissors or a rotary cutter, tailor's chalk or another fabric marking tool, and possibly a zipper. If you plan to add embellishments like seed pearls or sequins, you will also need to purchase those.

By gathering these materials and following a step-by-step tutorial for constructing the skirt, you can create a beautiful and ethereal tulle wedding skirt.

Cutting and layering tulle

Firstly, decide on the length of your tulle skirt. A typical wedding skirt can range from knee-length to full-length, depending on your preference. Cut your tulle fabric into panels of the desired length. For a knee-length skirt, you may cut the panels to around 34" in length. You will need multiple panels to create a full skirt, so cut at least four panels of each colour or type of tulle you plan to use.

Next, sew the long seams of the panels together. This will result in large tubes of tulle. Gather these tubes together to form one full skirt. To create a staggered look and avoid thick lines, offset the seams of each layer. This will give your skirt a more elegant and flowing appearance.

When gathering the layers, it's important to pin them together to hold them in place. You may need an extra pair of hands to help with this step! Once pinned, use gathering stitches to secure the layers together and bring in the fullness of the skirt.

If you want to add a waistband, cut a piece of twill tape and sew the gathered tulle to it. This will help keep the skirt together until you are ready to assemble the entire outfit.

Finally, decide on the fullness and puffiness of your skirt. If you prefer a less poufy look, you can stagger some of the tulle layers, especially on the bottom layers or under the lining sheath. This will reduce the volume at the waist while still maintaining a full and flowing skirt.

Attaching tulle to the underskirt

Attaching the tulle to the underskirt is a crucial step in creating a beautiful and secure tulle wedding skirt. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Preparing the Tulle:

Before you begin attaching the tulle, you need to cut it into panels of your desired length. For a full-length skirt, cut the tulle into 34" long panels, or adjust the length according to your preference. You will need multiple panels of tulle, usually around four layers, to create a full and voluminous skirt. Each layer can be a different colour, adding a unique touch to your skirt.

Gathering the Tulle:

Once you have your tulle panels, it's time to gather them together. Sew the long seams of the panels together to create big tubes of tulle. Gather all the tubes and pin them together at the top. You can also add gathering stitches to keep everything securely in place and to control the fullness of the skirt.

Now, you can start attaching the tulle to the underskirt. Place the underskirt on a mannequin or a flat surface, whichever you find more convenient. Pin one side of the gathered tulle to the waistline of the underskirt, making sure it is securely attached. This step may require an extra pair of hands to ensure the tulle is evenly distributed and smoothly attached.

Staggering the Seams:

When you normally make a skirt, you would typically place one of the seams at the opening in the back or side seam of the bodice. However, for a tulle skirt, you might want to stagger the long seams of the tulle layers to avoid thick lines running up and down the skirt. Offset the seams by aligning the layers and cutting a placket opening, which will go on the side seam.

Securing the Tulle:

Before you finish attaching the tulle, you can secure it in place by sewing the gathered overskirt to a piece of twill tape. This will keep everything in place until you are ready to assemble the entire skirt. Finally, pin the tulle to the underskirt on the mannequin or flat surface, and admire your handiwork!

Creating a tulle wedding skirt can be a fun and rewarding project, but it does require time and patience. Take your time with each step, and don't be afraid to enlist help from a friend or family member to ensure your tulle wedding skirt turns out exactly as you envision it.

Adjusting the waistband

Firstly, decide on the desired width of the waistband. This will depend on the style and fit you want to achieve. A wider waistband can provide a more structured look, while a narrower one may be more comfortable and subtle. Measure the desired width and cut the fabric to size. You can use a flexible measuring tape to ensure an accurate measurement around the waist.

Next, consider the length of the waistband. It should be long enough to comfortably wrap around the waist, with enough overlap to secure it in place. Cut the fabric to the desired length, adding a little extra to allow for seams and adjustments.

When cutting the fabric for the waistband, choose a material that is sturdy and complements the tulle. Satin, grosgrain ribbon, or a fabric that matches the colour of your tulle are all good options. Ensure that the fabric is strong enough to support the weight of the tulle skirt, especially if you are using multiple layers of tulle or a heavier type of tulle fabric.

Now, it's time to attach the waistband to the tulle skirt. Start by folding the waistband fabric in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press it with an iron to create a crisp edge. Then, pin the waistband to the top edge of the tulle skirt, matching the raw edges and centring the waistband. Sew along the pinned edge, securing the waistband in place.

If you want to add a closure to the waistband, you can choose between options like hooks and eyes, buttons, or a zipper. Alternatively, you can leave an opening at the back or side of the waistband and use ribbon ties to secure it. This is a good option if you want a more adjustable waistband.

Finally, finish the waistband by folding the raw edges under and stitching them in place. This will create a neat and durable finish. You can also add additional embellishments or decorations to the waistband, such as beads, rhinestones, or a bow, to enhance the overall look of your tulle wedding skirt.

Styling the skirt

There are two different ways to style a tulle wedding skirt. The first is to wear the tulle skirt over another dress, essentially creating a convertible wedding dress. This is a more affordable option than buying a tulle wedding dress, as it means you get two dresses in one. The tulle skirt can be worn for the ceremony and then removed for the reception.

The second option is to pair the tulle skirt with a tank top, corset, or blouse. This allows for more flexibility in terms of colour and style, and can be a whimsical or elegant choice depending on the top you choose.

When creating a convertible wedding dress with a tulle skirt, consider the following options for the dress underneath:

• A short, strapless cotton sateen dress
• A long, strapless satin bandage gown with a crystal pin
• A strapless satin dress with pockets

For a tank top, consider something whimsical, such as a top with pom-pom details, or a chiffon star tank top for a more elegant look.

Frequently asked questions