How to Hem a Wedding Veil

A hem gives a veil flattering outlines.

Wedding veils can be made with a variety of fabrics, lengths and hem styles. Just like the fabric and length, the veil's hem or edge should reflect the style of the wedding gown. While you can choose to have no hem, a hem gives a veil a finished look, and can make an otherwise plain or inexpensive veil look elaborate. There are many types of hems to choose from, but the simplest to do yourself are a ribbon hem and a rolled hem.

Things You'll Need

• Satin ribbon
• Needle
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Ruler
• Pins
• Scissors
• Iron

Instructions

Ribbon Hem

1. 

   A sewing machine makes sewing faster but takes time to set up.

   Thread a needle or sewing machine with thread that matches the color of the ribbon. If using a sewing machine, use a twin needle set to the width of the ribbon.

2. Pin the ribbon to the top side of the veil, 1/2 to 1 inch away from veil's raw edge, using a ruler to keep the distance even. Place pins down the center of the ribbon, parallel to the bottom edge of veil. Place the pins close enough so that ribbon is secure and follows the outline of the veil.

3. 

   A straight or flat stitch holds fabric pieces together.

   Sew the ribbon to the veil using a straight or flat stitch on the sewing machine. If sewing by hand, make sure your stitches are small and uniform in size. Make a small knot when finished. Trim away remaining thread with scissors.

4. Sew a second row of straight or flat stiches along the other side of the ribbon if you are sewing by hand. This second row of stitching will give the hem more strength and will prevent the ribbon from curling up. Remove the pins when finished.

5. 

   A ribbon hem give a veil a crisp edge.

   Trim away excess veil material with scissors so that the ribbon is the new edge or hem. Lightly iron the ribbon edge if necessary, following the ribbon label’s instructions.

Rolled Hem

1. Thread a needle or sewing machine with thread that matches the veil color.

2. Sew a straight or flat stitch about 1/8 inch from the edge of the veil by hand or with a sewing machine. Trim away any remaining thread with scissors. This is the first hem.

3. Trim away excess veil material as close to the stitching as possible using scissors. Take care not to cut the hem.

4. 

   A rolled hem allows the veil to curve and drape naturally.

   Thread and knot a needle to make slip stitches by hand. A slip stitch hides the stitches inside the hem. Run the needle through the first hem. Roll the hem between your thumb and forefinger.

5. Hold the roll in place and run the needle through the opposite side of the roll, keeping the stitch small and inside the roll. Continue rolling the fabric as you stitch the roll closed. Keep your stitches close together and tight. Knot and trim off the remaining thread with scissors when finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Work in bright light.

• Keep stitches uniform and as small as possible.

• Ribbon color can reflect wedding colors. You also can use metallic ribbon.

• Thread should match the ribbon color.

• Premade embroidery ribbon can be used in place of plan satin ribbon.

• Make sure the ribbon on a ribbon hem is sewn from the top side of the veil.

References

• Make a Bridal Veil
• Tutorial: How to Create a Hand Rolled Hem

Resources

• How to Slip Stitch a Seam Closed
• DIY Bridal Veil