Crafting A Wedding Garter: Diy Guide For Brides

A wedding garter is a fun tradition where the bride tosses the garter to the wedding guests. Making your own wedding garter is an easy project that can be completed in under an hour and allows you to customise the garter with the colours and style of your choice. To make a wedding garter, you will need lace, ribbon, elastic, and a needle and thread. First, measure the circumference of your leg and cut your ribbon, lace, and elastic to size. Then, sew the ribbon on top of the lace, and sew the elastic between the layers of ribbon and lace. Finally, sew up the sides of the garter, and decorate it as desired.

Choosing your materials: lace, ribbon, elastic, and thread

Lace is a popular fabric choice for wedding garters, adding a delicate and elegant touch to the accessory. When choosing your lace, consider the colour, pattern, and texture that will best suit your wedding dress and overall bridal look. Opt for a soft and stretchy lace if you plan to wear the garter for an extended period, as it will lay flat against your skin and provide a comfortable fit.

Ribbon is often used in wedding garters to add a decorative touch and can be customised with charms, embroidery, or personalised details. Choose a ribbon colour that complements your wedding colour palette or opt for something blue, following the tradition of incorporating a blue element into your bridal ensemble. Consider the width and texture of the ribbon to ensure it pairs well with your chosen lace and other materials.

Elastic is a crucial component of a wedding garter, providing the necessary stretch and comfort for the bride. Look for soft and stretchy elastic that will hold the garter securely in place without pinching the skin. You can find bridal elastic in various colours, including traditional shades like white and ivory, as well as gold and silver for a subtle touch of glamour.

When selecting thread for your wedding garter, choose a colour that blends seamlessly with your chosen fabric. Opt for a high-quality thread that is strong and durable, ensuring that your garter can withstand wear and potential laundering. Consider using a thread that matches your chosen lace or ribbon to create a cohesive and polished look.

Measuring the garter: determining the right length for your leg

The first step in making a wedding garter is to measure the circumference of your leg to determine the right length for the garter. This will ensure that the garter fits comfortably and securely on your leg.

To start, choose the leg you prefer to wear the garter on. There is no rule on which leg to wear it on, but some people choose the left leg because it is closer to the heart.

Next, decide on the placement of the garter on your chosen leg. Most people recommend wearing the garter just above the knee. This placement avoids the garter rubbing on your other leg when you walk or dance, while also ensuring that it won't fall down.

Once you have determined the placement, it's time to take the measurement. Stand up while taking the measurement, as you will be standing most of the day on your wedding day. You can use a soft tape measure, or alternatively, use a piece of string or cotton if you don't have a tape measure. Wrap the tape measure or string around the chosen area of your leg, ensuring that it is not pulled too tight. You want it to be form-fitting and flush against your skin without digging in or creating an indent.

The number you get from this measurement is your garter size. You can then compare this to the standard sizes offered by garter manufacturers or use it as a guide if you are making a custom garter. If your measurement falls between sizes, it is generally recommended to size up to ensure the garter is not too tight.

Sewing the ribbon to the lace: keeping the stitching straight

Sewing the ribbon to the lace requires a steady hand and a keen eye for detail. Here are some detailed instructions to help you achieve straight stitching:

Preparing the Materials:

Before you begin sewing, it's important to have all your materials ready and properly prepared. Make sure you have chosen a lace with straight edges, as this will make it easier to sew. Pre-wash your lace and fabric to avoid any shrinkage issues later. Select a thread that matches the colour of your ribbon. Ensure your sewing machine is set to the correct tension for your fabric to prevent any issues with the lace during sewing.

Pinning the Lace:

Place the lace on top of the ribbon, aligning the edges carefully. Use pins to secure the lace in place, positioning them perpendicular to the edge you will be sewing. For curved edges, ease the lace around the curve, and for corners, create mitered corners. Leave some extra lace at the end, which can be trimmed later if needed.

Sewing the First Edge:

Start sewing along the first edge of the lace, removing the pins as you go. Keep your stitching as straight as possible, maintaining an even distance from the edge of the ribbon. Sew as close to the edge as you can, without going off-course.

Sewing the Second Edge:

Once you've sewn the first edge, move to the opposite edge of the ribbon and lace. Sew along this edge, again keeping your stitching straight and even.

Trimming the Lace:

After sewing both edges, carefully trim the lace so that it is even with the edge of the fabric. Take your time with this step to avoid accidentally cutting the ribbon or fabric.

Topstitching:

Now, flip the ribbon and lace over, and topstitch on each side of the lace. This will help secure the fabric and prevent it from fraying or falling into the open lace area. Make sure your topstitching is aligned with your original stitching.

Optional: Zig-Zag Stitch:

If desired, you can add a zig-zag stitch along the cut ends of the ribbon to finish it off and prevent fraying.

By following these steps carefully and taking your time, you can achieve straight and neat stitching when attaching ribbon to lace for your wedding garter.

Adding elastic for a secure fit: using a safety pin to guide it through

Once you have the lace, ribbon, and elastic cut to size, you can start assembling your wedding garter. After sewing the ribbon onto the lace, you will be ready to add the elastic for a secure fit.

Take your cut piece of elastic and put a large safety pin on one end. Then, thread the safety pin between the ribbon and lace. Keep moving the safety pin with the elastic until it’s all the way through. The elastic is shorter than the ribbon and lace, so you will have to gather it up as you go. Be careful not to lose the other end of the elastic.

You can also use a bodkin or a slim bobby pin to pull the elastic through the casing. If you are using a safety pin, be mindful that it doesn't come undone while you work the elastic through. If this happens, you may be able to close it up again and continue, but be careful not to catch any of the garment fabric. If it happens at the beginning, it's best to start over.

Once you have the elastic all the way through, pin both ends so you don't lose them.

Decorating the garter: adding buttons, beads, or the couple's initials

Decorating a wedding garter is a fun and creative process, and there are endless ways to make it your own. Here are some detailed ideas for adding buttons, beads, or the couple's initials to the garter:

Buttons and Beads

• Sewing buttons or beads: Choose buttons or beads in your desired colour and size. You can hand-sew them onto the garter, especially at the intersection of ribbon loops. This adds a decorative touch and secures the loops in place.
• Charms: Small charms can be sewn onto the garter, especially just under a bow, to hide the stitches neatly.
• Appliqué: Consider adding an appliqué to the garter for a unique design element.

Couple's Initials

• Embroidery: Use embroidery to add the couple's initials and wedding date to the garter. You can embroider on a solid fabric, such as the outer satin ribbon, before assembling the garter.
• Stamps: If you have small letter or number stamps, you can use them to stamp the couple's initials, wedding date, or a special phrase onto the garter.
• Marker: For a more personal touch, use a fine-point permanent marker to write the couple's initials, a note, or a special saying on the inside of the garter. Be sure to test the marker first to ensure it doesn't bleed onto the fabric.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas or add your unique twist to create a memorable and personalised wedding garter!

Frequently asked questions