How to Make a Customized DIY Wedding Dress Sash

It is very trendy to add a splash of color to your wedding dress with a sash around the waist. However, at bridal boutiques you will pay hundreds of dollars for these and you will have a limited selection to choose from. Making your own is an economical solution that will also give you the freedom to customize it yourself.

Decide how you would like to tie your sash. Some are wrapped around the waist twice and then tied in the front of the dress to one side. Others are wrapped once and tied in the back in either a bow or just a knot. How you tie your sash and how long you want the ends to go will determine how long to make it. Four yards is an average length. Try using inexpensive gift-wrap ribbon tied around your waist to determine the size.

There are two ways to make a sash. The second requires a bit more sewing skills. The easiest way to make a beautiful sash is to buy double-faced satin ribbon. This comes in many different widths and colors. A four-inch width will make a nice sash. Trim the ends at a 45-degree angle and finish the cut edge with a product designed to stop fraying.

You can also make a sash out of fabric. This is a fun option if you make it out of fabric that matches your bridesmaid's dresses. You will need to purchase enough fabric to make the length of your sash cut diagonally (on the bias). It can be seamed together to get the right length, which is easy if you are not working with a patterned fabric. The ends will be cut at a 45-degree angle and will be double layered so sew it inside out leaving a small hole to turn it right side out. Hand stitch the opening, press the sash with an iron if the fabric permits you to and you are finished.

Fabric sashes can be much heavier than ribbon sashes. They are usually tied in the back. Attaching a hook and eye to both the back of your dress and where the knot will be on the sash is a good idea to keep it in place. You can also do this with a safety pin.

Customizing your sash can be a lot of fun. Try adding sparkle with hot fix rhinestones. You can find these at craft stores or online. You will need to buy a hot fix applicator. They are about twenty dollars and can be found at the same place you buy the rhinestones. Add your sparkly embellishments just at the ends of the sash in a pattern for a subtle look or all over for lots of impact.

Embroidery in a matching or contrasting thread can be very elegant. Some sewing machines can do embroidery or you can do it by hand. Find a pretty pattern that will cascade down the tails of your sash. Make sure you do the embroidery before you sew your sash so the back will be on the inside of the sash.

Have fun making your own sash for your wedding dress. It will be much more special and personalized (not to mention cheaper) than a purchased sash.