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5. Lay out and cut the fabric
Before cutting, you might want to get an idea of your veil's fullness at the
width you've chosen. Gather the material into the correct length (or lengths for
a more than one tier veil) and secure it to your hair with pins or clips. If it is fuller than you envisioned, cut the tulle to a narrower width.
After you are happy with the width of the tulle, make sure the material has
no wrinkles or creases. You can easily smooth them out by hanging the tulle in a
steamy bathroom or using a steamer or very cool iron.
Before laying out the material, first fold it in half
lengthwise so it is doubled over (this will assure your veil is symmetrical).
Then spread the tulle out on a table or clean floor, anchoring it with weights to
prevent sliding.
Make a single tier or center-gathered 2-tier veil from a single piece of
fabric. Veils with a detachable blusher or multiple tiers require more than one
piece. Use your guides to measure and cut the material into your veil's shape
(or -- more precisely -- half your veil's shape) or pin your pattern to
the tulle. Be sure the fold is on the correct side then cut. Remove any pins
and unfold the material.
(Instructions continue below, after the tulle bolts.)
6. Finish the edges
There are several options for your veil's edges: unfinished, rolled,
embroidered, and finished with rhinestones, pearls or other embellishments (See
our
veil edges and embellishments page for details on the differences of each). Whichever edging you
choose, practice first on scrap material to get the exact effect you want. Also,
keep in mind your experience level when choosing edging, as some are easier to
sew than others:
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A rolled edge is relatively fast and easy. Simply fold the edge over on
itself by about 1/2 inch then sew over the fold in a small zigzag or other
ornamental stitch. Carefully trim the excess.
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To sew a decorative cord, string of pearls, rhinestones, or other
bead-like embellishment onto your veil's edge, attach it with a zigzag
stitch 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch from the edge of the tulle. Trim the excess tulle
away for a professional look.
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Ribbon, lace, soutache braid or other flat trim takes a bit more time,
as it is important to keep the stitches straight and even as you sew on the
edging. As with cord and strung embellishments, sew on 1/4" to 1/2" from the
edge, then trim back.
For an idea of decorative options available, browse the
selection of beaded and rhinestone trims
beaded and rhinestone trims in the "bridal and lace" section of the Website here
or shop below (instructions continue after the veil trims below).
7. Add embellishments
While you can add embellishments such as
sequins, rhinestones, crystals, and
pearls last, the veil is easier to work with when flat, before gathering
or attaching a headpiece. As with the edging, practice
tulle scraps first, verifying the glue dries clear and holds. (Besides fabric
glue, you can also attach embellishments with needle and thread or use a hot
glue gun.)
While your test piece is drying, finalize the design. There are three approaches you may want take:
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Space embellishments evenly over the entire veil (leaving the center of the
blusher clear for you to see through).
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Create a two or three inch border design along the bottom.
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Scatter the decorations lightly all over the veil, in no particular
pattern.
If you are going for a structured design, create your scatter pattern on the
veil first with pins. Before gluing pieces, protect your table with a sheet of
wax paper, craft board, foil, or other non-porous material. Avoid newspaper so
printer's ink doesn't stain the veil. Using toothpicks, Q-Tips and/or tweezers apply dots of glue to the tulle and position the embellishments. Allow to dry
before gathering or attaching a headpiece.
8. Gather the veil
Most veils will need to be gathered at the top or center in preparation for
attaching the headpiece or comb. Simply make a loose running stitch with heavy
thread across the veil where you will attach the headpiece. Bunch -- or gather
-- the tulle on the thread until it is the width of your comb or headpiece, then
knot the thread at that length to secure the gathers. Alternately, if you are
sewing the veil to a permanently-attached comb, you can skip this step and
gather the veil as you attach the comb.
9. Attach comb, headpiece, Velcro or bridal loops
How you approach this last step depends on whether you want a detachable
headpiece. If you plan to take the veil off and leave a tiara or other headpiece
in your hair after the wedding, you have three detachable options:
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Sew a comb to your your veil and secure it in your hair near the
headpiece.
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Attach bridal loops to the gathers (you may want to double-up the end
loops for additional strength, then attach the veil to the headpiece with
the loops.
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Use Velcro. Attach the loop site to your headpiece and the hook side to
the veil for easy removal.
If you are making a permanently attached headpiece, you may want to sew the
veil on before the headpiece is completely decorated for two reasons: (1) It
will be easier to work with and (2) you can more
easily hide the stitching.
When you are finished making your veil, carefully hang it evenly on a padded
or non-metallic hanger. If there are any wrinkles from handling, they should fall out on their own. Finally, take a step back and have
a look at your dream bridal veil!
For more tips about how to make a bridal veil,
visit the Home Sewing Association.
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