How to Make a Veil

Co-authored by Margo West

Last Updated: August 4, 2024

Making your own veil is an excellent way to cut costs on your big day . It is also an ideal option for the bride that wants to create a custom veil to compliment a unique gown. DIY brides can choose between several styles, materials, and finishes.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Determining the Length of your Veil

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1
Select the style of veil you would like to make. When you are choosing a veil, you have several options. Pick the length and style the best suits your personal aesthetic.
- Blusher: This shoulder length veil rests just below the shoulders of the bride. The standard length of the blusher is 22 inches long. Brides that want a double-tier veil often pair the blusher with a longer veil. ^{[1]
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- Elbow length veil: This 25 inch veil rests at the bride’s elbow.
- Waist length veil: The bottom of this 30 inch veil sits at the bride’s waist.
- Mid-hip length veil: The mid-hip veil is 33 inches long.
- Hip length veil: The hip length veil reaches the bottom of the bride’s hips. Its standard length is 36 inches.
- Fingertip veil: This veil brushes the tips of the bride’s fingers. Its standard length is 45 inches.
- Waltz veil: This veil hits the bride just above the back of the knees. Its standard length is 54 inches.
- Ankle veil: The ankle veil sits just above the floor. Its standard length is 70 inches.
- Chapel veil: This veil has a short train. Its standard length is 90 inches.
- Cathedral veil: The Cathedral veil has a grander train than the chapel veil. Its standard length is 108 inches. ^{[2]
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The benefit of making your own veil is that you can easily customize the length to match the proportions of your body. Retrieve a measuring tape and ask a friend to assist you. Place and hold one end of the measuring tape where you intend to insert the clip or comb. Run the measuring tape down your back until it reaches the appropriate length (to shoulders, elbows, waist, mid-hips, hips, fingertips, top of your knees, ankles, 20 inches beyond your ankles, or 38 inches beyond your ankles). Write down the measurement. ^{[3]
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If you have decided to create a two-tier veil, drop veil, or full veil, you will need to make an additional measurement. Place the top of the measuring tape in the location you intend to insert the clip or comb. Run the measuring tape over the crown of your head, down the front of your face, to your collarbone. Write down this measurement. ^{[4]
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If you are creating a single tier veil, you will need to purchase fabric that is as long or slightly longer than the measurement you wrote down. If you are creating a two-tier, drop, or full veil, add the first measurement to the second measurement. You will need to purchase fabric that is as long or slightly longer than the sum of the two measurements. ^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Creating a Single-Tier or Double-Tier Veil

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Lay your fabric on an ironing board. Gently iron out any folds or wrinkles. Once complete, lay out your fabric on a clean, large flat surface and smooth out the fabric.
2
Cut your veil. Measure and mark the length of the veil. Retrieve a pair of fabric scissors. Carefully cut the fabric to the desired length.
- If you wish, you may round the bottom corners of the veil.
3
Sew two rows of stitches across the top of the veil. Set your sewing machine to the largest stitch length.
- Sew a straight line of stitches across the top of the veil (widthwise) approximately 1 inch from the top edge. Do not backstitch or cut the bobbin thread short, but leave a long tail.
- Flatten the fabric.
- Sew a second straight row of stitches approximately 1.5 inches down from the first row. Leave a long bobbin thread.
Gather both of the bobbin threads in one of your hands. Lose hold onto the veil at the stitch lines in your other hand. Pull on the bobbin threads as you gently push the fabric together. Stop gathering the fabric once it has reached the length of your comb. Tie each of the bobbin threads in knots. Trim the excess thread and fabric above the top row of stitches.
Grab your plastic or wire comb. Set it on a flat surface so that it curves up. Place the gathered edge of the veil on top of the comb—make sure that the side of the veil you want showing is facing up. Thread a needle. Stitch the veil to the comb by placing two to three stitches around each tooth of the comb. Cut off the needle and tie knots in the ends of the thread.
The second tier of a two-piece veil is created in the same manner. The length is only difference between the two veils. If you are creating a second, separate tier, repeat the process listed above. ^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Creating a Full Veil

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1
Cut the veil to the desired length. A full veil is made out of a single piece of fabric. It is folded in half to form two tiers: a longer veil that runs down your back and a blusher that is worn over the face in the ceremony.The total length of your full combines the first measurement (measurement of the longer veil) with the second measurement (measurement of the blusher). After adding together the two measurements, cut your veil to the appropriate length. ^{[7]
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- Do not use hand scissors to cut tulle. Make sure to use a rotary cutter and a steady hand so your edges don't become choppy. ^{[8]
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  Margo West
  Professional Tailor
  
  Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.}
Lay out the material on a flat, clean surface. Fold the material in half lengthwise. Fold the material in half widthwise. ^{[9]
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Locate the corner of the material where all four layers are separate. Use a pair of fabric scissors to round off the corners. You may measure this curve or choose to eyeball it. To achieve a smooth curve, carefully trim off the rough edges. ^{[10]
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Unfold the material and lay it out flat once again. Fold the top edge of the veil down so that it lays on top of the bottom layer of material. Adjust the length of the top layer until it is as long as the blusher measurement. ^{[11]
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Thread a needle. Insert the needle through both layers of material near the fold. Create a secure stitch on one end of the veil. As you continue stitching, gather the material. When you reach the other side, make sure the length of the gatherer material matches the length of your comb. Knot the thread and cut off the needle. ^{[12]
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Place the comb, curved side up, on top of the gathered edge. The blusher should be the top layer. Use a threaded needle to attach the comb to the veil by stitching several times around each tooth. ^{[13]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Creating a Drop Veil

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A drop veil is created out of a single piece of fabric. The fabric is not gathered. The total length of your full combines the first measurement (measurement of the longer veil) with the second measurement (measurement of the blusher). Add together the two measurements and cut your veil to the appropriate length. ^{[14]
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Lay the material on a flat, clean surface and smooth out any wrinkles. Fold the material in half lengthwise. Fold the material in half widthwise. ^{[15]
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Find the corner of the folded material where all four layers are separate. Round off the corners with a pair of fabric scissors. You may eyeball the curve or measure the curve. After cutting, carefully trim off the rough edges. ^{[16]
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Unfold lay the material out flat. Fold the top edge of the veil down so that it lays on top of the bottom layer of material. Adjust the length of the top layer until it matches the length of the blusher measurement. ^{[17]
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Fold the material in half lengthwise. Mark the center fold of the veil with a pin. Unfold the veil. ^{[18]
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Use the pin to help you center the hair comb, curved side up, along the top edge of your veil. Once you are pleased with your placement, remove the pin. Use a threaded needle to secure the comb to your veil. ^{[19]
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Community Q&A

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Question

What is the normal width of a waist-length veil?

T. Chinsen

Top Answerer

The article lists the lengths for all the styles of veils. The waist-length is given at 30" (76.2 cm).

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What fabric do you need for veils?

Community Answer

Nylon tulle is the most common. It can be purchased at any fabric store or online. Make sure you read the description if you are ordering online so you do not get the narrow kind on a roll if you want a full veil. It is not expensive unless you purchase the high end silk tulle from France or English silk/nylon blend.

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What can you add to a veil?

Community Answer

You can add, for example, artificial flowers, rhinestones, sequins, pom-poms, pearls, beads, bows or embroidery.

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Tips

To facilitate the process, choose a comb designed for veils. ^{[20]
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Expert Source

Donna Serino
Dry Cleaning & Alterations Specialist

Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.}

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If you are a novice, it is best to choose a more simple lace trim for the edges. ^{[21]
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Expert Source

Donna Serino
Dry Cleaning & Alterations Specialist

Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.}

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Blusher veils should be cut in a circle, not in two separate pieces. The idea is that it drapes without peek-a-boo at the sides of the face. ^{[22]
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Expert Source

Margo West
Professional Tailor

Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.}

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Things You'll Need

Veil material (Tulle, silk organza, etc.) cut to the appropriate length(s)
Needles or sewing machine
Matching thread
Metal or plastic comb(s)
Additional finishings, such as satin edging, pearls, jewels, or lace.

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Expert Source

Margo West
Professional Tailor

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Donna Serino
Dry Cleaning & Alterations Specialist

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How to Make a Veil

Steps

Determining the Length of your Veil

Creating a Single-Tier or Double-Tier Veil

Creating a Full Veil

Creating a Drop Veil

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Things You'll Need

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