Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Cage Veil, two simple ways

I love vintage styles, especially hats! I think there is just nothing classier than a lady in a flirty veil, so I recently learned how to make an old-fashioned birdcage veil.

There are two different methods: the band and the gathered puff. Those are not the "official" millinery terms, but it is what I call them in my head. Both ways can be as simple or detailed as you want to make them!

For either method, you need the same basic tools:

  1. Scissors
  2. 1/2-1 yard Millinery or Russian netting (I found it in a half dozen colors at JoAnn's, or you can use any large-weave netting from the bridal and special occasion fabric section. I use both and either look just fine, depending on your own personal tastes)
  3. Thread
  4. Needle
  5. Decorations (like a nice flower or bow)
  6. Bobby pins or a hair comb
  7. Ruler

Band method (done in black 9" millinery)


This method comes out MUCH less puffy, and gives you plenty of options how to wear it.

1. Measure about 18 inches of netting, give or take depending on how far back you want to pin the veil. Try it out in the mirror before cutting.

2. Sew a line straight up each short side, a half an inch from the edge, cinching the netting up as puffy as you want it, and tie off.

3. Sew a bobby pin onto each side and add decorations if you wish. It is that easy!


The Gathered Puff method (done in green large-space netting)

1. Cut a rectangle about 18x24 if using mesh netting. Otherwise, cut 24 inches of millinery.

2. Fold in half.

3. Cut the top corner at an angle, away from the fold. Unfold.
4. Starting in the bottom left corner, sew around, about a half an inch from the edge, until you reach the bottom right corner. Gather the netting as tight as you desire. The tighter the gather, the more poof. Tie off.

5. Sew a hair comb or some bobby pins where the veil is gathered. Add flowers, feathers, or a bow if you wish! See my directions for making fun feather decorations to add here!

These can also be added to hats and hair bands and such for a unique flair - I suggest trying them on mini top hats!

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