Create Your Own Wedding Garter: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making your own garter for your wedding is a fun and easy DIY project that can add a personal touch to your big day. All you need are a few simple supplies like lace, ribbon, elastic, and some basic sewing skills. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating your own custom-sized garter, with tips on measuring, sewing, and adding embellishments. We'll also explore different decoration options, such as buttons, rhinestones, and ribbon, to make your garter unique and special. So, whether you're looking to incorporate your something blue or simply want to save money on wedding expenses, follow this tutorial to create a beautiful handmade garter for your wedding.

Choosing your materials

The materials you will need to make your own wedding garter include lace, ribbon, thread, and elastic. You can also add optional decorations such as charms, buttons, beads, rhinestones, or fabric cut from the wedding dress.

For the lace, choose a stretchy variety that is 26 inches long and between 2 and 2.5 inches wide. The lace should have one scalloped or decorative edge. Additionally, select a narrower lace with a decorative edge for the top edge of the garter. This piece should be 26 inches long and between 0.25 and 0.5 inches wide.

The ribbon should be made of satin or grosgrain and be 52 inches long and 1 inch wide. If you prefer a thinner garter, you can opt for a 0.5-inch-wide ribbon. You will also need a 13-inch piece of 0.5-inch elastic.

When choosing your materials, consider the colour scheme and style of your wedding. You can incorporate your ""something blue"" into the garter by using blue fabric or embellishments. If you wish to add decorations, select ribbons, buttons, beads, or other embellishments that complement your wedding theme.

For the tools, you will need basic sewing supplies such as a needle and thread, scissors, and a safety pin or bodkin. If you plan to add rhinestones, you may also need a hot fix rhinestone setter or iron.

Measuring your leg

The first step in making your own garter for your wedding is to measure your leg. This is important to ensure that your garter fits comfortably and doesn't slide down your leg.

To start, decide where you want to wear your garter. Most brides choose to wear their garter just above the knee on either leg. Mark this spot as you will be measuring the circumference of your leg at this point.

Next, you will need a tape measure or a piece of string and a ruler. If using a tape measure, wrap it around the marked spot on your leg. If using a piece of string, wrap it around the marked spot and then measure the length of the string with a ruler. Ensure that the tape measure or string is snug but not too tight or too loose. You want it to be form-fitting but not digging into your leg.

The measurement you get will be the circumference of your leg at the desired garter placement. This measurement is essential for creating a custom garter that fits perfectly. If you are purchasing a pre-made garter, compare this measurement to the sizing information provided to choose the correct size.

It is recommended to measure your leg as close to your wedding day as possible, as this will provide the most accurate measurement. Additionally, it is best to stand up while taking the measurement, as you will be standing for most of your wedding day.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your wedding garter will fit comfortably and securely on your leg.

Cutting the lace

When cutting the lace, ensure you buy stretchy lace so that it stays on your leg. You can also use the final product as a headband, so measure accordingly. Once you have measured and cut the lace, you will need to find the centre point.

Sewing the ribbon

The first step is to cut your chosen ribbon in half. If you are using satin ribbon, it should be 52 inches long. Place the ends of the wider lace and one piece of ribbon together. Lay the straight edge of the lace on the bottom edge of the ribbon, with the lace overlapping the ribbon by 1/8 inch to 1/16 inch. Sew the lace to the ribbon, keeping as close to the edge of the ribbon as possible.

Repeat this process to attach the narrower lace to the top edge of the ribbon. Then, place the second piece of ribbon directly over the first and sew it in place, again staying as close to the edges as possible. However, do not sew the ends of the ribbon yet.

Now, you will add the elastic to the garter. Using a safety pin or bodkin, thread the elastic between the two pieces of ribbon. Stitch one end of the elastic to one end of the ribbon. Pull the elastic through and align the other end with the opposite end of the ribbon, stitching them together.

Place the wrong sides of the garter together and align the ends and edges. Sew a seam using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, then trim the seam allowance. Fold the garter on the sewn seam, with the right sides of the garter together, and sew another seam using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. This will enclose the raw edges.

Adding decorations

Rhinestones and Appliqués

Give your garter some sparkle by sewing on rhinestones or an appliqué. You can buy rhinestone appliqués and loose rhinestones from Shinetrim.com. Arrange the rhinestones around the appliqué, then set them with an iron or a rhinestone setter. You can also sew on a button or bead as a central decoration.

Charms

Add a charm with the initial of your partner for a cute and simple decoration. Attach the charm by opening one of its jump rings and clasping it around the lace.

Ribbons

Use a ribbon less than 1-inch wide and sew it on top of the outer satin ribbon. You could use a novelty ribbon, such as one featuring your favourite sports team, for a fun touch. Alternatively, cut three 6-inch pieces of 1/4-inch-wide ribbon. Loop each piece and lay it on top of itself, then fan the loops out and sew them together in the middle.

Embroidery

Instead of using ruffled lace, use a solid fabric and embroider the couple's initials and wedding date.

Fabric and Lace

If you have any leftover fabric from your wedding dress, you can use it to make your garter. Alternatively, use lace ribbon or tulle. Layer two wide pieces of tulle and sew the satin on top, or cut and sew two pieces of tulle separately, one on each edge of the satin.

Beads and Stones

Glue or sew on some beads or stones for extra decoration. Turquoise stones would be perfect for a western-themed wedding.

Frequently asked questions