How to: Make a Single Layer Veil

There are a couple of benefits to making your own veil. First of all, you have a one of a kind original. Secondly, you get one that is tailor-made for you. If you decide on a fingertip veil, it will be measured to your fingertips.


In the store, compare different colours of tulle to your dress and decide on the best match. Tulle can adapt to a colour, but you want to avoid anything too harsh. Bright white can be too striking against an ivory dress and ivory tulle may be too yellow against a candlelight dress. Diamond white is your best choice for a not-quite-white dress.


Decide on how much tulle to purchase. I made a chapel length veil so I bought 3 meters of fabric. Tulle is not expensive so it is safer to buy too much. While at the fabric store, talk with a sales associate for advice or look for a pattern to make a veil.


You will also need a comb to attach the veil. Don't worry if you can't find the right size comb, long combs can be cut to the size required. In addition, if the comb's teeth are rough, smooth them down with fine sandpaper or an emery board. A needle and thread will also be required.


Before you begin, prepare the area. A dining room table is a great flat surface on which to work. Clean it thoroughly, making sure to remove dust and anything that could catch the veil and create a tear. Line up all your tools. A full-length mirror would be helpful. If you have animals, do what you can to keep them out of the room. Cats find tulle and thread irresistible.


Now you must decide on width. With your hand, gather the tulle width-wise (shorter end) and hold it on top of your head. If you want it less puffy, trim the edges and continue in this fashion until you get the desired size. If you want it puffier, you may want to turn the bolt of fabric over and gather it length-wise over your head. You may not be able to have a chapel or cathedral length veil in this case (how the fabric is cut).


Once the width is decided, you have to choose the length. Again, gather the tulle and hold it above your head. If you don't have someone to measure for you, stand facing the tulle, with it going over your face and in front of your body. Trim the tulle to the desired length.


To create a rounded bottom, lay the tulle out on the table and fold it length-wise, keeping bottom corners together and top corners together. Cut an arc at the outside corner.


You are almost ready to attach the comb. With a needle and white, off-white or clear thread, use a straight stitch, pulling the stitch tight to cause the tulle to gather. Once finished, snip away loose thread and excess tulle. Using the same colour thread, attach the tulle to the underside of the comb using a looping stitch. Only a few stitches are necessary


You now have a finished veil. You may either even out the edges (scissors or a sharp pizza cutter) or opt to add edging.