Creating Wedding Veil Patterns: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

How to Make Wedding Veil Patterns

Making your own wedding veil is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. You can make a veil in an afternoon, and it will only cost you about $10 in supplies. You can also add lace and beading to make it even more special.

Materials

- Tulle

- Hair comb

- Ribbon

- Rolled hem foot

- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter and cutting mat

- Fabric marker

- Thimble (optional)

- Nylon thread

- Beads/trim as desired

Steps

1. Prepare the fabric by pressing gently and on low heat. Check for any stains or threads that need to be removed and take care of them now.

2. Cut the fabric to size. You will need to cut an oval or a circle of tulle that is the appropriate length. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, measure the length down the folded edge, and use a long ruler to square off and cut the edge with a rotary cutter.

3. Trim the corners into shape. With the fabric still folded into quarters, the corners of the veil should all be stacked together. Pin along the edges and/or weigh them down to prevent the layers from slipping.

4. Hem the edges. For my veils, I like to use a rolled hem. This creates a hem that will prevent the tulle from fraying with very minimal visual impact.

5. Prepare the comb. Using the scraps from earlier, it's time to wrap the comb. You could also do this with ribbon or even garment tape, but I find it's a great time to make use of what would otherwise go to waste.

6. Gather the veil. For most veils, you will have two layers of fabric. If you want a blusher, the comb will go on the underside of the veil and you will not need to fold the fabric in half first.

7. Pin the veil to the comb. Pull on the ends of the basting threads to gather the fabric to the size of the comb.

8. Stitch the veil to the comb. By hand, stitch the veil to the comb, working the needle into the wrapped fabric from before.

9. Cover the gathered edge. This step is completely optional, but makes for a prettier comb. Cut a length of ribbon the size of your comb plus a few inches. Pin the ribbon in place along the comb so that it covers the edges of the gathers and the stitching from attaching the veil to the comb.

Choosing the right tulle

Tulle is the most common fabric used for wedding veils. It is a fine, net-like fabric often made from silk, nylon, or rayon. It is lightweight, sheer, and drapes gracefully. Tulle is also versatile and can be used for traditional cathedral-length veils to short, modern styles. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other materials used for veils.

When choosing the right tulle for your veil, there are a few things to consider:

Length and Width

The length of your veil will depend on your preference and the style you want to achieve. Common veil lengths include shoulder, elbow, fingertip, floor, chapel, and cathedral. The width of the tulle will determine the fullness of your veil, with wider tulle creating a fuller veil. Tulle typically comes in widths of 54, 72, or 108 inches. For shorter veils, 54-inch wide tulle is usually sufficient, while longer veils may require 108-inch wide tulle to avoid seams.

Colour

Tulle veils come in a variety of colours, including white, off-white, light ivory, ivory, blush, nude, and glimmer. When choosing a colour, consider the colour of your wedding dress. Your veil does not have to match your dress exactly, but it should complement it. A veil that is slightly lighter in colour than your dress can brighten up your overall look.

Material

The most common materials for tulle veils are nylon and polyester, as they are affordable, durable, and easy to care for. Rayon, a semi-synthetic material made from wood pulp, is another option that feels more natural and can be softer and smoother. For a more luxurious option, silk tulle is incredibly soft, delicate, and has a beautiful drape and sheen.

Embellishments

Tulle veils can be embellished with embroidery, beading, sequins, or glitter to create a whimsical or glamorous look. Embellishments can add texture and dimension to your veil and make it stand out.

Care

Tulle is a delicate fabric and requires gentle care. Always handle tulle with clean, dry hands and avoid sharp objects that can snag or tear the fabric. It is recommended to dry clean tulle veils, especially those with embellishments. If dry cleaning is not an option, hand-wash the tulle in cold water with a gentle detergent and lay it flat to air dry. Avoid using a dryer or iron as the heat can damage the fabric.

Cutting the tulle to size

The first step in making a wedding veil is to decide how long you want it to be. A typical veil would come down to your fingertips, but other popular lengths include shoulder, elbow, floor, chapel, and cathedral.

The next step is to purchase the tulle. Look for something that is around 72 inches (182.88 centimeters) wide. If you are making a shorter veil (i.e. shoulder length), consider getting something that is around 55 inches (139.7 centimeters) wide. If you are making a really long veil (i.e. floor or chapel), consider getting 108-inch (274.32-centimeter) wide tulle instead. This way, it will be more proportionate.

Now, cut the bottom of your veil into a rounded rectangle, if desired. You can leave your veil rectangular, but a rounded bottom will give you a nicer shape. Lay your tulle out with the bottom edge facing you. Fold the tulle in half, then cut the bottom (loose) corners off so that they are rounded.

Your veil may look a lot wider than it is long at this point, but that is alright.

Use a rotary cutter to cut your tulle—not hand scissors. That will help eliminate the chance that the edges will appear choppy.

If you're making a blusher veil, cut it in a circle.

Adding Trim to the Rounded Edge

Consider adding some trim to the rounded edge. You don't really have to do this, but since it is your special day, why not go full-out and make yourself feel like a princess? You can hand-sew a beaded trim for something more delicate. You can also sew some narrow, white, satin ribbon instead.

If you are sewing ribbon onto the edge, sew it an inch or two (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) away from the edge first, then trim off the excess tulle.

If you're planning to add trim, use a tulle that has a stiffer feel to it.

Sewing the Top Edge

Sew across the top, straight edge. You can do it by hand using a running stitch or on a sewing machine using a straight stitch. If you choose to do it on a machine, sew two rows, about ½-inch (1.27-centimeter) apart.

For a full veil, sew all the way across the top, straight edge.

For a less-full veil, sew across the center part, leaving a gap on either side.

Gathering the Tulle

Gather your stitching, then tie the thread off. Gently tug on the end of your stitching until the tulle gathers. Keep pulling until the gathered area is the same width as your comb, about 2 to 4 inches (5.08 to 10.16 centimeters). Tie the thread off into a secure knot, then cut off the excess.

If you used a sewing machine, pull on the bobbin threads.

Sewing the Tulle to a Hair Comb

Match up the top edge of the veil with the top edge of the comb. Sew the veil to the comb, wrapping the thread around the comb and between the teeth. Tie the thread off in a tight knot, then snip off the excess.

Some people like to wrap ribbon or extra around the comb first.

Decorating the Comb

Decorate the comb, if desired. Use a needle and thread, sew on some pearls, silk flowers, beads, or rhinestones onto the comb. Be sure to choose something that matches your dress. If you must glue something on, use fabric glue. Hot glue tends to get messy, and it can melt on a hot day.

Adding trim to the edges

Choosing the right trim

The trim you choose for your veil will depend on the overall style and look you are going for. Here are some options to consider:

• Ribbon: A thin satin ribbon is a popular choice for veils as it is easy to sew and gives a delicate finish. You can choose a colour that matches your dress or go for something contrasting.
• Lace: A lace trim can add a romantic, vintage feel to your veil. Look for a lace with a scalloped edge for a soft, feminine look.
• Beading: Tiny beads or pearls sewn onto the edge of your veil will add a touch of sparkle and elegance. You can also use larger beads or crystals for a more dramatic look.
• Embroidered trim: An embroidered trim can add a unique and personalised touch to your veil. Look for a design that complements the style of your dress.

Preparing your veil

Before you start adding trim to your veil, there are a few things you should do to prepare:

• Iron your veil: Make sure your veil is free of any wrinkles or creases by giving it a gentle iron on a low heat setting. This will ensure that your trim lies flat and smooth when you sew it on.
• Cut your trim to size: Measure the perimeter of your veil and cut your trim to size, allowing for a little extra so that you can overlap the ends when you sew them together.
• Pin your trim in place: Use fabric pins to temporarily attach your trim to your veil, so that you can check that you are happy with the placement before you start sewing.

Sewing on your trim

When you are ready to sew on your trim, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use a needle and thread: Unless you are an experienced sewer, it is best to sew your trim on by hand rather than using a sewing machine. This will give you more control and help you avoid any mistakes.
• Use small, neat stitches: Take your time and use small, neat stitches to attach your trim. This will give a more professional finish and help to secure your trim in place.
• Sew from the right side: Sew your trim onto the right side of your veil, so that your stitches are less visible.
• Trim any excess tulle: Once you have sewn on your trim, carefully trim away any excess tulle that is peeking out from behind the trim.

Sewing the tulle

Step 1: Cut the Tulle to Length

First, decide how long you want the veil to be. Measure from the top of your head to where you want the veil to end, then double that length. For example, a typical fingertip-length veil will be between three and four feet long, so you'll need 6 to 8 feet (2 to 2-1/2 yards) of tulle.

Next, lay the tulle out on a large table or a clean floor, keeping it folded in half lengthwise. Now, fold the tulle in half crosswise, so that you have four layers of tulle. Measure again how long you want the tulle to be and cut it to that length if needed.

Step 2: Round Out the Corners

Now, it's time to round off the top left corner of the fabric. You can use a large serving platter or another round object as a guide, or you can freehand the curve. Cut the corner to create a quarter-circle shape.

Step 3: Refold the Tulle

Unfold the tulle completely, so that you have one layer. Now, fold the tulle crosswise from right to left, but don't bring it all the way over. You can match the ends up for a single-length veil or leave a few inches between the edges for a layered look. If you keep a shorter layer, it can be used as a blusher.

Step 4: Gather the Center of the Tulle

Decide whether you want the side edges of your veil's two layers to come all the way up to the top. If you choose to have the edges come up to the top, the top of your veil will be fuller and puffier.

Once you've decided, use a needle and strong thread to gather the tulle. Weave the thread in and out with small stitches, either across the center portion of the tulle or across the entire width, depending on your preference.

Pull the thread to gather the tulle so that it is about 2 inches wide. Knot the thread securely.

Step 5: Attach the Tulle to a Comb

To wear the veil, you'll need to attach it to something like a simple French comb, a barrette, or a headpiece. Just take the gathered portion of tulle at the top center and sew it securely to your clip.

If you plan to wear a tiara and want to be able to remove the veil for the reception, sew the veil to a simple French comb so you can wear both pieces at once and then easily take the veil off later.

Step 6: Add Optional Ribbon Trim

Your veil is now ready to wear, but you may want to decorate it further. A popular option is to sew a thin satin ribbon along the edges of the veil. You can do this easily with a sewing machine and some white thread.

When sewing, don't worry about getting the ribbon right up against the end of the tulle—just leave some extra and then come back and trim it later.

Step 7: Add Optional Decorative Elements

You can also choose to sew or glue tiny sparkling beads or gemstones randomly on your veil. It's your veil, so feel free to make it special and exactly how you want it!

Gathering the tulle

The tulle is the netting or mesh fabric that makes up the veil. Tulle is available in different widths, and the width you choose will depend on how full you want your veil to be. For a fuller veil, use the 108" wide tulle. The length of the fabric will depend on your desired veil length. Measure from the top of your head to where you want the veil to end and double that length. For example, a typical fingertip-length veil will be between three and four feet long, so you'll need 6 to 8 feet (2 to 2-1/2 yards) of tulle.

To cut the tulle to the desired length, lay it out on a large table or clean floor and keep it folded in half lengthwise. Put the folded edge nearest to you. At this point, you have two layers of tulle. Now, fold the tulle in half crosswise by grabbing the rightmost edge and folding it over so that it touches the leftmost edge. You should now have four layers of tulle. Measure again how long you want the tulle to be and cut if needed.

Next, you will need to round off the top left edge of the fabric by pinning to mark it and then cutting in a smooth motion. You can use a large serving platter as a guide to get a nice quarter-circle shape.

Unfold the tulle completely so that you have one layer of tulle. Now, fold the tulle crosswise from right to left, but you don't have to bring it all the way over. You can match the ends up for a single-length veil or leave a few inches between the edges for a nice layered look. If you keep a shorter layer, it can be used as a blusher. At this point, you should verify that the length is exactly what you want, and if it's too long, cut one of the rounded ends shorter, as needed.

Turn the veil 90 degrees counter-clockwise so that the folded edge is at the top, farthest away from you, and the open rounded edges are closest to you. Don't be surprised if the veil seems wider than it is long, especially if you are using really wide tulle or making a fairly short veil. Once you gather it all up in the following step, the proportions will make a lot more sense.

Now, you will need to decide whether or not you want the side edges of your veil's two layers to come all the way up to the top. If you choose to have the edges come up to the top, the top of your veil will be fuller and puffier. This decision is particularly noticeable if you plan to put a ribbon trim on the edges, because the ribbon will clearly be only at the bottom or will go up to your head, depending on your choice. Once you choose from these two styles, you will be ready to gather the top of your veil. Depending on your choice, you will either gather up only the center portion of your tulle or gather the entire width of the tulle.

Once you have decided how much tulle to gather, do so with a needle and strong thread, weaving in and out with small stitches. Pull the thread to gather the stitched tulle so that it is only about 2 inches wide. Knot the thread securely. This veil was gathered in the middle only, so there is no stitching on the sides. Hold the tulle by the gathered area and give it a gentle shake, which will allow the sides to fall gracefully down with the rest of the tulle.

Attaching the Veil to a Comb or Clip

To be able to wear the veil in your hair, you'll need to attach it to something. You can use a simple French comb, a barrette, or any headpiece you already have picked out. Just take the gathered portion of tulle at the top center and sew it securely to your clip. If you are planning to wear a fancy tiara and want to be able to remove the veil for the reception but still keep the tiara on, just sew the veil to a simple French comb, and you can wear both pieces at once, then easily take just the veil off later.

Frequently asked questions