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

Tulle is a popular and versatile material for wedding decorations, and it can be used to create beautiful bows for pews, chairs, and benches. Making tulle bows is a simple DIY project that can add a touch of elegance and glamour to your wedding décor. Tulle is also inexpensive and available in a wide range of colours, making it easy to customise your bows to match your wedding theme and colour palette. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make stunning tulle bows for your wedding, covering everything from choosing the right supplies to assembling and customising your bows.

Choosing the right tulle

Tulle is a lightweight, extra-fine netting typically made of silk, rayon, or nylon. It is known for its soft texture and flow. Tulle is available in a wide variety of colours and types, making it a versatile and romantic fabric for creating elegant and dreamy looks.

When choosing the right tulle for your wedding bows, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the colour palette you want for your wedding. Tulle comes in various colours, so you can easily find one that matches your theme. You can also opt for embellished tulle with embroidery, sequins, or glitter for a more glamorous look. Another factor to consider is the weight of the tulle. Tulle comes in different weights, from sheer to semi-opaque, so choose the one that best suits your desired level of transparency. If you want a fuller, more voluminous bow, consider layering multiple layers of tulle or combining different colours. The amount of tulle you will need depends on the size of the bow you want to create. For larger bows, you will need more yards of tulle, while smaller bows will require less.

Additionally, consider the type of needle and thread you will use when working with tulle. Since tulle is a delicate fabric, it is essential to use a sharp, thin needle to avoid snags or holes. A size 9 or 11 universal needle is ideal. As for the thread, choose a thin and lightweight option such as polyester or nylon.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right tulle to create beautiful and elegant wedding bows that align with your desired theme and colour palette.

Measuring and cutting the tulle

To make a wedding bow with tulle, you will need to start by measuring and cutting the tulle. The amount of tulle you will need depends on the size of the bow you want to create. For a bow that will be 12 inches in diameter, you will need to cut a piece of tulle that is twice the length of your desired tail. If you are creating multiple loops on each side of the bow, you will need to cut several pieces of tulle of the same length. For a fuller and more voluminous bow, you can cut longer pieces of tulle.

To create a simple bow, you can start by cutting a piece of tulle that is about eight inches longer than the width of your gift on each side. You can then use this piece as a guide to cut 4-5 more strands of the same length. If you are creating a larger bow, such as a pew bow, you may need to use a roll of tulle that is approximately six inches wide.

Once you have cut your tulle to the desired length, you can begin assembling your bow. You can create loops with the tulle, securing them with wire or by tying them in the centre. If you are creating multiple loops, ensure that they are of equal length and that you have an even number of loops on each side.

It is important to handle tulle with care as it can be easily ripped or misshapen.

Creating loops

Start by obtaining your supplies: you will need a roll of tulle, a large piece of cardboard, and optionally, a plastic pew clip, wire, or pipe cleaner. The tulle should be approximately 6 inches wide and cut to the desired length. Place one end of the tulle along the side of your cardboard and secure it with pins. This will be the starting point for creating your loops.

To create the loops, gently stretch the tulle and fold it back and forth like an accordion. Aim for at least five loops on each side, and remember to pin down the corners of each loop before creating the next one. This process will give structure to your bow and ensure it holds its shape. Remember to remove the pins as you go along, folding a new piece of tulle for each loop, and then replacing the pins to hold it in place. Keep an even number of loops on each side for symmetry.

Once you have created the desired number of loops, carefully cut the tulle in a straight line, matching the edge of the loops. This will give your bow a neat and uniform appearance. After cutting, use a measuring tape to find the midpoint of the loops and mark it lightly with a pencil. This centre point will be crucial for the next steps, so ensure it is accurately marked.

Now, you can begin to shape the loops into a bow. Remove the pins holding the tulle loops, and gently fluff out the pieces of tulle to create a full and elegant bow. Tulle is a delicate fabric, so work carefully and avoid tugging or pulling too forcefully. Remember that tulle holds the shape it is stretched into, and it can be easily ripped.

With these steps, you should be able to create beautiful and uniform loops for your wedding bow. Remember to take your time and work carefully, as tulle is a delicate fabric. Once you have mastered the art of loop-making, you can experiment with different loop sizes and numbers to create unique and personalised wedding bows.

Securing the bow

Using Wire:

Take a piece of floral or 20-gauge wire and wrap it tightly around the centre of the bow. Pull the wire taut and twist it at the back to secure the loops in place. You can also use wire to attach streamers or additional decorations, such as flowers, ribbons, or ornaments. This method is ideal for pew bows, adding a touch of glamour to your wedding ceremony.

Using a Knot:

Another way to secure the bow is by tying a knot. Cut a separate piece of tulle, about the length of your hand, and thread it underneath the centre of the bow. Tie a knot to secure the loops together. This technique is simple and effective, ensuring your bow remains intact.

Using Glue:

If you're looking for an alternative method, you can use hot glue to secure the centre of the bow. This is especially useful if you're adding embellishments like rhinestones or vintage brooches. Simply apply a small amount of hot glue to the back of the embellishment and press it into the centre of the bow.

Using a Clip:

For bows that will be attached to pews, chairs, or benches, consider using a pew clip. These clips are designed to hold bows in place and can be easily attached to the back of the centre knot. This method ensures your bow stays securely in place without damaging the tulle.

Remember, tulle is delicate and can be easily ripped or misshapen. Be gentle when securing the bow, and take care when transporting your finished creation. With these methods, you can create stunning tulle bows that will impress your wedding guests or add a special touch to your gifts.

Embellishing the bow

Now that you have created your wedding bow with tulle, you can add some final touches to make it even more beautiful and personalised. Here are some ideas to embellish your bow:

• Flowers: Fresh or artificial flowers can be added to your tulle bow to give it a romantic and elegant touch. You can choose flowers that match your wedding colour palette or theme.
• Ribbons: Using ribbons, such as satin, in complementary colours or textures can add interest and depth to your bow. Play around with different types of ribbon to find the perfect match for your tulle.
• Brooches: Pinning a vintage brooch to the centre of your tulle bow can add a touch of sparkle and sophistication. It can be a great way to incorporate a family heirloom or a special piece of jewellery into your wedding decor.
• Rhinestones: Hot-gluing rhinestones or other types of bling to your tulle bow can make it shine and sparkle. This is a great option if you want to add a bit of glamour to your wedding decor.
• Feathers: Attaching feathers to your tulle bow can give it a soft and whimsical look. Choose feathers that complement your colour scheme for a cohesive and stylish effect.
• Other ornaments: You can also add other types of ornaments or decorations to your tulle bow to make it truly unique. Get creative and experiment with different embellishments until you find the perfect combination that reflects your style and personality.

Frequently asked questions