Deborah Chan
Sewing your own wedding veil is a fun and crafty way to save money and create something unique for your special day. With some tulle, a hair comb, and a few sewing techniques, you can make a veil in an afternoon or over a weekend, depending on the style and embellishments you choose. Whether you want a simple, elegant look or a more intricate design with lace and beading, creating your own veil allows you to customize the length, fabric, and shape to perfectly complement your wedding dress. So, if you're handy with a needle and thread, read on to learn how to sew a wedding veil and add a personal touch to your bridal ensemble!
Characteristics and Values Table for Sewing a Wedding Veil
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Tulle |
| Fabric Width | 108" |
| Fabric Length | 3.5 yards |
| Fabric Layering | One or two layers |
| Veil Style | Mantilla, cascading, standard |
| Veil Length | Longer than the wedding dress |
| Veil Shape | Determined by the placement of the comb and the amount of fabric gathered into it |
| Sewing Technique | Running stitch, whip stitch, rolled hem, binding with ribbon |
| Trim | Grosgrain or satin ribbon |
| Comb | Hair comb, preferably matching the embellishment on the wedding dress |
| Cost | Approximately $15, excluding the cost of the comb |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fabric
Type of Fabric
The type of fabric you choose will depend on the desired look and feel of your veil. Tulle is a popular choice for wedding veils as it is soft, lightweight, and flowy. It can be easily gathered and shaped to create a full and elegant veil. However, tulle can be tricky to work with due to its delicate nature, so be prepared for careful handling.
Color and Style
Consider the color and style of your wedding dress when choosing the fabric for your veil. If you want the veil to match your dress perfectly, opt for a fabric that is the same color and has a similar texture. For example, if your dress has lace detailing, you may want to choose a fabric with a delicate lace overlay. On the other hand, if you want your veil to stand out, you can choose a contrasting color or a fabric with embellishments.
Length and Layers
The length and number of layers you want your veil to have will also impact your fabric choice. For a longer veil with multiple layers, you will need more fabric. Consider the overall style you are aiming for. A single-layer veil will require less fabric and can be a good option if you want a simpler look. On the other hand, a two-layer veil with a blusher (a shorter layer that covers the face) will require more fabric and can add drama and romance to your ensemble.
Fabric Width
Pay attention to the width of the fabric when purchasing. For a full and voluminous veil, wider fabric bolts are ideal. For example, if you are using tulle, look for bolts that are 108" wide. This will ensure that your veil has the desired fullness without needing to piece together multiple narrower sections.
Fabric Stiffness
The stiffness of the fabric will impact the overall "floofiness" and shape of your veil. A softer fabric will drape more gently, while a stiffer fabric will hold more structure. Consider the style of your veil and how you want it to fall around your head and shoulders when selecting the fabric.
Remember, taking the time to choose the right fabric will ensure that your handmade wedding veil is not only stunning but also comfortable and easy to wear on your special day.
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Veil length and shape
The length and shape of your veil are important factors in achieving the right veil look. Wedding veil lengths vary from short veils that cover just the eyes, skim the nose, or fall at the jawline, to long veils that extend beyond the hem of the wedding dress. Short veils are usually named for where they fall on the body, such as shoulder-length, elbow-length, or waist-length. Longer veils tend to be named after wedding ceremonial venues, such as chapel-length or cathedral-length. The bigger the venue, the longer the veil!
The overall shape of the veil is controlled by two main factors: the placement of the comb and the amount of fabric gathered into it. A third factor that affects the "floofiness" of the veil rather than its actual shape is the stiffness of the fabric. To achieve a cascading veil, you will gather the centre 1/3 of the fabric along the fold. For a standard veil, you will gather all the way along the width of the fabric.
When deciding on the length of your veil, consider the style of your wedding dress. For example, if your dress has a natural waistline, a veil that ends at the waist will draw attention to this feature. If your dress has a detail that extends down lower than the waist, opt for a hip-length or fingertip-length veil to avoid visually cutting the detail in half. A fingertip veil falls beyond the bride's hips and is a popular choice as it allows any design on the back of the gown to be seen through the sheer fabric.
If you want a veil that falls gracefully over the shoulders, an elbow-length veil is a good choice. A blusher or birdcage veil is a short veil that falls over the face and ends near the top of the dress. During the wedding ceremony, it is pulled back to reveal the bride, creating a special moment. For a dramatic and traditional look, a cathedral-length veil with over 100 inches of fabric will deliver an unforgettable statement.
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Trimming the hem
Hemming is an important step in sewing a wedding veil. There are two ways to finish the edges of a veil: with a rolled hem or a trimmed hem. A trimmed hem can be created with any type of trim that goes all around the veil's edge. Grosgrain or satin ribbon, for instance, is a common trim that can be purchased from larger stores.
To sew a trimmed hem, first pin the trim to the veil's border, ensuring that the wrong sides are together. Overlap the trim by a few inches and tuck under its ends to prevent fraying. Then, sew all the way around, staying as close to the trim and fabric edge as possible. Next, flip the trim so that its right side is showing on top of the veil's right side. Press the trim carefully using low heat, and pin it in place as you go. Finally, stitch the trim onto the fabric's right side, again working close to the edge. If you are using a delicate trim, you may need to do this step by hand.
It is also possible to trim a veil by carefully removing the lace from the portion you want to shorten, cutting the tulle to the desired length, and then sewing the lace back on. Another method is to take the veil off the comb, mark the original seam, and then lightly press or steam it flat to make the veil billow out to the sides.
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Adding lace and beading
Planning and Preparation:
Firstly, it is important to start early and not wait until the last minute. Creating a wedding veil can be tedious work, so ensure you have the time and space to work on it without stress. Decide on the design and style of the veil, taking into consideration the desired length, the type of fabric (such as tulle), and the amount of detailing you want to include. It is recommended to have a clear vision or reference for the final product, but be open to adjustments and creative solutions.
Gathering Materials:
Source the materials needed for your veil, including the fabric, lace, beads, thread, needles, scissors, and any other embellishments. Consider the colour, texture, shine, and weight of the materials to ensure they work well together. For example, if using a soft and sheer fabric, you may want to opt for lightweight beads and lace to avoid weighing down the veil.
Attaching the Lace:
Pin the veil onto a dress form, mannequin, or live model to mimic how it will hang on a person. This step ensures that you place the lace in the desired locations. Once you are happy with the placement, carefully sew the lace onto the veil using matching thread. A running backstitch is recommended to attach the lace, as it creates secure seams without being too noticeable.
Adding the Beading:
Decide on the distribution of the beads. Most veils with beads have a randomised pattern to avoid weighing down specific areas. Thread your needle without knotting the end and add the beads one at a time. Bring the needle up through the veil, go into the bead, and then go back down a few threads over. Secure the bead by tying a square knot on the back of the fabric and cut the thread, leaving a small amount on either side of the knot. Repeat this process for each bead, ensuring they are securely attached.
Final Touches:
Once you have added all the desired beads and lace, take a step back and review your work. Ensure that the veil hangs correctly and that all the embellishments are securely attached. Make any necessary adjustments and neaten up any loose threads. Finally, try on the veil and admire your handiwork!
Remember, this is a creative process, and you can adjust and customise the veil to your liking. Enjoy the experience of crafting a unique and memorable wedding veil.
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Securing the veil to a comb
When securing the veil to a comb, it is important to first decide on the desired length of the veil. Place the comb where you plan to wear it in your hair, and adjust the veil length by holding it up to the comb. This step is easier with an extra person helping. You can opt to secure the veil fabric to the comb at this point, or simply hold it in place.
Next, fold the fabric so that the comb is at the top, with the blusher folded over the rest of the veil. Find the centre of the fabric width-wise by folding it in half and then opening it back up. Using invisible thread, sew the tulle to the comb at three points: the middle, and then one on either end. This will ensure that the tulle hangs evenly.
You do not need to sew the tulle to the teeth of the comb, but rather the comb itself. The thread will be invisible due to the decorations on the comb. Once the three points are sewn, you will be left with two loops. Find the middle points of these loops and secure them.
Finally, put the comb in your hair to see how the veil falls when it is in place. Adjust the veil as needed, rounding out harsh corners and trimming as necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
A basic veil can be completed in an afternoon. If you stitch more slowly or are working entirely by hand, it may take a weekend. Adding lace and beading will take longer, depending on how much you add.
First, decide on the length and style of your veil. Then, gather your fabric and fold it in half widthwise. Mark where you will gather the fabric with pins, then baste along the gather line. Sew the fabric to the comb, then trim the veil and comb to shape.
You will need a hair comb, soft tulle, and a trim such as grosgrain or satin ribbon. You will also need a sewing machine or needle and thread.
