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How to make a wedding veil
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How elaborate you make the veil is limited only by your sewing and gluing skills. The simplest -- a single-tier gathered veil with headband or comb -- is within the abilities of most. Consider different lengths, colors, shapes, styles, the number of tiers, edgings and embellishments (see our Web pages for more about each veil feature). You also need to consider what type of headpiece or tiara you will wear and whether you will make or buy it.
2. Design your veil shape or
.
Now that you know what type of veil is right for you, the next step is to finalize the exact shape, in preparation for purchasing material and supplies. There are a variety of approaches you can take. Combine one or more of these suggested approaches until you are confident about cutting the veil:
-
. Most commercial veil patterns contain instructions for several types of veils. Choose one that has a pattern for the veil shape you want and use it as a guide for contouring the fabric, cutting the length and fullness to your own specifications.
- Make a veil pattern yourself from
pattern or tracing paper
, or even tissue paper:
- Find a second-hand or other inexpensive veil that is the shape you want, remove the comb and gathers, then cut a pattern from the flattened piece.
- Make "cutting guides" for your veil's contours: the "U" shape of a top-gathered veil; the rounded edges of a drop or center-gathered tier veil; or the bottom point of an angel veil, for example.
- You can also use household objects, such as platters or the end of an oval or round table, to shape the veil.
- Buy
Veiled in Beauty or other
veil sewing guide
3. Determine how much tulle or other veil material you will need.
[Sidebar: A nice selection of discount bridal tulle, lace, and other fabrics is available at this retailer.]At this point you probably have a good idea of how much tulle or bridal illusion you will need. The exact amount will depend on the length and number of tiers.
If you have a pattern, go by the instructions on it. If not, determine how much material you need by first figuring the length of each tier. Have someone measure the distance in inches from where you will attach the veil to the point you want it to fall (shoulder, elbow, fingertip, etc). You can also go with one or more traditional veil lengths. Add the lengths together, plus that of the blusher. Divide by 36, then round up to the nearest whole number. That will be how many yards needed to make your wedding veil.
4. Buy tulle or other veil material and supplies.
Although 54 or 72 inch wide tulle will work for short, narrow veils most
experts recommend using the
108 inch width for longer, fuller veils to assure
yours turns out as you imagined. You can always cut down the wide material
for less fullness, but it is difficult to build fullness from narrow material.
You can often find competitive prices online.
Instead of purchasing the exact amount of material you need, consider buying a longer piece online. When purchasing a standard, uncut length you can find discounted prices. Unless you are making a long, cathedral-length veil (or one with several tiers) you will have plenty of tulle left for making bird seed throws, decorating the wedding bouquets, crafting reception favors or other wedding use. Also, if you purchase all of the tulle for your wedding at once, you know it will be a perfect match.
Depending on the specific veil style, the supplies you may need to make a wedding veil are:
- Sharp scissors or a rotary cutter and pad or mat (for table or floor protection) to cut the tulle
- Weights to keep the tulle from sliding while you work (anything that will not damage the material and is small enough to work around will do: stone coasters, decorative stones, canned goods, etc.)
- Measuring tape or stick
- Straight pins
- Needle and thread (one spool of thread to match the veil and another to match the edging if it is a different color)
- Glue or glue gun and sticks (make sure the glue is made to work with fabric)
- Toothpicks, Q-Tips and/or tweezers for detail work
- A headpiece (unadorned headband or comb if you are going to decorate your own; finished tiara or other headpiece if not)
- Velcro (if applicable) for a detachable blusher or to attach the veil to a headpiece
- Adornments for the veil (this
Website has an exciting selection of lace, trims, and embellishments):
- Headpiece decor (if applicable), your choice of ribbon, pearl sprays, silk flowers or other adornments
- Embellishments (if applicable) for scatter or edge design: beads, rhinestones, crystals, pearls, etc.
- Edging (if applicable): lace, cord, ribbon, soutache braid, or other appropriate material
Tulle Available Online
The tulle below is available for purchase online:
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How to make a wedding veil (part 2): cutting, sewing and decorating the veil >>
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