Creating A Wedding Belt Sash: A Guide For Brides

Creating your own wedding belt sash is a fun and easy way to add a unique touch to your bridal attire. It can be a great way to keep costs down and even become a family heirloom in the future. In this introduction, we will explore the different types of sashes, the materials needed, and provide a step-by-step guide to making your own sash. We will also discuss ways to customise and embellish your sash to make it truly yours. Whether you prefer a simple and elegant design or something bold and sparkling, making your own wedding belt sash is an enjoyable project that can be completed in a few simple steps.

Choosing the right fabric

When choosing the right fabric for your wedding belt sash, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you want to ensure that the fabric is of good quality and has a nice drape to it. Cheap or poor-quality fabric may not hang well and can pucker, with small fibres sticking out. Opt for something thick but malleable, with a good drape.

The type of fabric you choose will also depend on the style of your wedding dress and your personal preferences. Here are some popular fabric options for wedding belt sashes:

• Satin: This is a common choice for wedding belt sashes, as it is sleek and elegant. Satin ribbon can be used to create a simple sash, or satin fabric can be used to make a more substantial sash.
• Silk: Silk is a luxurious and elegant choice for a wedding belt sash. Silk Charmuese and Duchess Satin are preferred fabrics for bridal sashes.
• Tulle: Tulle is a light and airy fabric that can add a whimsical touch to your wedding belt sash.
• Velvet: A velvet sash can add a touch of colour and texture to your wedding ensemble.
• Lace: Lace is a romantic and delicate fabric that can be used to create a beautiful wedding belt sash.

When choosing the fabric for your wedding belt sash, consider the colour, width, and length that will best complement your dress and body type. The standard length for a sash ranges from 80 to 160 inches, and the width is typically between 1.5 and 3 inches, but you can adjust these measurements to suit your personal style and body shape.

Cutting the fabric

The first step in making your own wedding belt sash is to cut the fabric. You will need to cut two pieces of fabric, each 6 inches wide on the bias. The length of the fabric will depend on the desired length of your sash. For a 52-inch sash, you will need to cut two pieces of fabric that are each 52 inches long. If you want a longer sash, you can add more length to the fabric or stitch multiple pieces together.

To cut the fabric on the bias, leave it folded as it came on the bolt. This way, you can cut both pieces at the same time. Line up the 45-degree angle mark on your ruler with the folded edge of the fabric and cut from the fold to the edge. Move your ruler over 6 inches and cut again at the same angle.

Next, unfold your fabric. It should now look like a "V" shape. Cut it apart along the fold, so you end up with two separate pieces of fabric.

If you want a longer sash, you can stitch another piece of fabric to the long strip. Just make sure that any additional pieces are also cut on the bias.

Once you have cut all the fabric pieces to the correct size, you can move on to the next step of stitching them together.

Stitching the Fabric

After cutting the fabric to the desired length and width, it's time to stitch the pieces together. First, rotate the fabric so that you have one long piece of fabric that is straight. If you're worried about perfectly aligning the angled ends, you can blunt off one end of each piece and then stitch them together. This is also necessary if you are working with a patterned fabric to ensure the pattern is going in the same direction.

Place the two pieces of fabric right sides together and stitch them along one end. Trim the seam allowance to 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch. If you prefer a longer sash, simply stitch another piece of fabric to the long strip.

Once you have a long piece of fabric in your desired length, it's time to fold it in half lengthwise, ensuring the right sides are facing each other. Use pins to hold the fabric in place.

Now, you can start stitching around the perimeter of the fabric piece, leaving an opening in the center of the sash. Remember to use a 1/4-inch seam allowance. After stitching, clip the corners and turn the piece right side out.

Finishing Touches

Press the fabric well, making sure to "catch" the opening as you go. Use a needle and thread to whip stitch the opening closed. And there you have it—your very own wedding belt sash!

Feel free to add your own personal touches, such as embellishments or a different type of stitch to close the opening. You can also experiment with different fabrics and colours to create a unique and personalised sash for your special day.

Stitching the fabric together

Now that you have your fabric cut and ready, it's time to stitch it all together!

Firstly, place the two pieces of fabric together, right sides facing. Stitch the long edges together, creating a tube. You can use a sewing machine for this, or stitch by hand. If you are using a machine, be sure to use a straight stitch along the edge of the fabric. If you are hand-stitching, use a running stitch or backstitch to secure the seam.

Next, turn the tube inside out through one of the short ends. You can use a blunt pencil or knitting needle to help push out the corners and get a crisp edge. Once turned, press the fabric with an iron to create a neat finish.

Now, fold the fabric in half lengthwise, with the seam you have just stitched in the centre. Pin the fabric in place. Stitch around the perimeter of the piece, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Leave a small opening in the centre of the sash, this will be used to turn the fabric.

Clip the corners, being careful not to cut the stitches, and turn the fabric right side out through the opening. Press the fabric again with an iron, making sure to 'catch' the opening as you do so. Using a needle and thread, whip stitch the opening closed.

And there you have it! A beautifully stitched fabric wedding belt sash.

Embellishing the sash

Ready-made trims

This is the easiest way to embellish your sash. Simply purchase a trim from your local craft store. You can find trims with rhinestones, crystals, beads and more. Use fabric glue to attach the trim to the centre of the ribbon sash. Measure your waist and mark this from the centre of the sash so you know where to glue the trim. This way, the bulk of the trim will sit around your waist, leaving plain tails to tie the bow at the back.

Fabric flowers

Fabric flowers are a beautiful and simple way to embellish your sash. Cut three fabric circles in satin or chiffon, with each circle smaller than the last. Use a candle or lighter to carefully singe the edges of the circles, giving them a hard edge and preventing fraying. Stack the circles on top of each other and stitch them together, adding small beads in the centre to finish. Stitch the flowers onto the sides or centre of your sash. You can also add beads, sequins or other trims around the flowers for extra embellishment.

Big bow

Add a stitched bow to the back or front of your sash. You can make the bow from the same fabric as your sash, or choose a contrasting colour or texture to make it stand out. If you're not confident in your sewing skills, you can also purchase a pre-made bow from a craft store and attach it to your sash.

Bead edging

Add bead edging to the top or bottom edge of your sash, or both! Measure half your waist circumference and mark this on the centre of the sash to know where to add the beading. Ensure you don't extend the beading beyond your waist measurement. You can also add bead edging to the ends of your sash for extra detail.

Lace edging

Cut a piece of lace to the length of half your waist circumference. Stitch the lace to the edges of your sash, top stitching it in place. You can also add lace to just one edge of the sash if you prefer.

Hand stitching

Hand stitch embellishments onto your sash, such as rhinestones, sequins or beads. You can also try simple bead embroidery to add a unique, handcrafted touch to your sash.

Attaching the sash to the dress

Once you have made your sash, you can attach it to your dress. Here are some ways to do this:

Hooks and eyes

Hooks and eyes are a great way to fasten your sash to your dress. To do this, attach a small piece of fabric, around 1" wide and 1" longer than the width of the sash, to bind the edge. Fold the top of the piece and stitch the edges, then turn to the other side and stitch again. Repeat for the other side, then attach hooks and eyes.

Sewing

If you would like to sew your sash to your dress, you can do so by hand or with a sewing machine. First, fold the fabric inwards about half an inch on all sides and secure the folds with pins. Then, sew along the folded edges.

Fabric glue

If you don't want to sew your sash, you can use fabric glue to attach it to your dress. This is a good option if you are looking for a quick and easy method.

Velcro

Another option for attaching your sash is to use velcro. Cut two pieces of velcro to the desired length and width, and sew them onto the sash and dress.

Belt loops

If you would like to be able to remove your sash, you can sew belt loops onto your dress and then thread the sash through them. Cut pieces of fabric that are about twice the width of your sash, fold them in half, and sew them onto the dress.

Frequently asked questions