A bridal veil can be made out of any kind of fabric, but there are three that are most commonly used: bridal illusion, English netting, and silk tulle. The most common of these is bridal illusion. It is available in white and ivory from all major fabric retailers, but if diamond white is needed, look for an independent or online fabric retailer, as it is much less commonly available.
English netting and silk tulle are much harder to find than bridal illusion, both in salons and from fabric stores. An online specialty fabric retailer is most likely to carry these products. Silk tulle is not available in pure white. While English netting and silk tulle are much more expensive fabrics than bridal illusion, they're also much more luxurious. Making a veil out of these fabrics will still represent a tremendous savings over purchasing such a veil in a salon.
Chose the Length
Standard veil lengths are as follows:
- Shoulder 24”
- Elbow 30”
- Fingertip 40”
- Ballet/Waltz 52”
- Chapel 90”
- Cathedral 110”
In veils of more than one layer, the top layer is typically elbow length. The top layer of any multi-layer veil can be used as a blusher.
Cut the Fabric
The easiest way to get a clean cut of bridal illusion, English netting, or silk tulle, is to use a rotary cutter and a self-healing mat. A pair of sharp scissors can also be used; one must be more careful when cutting not to create any jagged edges.
Cut the tulle to the desired length. Fold the length of fabric in half, lengthwise. This will make it easy to cut a symmetrical curve at the bottom of the veil. Cut the veil in the desired shape (see image below for common variations).
Embellish the Veil, if Desired
This is the point—after the veil is cut but before it is gathered—to add any desired embellishments. Swarovski crystals, sequins, and genuine or artificial pearls are best sewn on using regular thread. Rhinestones can be glued in place. Remember that if the embellishments are spaced regularly while the veil is spread flat, the embellishments will appear more tightly spaced toward the top once the veil has been gathered.
Gather the Veil
Thread a needle with button thread—the extra strength of the button thread is needed when gathering the fabric and sewing it onto a comb. Use a whip stitch to run a thread along the top straight edge of the veil. Push the fabric along the thread so that it is gathered. Tie a knot to secure the gathered fabric so that it is approximately three inches wide at the top, or the same width as the comb to which it will be attached.
Sew the gathered veil to a comb, again using button thread. A metal comb is preferable, since it has a lower profile and grips the hair better than plastic combs. Plastic combs are more widely available, however. Both work; finding a metal comb is not critical to the success of the project.
Veils can also be attached using bridal loops, available from most fabric stores. Once the veil is sewn to the bridal loops, the veil can be attached to the hair using bobby pins or hair pins. It is far more common to attach a veil to a comb, however, for security and ease in setting the veil in place and removing it.
