The history of tulle dates all the way back to around 1700 in the French city of Tulle. This is where Tulle was invented and the manufacturing of the hexagonal breathable mesh that resembles a honeycomb pattern began.
However, the beginning of Tulle’s notoriety began in the 1800′s, made famous by two unlikely figures.
1 – Swedish ballerina, Marie Taglioni, who wore Juliet style tulle tutus during her performances. She is often attributed as being the first to master the art of dancing “en pointe” (on her tiptoes in ballet slippers).
2 – Queen Victoria, whose tulle wedding attire and revolutionary style back in 1840 brought great recognition to wedding attire and brought forth the association between tulle and wedding decorations and dresses. To your right, you will see an image of Queen Victoria first clad in a wedding gown draped with the illustrious fabric.
Another noteworthy unveiling occurred in the late 19th Century when a tailor named Frederic Worth showcased a hat which demonstrated the versatility of the fabric.
As Tulle began to grow in both utility and popularity it’s usefulness began to be evident in the array of creative designs that people had come up with. Things such as evening gowns for talent contests, tulle petticoats, tulle skirts, tulle tutus, curtains, and a whole host of tulle wedding decorations are all products of this wonderful fabric we call Tulle.
As you probably already know, decorating with tulle can help to transform any event, object, or tulle crafts project from ordinary to elegant overnight. Most often, the general purpose of tulle is to achieve a “softer” feel, one that adds style and sophistication to any project. With that being said, one of the most asked about projects are those involving pew bows and tulle wedding decorations in general.
This is a general overview of what you would need, how long it would take, and a step by step breakdown to creating tulle pew bows. While seemingly a simple task, tulle pew bows sometimes pose difficulties for those who have never worked with tulle before. Follow these easy to understand instructions and I will show you how simple it could be to make tulle bows.
Tulle Pew Bows
How to Make Tulle Pew Bows
What you need:
A tape measure
Marking pen
5 yards of Tulle (6″ wide)
- this can be any color or type of tulle netting; such as silk tulle or shimmer tulle
Large piece of cardboard
4 large corsage pins
Note that the following instructions are a do it yourself guide to decorating with tulle and the calculations are based on making one 12″ diameter tulle pew bow (i.e.: 1 foot). Larger pew bows are usually 18″ in diameter and require 7 yards of tulle, whereas smaller pew bows are 8″ and require 4 yards of tulle. The size of the pew bow effects 2 things when making them; the measurements you use as well as the amount of tulle you need to get the job done. Plan accordingly when shopping for discount tulle, as you want to know how many pew bows you’re gonna make as well as the size of the roll needed ( always buy more than what you calculate for because mistakes do happen).
Step 1
As previously mentioned, first you must decide on the size/diameter of the bow you want and plan accordingly. Since we are doing a 12″ bow, lets measure as such. Get out that tape measure, your piece of cardboard, and a marking pen. Measure out a distance of 12″ on the cardboard and mark both the starting and ending points with a pen to indicate where the tulle will go.
Step 2
Cut your 5 yards of tulle into 2 pieces, one that measures 4 yards and one that measures 1 yard. Now take the piece that measures 4 yards and place one end of it at the markings you made and pin it down using 2 of your large corsage pins (one for each corner of that end).
Step 3
Now you want to begin folding the remainder of the tulle back and forth, essentially creating a pleaded look like you would find on an accordion. So now with one end pinned down, start bringing the remainder of the tulle towards the 2nd marking you made (12 inches from the other one) and fold it back and pin it down. Continue to duplicate this weaving step until you have at least 5 done on each side, try your very best to have the same number of loops on each side. Remember, you are removing the pins, folding the tulle and re-pinning all in one motion. The pins should continue to stay 12″ apart and should be placed in each of the 4 corners to help keep the tulle in place.
Step 4
Pin and secure all corners of the pleaded tulle with the large corsage pins. Next, slide a 3′ length of tulle under the pinned down bow (i.e.: 1 yard) with your hand until both ends that are hanging out are of equal length. This additional tulle you have hanging out here is what you’re gonna use to tie the center of the bow.
Step 5
Using the hanging ends, tie the 3′ length of tulle into a snug square knot in the center of bow (should be 6″ from each side). Your bow should now look to be pinned down at all four corners and have tight knot right in the center of it with all of the excess tulle hanging down the bow as a “tail”.
Step 6
Now you are ready to unpin the bow at each of the 4 corners and let the fun begin. Start to fluff out the layers and the loops of the bow to create a finished, more “poofier” product. The best trick is to get your hand inside of the large loops on the ends to help you twist and begin to fluff them all up. Now that one tulle pew bow is made, you can simply repeat steps 1 through 6 to make as many as you like….trust me, the process will become easier and quicker over time
Step 7
This one is optional, but is performed quite often. You can show your creative side even more and decorate your tulle pew bow with other accessories such as ribbons, greenery, or even flowers. Anything that will help accent the theme of the party or occasion. You are now finally ready to hang your tulle bow on a pew or a table.
Commonly referred to as Tutus, these are traditional costume attire of ballet dancers. They are characterized as either long or short “balloon” style skirts, depending on which type of tutu you’re referring to. The “poofiness” comes from the amount of layers used to design the skirt.
Tutus are composed of three parts; the bodice, the basque and the skirt. The bodice is an upper garment that covers from the waist to the neck that’s very similar to a corset. It’s purpose is to fit snug to the body and keep it’s place even through vigorous dance movements. The basque is the piece that attaches the bodice to the skirt. Then of course there is the skirt, which I’m sure you already know about.
What are the Types of Tutus?
Classical Bell Tutus – Commonly identified as being short, these are stiffer tulle skirt that feature a slight bell shape and a fitted bodice. Most of the classical tutus use a wired hoop, and they often appear to extend outwards from the hips giving them the full shape that you are use to seeing. You will often seen them worn in conjunction with some form of leotard under-garment.
Classical Plate Tutus – Very similar similar to the classical bell tutus, these also feature a stiffer tulle and a fitted bodice. However, the pancake design (“plate” look) with wires spokes give a distinct look that’s very different than the powder puff design used in the classical bell tutu. The spokes are generally used to help keep the material appear even stiffer and to expose the ballerina’s legs completely.
Balanchine Tutus – These are tacked looser than normal, this helps to give it a softer and fuller aura. Also, no hoops are used and generally fewer layers of tulle netting are used.
Romantic Tutus – These Tutus are particularly known for there 3/4 length bell shape. Most designers craft this ballet tutu from tulle featuring a fitted bodice (an upper garment that covers from the waist to the neck) and cap sleeves. Romantic Tutus are characterized as free flowing with a lightness quality to them.
How to make a Tulle Ballet Skirt
These step by step instructions are for a no sew tulle ballet skirt since most users either prefer an easier method of decorating with tulle or they don’t have experiencing sewing. Read through these easy to follow instructions or simply watch the video that correlates to it.
What you need:
4 yards of Tulle
3 yards of satin ribbon (1 1/2″ width)
scissors
ruler
Step 1
Measure the waistline of the person whom the tulle skirt will go on and multiply that measurement times three (e.g.: if the waist measures 20 inches around then you will need at least 60 inches of ribbon, that’s about 2 yards). Then proceed to tie a knot at the 20 inch mark of the ribbon and at the 40 inch mark. So it appears to be 20 inches then a knot and 20 inches then another knot.
Step 2
Unfold a yard of tulle and lay it flat in front of you so that the narrow end is facing you. Proceed to roll the yard of tulle up so it resembles a tube. As you’re rolling make sure that the tulle remains flat and that no wrinkles are forming.
Step 3
Now cut the ends off of the rolled up tulle so that it is even, this will usually only be about an inch or two.
Step 4
Place the trimmed end right at the knot of the ribbon that you made earlier and cut the tulle every three inches or so until the entire yard of tulle is cut into 3 inch increments.
Step 5
Unroll the 3 inch pieces of tulle and cut them into equal halves. Note that if you wanted the tulle ballet skirt to be longer then don’t cut the pieces into halves, just leave them as they are for a longer look.
Step 6
Tie each halve of the cut tulle and fold it around ribbon where the waistline is so that each side is equal parts. Continue to repeat this process until all of the pieces of tulle are cut and then tied onto the waistband/ribbon from end to end.
Step 7
Repeat steps 1 through 6 for as many colors of tulle you desire, keep in mind though that 4 layers is the recommended amount, so you might want to limit yourself to only 4 different colors.
I’ve taken the initiative to compile an extensive list of some of the uses of tulle.
Although mostly for decorative purposes, you will quickly find that the utility of tulle far exceeds your expectations of any one textile fabric. From decorative solutions that liven up and event, to interior design options that add elegance and creative all-purpose uses such as plant coverings for your garden. I invite you to search through the many ideas that tulle lends itself to and let your imagination run wild.
Tulle Gardening Ideas
Use tulle to help cover and protect small plants from insects and debris
Use tulle to shield berries and fruits from birds, rodents, and pests
resembles a honeycomb pattern began.
