Deborah Chan
Wedding dress ribbon sashes are a popular accessory among brides, adding elegance and glamour to a wedding gown. They are also a simple DIY project that can be made for a fraction of the price of a store-bought sash. To make a wedding dress ribbon sash, start by choosing a ribbon in a width, colour, and fabric that complements your dress. Consider adding embellishments such as rhinestones, beads, lace, or fabric flowers. Cut the ribbon to the desired length, allowing for enough extra length to create a bow. You can then attach the embellishments by sewing or using specialty glue. Finally, seal the ribbon ends to prevent fraying, and your sash is ready to be worn!
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right ribbon
The ribbon you choose for your wedding dress sash can make or break the entire look. Here are some tips to help you choose the right ribbon:
Fabric
The fabric of the ribbon is essential to achieving the desired look. Satin ribbons are the most popular choice for sashes, but they need to be of top quality, as cheaper options can pucker and develop stray fibres. Silk is another elegant option, with silk charmeuse, Duchess satin, and tulle being preferred fabrics for bridal sashes. If you are set on using a satin ribbon, consider using a satin or silk fabric for the main sash and a smaller amount of satin ribbon for the tails. This will ensure that your sash looks elegant and lies smoothly.
Width
The standard width for sashes is between 1.5 and 3 inches, but you can go up to 3 inches or more depending on your personal preference and body shape. Wider sashes can be more flattering for curvier figures, as they help to emphasise the waist.
Length
The length of the ribbon will depend on how you want to tie your sash. If you want a simple bow at the back, a ribbon that is 2 metres or longer will be sufficient. For a longer sash with tails, add 50 inches to your waist measurement. For an extra-long sash, you can go up to 160 inches. It's always better to have too much ribbon than too little, as you can always trim the ends.
Colour
The colour of the ribbon should complement the colour of your wedding dress. Ivory, rose gold, and white are popular choices for sashes, but you can also add a pop of colour with a navy or coloured sash. Keep in mind that shades can vary, so it's important to check that the ribbon matches your dress exactly.
Embellishments
Embellishments like rhinestones, crystals, beads, or embroidery can add a touch of glamour to your sash. You can buy trims with these embellishments already attached, or you can hand-stitch them onto your sash. If you do add embellishments, focus them on the part of the sash that will sit around your waist, leaving the tails plain so that they don't interfere with the bow.
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Cutting the ribbon
Firstly, determine the length of ribbon you need. Measure your waist circumference and add some extra length for the tails of the bow. A general rule of thumb is to add about 50 inches extra to your waist measurement. This will ensure you have enough ribbon to create a beautiful bow at the back. If you prefer longer tails, you can cut the ribbon even longer, up to 160 inches for an extra-long sash.
When cutting the ribbon, use a sharp pair of fabric scissors to ensure a clean cut. Cut the ribbon at a slight angle, as this will create a more elegant finish and can also help prevent fraying. If you want to be extra cautious about fraying, you can seal the cut edges of the ribbon. One method is to carefully pass the cut edge near a flame to slightly melt and seal the fibres. Alternatively, you can brush the cut edge with clear nail polish, although this may stiffen the ribbon slightly.
Another important consideration is whether to cut the ribbon on the grain or on the bias. Cutting on the grain means cutting along the length of the ribbon, parallel to the selvage (the finished edge). This method is generally recommended for ribbon sashes as it provides more stability and prevents the sash from twisting. Cutting on the bias, or diagonally across the grain, gives the ribbon more stretch and flexibility, but it may also cause it to twist or become uneven. If you prefer the look of a bias-cut sash, consider using a wider ribbon to minimise the number of pieces needed, as some people find that the different cuts can look odd where they are stitched together.
Finally, if you want a simple, plain sash, you can be done with the cutting process. However, if you wish to add embellishments like rhinestones, beads, or lace, make sure to cut a sufficient length of ribbon to accommodate these additions. You may also want to cut some extra ribbon to create a trial piece, allowing you to practise your design and embellishment placement before committing to the final sash.
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Adding embellishments
Choosing Embellishments
The type of embellishments you choose will depend on your personal preference and the overall look you want to achieve. Popular options include rhinestones, crystals, beads, sequins, and fabric flowers. You can also add decorative trim to your sash, such as fringe, lace, or other types of fabric trim.
Attaching Embellishments
There are several ways to attach embellishments to your ribbon sash:
- Stitching: You can hand-stitch embellishments like rhinestones, sequins, and beads directly onto the sash. This method ensures a secure hold and can add a delicate touch to your sash.
- Fabric glue: For embellishments like sequins, crystals, and beads, you can use fabric glue. Apply a small amount of glue to the ribbon and press the embellishment into place. Let it dry overnight.
- Iron-on: If you want to add letters or larger embellishments, you can use iron-on transfers. Follow the instructions for the iron-on pieces and be sure to protect them from direct heat with a towel or t-shirt.
Placement of Embellishments
When placing your embellishments, consider the overall design and balance of the sash. Embellishments are typically placed in the centre of the sash, around the waist area. If adding a trim, you may want to cover the entire edge of the ribbon or just a portion, depending on the desired look.
Tips for Working with Ribbon
When working with ribbon, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Cut your ribbon to the desired length, allowing for extra fabric at the ends for hemming or overlapping.
- To prevent fraying, you can hem the ends of the ribbon or use clear nail polish or heat sealing with a flame.
- Consider the width of the ribbon. Wider ribbons are better for adding large embellishments or lettering.
- Choose a ribbon with a good drape and a thickness that will hold its shape. Satin or silk fabrics are popular choices for bridal sashes.
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Hemming the sash
Choosing the Right Ribbon:
Start by selecting a ribbon that complements the colour of your wedding gown. Satin ribbons are a popular choice for sashes, but they can sometimes pucker and look uneven, so opt for high-quality satin or consider other fabrics like silk charmeuse, duchess satin, or tulle for a more luxurious feel. The ribbon should be thick yet malleable, with an ideal width of 2 to 3 inches.
Measuring and Cutting the Ribbon:
Before you begin hemming, ensure you have accurately measured and cut your ribbon. The standard length for a sash is around 2 meters, but you can add an extra 50 inches or more if you prefer longer tails. It's always better to have extra length, as you can trim it later if needed.
Folding and Stitching:
Now, it's time to start the hemming process. Fold over approximately 5mm of the ribbon's edge, and then fold it again. Secure it in place with pins. You can use a sewing machine or hand stitch the hem with matching thread. Sew along the edge of the ribbon, ensuring your stitches are neat and even.
Finishing Touches:
Once you've sewn the hem, there are a few optional steps to prevent fraying and add extra embellishment. You can seal the cut edges of the ribbon by carefully passing it near a flame to melt the ends slightly. Alternatively, you can brush the cut edges with clear nail polish to prevent fraying, although this may stiffen the ribbon. If you want to add some sparkle to your sash, consider attaching rhinestones, crystals, beads, or embroidery.
Remember, hemming a sash is a creative process, and you can adapt these steps to match your personal style and the overall look of your wedding gown. Enjoy crafting your unique wedding dress ribbon sash!
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Tying the sash
You can then trim the ribbon to size, allowing for an extra 1cm for the hem. Cut at the angle you want, then fold over 5mm, pin in place, and stitch by hand. You can also heat seal the ends by passing the cut edge of the ribbon near a flame to prevent fraying.
When you are happy with the length and finish of the ribbon, it is time to tie the sash. You can tie a simple bow at the back, or experiment with different knots. You can also add a clasp at the back instead of a bow.
If you are adding embellishments, such as rhinestones, beads, or sequins, you will need to plan out your design before tying the sash. You can attach the embellishments by hand-sewing or with specialty glue.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need about 2 meters of ribbon or more for a wedding dress ribbon sash. This measurement should be your waist round plus 50 inches extra for tails. You can also measure by taking a long piece of string, tying it around your waist, and measuring that.
Thick but malleable ribbon with a good drape is best. Satin ribbon is a popular choice, but it can sometimes pucker and look bad soon. You can also use fabric such as silk charmeuse, duchess satin, or tulle.
You can hem the edges of the ribbon by folding over 5mm once, then again, and pinning it in place before stitching by hand. You can also use clear nail polish or heat seal the ends by carefully passing them near a flame to prevent fraying.
You can embellish your sash with beads, rhinestones, lace, sequins, or fabric flowers. You can attach these embellishments by hand-sewing with clear or matching thread or using specialty glue.
