Creating Beaded Wedding Veils: A Guide To Embellishing With Beads

Making a wedding veil can be a fun and cost-effective way to create a special memento for the big day. While veils can be expensive, making your own allows you to have exactly what you want, whether that's a simple veil or one with intricate beading and lace. This introduction will cover the benefits of making your own veil, the materials and tools you'll need, and some basic steps to get you started on crafting your dream veil.

Choosing the right fabric for your veil

Fabric Type:

• The most common fabric for wedding veils is tulle, which comes in various qualities and widths. Bridal illusion tulle is a good option for a soft and high-quality veil.
• Other fabric options include organza or a very fine cotton or linen fabric.
• If you want a long cathedral-length veil, consider using a wider fabric, such as 108'' tulle, to create a full and voluminous look.

Fabric Colour:

• Choose a fabric that is a coordinating colour to your wedding gown.
• If you are ordering fabric online, make sure to view colour options carefully to ensure a good match.

Fabric Quality:

• It is important to select a fabric that is soft and comfortable to wear. Avoid scratchy or stiff fabrics that may be uncomfortable and difficult to work with.
• Choose a fabric that doesn't fray when cut, as this will make it easier to work with and create a neat finish.

Fabric Amount:

• Measure the desired length and width of your veil before purchasing fabric to ensure you order enough.
• Consider the number of layers you want for your veil, as this will impact the amount of fabric needed.
• Add a few extra inches to your measurements to allow for seam allowances and gathering.

Remember, taking the time to select the right fabric will ensure your veil looks beautiful and complements your wedding gown perfectly.

Cutting and stitching the veil fabric

The first step in making a wedding veil is to cut the fabric to the required length. An easy way to do this is by folding the fabric in half lengthwise, measuring the length, and then using a long ruler to square off and cut the edge with a rotary cutter. If your fabric is very wide, you may need to fold it twice to ensure the length is consistent.

Once the length is cut, you will need to trim the selvedges and even out the long edges. Keep the fabric folded and then fold it again widthwise so that the selvedges are stacked together. Using a long ruler or straight edge, cut off the selvedges at a 90-degree angle to create neat, even edges.

Now, it's time to shape the corners. With the fabric still folded, pin along the edges to prevent the layers from slipping. As tulle is thin and difficult to draw on, you can place a piece of paper underneath and use a fabric marker to transfer the desired curve. Cut along this line to create identical curves at each corner.

The next step is to hem the edges. A rolled hem is recommended to prevent fraying while keeping the visual impact minimal. Begin with the wrong side of the fabric facing up and insert it into a rolled hem foot, starting with the needle over a piece of rolled fabric. Sew slowly, using both hands to guide and fold the fabric. Work your way around the veil, overlapping slightly at the end.

After hemming, press the veil with a low iron to ensure the hem lies flat.

Now, it's time to prepare the comb. Cut a strip of tulle about 1-inch wide and long enough to wrap around the comb. Starting at one end, wrap the tulle around several times, then continue wrapping and adjusting the number of wraps to control the bulk. When you reach the other side, trim the excess, fold under the end, and stitch it in place.

For a veil with two layers of fabric, fold the fabric in half widthwise. Most veils have one layer slightly longer than the other, so play around with this option. Mark with pins where you will gather the fabric, which will determine the shape of the veil. Using a running stitch, baste along the gather line, staying within the area marked with pins. Gather the fabric by pulling on the ends of the basting threads until it is the desired size.

Pin the gathered fabric to the top of the comb and stitch it in place by hand, ensuring that every gather is stitched down.

As a final touch, you can add a ribbon to cover the gathered edge and stitches. Cut a length of ribbon slightly longer than your comb, then pin and stitch it in place along the top and bottom, wrapping the ends around the back of the comb.

Your veil is now ready to be steamed and stored until the big day!

Adding beading to the veil's edge

Firstly, decide on the type of beading you want to use. Lightweight pre-strung plastic pearls are a good option, but you could also use other types of beads, such as crystals or pearls. Make sure you have enough beads to go around the entire edge of the veil, and perhaps buy a few extra in case of mistakes.

Next, you need to prepare the veil for attaching the beads. Cut the veil to the desired length, and then cut a curved edge on one of the corners opposite the fold. The more curve you create, the more flowy the veil will be. You can use a hula hoop as a template to get a uniform curve. Cut carefully just inside the line you have drawn, making sure to cut off all the markings.

Now, gather the tulle to the length of the comb and hand-tie the threads at both ends to keep the gathers in place. Pin the veil to the comb, making sure the raw edges are on the outside of the curve and the gathers are lined up along the top. Stitch the veil to the comb by hand, using small stitches to secure each gather.

Finally, carefully hand-stitch the beads in place along the edge of the veil. Start by securing the first bead out of sight near the comb. Stitch the beads in place with tiny stitches, using a running stitch under each bead and an overcast stitch between each bead. When you reach the end, secure the last bead and hide it out of sight on the comb.

Your veil is now complete! This process takes time and patience, but the end result is a gorgeous, handmade veil that will be a wonderful keepsake.

Attaching the veil to a comb

Pin the veil to the comb

Firstly, pull on the ends of the basting threads to gather the fabric to the size of the comb. You may not need to pull the threads as tightly as possible, depending on the style of your veil. Pin the gathered fabric in place along the top of the comb. If you are not using a gathered style, lay out your veil fabric and decide where you want the comb to be, then pin it in place.

Stitch the veil to the comb

Using small stitches, sew the veil to the comb by hand. Make sure that every gather is stitched down.

Cover the gathered edge (optional)

This step is optional, but it will make your comb look neater. Cut a length of ribbon the size of your comb, plus a few inches. If you are using a natural fibre ribbon, tuck the ends under to prevent fraying. Pin the ribbon in place along the comb, covering the edges of the gathers and the stitching. Stitch the ribbon into place along the top and bottom, wrapping the ends around the back of the comb. If your veil is completely covered by the tulle, simply tuck under the ends of the ribbon and keep it along the top of the comb.

Final checks

Check the style of your veil before sewing. This is the only time you will be able to easily change the shape. Take a photo to get a clear idea of how it looks.

And there you have it – your veil is now attached to the comb!

Storing your veil before the wedding

Location, location, location

It's important to store your veil in a cool, dry, dark room. High temperatures and humidity can alter the fabric's colour and texture, and exposure to direct sunlight may cause discolouration.

Veil storage options

Veil storage bag

A veil storage bag will protect your veil from dust and sunlight, which could alter its appearance. It will also allow air to flow freely around the veil, preventing mould. Make sure the bag is made from breathable fabric and is acid-free.

Hanger

Hang your veil as high as possible, to avoid creases. If you need to fold it, use tissue paper to minimise creases. You can use a non-slip velvet hanger to avoid slipping.

Box

While storing your veil in a box is not ideal, you can use a pH-neutral, acid-free box to preserve the veil's original shape and colour.

Frequently asked questions