Linear Embellished Tulle

About our linear embellished tulles

• Lines of embellishment. Beads, pearls, sequins and embroidery in straight lines and stripes, which lengthen and flatter the body.
• From light to heavy. A medium drape for overlays and sleeves, up to a heavy, hand-pearled tulle for statement gowns.
• 140 cm wide. In ivory and ruby.

Which one?

What to make with it

• Bridal gowns and overskirts
• Column and sheath dresses
• Sleeves and capes
• Evening dresses (ruby)
• Christening gowns

For other embellished tulles, see our sequin and beaded fabric guide.

Placing the lines

• Run the lines up and down the body for a long, slim look.
• Centre a line at the centre front and centre back, so the design looks balanced.
• Match the lines at the side seams, as you would a stripe, and allow extra fabric for matching.
• On Beaded Linear Tulle (K26176), use the shaped cathedral window edge as the hem, so the points finish the skirt.

Cutting

• Always cut flat on the table as a single layer: don't fold it and cut double.
• Lay it right side up, so you can see where the lines fall.
• Use an old pair of scissors for cutting through beads, pearls and sequins: they blunt good blades.
• Keep any beads or pearls that come loose as you cut, to sew back on later.

Sewing

• Clear the seam allowances: snip the threads holding the beads or sequins inside the allowance, slide them off and knot the loose ends so the rest stay put.
• Use a fresh, fine needle (size 70), a fine thread in a matching colour, and a zipper foot so you can stitch close to the embellishment.
• Underline heavier pieces with silk organza, hand tacked to the wrong side, so the tulle carries the weight without stretching.
• Once the seams are sewn, stitch the beads back over them by hand, so the lines run unbroken across the seam.
• Line the garment so nothing scratches the skin.

Edges

Tulle doesn't fray, so you can trim close to the end of a line and leave the edge as it is, or face it with a narrow strip of tulle or silk organza. The pointed edge of Beaded Linear Tulle (K26176) makes a ready-made hem.

Pressing

Never iron directly on beads, pearls or sequins: heat can curl sequins. Press face down on a thick, clean towel, on a low setting, through a pressing cloth. Test on a scrap first.

Questions