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As promised in my Lace Theme Post, I present a tutorial on how to make a simple, inexpensive black veil.  Nope, you don’t have to be getting married (or going to a funeral) to wear this.  A veil lends an extreme degree of dark romanticism to a club outfit, or whatever special occasion you desire.  I wear mine whenever I please, and I did so even when I was single. 

I have a little surprise for you: I am GIVING AWAY the veil I made for this tutorial.  Be sure and look at the end of this post for instructions on how to enter!

You will need:

• Black tulle – approx. 1.5 – 2 yards (available at your local fabric store, sold by the yard, usually for less than $1/ yard).
• 3” wide blank hair comb or barrette (available from most craft stores)
• Black thread
• A needle
• Scissors
• Measuring Tape of some kind (a long piece of string works in a pinch)
• Hot glue (optional)
• Black roses or other embellishment (optional)

Measure from the top of your head to where you want the end of the longest layer of the veil. Measure again from the same point on your head to where you want the shorter layer to end.  I chose 36″ for the bottom layer and 18″ for the top.

Add those two numbers together (my total was 54″, or 1.5 yards). Cut a length of tulle that is the total length of both layers. Do not cut the width. Keep it the width that it was when you bought it at the fabric store (usually either 45” or 60”; either will work).

Fold the tulle at the point between the two layers so each comes out to the desired length.

Using a needle and long piece of thread (doubled), run a stitch loosely through both layers about 1” in from the fold. Stitches should be about 1/2” apart. Pull this tight to bunch up the tulle to the width of your barrette or hair comb.

Wrap the thread around each edge of the tulle tightly, because just a regular knot will pull through the tulle and the whole thing will unravel.

Prometheus is on-site providing Quality Control.

Use the needle and thread to wrap stitches through the tulle and around the barrette or comb. For added durability, you can add a small line of hot glue* before stitching the tulle to the comb or barrette, but this isn’t crucial if you don’t have a hot glue gun.

Finally, attach some black roses, beads, bows or other decorative element along the top edge of the veil, if desired. This makes it a bit more fancy. You can attach them using hot glue* or the needle and thread.

I used a glob of hot glue plus a couple of stitches in each rose for added strength.

You could also sew narrow trim around all the edges of the tulle if you want. I opted for raw edges to give it a more airy, ethereal look.

If cleaning is ever needed, gently swish the tulle in cold water with a tiny bit of Woolite without submerging the roses or barrette.

* Use caution when using hot glue on tulle. The glue can easily go through the mesh of the fabric and burn you unexpectedly.

Thank you to Mr. Kitty for photographing this project!

Want to win this veil? Here are the rules.

• You must follow my blog using Google Friend Connect or on Facebook. And please don’t just “unfollow” after the drawing, because that’s not in the spirit of the thing.
• You must leave a comment describing what outfit you would pair this veil with if you win it.  There are no right or wrong answers: this is just a fun way to express your interest in entering the contest. 
• For one extra entry, post a link to this contest on your own blog or Facebook page. Be sure to leave a separate comment here with a link to your blog post so I can be sure to enter you twice.
• Winner will be chosen ON Tuesday, NOV 29 via a random number generator (random.org). I will then contact the reader to get their e-mail address so we can arrange shipping.
• IMPORTANT: If you do not have a blog with a clear way for me to contact you, please be sure to let me know how to find you.

This giveaway is open to anyone, anywhere.