Tulle
Let’s Take a look at Tulle.
Ballet dancers, bridal parties, and netting are among images that tulle conjures up. Over the years, this fabric mesh has adorned numerous memorable occasions and is a product of the French town of Tulle.
It gives all different sorts of unique dresses and wedding veils an aura of enchanted femininity. Polyester, rayon, silk, and nylon can all be used to make tulle.
A brief guide to Tulle
What exactly is this fabric?
A soft, light, fine netting fabric known as tulle is created using either natural or synthetic fibres, such as silk or rayon, or man-made fibres like nylon and polyester.
Polyester tulle, which is affordable and available in a variety of colours, is the most popular type of tulle seen in fabric stores today. A characteristic hexagonal shape can be seen in the netting or tulle.
The weight and size of the mesh holes in tulle fabrics can vary. In accordance with its weight and the size of its holes, tulle can be sheer or semi-opaque.
Without using multiple layers or a lining, the holes ensure that it is rarely, if ever, completely opaque. Sizing chemicals are sometimes added to tulle to stiffen it.
Reels of tulle can be as wide as 108 inches (2.75 m) or as narrow as 6 inches (15cm), and embroidery can be used to add further decoration.
Larger tulle is frequently folded twice on the spools with craft tulle being often narrower in width and is sold on a little roll.
Netting vs Tulle
In some cases, the terms tulle and netting are used interchangeably because of their close resemblance.
As Tulle costs a little more and is softer than netting, it works better for garments. When a craft calls for a very rigid fabric but you’re on a tighter budget, netting is the best option.
Tulle is intended to be layered, thus its holes are smaller.
Its Properties
Tulle is robust, flexible, and available in a wide range of vibrant colours, which is part of its attractiveness.
The crisp texture of tulle is what gives tutus and other garments their distinctive volume. Although more costly tulle is frequently gentle on the skin, cheaper tulle can be slightly less gentle but great for projects all the same.
Popular Usages
- One of the most common applications for tulle is wedding gowns and veils.
- Tulle can be used wholly or in part to create evening gowns. In addition to the skirt, bodices and sleeves can also be made of tulle.
- Tulle is used to produce softness and whimsy in dance costumes.
- Tulle and the fact that it is lightweight give petticoats more fullness.
- Crafting: Tulle can be used to make gift wrap and art décor bows. By creating hats, dolls, fabric flowers, pom poms, bows, and chair decorations for parties, tulle enters the world of crafts.
- Floral Arrangements – Tulle can be used to create a bow at the base of floral arrangements to give style or femininity to a straightforward bouquet of flowers.
- Tulle – This fabric can be applied to dress sleeves, the yoke, and collars as well as ballet tutus because they wouldn’t be the same without it.
- Linings: To provide greater body to the decorative top fabric, tulle, which is a good lining, is frequently layered under lace or beaded fabric.
- Tulle Overlays – These are a classic addition to dresses and children’s party attire.
6 Sewing Tips For Tulle
- Marking The Fabric – It is difficult to transfer pattern markings onto tulle. For transferring pattern markings, the best advice is to use a fabric marker or pins. One alternative is to use tailor’s tacks.
- Cutting – If you want the parts to be accurately cut out, using a rotary cutter is a smart alternative.
The best thread is polyester, and reinforced threads are advised. As a result, they are more durable and unlikely to break. - Sewing – Slow stitching helps avoid puckering or tugging.
Tissue paper placed beneath the stitching lines might make sewing with tulle more straightforward.
The seam will be visible because of how transparent the tulle is. The seam can be made to appear less obvious by cutting it close to the stitching and finishing the edges with a zigzag.
Gathering tulle might be challenging using conventional techniques; instead, utilise the cord method.
Tulle does not fray, thus the finished edge of the garment can be left as the hem. - Hems – Ribbon or a rolled hem along the edge can be used to create a decorative edge that is very classy.
- Stretch – When sewing stretch tulle, you need to use a narrow zig-zag stitch so that the tulle can stretch and the stitches don’t break. Learn how to sew with stretchy material.
- Lining – If you plan to line your tulle garment, it is advisable to choose with a high-quality material, such as satin or poly-cotton. It is crucial to use high-quality fabric because the tulle will show through.
Tulle Care
Tulle should always be hand washed with a mild detergent, and the washing symbols should always be checked on the tag.
Items made of Manu tulle will include dry cleaning instructions, especially if the tulle is coupled with embroidery or beading. Never try to wash the item yourself in these circumstances.
This material dislikes being washed in a machine. Avoid using the dryer or hot water on it since the fragile fibres will be harmed and tulle is extremely sensitive to heat.
Use the lowest setting on your iron and avoid letting it rest on the tulle when ironing it. The majority of synthetic fabrics will melt, hence a pressing cloth should always be placed between the iron and the fabric. Maintain the speed. and avoid letting it remain still for an extended period of time.
Alternately, if your tulle is severely wrinkled, hang it in a hot shower room, where the steam will naturally encourage the creases to disappear. If tulle has severe creasing, it might require professional dry cleaning.
Now that you know what tulle is, you’ll realise it’s much more than just a woven fabric for draping.
Although it is a frivolous type of fabric, there are a tonne of ways to use it for crafts, clothing, and home decor. Tulle can be the centre of attention in classical ballet or as a stunning veil on a royal occasion.
The creative artisan and regular seamstress will find tulle to be a delight.
