Polyester Tulle

Polyester tulle or a veil tulle?

Polyester tulle is our everyday tulle: a sturdier net that holds its shape, so it's the one to reach for when you're building volume. Our veil tulles are lighter and softer, made to float and drape.

Making a veil? Have a look at our soft tulle, 2D tulle and silk tulle.

What to make with it

• Full skirts and overskirts, built up in layers
• A base for sewing on lace motifs, beads and appliqué
• Illusion panels: our nude tone suits warmer and tanned skin tones
• Soft layers under dresses and skirts

Cutting

• Polyester tulle is stable, so you can cut a few layers at once. Pin them together first so they don't shift.
• Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter.
• For a full skirt, cut long, straight panels: you'll gather them up later. Cut them a little longer than you need and trim the hem at the end.

Sewing

• Use a fresh needle (size 70) and a fine thread in a matching colour, or clear monofilament thread. Test it on a scrap first.
• To gather a layered skirt, gather each layer separately with two rows of long stitches, then join them to the waistband one at a time.
• If the tulle catches on the machine, sew with tissue paper underneath.

Edges

Tulle doesn't fray, so there's no need to hem: just trim the edges neatly. For a decorative edge, bind it with ribbon.

Making a full tulle skirt

• Use several layers, four or five for a full-length skirt, so it looks full rather than see-through. The layers can be different colours for a soft, blended look.
• Firmer nets like our stiff net and crinoline are stiffer and scratchier than tulle, so keep them for a petticoat underneath.
• Pins slip out of tulle, so push each one through a small scrap of felt as well.
• To gather several layers together instead, zigzag over a strong thread or fine cord inside the seam allowance, then pull the cord up.
• Tack the waistband on and try the skirt on before you stitch it for good. Then sew a second row of stitching inside the seam allowance to flatten the bulk.
• Put the zip in the lining, or in the inner layers only. The outer layers float over it and hide it. If you line the skirt, finish the lining with a narrow double-fold hem.
• For the hem, let the skirt hang, mark where it meets the floor, then cut in long strokes with a rotary cutter. Stitch across the bottom of each seam so it doesn't come undone. For a soft sweep, let it be a little longer at the back. For a shorter, puffy skirt, cut it 2 to 5 cm longer than you want: it looks shorter once it puffs out.

Pressing

Use the lowest setting, with no steam, through a pressing cloth: a hot iron can melt it. A handheld steamer held at a distance is a gentle way to relax creases.

Questions