How to Sew Ribbon Edging on a Veil

Add sophistication to your veil with ribbon edging.

Sewing a ribbon edging onto a bridal veil yourself is one way to cut down on the cost of your veil. Whether you are making your own veil or embellishing a plain store-bought one, you can easily sew on a ribbon edging. Ribbon edging will give your veil a finished, professional look if done correctly. You also have more control over the width and color of the ribbon used if you add it yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Tulle veil
• Fabric measuring tape
• Satin ribbon
• Straight pins
• Scissors
• Iron
• Sewing needle
• Nylon thread

Instructions

1. Spread out a tulle veil on a flat surface. Smooth the edges of the veil so that they are lying completely flat. Measure the length of the edge of your veil with a fabric measuring tape.

2. Choose a satin ribbon that matches the color of the tulle veil. Cut a length of ribbon equal to your measurement in Step 1. Fold the satin ribbon in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides together. Press the folded edge of the ribbon with an iron set on low heat to create a more permanent crease.

3. Slip the open edges of the folded ribbon around the edge of the veil so that the veil's edge is sandwiched between the ribbon. The folded edge of the ribbon should run along the bottom edge of the veil. Start at one end of the veil's edge and pin the ribbon to the veil. Smooth and straighten the ribbon over the edge of the veil before pinning in place.

4. Press the folded edge of the pinned ribbon flat with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles caused by the pins. Ensure that the iron's heat setting is on low before pressing the ribbon.

5. Thread a sewing needle with nylon thread. Choose thread that matches the color of the ribbon as closely as possible. Tie a knot in the end of the thread.

6. Insert the needle through the back side of the ribbon at one end of the veil. Pull the thread through the ribbon until the knot catches. Sew a row of even stitches, 1/8- to 1/16-inch in length, along the top edge of the ribbon. Make sure that each stitch passes through both layers of ribbon and the layer of tulle.

7. Remove the pins as you sew. End with the needle and thread at the back side of the ribbon. Tie a knot in the thread and cut the loose tails.

Tips & Warnings

• Sew the ribbon edging on your veil before you gather it.

References

• Wednet: Wedding Veil - Make One!
• Veils by Roxanne: Edges for Wedding Veils