Rhiannon Hendricks
Tulle wedding dresses are a popular choice for brides-to-be, known for their timeless elegance and versatility. Sewing tulle, however, can be a tricky task due to its delicate and lightweight nature. To tack a tulle wedding dress, one must first decide on the desired height of the tulle tiers and then cut the tulle fabric accordingly. It is important to note that tulle does not fray, so precision is crucial when cutting. The next step involves sewing gathering stitches along the length of the fabric and then pinning the tulle layer to the skirt at the desired length. Finally, sew around the tulle layer, ensuring even gathers. While tulle can be challenging to work with, it adds a unique touch of magic to any wedding dress design.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tulle fabric type | Nylon fibers in a netted pattern |
| Tulle fabric qualities | Delicate, lightweight, sheer, prone to snagging, tearing and shifting |
| Tulle wedding dress qualities | Graceful, sophisticated, versatile, timeless, comfortable, breathable |
| Tulle wedding dress styles | Ballgown, A-line, mermaid |
| Tulle sewing tools | Cutting mat, ruler, rotary cutter, pins with large plastic heads or safety pins, serger, ruffler foot, bias tape |
| Tulle sewing techniques | Fold tulle in half lengthwise, sew gathering stitches, pin tulle layer to skirt, sew gathers evenly |
| Tulle hemming techniques | Hand sewing with tiny folds and stitches, cutting tulle to length and leaving it unhemmed, using a rotary cutter, using a serger |
| Tulle storage | Avoid rolling up tulle fabric, keep it flat, hang it on a hanger |
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What You'll Learn
Sewing tulle tiers to a dress or skirt
Planning and Preparation:
Before you begin sewing, there are a few important steps to ensure a smooth process:
- Determine the height of the tulle tiers: Decide on the desired height for your tulle tiers. This will guide the measurement and placement of the tulle on your skirt or dress.
- Measure and cut the tulle: Measure the height of your tulle tier and double it, as the tulle will be folded in half lengthwise. Cut the tulle accordingly, ensuring precision as it does not fray. You can use a cutting mat, ruler, and rotary cutter for accurate cutting.
- Gather the necessary materials: Ensure you have all the required materials, including tulle fabric, a skirt or dress, sewing tools, and any additional fabrics or details you wish to incorporate.
Sewing the Tulle Tiers:
Once you have completed the planning and preparation, you can begin sewing the tulle tiers:
- Fold and stitch the tulle: Fold the tulle in half lengthwise, then sew two rows of gathering stitches along the length of the fabric, about 1/2" to 3/4" down from the folded edge. Use a long stitch length and avoid backstitching at the ends.
- Gather the fabric: Hold the bobbin threads and gently pull the fabric along the threads to gather it evenly. Adjust the gathers until you achieve the desired length.
- Pin the tulle to the skirt or dress: Use pins with large plastic heads or safety pins to secure the tulle layer to your skirt or dress at the desired length. Ensure that it extends evenly around the bottom.
- Sew the tulle in place: Sew along the pinned edge, making sure to sew the gathers evenly. You can overlap the edges of the tulle tiers instead of sewing them together to avoid visible seams under the overskirt.
- Add additional details: Consider adding a skirt layer made of taffeta or another fabric to enhance volume and flair. You can also add details like a ribbon around the waist.
Tips and Tricks:
- Tulle does not require hemming due to its non-fraying nature. However, if you wish to hem it, a rolled hem foot or hand sewing with tiny folds and stitches can be used.
- When shopping for tulle, it's advisable to buy more fabric than you think you need to account for any adjustments.
- Use an 80/12 universal needle and all-purpose polyester thread for sewing tulle.
- Consider using a zig-zag stitch instead of a straight stitch to prevent the thread from pulling out of the seam.
- If using multiple layers of tulle, cut them together if they have the same circumference at the bottom. If they have different circumferences, cut them separately.
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Hemming tulle
Preparing the Tulle:
Before you begin hemming, it's important to determine the desired height of your tulle tiers. Measure the height of the tulle tier and adjust it according to your preference. Tulle doesn't fray, so you can cut it to the desired length without worrying about the edges unraveling. However, precision is crucial when cutting tulle, as it can be prone to snagging and tearing.
Cutting the Tulle:
When cutting the tulle, use a rotary cutter for the best results. If you have a cutting mat and a ruler, you can measure and cut the tulle more easily. Mark the desired length with pins before cutting to ensure accuracy. If your tulle skirt has multiple layers, you can cut them together if they have the same circumference. If the circumferences differ, cut each layer separately to avoid mistakes.
Sewing the Hem:
Creating a rolled hem on the lining fabric before attaching the tulle is a good approach. You can then place the tulle skirt on an ironing board, working with one layer at a time. Measure from the waistline seam to determine the hem edge. Start cutting towards the left side seam at this point, and consider pinning the measurements at the center front, side seams, and center back for reference.
If you choose to sew the hem, hand sewing is an option, but it requires tiny folds and small stitches. Using a sewing machine with a rolled hem foot can be tricky, and there is a risk of the thread pulling out. To mitigate this, you can use a short stitch length or switch to a zig-zag stitch instead of a straight stitch.
Alternative Approach:
Some people prefer to avoid hemming tulle altogether due to its delicate nature. Instead, they cut the tulle to the desired length and leave it unhemmed. Tulle skirts often have multiple layers for volume, ensuring that the skirt is not see-through.
Remember to work carefully and patiently when hemming tulle, as it can be a delicate process. Good luck with your wedding dress project!
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Tulle wedding dress styles
Tulle is a delicate, lightweight, and flowy fabric that is commonly used in wedding dresses. It is often used to add volume and flair to a dress or skirt, creating a romantic and playful look for the bride. Tulle wedding dresses come in a variety of styles, including:
- Princess wedding dresses: These dresses typically feature a full skirt, with multiple layers of tulle to create a voluminous and dramatic effect. Princess dresses often have transparent long sleeves adorned with lace and beads, as well as other fairytale motifs.
- A-line dresses: Tulle is also used in A-line wedding dresses, which are fitted at the waist and flare out towards the hem, creating a sleek and elegant silhouette. The tulle adds a soft and dreamy quality to the skirt.
- Mermaid gowns: This style of wedding dress is fitted from the chest to the knee, and then flares out at the bottom, resembling a mermaid's tail. Tulle can be used to create a sheer, flowing skirt that adds movement and romance to the gown.
- Ball gowns: Ball gowns are known for their dramatic and voluminous skirts, which can be achieved with layers of tulle. This style of dress is perfect for brides who want a classic and luxurious look.
- High-neck styles: Tulle can also be used in more modest wedding dress styles, such as those with high necks and long sleeves. The sheer quality of tulle allows for coverage while still maintaining a light and airy feel.
When sewing with tulle, it is important to note that it can be prone to snagging, tearing, and shifting due to its delicate nature. It is often left unhemmed as hemming tulle can be difficult, but it can be done with a rotary cutter, a serger, or by hand sewing tiny folds and stitches.
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Handling wrinkles
Preparation
Before attempting to remove wrinkles, it is crucial to prepare the tulle wedding dress for treatment. Carefully inspect each layer of the dress to identify any wrinkles and areas requiring attention. This step ensures a focused and thorough approach during the steaming process, reducing the chances of missing any wrinkled sections.
Steaming
Steaming is the recommended method for treating wrinkles in a tulle wedding dress. If you have access to a professional steamer, use it to carefully steam the wrinkled areas. Alternatively, a portable handheld steamer or the hot steam from your bathroom can also be utilised.
Fill the steamer with water and allow it to heat up according to the instructions. Ensure that the steam output is even and adjusted to a low temperature suitable for delicate fabrics like tulle. Hang the wedding dress in a safe location, such as a closet or dressing room door, or in the bathroom, ensuring it does not come into contact with water.
Once the steamer is ready, use the nozzle to direct the steam towards the identified wrinkles. Gently glide the steamer over the fabric, being cautious to avoid direct contact with the hot plate and tulle.
Additional Methods
If you don't have access to a steamer, there are a few alternative methods to consider:
- Spray water on the dress and dry it with a hairdryer on the lowest heat setting.
- Place the dress in the dryer on a low heat setting for a brief period.
- Hand wash the tulle in cold water with a mild detergent, then lay it flat to air dry.
Remember, tulle is a delicate fabric, so always exercise caution when attempting to remove wrinkles to avoid any potential damage to your wedding dress.
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Buying and preparing tulle
Tulle is a sheer mesh or net fabric that is often used in wedding dresses to add volume and a dreamy softness. It is a delicate fabric that can be challenging to sew due to its lightweight and sheer nature, and it is prone to snagging, tearing, and shifting.
When buying tulle, it is recommended to purchase more fabric than you think you will need. Tulle is available in different types, with larger holes being made of thicker fibres and a stiffer texture, making it perfect for petticoats to create volume. The tulle with smaller holes, also known as illusion mesh or netting, is suitable for the outer garment, veils, or adding subtle volume. The type of tulle you choose will depend on the desired effect and the specific project you are working on.
Preparing tulle for a wedding dress involves careful measurements and cutting. It is essential to determine the height of the tulle tiers and double that measurement, as the tulle will be folded in half lengthwise. A cutting mat, ruler, and rotary cutter can aid in precise cutting, but a large work area is necessary. Pinning the tulle with flower-head pins can help secure it in place.
Additionally, consider the number of layers of tulle you will need for the desired volume. Most tulle wedding gowns have at least five or six layers, with an underskirt of a different fabric, such as taffeta or satin, to add fullness and flair. You may also choose to add an underskirt or a separate petticoat to reduce bulk and weight in the dress.
Handling tulle requires care to maintain its shape and appearance. Tulle is prone to wrinkling, so using a handheld steamer or hanging the dress in a steamy bathroom can help remove any creases.
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Frequently asked questions
First, decide how long you want your tulle tiers to be. Then, measure the height of your tulle tier and double it, as the tulle will be folded in half lengthwise. If you are sewing on a gathered tulle tier, you will want it to be 2-4 times the measurement of your skirt's circumference.
You can use a cutting mat, a ruler, and a rotary cutter. If you have a really large cutting mat, this project will be easier. If not, you can measure up from the bottom and pin the tulle with flower-head pins.
Sew the tulle with a long stitch length (gathering stitch). Fold the tulle in half lengthwise and sew two rows of gathering stitches along the length of the fabric, about 0.5-0.75 inches down from the folded edge. Pull the bobbin threads to gather the fabric. Pin your tulle layer to your skirt at your desired length, ensuring that it sticks out past the skirt evenly. Sew all the way around, making sure that you are sewing the gathers evenly.
Tulle is delicate and prone to wrinkling. To remove wrinkles, use a handheld steamer or hang your dress in a steamy bathroom. You can also spray the tulle with water and lay it flat or hang it on a hanger for a few days to straighten out. Do not iron the tulle, as it will melt.
Hemming tulle can be difficult due to its delicate nature. While you can use a rolled hem foot or hand sewing, some people prefer to cut the tulle to length and leave it unhemmed, as tulle does not fray.
