Creating Tulle Bows For Wedding Pews

Pew bows are a popular decoration for church weddings, and many couples opt for tulle bows to add a touch of glamour to their ceremony. Tulle is an affordable and versatile material, available in a wide range of colours, allowing couples to easily customise their wedding decorations to match their chosen theme. Making tulle bows for pews is a straightforward process, requiring only a few basic supplies, and can be done by anyone looking to add a personal touch to their wedding décor.

Choosing the right tulle

When choosing the right tulle for your wedding bows, there are a few things to consider. Tulle is a fine netting fabric, usually made from silk, rayon, or nylon, and is known for its soft, sheer, and lightweight qualities. It is available in a wide range of colours and types, so you can easily match your wedding colour scheme.

First, consider the purpose of the tulle. If you are using it for pew bows, you will want to create a certain look and feel. Bridal tulle is typically soft and flowy, perfect for wedding gowns and veils. For decorations, a stiffer option like nylon tulle may be more suitable. If you want a sparkly effect, you can choose glitter tulle.

Next, evaluate the quality and texture of the tulle. High-quality tulle will have a finer mesh and feel softer, while lower-quality tulle may feel scratchy and look less elegant. Always feel the fabric before purchasing, or read reviews if buying online.

Then, select the right colour, finish, width, and length. Tulle comes in various colours and finishes, from matte to shiny. The colour and finish you choose will depend on the overall look you want to achieve. For a touch of glamour, go for shiny tulle, while matte tulle will give a more understated, elegant feel. Wider tulle is ideal for creating volume, and narrower widths are better for smaller projects like bows.

Finally, consider your budget. Tulle is generally affordable, but prices vary depending on quality and brand. Determine your budget and look for options that fit within that range.

By considering the purpose, quality, colour, finish, width, length, and budget, you can choose the right tulle for your wedding pew bows.

How to assemble the bow

To assemble the bow, start by placing one end of the tulle along the side of your cardboard piece. Pin down both corners and gently stretch the tulle until it reaches the line you've marked. Now, fold the tulle back towards the opposite side, creating an accordion-like shape, and pin down the corners again.

Keep repeating this folding process, removing and replacing the pins each time, until you have at least five loops on each side. Remember to fold a new piece of tulle each time you create a new loop. Once you have an even number of loops on both sides, cut the tulle in a straight line, matching the edge of the loops.

Find the midpoint of the loops with a measuring tape and lightly mark it with a pencil. Take your pre-cut tail piece and tie it in a knot around the centre, so the two ends hang down. Remove the pins holding the loops and gently fluff out the tulle to create a full bow. Tulle holds its shape, so work carefully.

You can now add any extra decorations, such as flowers, ribbons, or bows, using a small amount of glue or thin wire. If you want to hang your bow, you can attach a pew clip or use wire/a pipe cleaner at the back of the centre knot.

Adding decorations

Tulle is a versatile material that can be customised to match the colour scheme or theme of your wedding. You can add decorations to your tulle pew bows to make them even more special. Fresh or artificial flowers are a popular choice, adding a romantic and elegant touch to the décor. You can also add other embellishments such as ribbons, bows, feathers, or ornaments.

To attach the decorations, you can use thin wire or a small amount of glue. The wire can also be used to secure the bow to the pew, along with the tail of the tulle, which you can tie into a knot. You can also purchase pew clips or use a pipe cleaner to attach the bow.

If you want to add more colour to your tulle pew bows, consider using different coloured tails. You can do this by adding more lengths of tulle in the centre and tying each new tail into a square knot. This will create a colourful and festive look for your wedding ceremony.

Another way to customise your tulle pew bows is to use different types of fabric. You can use satin ribbon, for example, to create a second or third layer for the bow. This will add texture and visual interest to your decorations. You can also use other types of fabric that complement the tulle and match your wedding theme.

Remember to be careful when handling tulle, as it can be delicate and easily ripped. Tulle is also easily crumpled and wrinkled, so it is best to hang your tulle pew bows rather than placing them in bags or boxes when transporting or storing them.

Transporting the bows

Transporting your tulle bows is a delicate task, as tulle is extremely prone to creasing and wrinkling. The best way to transport your tulle pew bows is to hang them by their tails and move them very carefully. Avoid placing them in bags, boxes, or containers, as tulle is easily misshapen and cannot be returned to its original form once creased.

If you are transporting your tulle bows in a vehicle, consider hanging them from the grab handles or coat hooks, or laying them flat on the seats or in the boot. If you must lay them down, place them on top of other soft items such as cushions or blankets, and avoid stacking anything on top of them.

If you are transporting your tulle bows a long distance, or if they need to be stored for a period of time before the wedding, consider hanging them on a clothes rack or rail. This will ensure they remain crease-free and transportable. Covering them with a thin layer of plastic or fabric can also protect them from dust and damage.

For extra protection during transport, you may wish to invest in a portable garment rack with a cover. This will ensure your tulle bows remain secure and undisturbed during the journey. If you are travelling a long distance, consider adding a layer of bubble wrap or foam between the tulle bows and the plastic cover to prevent any potential creasing or damage.

Remember, tulle is a delicate fabric and your bows are at risk of being damaged during transport. Plan your journey carefully, allowing plenty of time to move the bows slowly and cautiously to their final destination.

Customising the bow

The beauty of making your own tulle pew bows is that you can customise them to match your wedding colours or theme. Tulle is available in a wide variety of colours and is inexpensive. You can also customise the size of your bows, as well as the length of the tails.

To customise your tulle bows further, you can add additional decorations, such as flowers, ribbons, feathers, or other ornaments. Fresh or artificial flowers are a popular choice for wedding pew bows, and you can attach them to the centre of your tulle bow using thin wire or a dab of glue. If you want to add even more glamour to your bows, try embellishing them with satin ribbon. Cut the ribbon in half and create a series of loops of increasing size to make a flower shape. Then, cut the length of your choice for the streamers and secure with wire.

If you'd like to hang your 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 is very delicate, so be sure to handle it with care and avoid placing or transporting your bows in bags, boxes, or containers as they can easily become creased and misshapen.

Frequently asked questions